Highly specialized and extraordinarily dedicated: The Center for Eating Disorders treatment programs.
The Center for Eating Disorders treats adults, adolescents and children with complex eating disorders. We call eating disorders “complex” because each disorder—anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating—has its own unique set of causes, symptoms and health risks.
We’re located on a spacious, beautifully landscaped suburban campus. Recovery is hard work, so we designed our center to make patients feel as comfortable, cared for, secure and safe as possible.
The Center for Eating Disorders treatment approach is as individual as the individual.
Everything we do is guided by our extensive experience and research in the biological, psychological and social factors of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorders. We’re driven by the clinical leadership of Harry A. Brandt, M.D., Director, and Associate Director Steven F, Crawford, M.D., nationally recognized authorities on the treatment of eating disorders.
One of the greatest assets of the Center for Eating Disorders is our comprehensive continuum of care. We offer inpatient, day hospital, and intensive outpatient programming as well as ongoing outpatient therapy and support groups. Patients are able to enter the program at a level of care that matches their specific needs and then progress through lower levels as they begin the process of recovery. If a person has a setback they can easily move back into a higher level of care for additional support and stabilization and then step back down when ready.
Every one of our treatment approaches responds to the psychiatric and medical aspects of eating disorders, and is tailored to the individual needs and psychological makeup of each patient.
Hospital-based program components include:
- 22 inpatient beds in a tasteful and comfortable setting
- 12-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week day hospital program
- Four-hour, late-day intensive outpatient program
Outpatient components include:
- Individual psychotherapy
- Group psychotherapy
- Family therapy
- Nutritional counseling
- Psychoeducation
- Medication management
- Ongoing support groups
Eating disorders are often tied to other underlying psychiatric issues, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress and substance abuse. The Center for Eating Disorders has the staff and programs to address these conditions as well.
We devote our knowledge and resources to ensure that patients are safe from their own symptoms. It makes it easier for them to eventually make the transition to being healthy, confident partners in their own recovery.
Our highly qualified eating disorder treatment team.
Patients are cared for by board-certified psychiatrists who coordinate a multi-disciplinary group that includes nurses, licensed clinical social workers and professional counselors, registered dieticians, expressive arts therapists, psychologists and occupational therapists. Medical problems are closely monitored by a carefully selected panel of consulting sub-specialists.
How a personalized treatment plan at The Center for Eating Disorders works.
The assessment process begins with the first phone call. Individuals are referred to highly trained intake coordinators who conduct a thorough screening over the phone. During this assessment, an initial treatment plan is developed. All intakes are reviewed with a psychiatrist. After the initial screening, individuals are scheduled for a complete assessment by a psychiatrist. This assessment includes a detailed history of the development and progression of the eating disorder. Past psychiatric and medical history as well as social and family history are reviewed. We then create a personalized treatment plan based on our findings.
Many individuals are referred for outpatient care. Based on the assessment, treatment may include any or all of the following: individual, group, family therapy, nutritional counseling and medication management.
When the individual is unable to block their eating disorder symptoms in an outpatient treatment setting, structure may be needed to support recovery. When this happens, one of the higher levels of care such as inpatient, day hospital or intensive outpatient program is recommended. When the eating disorder is life threatening or has serious medical complications, we recommend a referral to the inpatient program.
Throughout treatment, patients gradually develop new, more effective ways to cope in an environment where they can gain support and feel safe. Following inpatient or day hospitalization, we keep the progress going through outpatient treatment. Therapy is often gradually dialed down so we can test newly acquired abilities, all the while carefully monitoring eating disorder symptoms. In addition, members of our professional staff lead free, weekly support groups.
