I live where there aren't psychiatrists either. I think there is one in town a day or two per week and there's probably someone with community mental health. Otherwise that's it.

I drive to a city to see my psychiatrist. It's 2.5 hours each way (I maybe could see someone closer than that if I could find a Medicare provider who accepts bipolar patients--the last time I tried to find someone closer (an hour) I was turned down in 5/6 places and the 6th place put me on the waiting list. It's been 12 years so I'm thinking they are maybe not going to call me back? ). I started seeing my psychiatrist when she was much closer and then I moved and she changed jobs and so I travel the 2.5 hours monthly. And it's a pain but it's worth it to have a good dr who knows what she is doing taking care of me.

Is there any chance of going to a city and at least getting a firm diagnosis and some suggestions about treatment? Even if you only went once or a few times you may gain something from it.

I just know that I had a GP trying to manage my situation before I was diagnosed but after I was ill enough to be diagnosed pretty easily and he did his best and his best probably made things worse. In contrast my psychiatrist keeps everything set up well and I know what is going on. She had a mastectomy while I was IP and with the surprise factor I left the hospital being told they'd set up follow-up with someone and then being told I should just wait to see her. But I had just started an MAOI which is a little scary at first while you adjust to all the restrictions and it also needed the dose increased, plus it caused a lot of agitation. Things were so well organized that my family dr felt comfortable treating me for the time my psychiatrist wasn't available although he did reach the end of his comfort level and at that point he stated that clearly. (And fortunately she was bad the next day).

But just having someone to check in with if there are issues and to make sure that you are on the best meds for you and that kind of thing would make a trip to a city worthwhile if you are able to do that.