I have an Eating Disorder.
Now what?
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, the first thing to do is determine which level of care is needed. You can do this by getting a physical with your primary care provider (PCP). Ask your PCP for a Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP) as well as get an update height, blind weight, and vitals which include heart rate and blood pressure. There are different levels of care based on acuity of where each person is at in their eating disorder development or recovery. These levels of care are listed below:
Inpatient Level of Care is needed for those who need to be stabilized medically.
Inpatient usually lasts 1-2 weeks. It is at this level of care that you would have 24/7 hour care in a hospital setting.
Residential Level of Care also provides 24/7 hour medical monitoring, but in a more residential setting.
You will often meet with an individual therapist 2-3 times a week, family therapy as clinically indicated, and a Registered Dietician once a week. A client at this level of care will also be monitored by nursing staff daily, a psychiatric provider once a week, and a nurse or nurse practitioner once a week. At this level of care, the individual will participate in multiple therapy groups daily. This level of care is needed for those who are unable to meet their nutritional needs and maintain safety at a lower level of care.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) often meets 5-7 days a week, for 5-6 hours a day but the individual is able to go home to sleep.
At this level of care, the individual will eat one to two meals in the program as well as one to two snacks while in the program. The individual will meet with a therapist one to two times a week for individual therapy or family therapy as clinically indicated, a Registered Dietitian once a week, and a psychiatric provider once a week. There are often 2-3 therapy groups a day at this level of care. The individual at this level of care will be monitored weekly for weights and vitals.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is often 3-5 days/week, for about 3 hours a day.
One staff-supported meal is likely part of an IOP program as well as one 30 minute individual therapy session, a session with a Registered dietician, and group therapy. An IOP will also offer weekly monitoring for weight and vitals.
The outpatient team is considered the lowest level of care.
This is the best level of care for those who are able to maintain their meal plan progress, maintain safety, and be an active participant in their eating disorder recovery. An outpatient team for eating disorder recovery must include a licensed therapist, a psychiatric provider, and a registered dietician. This level of care may also require visits with a primary care physician as needed to make sure bloodwork and vitals are staying within normal range. Here at the Counseling Center of Great Lakes, we also offer a weekly outpatient Eating Disorder Recovery group you can attend in conjunction with individual therapy. Here is a link to learn more about our Eating Disorder Recovery Group: https://www.counselingcenterofgreatlakes.com/groups
Please reach out to Hillary with any further questions regarding eating disorders and or how to find the best level of care based on your current needs. Help is available and you do not need to continue to suffer alone. Recovery takes a village, and we are here to help. You can also contact the National Eating Disorders Helpline at 1-800-931-2237 or visit nationaleatingdisorders.org.
Written by Hillary Levergood, MA, LPC. Hillary has experience working multiple levels of care in eating disorder treatment. Hillary is passionate about offering hope and healing to those who are struggling with an eating disorder, because Hillary knows firsthand that recovery is possible.