EATING DISORDER TREATMENT: WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

  Eating Disorders, Blog

EATING DISORDER TREATMENT: WHAT YOU CAN EXPECTAt Alsana, we know that when a person receives early, adaptive, and developmentally appropriate care, that person’s recovery from disordered eating is not only possible, it’s probable! There are a number of treatment program types to support you on your path to recovery.

At first, this process can seem scary and feelings of being overwhelmed may take over. The best way to combat this fear is to educate yourself.

Making Your First Call

When you call our program, a specially-trained clinician will answer, offering you a supportive and confidential place to discuss and explore your treatment options. During the first call, they’ll ask you questions about your eating disorder and, if applicable, any co-occurring conditions. During this time, you’ll also be able to ask them any questions you may have. Don’t be afraid to speak up!

If you decide to move forward with treatment, we’ll schedule a confidential assessment. This assessment will take place with a licensed Clinical Assessment Specialist, and will last somewhere between 60 to 90 minutes.

Starting The Assessment

The Clinical Assessment Specialist who’s working alongside you during the assessment will be your go-to person prior to admission and during intake. This way, you’ll have someone you know and trust to be by your side.

During your assessment, they will ask about the following:

  • Eating disorder and mental health symptoms (current and past)
  • Goals for treatment
  • Previous eating disorder treatment (if any)
  • Personal strengths and hobbies
  • Other struggles and concerns

Once your initial assessment has been completed and you agree on a treatment program, you’ll work with your specialist to determine a program location. Based on the program you have chosen, you can enter treatment within days. 

Types of Eating Disorder Treatment Programs

There are a number of eating disorder treatment programs to choose from, and it’s important to find the type of medical intervention that works for you. They are as follows:

  • Residential Treatment — Residential treatment is for clients who will benefit from the support and supervision of 24-hour care. Residential treatment offers medical and nutritional monitoring, 24/7 nursing care, compassionate staff, regular individual and group therapy, along with at-home living accommodations.
  • Partial Hospitalization (Day Treatment)—Day treatment programs provide a supportive, caring community, and is appropriate for clients who are ready to meet their goals without overnight supervision. Alsana provides recovery-focused apartments for this level of care at an additional cost if needed.
  • Intensive Outpatient Treatment – This level of care provides intensive nutrition and clinical therapy while allowing for more autonomy and self-sufficiency. Intensive outpatient treatment provides clients with a safe space where they can live independently, make their own choices, and still have the community to support and guide them through their journey of recovery.

Alsana’s team of specialists will assist you in determining the right kind of treatment program for you, and help you to make arrangements for care.

What Kind of Programming Can I Expect in Treatment?

Alsana takes an integrated, multi-dimensional approach to eating disorder treatment through our Adaptive Care Model ™. It’s what makes Alsana different from any other eating disorder program and is the first of its kind in the industry. By focusing on the total health and well-being of each individual, the approach empowers people to take ownership of their wellness in five areas of practice: medical, therapeutic, nutrition, movement, and relational.

We’ve developed a program for each area of treatment that helps clients thrive as they journey toward wellness. 

Residential Treatment

  • Home environment
  • 24/7 onsite nursing
  • 3 sessions/week with a primary therapist
  • 2 sessions/week with a registered dietitian
  • 1+ sessions/week with psychiatrist or physician extender
  • Weekend outings to support and grow new skills
  • Ongoing family therapy
  • A level system allowing for increased autonomy
  • A small therapeutic community
  • An individualized weekly treatment plan
  • Staff supported meals, snacks, and post-meal processing
  • Experiential family week

Day Treatment

  • Housing in our recovery-focused apartments (additional cost)
  • 1+ sessions/week with a psychiatrist or physician extender
  • Up to 12 hours/day of programming (specific to location)
  • A level system allowing for increased autonomy
  • Staff supported snacks as determined by your individualized meal plan
  • 2—3 sessions/week with a primary therapist
  • 1—2 sessions/week with a registered dietitian
  • A small therapeutic community
  • An individualized weekly treatment plan
  • Up to 3 staff supported meals and post-meal processing (specific to location)
  • Family therapy
  • Experiential family week

Intensive Outpatient Treatment

  • Learning groups for skill and body development
  • 1—2 sessions/week with a primary therapist
  • 1 daily monitored meal and special meal challenge (up to 5 days/week)
  • Art therapy and expressive therapy
  • Nutritional education
  • Individual goal setting
  • 1 session/week with a registered dietitian
  • Core processing groups to address underlying issues
  • Relapse prevention and boundary development
  • Educational life skills

Don’t Let Fear Get in the Way. Call Today!
Learning about symptoms and acknowledging that you’re struggling is not only brave, it’s also a vital step towards healing.

If you’d like confidential help understanding your symptoms (and, if you’re ready, possible treatment options) call or text the eating disorder helpline now at (888) 337-8776.

JOIN OUR ONLINE SUPPORT GROUP

Weekly meetings
Fridays at noon / PST

WE ARE HERE TO HELP

VIRTUAL TREATMENT OPTIONS

Meeting each client where they are on their recovery journey. Virtually.

Start the road to recovery with Alsana.

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