Eating disorders can be serious and deadly.Over 30 million people in America suffer from an eating disorder.Improving nutrition is one of the things that can be done to treat eating disorders.If you believe an eating disorder treatment center is right for you, learn how to choose one so you can get the treatment you need.
Step 1: If you need outpatient treatment, make a decision.
You can receive treatment at an outpatient center, but return to your home the same day.Flexible options for people are provided by outpatient treatment centers.If you have a job that you want to continue doing, or you are still able to complete it, an outpatient center is a good place to go.If you are able to carry out most of your daily activities, this option is helpful for early or less serious illnesses.You can choose this option if you need to be at home or have a strong family and friend support system.
Step 2: If you need intensive outpatient treatment, make a decision.
A structured outpatient service is the next level after outpatient services.You can do an intensive outpatient program or a day treatment.Three hours a few days a week is how long an IOP treatment lasts.Therapy, nutrition counseling, and supported meals are included.For six or more hours a few days a week is Day Treatment.It may be done seven days a week.Patients eat under supervision.It is possible that this is an option after being released from a treatment center.
Step 3: Determine if you need treatment in the hospital.
Inpatient treatment is when you stay at a treatment center for an extended period of time.Residential care is beneficial for people who have been battling with an eating disorder.If you have a substance abuse problem, inpatient treatment centers can help.You can focus on healing and recovery if you go to an inpatient treatment center.If you feel like you can't heal on your own, these treatment centers are helpful.If you don't have a support system, it might help.People who have already been through treatment can benefit from inpatient treatment centers.Individualized care can be offered around the clock at inpatient treatment facilities.
Step 4: You can find a treatment center for your eating disorder.
The two most common types of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimic.Some eating disorder centers treat both conditions at the same time.If you don't know what eating disorder you have, talk to your doctor to find out if you are bulimic or anorexic.Anorexia causes people to be extremely thin because they restrict the food they eat or refrain from eating at all.People with bulimia often binge eat and then vomit, fast, use laxatives, engage in extreme exercise, or a combination.Both conditions result in a fear of gaining weight and a dislike of how their bodies look.
Step 5: Take the length of treatment into account.
Patients in residential recovery treatment centers need an extended stay.The length of stay depends on your symptoms and finances.A minimum of 28 days is required in most residential treatment centers.There are month long programs that last from 28 to 30 days.You can learn about how to deal with an eating disorder, get counseling, and learn proper nutrition from these.Many of the programs are insured.For more severe cases, 60- or 90-day programs may be required.Some people need up to six months in a center.Depending on your needs, you may be able to determine an individualized duration of treatment.Many of the extended stay programs will be far away from your home.
Step 6: How you will pay for treatment should be considered.
Eating disorder treatment centers can range from a few thousand dollars for a month to tens of thousands of dollars.Before you make a decision on a treatment program, you should look at how much it will cost.Inquire about payment options after learning the cost.Treatments may be covered by insurance plans.Contact your insurance provider to find out if they cover an eating disorder treatment.You can check into public insurance from the state or federal government to help pay for your treatment.Discuss this option with the eating disorder center and a public insurance agency.Private or group insurance programs can be checked into.Financing is offered by some eating disorder centers.If this is an option for you, discuss it with the clinic.Private loans or loans from friends and family can be used to finance the treatment stay.
Step 7: Do you want a gender-specific program?
You can check into different treatment centers.It is possible to find a gender-specific program if you don't feel comfortable facing your eating disorder and treating it in a co-ed situation.You can find a program that caters to your needs if you are a woman or a man.Gay and bisexual men face higher pressure to be thin, which leads to a higher risk of eating disorders.If you are a gay or bisexual man, there are many centers that specialize in LGBT issues and eating disorders.People who are trans have a higher risk of eating disorders.If you are a trans man or woman, you can look for centers that specialize in LGBT issues.Check out Trans Folx Fighting Eating Disorders for support and help finding a center.
Step 8: Do you need treatment with special considerations?
Some people with eating disorders may have specific treatment considerations.It is possible to find a center that is geared towards you and your needs.If the treatment is for a child, teen, or adolescent, then a center that focuses on adolescent eating disorders needs to be chosen.A woman who has been hiding an eating disorder for a decade is receiving treatment for adolescents.Women with eating disorders who are pregnant are helped by some centers.The centers aim to keep the mother and baby healthy.The problem of eating disorders related to weight loss surgery is very specific.Expertise in that area is required to treat an eating disorder connected to weight loss surgery.There are certain precautions that need to be taken when having diabetes and an eating disorder.It's important to know how to approach diabetes and eating disorders in order to stay healthy.Athletes face struggles that need to be addressed.The treatment process for an athlete with an eating disorder may involve coaches and trainers.
Step 9: Determine how far from home the center is.
When choosing an eating disorder center, location should be considered.Some treatment centers may be in your town, others in nearby major cities, and some in a different place altogether.Before you make a decision, figure out what is best for you and your situation.Family therapy is required for many eating disorder treatment programs.If you need this, you may want to choose a center that is close to you and your family.Do you want to receive treatment close to your home?People may feel uncomfortable going to a center close by.If you want to go to a treatment center in the desert, the woods, or at the beach, you should consider that.
Step 10: Do you want a faith-based center?
Some centers are more specialized.There are rehabs that are based on faith.If this is something you believe will help you, talk to your spiritual leaders, search online or discuss your beliefs with the centers you are considering.You may be able to find a Christian, Jewish, or Islamic rehabilitation program.Some centers will tailor the treatment program to your religious beliefs if they have a blanket spiritual approach.
Step 11: Check to see if the facility has accreditation.
It's important to make sure you're going to a good facility.The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities or the Joint Commission can be used to determine if the facility has accreditation.You can find this information on the facility's website, or you can contact the appropriate government agencies.
Step 12: The medical staff should be researched.
You should research the medical staff before selecting a treatment center.This includes the clinical staff, medical staff and psychiatrists.Find out the qualifications of the staff.The staff should have licenses and credentials.You should meet with the medical staff.Ask them about their education and licenses.To find out if the medical staff has proper licenses, contact the government agencies.
Step 13: Go to the center.
You should visit the center and take a tour if it is possible.Take a tour of the facility and see if it looks like a warm environment.Do you think you would be comfortable there during your recovery?If you want to stay, look around the area.There are different treatment centers in different locations.You want the environment to be happy and comfortable.Take a tour of the facility with the doctors and staff.Discuss their qualifications and education.Discuss treatment and recovery with them.Discuss success rates with people you meet.
Step 14: Behavioral therapy should be the center's focus.
Changing negative behaviors and learning how to deal with difficult situations are part of the treatment for eating disorders.Evidence-based treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy, should be used in treatment programs.Therapy to discuss the causes of the eating disorder should only be a small part of treatment.
Step 15: Do you know if the center has a recovery program?
The treatment and recovery process includes aftercare programs.Aftercare programs provide support and help to patients after they leave a residential center.Telephone therapy, access to a support network via the telephone, or contact from the center are some of the things that can be included in an aftercare program.Studies show that patients have a better success rate if they have an after school program.It's difficult for people to return to their regular life if they've been away for a while at a residential facility.It's normal for people to need after care.