Eating Disorder Treatment: Understand All of Your Options
Image: Tiago Bandeira
“Instead of saying, “I’m damaged, I’m broken, I have trust issues” say “I’m healing, I’m rediscovering myself, I’m starting over.”
Taking the first step towards eating-disorder treatment is no easy feat. The decision to enter treatment takes an incredible amount of personal strength and courage. It requires you to not only recognize that you need help, but actually accept it; something that can be emotionally difficult to come to terms with. But don’t worry, you are not alone.
If you are reading this article, then you are already doing a great job by taking the initiative to heal.
We are going to be honest with you – the road to eating-disorder recovery is a lot of work. But in the end, it will all be worth it. You’ll spend a fair amount of time and mental energy in treatment, giving yourself the tender-love and care you’ve needed all along. You will also be taking tangible, actionable steps to improve your life; because without action, there cannot be change.
Read-on to learn about the different levels of care for eating-disorder treatment. Find the right match for your needs.
Remember Why You Started
You can expect eating-disorder treatment to consist of both nutritional counseling and therapy, which both require your full commitment on a regular basis. At the end of the day, eating-disorder treatment is a team effort between the client and clinician or treatment program, so finding the appropriate care is critical.
Some levels of care will feel like a full-time job, so remind yourself of why you began treatment in the first place. Your why will keep you on-track, and help you to stay motivated during your toughest days.
A common challenge that clients can face is maintaining a school and/or work schedule, depending on the treatment level their provider recommends. So, you may be asked to take a mental-health leave, and that’s OK. You and your provider will determine which level of care is best for you. Just remember, your recovery is the number one priority here.
Eating Disorder Treatment Options
There are five levels of care to choose from: outpatient, intensive outpatient (IOP), partial hospitalization program (PHP), residential, inpatient or hospitalization care.
Outpatient
Outpatient eating disorder treatment is considered the least intense or lowest level of care, and it is the most flexible option. In outpatient treatment, you may attend therapy sessions, dietitian appointments, and primary care visits a few days per week. Plus, this level of care can be conducted via telehealth, which can be good news for many who are trying to fit care into their busy lives. You can login and meet with your therapist or registered dietician from the comfort of your own home.
Kindful Body offers online outpatient treatment throughout the state of California. Our team of eating disorder therapists and registered dietitians are here to help!
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
The next level of eating disorder treatment is intensive outpatient or IOP. Intensive outpatient programs can still accommodate work or school, making it more feasible for someone with a busy schedule. In these treatment programs, you may visit a facility anywhere from two to five days per week. IOPs are usually held at in-person eating disorder treatment centers.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) are the second highest level of eating disorder treatment. In a PHP, you will spend several hours in a facility for multiple days per week. PHPs consist of a mix of individual nutrition counseling sessions, group therapy, supervised meals, and other scheduled therapeutic activities. Clients usually attend partial hospitalization programs after exiting inpatient, 24/7 hospital care.
Residential Care
If you opt-in to attend residential eating disorder treatment, you will move into an eating disorder center that is designed like a group home. All of your appointments and services will be in one place, making this a convenient option. Recovery coaches will be there to support you throughout your care; for example, by eating meals with you or participating in scheduled activities together. This support is in addition to your regular appointments with your dietitian, therapist, and other providers.
Inpatient or Hospitalization Care
In some cases, you may need to be hospitalized for your eating disorder treatment, depending on the severity of the situation. Inpatient care is recommended for medical stabilization and weight restoration. Hospital stays for eating disorder care are typically less than three weeks, however, this fluctuates on a case-by-case basis. In the hospital setting, you will receive round the clock care; meaning, all meals as well as activity will be both supervised and monitored. Inpatient hospitalization functions in this way to maintain safety.
Get The Help You Need Today
Are you ready to begin your healing journey? We are here to help! Our team at Kindful Body provides outpatient eating disorder treatment for teens and adults, ages 14 years and up. Our providers can also refer you to residential treatment programs, IOPs, PHPs, or inpatient care.
Contact us to schedule a free 15-minute consultation to discuss treatment options. We offer support groups, body image therapy, therapy for binge eating, emotional eating therapy, and nutritional counseling. Our skilled therapists also offer trauma therapy, therapy for stress and anxiety, relationship counseling, and grief counseling.