When you hear the term: “eating disorder therapy” what comes to mind? Maybe you think of a hospital setting or facility. Or maybe you envision an Instagram account that provides helpful tips and tricks. Or maybe you have no clue what eating disorder therapy could mean. 

We understand that recovery is confusing and unless you have lived experience clients are often in the dark about what eating disorder therapy could look like. This leaves many to ask: Is eating disorder therapy necessary? Is it possible to recover on my own?

Although everyone’s path is different we encourage you to learn more. This increased knowledge can help make informed decisions about care. Let's break it down below. 

 

 

What does Eating Disorder Therapy Mean?

There are a variety of different forms of eating disorder therapy. They are designed to fit the individual needs of each client. It can be described as: A behavioral treatment supported by empirical evidence for treatment of Binge Eating Disorder, Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder, Bulimia Nervosa, Avoidance Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)and Anorexia Nervosa. 

Because of the varying eating disorder diagnoses they require a variety of eating disorder therapies. Some of them include:

• Nutrition therapy (hellooo NourishRX)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Art Therapy, Dance Movement Therapy
• Equine Therapy
• Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy
• Family Based Therapy.

Although all of the above therapies differ in their approach one thing remains the same. Each of these methods are led by trained professionals. 

 

What is the Benefit of Eating Disorder Therapy?

Eating disorder recovery on your own is challenging and lonely. However, when you include specialized professionals to guide the process you feel heard and supported. 

Imagine picking the therapy that feels the best for you without any prior therapeutic knowledge. That can be intimidating and scary! 

Instead, let a trusted provider help to recommend based on clinical knowledge and your unique situation. This includes the specific recommendations for eating disorder therapy modality and appropriate levels of care. On the whole, this is something many individuals do not know. Let's break it down below. 

 

What are the Levels of Care?

 

Undeniably, lack of prior knowledge to levels of care in recovery leaves you feeling stuck or frustrated in the process. However, this may simply be a sign that you need more support. 

In eating disorder treatment your team can be instrumental in making recommendations about level of care and concrete next steps for care. Understandably, it is when a clear path is not defined that feelings of frustration arise. To explain further, let's dive into the levels of care below. 

 

Outpatient: 

This type of treatment is the most flexible level of care. Clients will see a dietitian, therapist and other team members about 2-3 times per week. Because of the increased flexibility, the type of eating disorder therapy chosen reflects the personal need of the client. 

 

Intensive Outpatient

This level of treatment is designed for clients who need more support than outpatient treatment but still have some flexibility to remain in school or work.

Programs at this level usually meet at individualized times for the participant, ranging from 2-5 days a week. Treatment includes individualized eating disorder therapy, personalized nutrition consultation, topic-focused groups, and/or family support groups.

 

Partial Hospitalization Program 

This level of treatment is designed for men and women who do need more support than Intensive Outpatient can provide. This is typically referred to as a “day program” and mimics school hours. Normally takes place between 5-7 days per week. 

Treatment includes individualized eating disorder therapy, personalized nutrition consultation, topic-focused groups, and/or family support groups.

 

Residential 

At this level of care, individuals are provided with 24-hour care at a live-in facility.  Constant medical supervision is placed over every participant to ensure safety. 

These treatment programs are very structured. Therefore, they offer a type of setting that allows clients to focus solely on physical and psychological healing.  Everything needed is provided in one central location.

 

Inpatient

This level of treatment offers a continuum of care 24 hours a day in a hospital setting. The primary focus of this level of care is medical stabilization and interruption of weight loss. The typical stay is less than 3 weeks. 

Once the individual is considered to be medically stable, the team will recommend a discharge plan for continued care. Normally, the team recommends that a client step down through all levels of care. This ensures appropriate monitoring and preparation for new experiences. 

 

Certainly we know that undergoing eating disorder treatment is not an easy task. But, having professionals who have your back increase your support system. Recovery is possible. And here at NourishRX, we can ensure you have the guidance to get you there. 

Begin Working with a Virtual Nutritionist in Massachusetts

Working with a virtual nutritionist can help ensure that you are feeling supported in recovery. To help you feel validated and informed, virtual nutritionists can provide one-on-one guidance to ensure you reach your health goals.

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