Exploring treatment options is an important and difficult first step on your journey of healing. Some of the most common questions we receive about our treatment programs are below. We are here to help and invite you to contact us with any questions you have.
How do I know if I have an eating disorder?
Many eating disorders begin as well-intentioned attempts to diet or get in shape. When you become preoccupied with thoughts about food, weight, and shape and you begin to practice unhealthy weight loss behaviors such as restricting, binging, purging, or non-medical use of laxatives or diuretics (water pills), it is likely that you are at risk or currently struggling with an eating disorder.
Below is a self-assessment for an Eating Disorder:
Do you constantly worry about your weight and ask for reassurance from others that you are not fat?
Do you see yourself as fat even though others tell you that you are thin or too thin?
Are you deliberately restricting your food intake to the point where you have lost a significant amount of weight?
Do you find yourself in a pattern of restricting food intake followed by periods of overeating or eating large quantities and feeling guilty as a result?
Do you feel emotionally uncomfortable after eating to the point where you feel compelled to do something about it?
If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you may have an eating disorder. Consult your physician or a behavioral health professional. A comprehensive and accurate evaluation for an eating disorder is based on a physical examination, lab work, AND an evaluation by a mental health clinician who specializes in the treatment of eating disorders.
Should I get treatment?
If diagnosed with an eating disorder, it is crucial that you seek professional help. The appropriate treatment type and level of care will depend on your individual needs including the severity and duration of your disorder. Learn more about the levels of care available for treating eating disorder.
Many individuals suffering with eating disorders experience ambivalence towards recovery – part of them may want to hold on to the eating disorder.
Eating disorders are associated with some of the highest levels of medical and social disabilities of any psychiatric disorder (Klump et. Al, 2009), and eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness (Sullivan, 1995).
Eating disorders are commonly accompanied by depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse.
Studies find that early treatment leads to a faster recovery.
About 80% of eating disordered individuals who seek treatment improve significantly or attain full recovery.
How do I get help? Is The Healing Connection right for me?
There are a variety of treatment levels of care that range in intensity. Determining the appropriate level of care should be based on the severity of eating disorder symptoms and should be discussed with a healthcare professional. Contact our office manager to schedule an initial intake assessment designed to help clarify whether our services are appropriate for your individual needs.
What can I expect during treatment?
Learn more about Partial Hospitalization
Learn more about Intensive Outpatient
View a sample weekly schedule
Read descriptions of our group therapy options
What about the food?
Our in-house chef uses fresh ingredients to prepare meals and snacks for the partial hospitalization program. Patients bring dinner for the intensive outpatient program.
How much exercise will I be allowed to do?
The program encourages patients to feel comfortable in their own body. Exercise is a part of individualized treatment plans. Light stretching and gentle yoga are always permitted.