Frequently Asked Questions

Bipolar IN Order is a self-management program for bipolar disorder. It helps people notice their states earlier, understand how their environment shapes them, and take ownership of their behaviors — including which tools to use and when. They respond before things escalate — the result is fewer crises, better day-to-day functioning, and real self-management.

Bipolar IN Order is an educational self-management program — not therapy, not medication, not a substitute for clinical care. Many participants use it alongside their existing treatment. Others use it as a structured framework for independent growth. The program works with your care team, not instead of it.

Bipolar IN Order has been in continuous development since 2003. What started as in-person workshops has been refined into a fully digital, standardized program. Studied at Tufts University. Reviewed by PCORI. Endorsed by researchers at Yale, UC Berkeley, Maastricht University, and the University of Barcelona.

Users build personalized profiles of their environments, behaviors, comfort zones, and tools — creating a self-management system specific to them. The program works alongside clinical care, not as a replacement for medication or therapy.

A 30-second daily check-in captures mood state, environment, behavior, and tool usage. Over time, this builds the dataset that drives reports and pattern recognition.

The program includes a library of coping tools organized by strength level — from simple everyday strategies to stronger interventions for more intense states. You select the tools that work for you, track which ones keep you IN Order, and build a personalized toolbox over time. As you check in daily, the system suggests tools based on your current state and comfort zone.

AI-assisted reflection that reinforces self-awareness and helps users recognize patterns. Explicitly scoped to coaching — not clinical advice.

Users can share their check-in data, tool usage, AI coaching conversations, and reports with therapists, doctors, family, or researchers — choosing exactly what each person can and cannot see. A therapist might get the clinical report and tools data. A spouse might see only the weekly summary. The user decides, and can revoke access at any time. All access is logged for HIPAA compliance.

HIPAA-compliant architecture: bcrypt password hashing, TOTP two-factor authentication, CSRF token rotation, PDO prepared statements, rate-limited login, Cloudflare Turnstile CAPTCHA. Config files stored outside the web root. Role-based access controls separate user, partner admin, and system admin capabilities. All authentication events and data access are audit-logged.

Yes. The program helps anyone who wants to understand mood fluctuations — whether or not they have a formal diagnosis. It is also used by people supporting someone with bipolar or depression.

The program is $29.95/month on a monthly plan or $19.95/month on an annual plan ($239.40/year). See plans and sign up.

Bipolar IN Order is not designed for use during active crisis. If you are in danger or need immediate help, contact 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line), or call your local emergency services. The program's timeline system is designed to help you respond before things reach crisis — but if you are already there, reach out to a professional first.