Bipolar disorder evaluation & treatment in Daphne.
If years of depression treatment have never fully worked — and there are stretches you wish you could take back — the problem may not be the medication. It may be the diagnosis.
When it’s more than depression.
- Sleep drops and you don’t miss it
- Thoughts race faster than you can talk
- Small things suddenly feel intolerable
- Big purchases seemed smart at the time
- Your energy fades, but the bills don't
“I felt productive — not manic.”
Feeling productive is part of how bipolar disorder hides. One good day is not mania. What matters is a stretch of days when sleep, energy, judgment, and behavior change together — and the people close to you may notice before you do.
Already diagnosed, or taking medication? Dr. Lackey begins with your current medications, treatment history, and what has or has not helped.
One physician throughout.
Marcus Lackey, M.D., conducts your initial evaluation and provides your ongoing care. With bipolar disorder, continuity matters because the meaning of today's symptoms can depend on what happened weeks, months, or even years earlier.
You do not have to start over.
Serving Mobile and Baldwin County
What happens at your visit.
Meet privately with Dr. Lackey.
Your first visit is a 45-minute psychiatric evaluation in Daphne.
Put the timeline together.
The evaluation considers how your symptoms and treatment have changed over time.
Leave with a plan.
Dr. Lackey explains his assessment, treatment options, and next steps.
Insurance is accepted.
Self-pay is $129 per visit.
Common questions.
Could this be depression instead?
Most people with depression do not have bipolar disorder. Dr. Lackey looks for distinct periods when sleep, energy, judgment, and behavior changed together, and reviews how antidepressants have affected you. Those details help determine which diagnosis fits and what treatment makes sense.
Should I stop my antidepressant?
No. Keep taking it as prescribed unless your current prescriber tells you otherwise. Stopping some antidepressants suddenly can cause withdrawal or worsen symptoms. Dr. Lackey reviews the medication at your evaluation and discusses any changes with you.
What medications treat bipolar disorder?
Mood stabilizers such as lithium and Lamictal® (lamotrigine), and some antipsychotics such as Seroquel® (quetiapine), are common options. The right choice depends on your symptoms, history, other medications, and goals. Dr. Lackey explains the options before you decide.
Will medication make me feel flat?
It shouldn't. The goal is steady mood without feeling sedated or dulled. If a medication controls mood episodes but makes daily life harder, Dr. Lackey can adjust the dose or try another option.
Will I need medication long term?
For many people, treatment includes medication long term to help prevent future mood episodes. The medication and dose can still change over time based on how you are doing and any side effects.
Can I follow up by telehealth?
Yes. After your first in-person visit, follow-ups can often be by telehealth.
Start with one visit.
Related care.
Safety
For a medical emergency or immediate danger, call 911. For suicidal thoughts or severe emotional distress, call or text 988. Coastview provides outpatient care only; calls, texts, emails, and messages are not monitored for emergencies.