Psych visits can be expensive - mine are around $600 but I don't "pay" anything so health insurance will help.

For me, meds help but there's also an element of self awareness and other stuff that can help. IMO, we can't rely just on medication. Other changes are important. I TRY to focus more on myself because one of my triggers is people pulling me in all sorts of directions. The "selfish" approach helps but it isn't easy. Life sort of gets in the way.

I have been declining over the recent years and my wife suggested I get some help. The key was I knew I probably needed some help but was in denial. The denial was an issue for me because like many BP, I could use part of my BP to my advantage. The rest of it I dismissed as "me being me". During my hypomania, I can be charming, engaging, laid back, creative, and productive. When I crash, I am a world class jerk, sullen, paranoid, and can be the nastiest person on earth to the people I love the most. In times of clarity, I knew this was an issue.

In the short term, a diagnosis is critical - I have some potential crossover stuff like BPD and explosive anger disorder that hasn't yet been solidified so knowing the issue will help with her treatment. Good luck.