Finding the best treatment option for anyone struggling with an eating disorder is vital to recovery. But there are various layers to eating disorder treatment, with affordability and accessibility being most important to the impacted families. However, providing a breakdown of each level is beneficial to the individuals searching for an answer.

By: Regina Colie

Medical Hospitalization

The first level of eating disorder treatment is medical hospitalization. Often, an individual will begin showing symptoms of an eating disorder that will require admission. Some symptoms include unstable heart rate, refusal to stop exercising, evidential weight loss or malnutrition, and avoiding or refusal to eat without supervision (Muhlehim, 2020). Once an individual has undergone evaluation, practitioners can determine which treatment option best suits the person struggling.

Residential and Inpatient Treatment

Both forms of treatment are severe and complex for individuals admitted into a program. Residential and inpatient provide individualized, structured, 24-hour care for those still engaging in eating disorder behaviors. Residential services include "multiple weekly sessions of individual therapy, nutrition counseling, group therapy, family therapy, and psychiatric care" (National Alliance for Eating Disorders). Inpatient services are similar. However, it is more intense for resistant clients to treatment and requires higher levels of treatment (National Alliance for Eating Disorders). Clients get treatment for any harmful behaviors surrounding food and built around delivering structure to those previously triggered in their environments. Individuals should contact their health care provider to see which treatment option is best for their recovery.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Partial hospitalization is the next level of eating disorder treatment. Individuals will be placed in a program for five days, six to eight hours a day. With PHP, clients have more flexibility while receiving treatment for their eating disorders. "For example, they might be able to manage on their own overnight and/or they have others in their lives who can provide at least some support and structure." (Muhlheim, 2020). It is still structured for admitted clients, but they can move between attending the inpatient facility and being at home with their families.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Intensive outpatient is the next higher level of eating disorder treatment, designed specifically for individuals who are ready and able to work towards recovery. Those admitted into IOP are typically in attendance for two to three days a week, at least three hours a day. Despite the time-sensitive hours for each of the services offered, IOP allows the flexibility for clients to either go to school or get a job (National Alliance for Eating Disorders). However, the goal of IOP is to give clients the chance to step away from their unhealthy behaviors surrounding food.

Outpatient

Finally, the last level of eating disorder treatment is outpatient. Clients are now at a healthy weight, have more freedom within their schedule, and are motivated to control their habits. A treatment team typically consists of a psychologist, a registered dietitian, and primary care provider. There is no structured program, but the client works collaboratively with their team about recovering from their eating disorder. The critical aspect of being in outpatient treatment is remembering that the client is not alone in their recovery process. Clients should take one step at a time, with the support of their family and friends.

At BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™, our compassionate, highly skilled team of clinicians is trained in diagnosing and treating the spectrum of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, compulsive overeating, and other disordered eating and body image issues. In addition to our full-time Day Treatment Program and Weeknight Intensive Outpatient Program, we offer individualized nutrition counseling with a licensed dietitian, meal support, and a variety of other groups and resources to assist those seeking help for food concerns. Click the button below to learn more about our programs and services.

Our admissions team would be happy to answer any questions you may have about our programs and services. Book a free consultation call with our admissions team below, or read more about our philosophy here.

This post was written by BALANCE Blog Contributor, Regina Colie (she/her).

Regina Colie is a graduate student getting her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at The School of Health Sciences of Touro College. She is looking to become a mental health counselor, specializing in eating disorders and postpartum depression. She is a firm believer in mental health advocacy, and giving women the opportunity to speak their truth.

References

Which Level of Eating Disorder Treatment is Right for Me? (2020, April 28). Verywell Mind. Retrieved March 12, 2022, from https://www.verywellmind.com/levels-of-eating-disorder-treatment-4134267

The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness. (2021, October 15). Types of Treatment. National Alliance for Eating Disorders. Retrieved March 12, 2022, from https://www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com/types-of-treatment/

Understanding Each Level Of Treatment For Eating Disorders