Getting a diagnosis is only the first step towards recovery from an eating disorder. Treating an eating disorder generally involves a combination of psychological and nutritional counseling, along with medical and psychiatric monitoring. Treatment must address the eating disorder symptoms and medical consequences, as well as psychological, biological, interpersonal, and cultural forces that contribute to or maintain the eating disorder.
Nutritional counseling is also necessary and should incorporate education about nutritional needs, as well as planning for and monitoring rational choices by the individual patient. There are a variety of treatments that have been shown to be effective in treating eating disorders. Generally, treatment is more effective before the disorder becomes chronic, but even people with long-standing eating disorders can and do recover.
Questions to Ask Treatment Providers
It is important that people with eating disorders seek professional help. There are differing approaches to treatment and no one-size-fits-all approach. Since there is not one approach that is considered superior for everyone, it is important to find the option that works for you. Coming armed with a list of questions to ask a potential provider can help you make that choice. Read more >
Levels of Care
Eating disorder treatment can be delivered in a variety of settings. Understanding the different levels of care and methodologies can be helpful when selecting a provider, and because insurance benefits are tied both to diagnosis and the type of treatment setting. Read more >
Types of Psychotherapy
Perhaps one of the most important considerations when selecting a psychotherapist is the type of therapy they provide. Different therapies work differently for different people, and some may be more helpful than others, depending on the person and their stage of recovery. Read more >
What to Expect from Treatment
Many people wonder what will happen at their first visit, and what to expect from the overall treatment process. Read more >