If you think you have an eating disorder, then you should immediately seek professional help from an eating disorder treatment center. A residential treatment center for eating disorders offers intensive therapy and support in order to help you with your disorder. Residential treatment by a professional team dedicated solely to helping patients with anorexia, binge-eating, bulimia or weight control is often the most effective way to get results from an eating disorder. All of the following eating disorder treatment centers have indicated that they effectively treat eating disorders to a significant degree.
First, The Harborview Eating Disorders Center offers intensive treatment for adolescents with anorexia and bulimia. They provide a one-on-one counseling service geared to meet each individual’s unique needs. Counseling at The Harborview Eating Disorders Center includes nutrition education, specialized training in food safety and physical activity referral and follow-up counseling. It also includes group activities, educational workshops and family therapy.
Second, ea accepts patients who met criteria established by The National Association of Colleges and Schools, Incorporated. As part of this agreement, The Harborview Eating Disorders Center must approve all new patient applications prior to treating them. In addition, all new patient treatment plans must be approved by The Harborview Treatment Center’s Clinical Director, which ensures that the treatment plan is in line with the recommendations of The National Association of Colleges and Schools, Incorporated. In order to be accepted by the clinical director, a patient must meet all of the following criteria: be mentally healthy and emotionally stable; meet diagnostic criterion established by The International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition; have no co-occurring psychiatric illness or substance abuse; and have had two years of successful treatment with psychotherapy and appropriate medication. Treatment at one of these eating disorder treatment centers may include medication, lifestyle changes, cognitive behavioral therapy and/or a combination of these treatments.
Third, the outpatient program at the Harborview eating disorder treatment center provides personalized one-on-one treatment and emotional support. This way, patients are relieved from the strain of public speaking, are not overwhelmed by their symptoms nor do they feel the need to repeatedly repeat their diagnoses or discuss their symptoms with others. Patients are also provided with the support they need to work through their issues and become readjusted to a new way of living and coping with their disorder.
Fourth, inpatient treatment at one of the eating disorder treatment centers offers the opportunity to live a healthy lifestyle. Patients are not limited to staying only in the hospital. They are encouraged to participate in a range of community activities such as going to the gym, participating in a local recreation program, gardening, reading, attending church or any other type of physical activity. At the same time, they are kept fully informed about medications and dietary restrictions. They learn a new way of thinking about food and lead a healthier lifestyle.
Fifth, inpatient treatment at eating disorder treatment centers offers relapse prevention techniques and social support. Most people at a time have issues that are not serious. However, over time, some issues can lead to more severe conditions such as anorexia or bulimia. The goal of relapse prevention is to help patients develop healthy eating habits that will prevent them from returning to their old behaviors. Patients are counseled on ways to improve their body image and how to deal with embarrassment over their condition. They learn how to develop healthy relationships and share their feelings with those who they believe will understand.
A mental health professional such as a psychologist, psychiatrist or licensed therapist is necessary to provide individualized treatment and counseling. Psychological counseling is important because of the emotional nature of eating disorders and their relationship to family and friends. It is used to help the patient overcome negative thoughts and behaviors associated with eating disorders. Therapy offers the patient tools to deal with emotional issues that cause them distress. It is sometimes used to supplement other forms of treatment. If the counseling is combined with psychotherapy, the chances for a successful outcome increase.
Recovery at an eating disorder treatment center can be quick if it is properly structured. Recovery does not happen overnight and takes place over several weeks, months or years. Long-term treatments can include residential or outpatient services depending on the severity of the condition, the patient’s desires and other factors. Partial hospitalization is sometimes recommended for severely emotionally disturbed young people who do not wish to stay in the same environment as their peers. Full hospitalization is reserved for severely ill patients who have a good chance of improving with intensive therapy and counseling.
