Bulimia Nervosa Treatment

Your recovered life is not as far away as you think. Compassionate holistic bulimia treatment is just a click, or a call away.

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Is Bulimia taking
control?

If you or loved one is living with bulimia there is hope for healing.
We are here for you 24/7
(855) 915-0213

What is Bulimia?

Bulimia is an eating disorder characterized by periods of binge eating (eating large portions of food uncontrollably) or excessive overeating, followed by purging or getting rid of extra calories usually through fasting, laxative use, or self-induced vomiting.

Recovery for Bulimia in a Supportive Environment

Those with bulimia may harshly judge their bodies and critique their flaws, but our team of therapists, dietitians, and staff are dedicated to fostering a loving and compassionate approach to each individual and their unique treatment plan. The road to bulimia recovery is just a click away, get started today.

Bulimia Signs and Symptoms

  • Preoccupied with body image or weight loss
  • Repeatedly consuming large quantities of food in one sitting
  • Constant fear of gaining weight
  • Uncontrollable eating habits
  • Excessive exercising
  • Abdominal pain or digestive issues
  • Dieting or fasting after binge eating
  • Severe tooth decay and gum disease due to frequent periods of forced vomiting
  • Low self-esteem or a negative body image
  • Anxiety, depression, or other personality disorders
  • Fluctuations in weight

Bulimia Treatment Programs

Alsana’s treatment programs offer a nurturing haven for adults grappling with Bulimia Nervosa and any co-occurring mental health challenges. Our approach is grounded in understanding and compassion, recognizing the unique journey each individual faces in their path to recovery.

Our bulimia treatment is delivered by a dedicated, multidisciplinary team of treatment professionals. This collaborative team is committed to walking alongside you, offering support and guidance at every stage of your recovery journey. We understand that recovery is not a linear process, and our team is equipped to adapt to your evolving needs. We offer Residential and PHP/IOP options in Alabama, California, and Missouri, providing flexible solutions tailored to your personal recovery. For those seeking recovery within a less-structured treatment environment, our Virtual PHP/IOP programs are available and designed to empower clients to thrive and refine their recovery skills in their own environment.

Alsana's Adaptive Care Model for eating disorder recovery

Whole-Person Approach to Bulimia Treatment

At Alsana, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care for those struggling with bulimia, focusing on whole-person healing and recovery. Our treatment programs integrate a HAES philosophy and adopt weight-neutral goals, ensuring that every aspect of your well-being is addressed.

Our approach to bulimia treatment is rooted in reducing shame and fostering self-compassion. We understand that recovery is not just about changing eating habits; it’s about nurturing a healthier relationship with oneself and one’s body.

Alsana's Adaptive Care Model for eating disorder recovery

All of our programming is built on the foundation of our Adaptive Care Model®, which prescribes an individualized, whole-person care approach for clients recovering from eating disorders and co-occurring conditions. This evidence-based method facilitates multidimensional healing through medical, therapeutic, and nutritional care, as well as through relational and movement support. This approach to eating disorder treatment helps clients hone the recovery skills needed to sustain recovery post-treatment.

Bulimia Treatment Team

Treating bulimia clients requires a collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach. Essential team members include: 

  • Registered dietitian with experience with eating disorders
  • Psychotherapist with experience with eating disorders
  • Nurse
  • Medical doctor
  • Psychiatrist

Additional self-care behaviors to promote health management including but are not limited to: sleep and dental hygiene, hydration, and stress management.

Bulimia Nutritional Care

During the assessment process, Alsana dietitians gain a thorough understanding of clients’ eating and nourishment challenges and work with our eating disorder-informed culinary team to create custom meal plans that meet bulimia clients where they are in recovery.

Dietitians also collaborate closely with Alsana’s therapeutic team to help clients heal their relationship with food and their body. In the individual and group settings, the Alsana team collaborates with each client to work toward making food choices that feel good and fuel their body without internal judgment.

Our goal is to create food neutrality by taking out the moral judgment of food and focusing on nourishment, flexibility, and pleasure in the nutritional healing process. Learn More About Alsana’s Approach to Nutritional Care ⟶

Alsana’s Bulimia Nutrition Program

  • Weekly nutrition psychoeducation group  
  • Nutrition education
  • Hands-on experientials
  • Kitchen skills
  • Individualized meal plans

Health Consequences of Bulimia

  • Gastrointestinal conditions associated with compensatory behaviors
  • Heart-related issues
  • Esophageal inflammation/acid reflux
  • Digestive irregularity
  • Ongoing dental problems
  • Suicidal behavior
  • Electrolyte imbalance that can cause severe dehydration and damage nerves, muscles and organs.
  • Co-occurring conditions such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and substance use disorder

Bulimia Nervosa - Statistics

  • Prevalence: The overall past year prevalence of BED among U.S. adults is 1.2%. The lifetime prevalence of BED is 2.8%.
  • Mental Health Impact: Up to 23% of individuals with BED have attempted suicide, and nearly all (94%) report lifetime mental health symptoms, including mood disorders (70%), substance use disorders (68%), anxiety disorders (59%), borderline personality disorder (49%), and posttraumatic stress disorder (32%).
  • Gender Disparity: While BED affects both males and females, the prevalence is significantly higher in females.
  • Co-occurring Conditions: BED often coexists with other mental health conditions, necessitating a comprehensive approach to treatment.

Paying for Bulimia Treatment – Insurance Coverage

Alsana is a preferred in-network provider for all major insurance companies.

aetna health insurance logo
Anthem Blue Cross logo - health insurance
Beacon health options logo
Blue Shield California logo- insurance coverage for eating disorder treatment
Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance Logo
Cigna health coverage logo
Humana health insurance logo
MHN Healthnet logo
Kaiser Permanente logo- eating disorder insurance coverage
Multiplan logo- eating disorder coverage
Optum logo- eating disorder coverage

Bulimia Treatment FAQs

Bulimia is an eating disorder characterized by periods of binge eating (eating large portions of food uncontrollably) or excessive overeating, followed by purging or getting rid of extra calories usually through fasting, laxative use, or self-induced vomiting.

Treatment for bulimia often includes a combination of psychotherapy, nutritional education, and sometimes medication. Therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are commonly used. At Alsana, we tailor our treatment plans to each individual’s needs, focusing on holistic recovery.

Absolutely. With the right treatment and support, individuals can recover from bulimia. Recovery involves developing a healthier relationship with food and learning coping strategies to deal with emotional triggers.

If you are experiencing frequent periods of binge-eating or excessive overeating, followed by purging or getting rid of extra calories usually through fasting, laxative use, or self-induced vomiting, it might be time to seek help.

Many insurance plans cover treatment for eating disorders, including bulimia. We recommend contacting your insurance provider for specific coverage details. Our staff can also assist with understanding and navigating insurance questions. You can check your coverage at www.alsana.com/insurance.

Yes, there are flexible treatment options available, including outpatient programs, that allow you to receive treatment while continuing with your daily life.

At Alsana, we offer a client-centered approach, integrating physical, mental, and emotional health into our treatment plans. Our Adaptive Care Model® provides a comprehensive and personalized treatment experience.

Starting treatment is a simple process. You can contact us through our 24/7 live chat or call us directly to schedule an appointment for an initial consultation to discuss your needs and treatment options. Visit www.alsana.com/admissions for more info.

Start the road to recovery with Alsana.

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