Eating Disorder Levels of Care
Another warm welcome to therapist Brenna McClintock as she provides more insight into different eating disorder levels of care in today’s post. From our work with clients, we know that understanding the levels of care and determining which is best for you can feel confusing.
Eating Disorder Levels of Care
So- you did it….or you are considering doing it!! You are thinking about getting help for your relationship with food and/or your body. This is no small feat! There is much to be proud of here, especially in a diet-culture-saturated society. To look past these messages, even for a moment, and to honor your own experience/struggle enough to ask for help and consider a better quality of life - that’s AMAZING! Amazing and maybe scary? Or confusing? Where do you start?
Thankfully, there are plenty of options or ways to get help for your specific experience. A range of care exists to meet your needs, so to decide what might be the best for you, it can be helpful to learn more about what options do exist! Different levels of care are categorized by the frequency, type of treatment provided, and amount of support needed (remember our post highlighting the difference between disordered eating and eating disorders?).
Outpatient treatment
Outpatient care occurs through appointments with an individual’s care team which may include a primary therapist, dietitian, and primary care physician. This is typically what people think of when they think of “therapy”. Outpatient care is usually provided regularly determined by the individual’s needs (i.e. weekly, monthly, etc). Outpatient care can occur in a clinical or other office setting (private practice, therapist’s office, or virtually). The frequency of care provided may also differ throughout the treatment process based on individual progress. For instance, if an individual is struggling to progress or meet therapy goals, the frequency may be increased. Alternatively, if treatment goals are achieved, frequency may decrease gradually. Group therapy may also occur at the outpatient level. Outpatient therapy is a great fit for individuals who do not require around-the-clock care or support.
Collaborative Counseling and Nutrition operates at the outpatient level of care while partnering with higher levels of care as needed by our clients.
Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
Intensive outpatient programs operate based on a programming schedule (i.e. three hours in the evening on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, etc). Individuals receiving care at this level, primarily reside at their home and report to the program or facility during the time that the IOP takes place. This level of care may encompass individual, family, and group therapy, which is usually provided by a therapist or team of therapists and sometimes dietitians. This level of care may be a great fit for individuals who may benefit from more care than what their therapist is able to provide weekly.
Partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
Partial hospitalization programs are similar to intensive outpatient programs in that individuals do not reside on-site at the facility or center where they are receiving care. Participants in these programs receive care for a portion of the day for a specific period, during which they have access to support and care while they are in attendance at their facility or program. Individuals return home in the evenings or for the alternate portion of the day that is not designated to the program. Essentially, partial hospitalization programs mirror the format of intensive outpatient programs, just at an increased frequency (such as program days occurring every day versus every other day). These types of programs are intended to support the transition between levels of care such as outpatient to residential or vice versa. These programs can be a wonderful stepping stone for long-term recovery. This level of care may be appropriate for individuals seeking support with relapse prevention or for those who require more support than what can be provided at outpatient or intensive outpatient levels. Partial hospitalization programs may also encompass a treatment team with professionals such as a psychiatrist and dietitian in addition to the therapist(s).
Residential Treatment
Residential treatment involves longer-term (compared to others), supported care in which the individual is medically stable and resides on-site at a facility that provides therapeutic interventions based on a programming schedule. This level of care aims to limit barriers to treatment that may be present for individuals in their everyday lives and to support individuals in adapting a sole focus on their treatment and treatment goals.
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient level of care is the most intensive type of care provided. This level of care may be appropriate for individuals who require regular medical monitoring and/or stabilization in addition to around-the-clock therapeutic intervention. Individuals receive care on-site at a mental health facility or hospital. Several facilities exist across the nation to provide this level of care for individuals that this would be appropriate for.
Moving Foward
It’s important to note that your healing is unlikely to be linear. Consider looking at these levels of care as existing on a spectrum that you move back and forth along based on your needs. Just because you utilized one level of care does not mean that you won’t utilize it again or try out other options. The comparison trap is real when it comes to eating disorders and treatment. Thoughts of not being ‘sick enough’ for certain levels of care or not being ‘good enough’ at your eating disorder to go to certain levels of care can make it even more tricky to move forward with care.
But remember, you are worthy and deserving of support! People exist that can and want to help you. You are not alone in this! If you have further questions about treatment types, submit an inquiry or set up a consultation. We are happy to help you consider what type/level of treatment may be best for you! Plus, all levels of care do assessments to determine your level of need. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!
Collaborative Counseling & Nutrition is an outpatient nutrition and body image counseling center, with locations in Indianapolis and Carmel, that provides compassionate, holistic eating disorder treatment. Through practicing mindfulness, intuition, and Health At Every Size, we are on a mission to help you find a true state of well-being! We take an anti-diet, weight-inclusive approach with all our clients and work to help guide you towards a way of healthy living designed by you, just for you! This post is for education purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for treatment for an eating disorder. If you are looking for a registered dietitian or therapist to assist you on your recovery journey, please reach out today!
