What's the proper way to handle a bipolar / schizo person that refuses to take their meds?

It's difficult: What you ask is actually one of the biggest issues and problems for patients with severe, chronic mental conditions. First, there are long acting, injectable medications which are given either every two or every four weeks. Then, some states have out patient commitment statues whereby a patient under such a court order, has to be hospitalized if he or she is non-adherent . Good question.

Stages of change: The approach that we find the most helpful involves first determining where the person is in terms of recognizing that they have a problem... And then helping them move to the next level. The stages of change model provides you with a way of guiding your discussions with the person. Here is some more information - http://moodsurfing.Com/changing-bad-habits/.