Bipolar disorder is a chronic, lifelong condition marked by episodes of depression and mania, hypomania, or mixed states. Affecting nearly six million people in the US alone, it’s a serious condition that impacts quality of life and can increase the risk of substance use and even suicide. Unfortunately, treatment for bipolar disorder has advanced slowly. Research often doesn’t translate into clinical practice, clinicians often work in a vacuum, and patients and families rarely collaborate with researchers or have significant input into clinical practice.