People who suffer from eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia need eating disorder treatment programs. These disorders cause damage in every aspect of their lives, and they can only heal with proper care. Luckily, experts have developed some of the best anorexia treatment and bulimia treatment options. These techniques are at people’s fingertips when they know what to look for in treatment centers.
Traits to Look for in Eating Disorder Treatment Programs
Since eating disorders have physical, mental, financial, and social side effects, treating them is complex. In many cases, people with eating disorders have other mental health issues, too.
The goals for treatment facilities is to reduce the symptoms and address the underlying causes. They also streamline education about nutrition, healthy exercise, body image, and relapse prevention. In order to achieve these goals, they must have certain traits.
Levels of Care
The best treatment facilities offer different levels of care for people with eating disorders. The reason is that not everyone progresses through treatment at the same rate. For instance, some people only need outpatient care to overcome an eating disorder.
In general, though, people have the best chance for a full recovery at a residential eating disorder treatment center. In particular, this approach is the most ideal for those who need medical assistance. A live-in facility provides a structured, controlled environment with 24-hour support. Also, people have access to a full care team of doctors, nurses, therapists, and nutritionists in one place.
Accredited Facility
It’s essential for people to check treatment facilities for accreditation before they enroll in their eating disorder treatment programs. This award certifies that the facilities adhere to strict procedures and policies for health care. In addition, the groups that grant accreditation continuously strive to make public health care better. As a result, obtaining this award is an indication of high-quality treatment.
Variety of Services
Aside from offering multiple levels of treatment, the best facilities should use several types of services. No two people are the same, so no single treatment works for everyone. By offering different services, treatment centers can address a wide range of needs. Some of the most crucial services for eating disorder treatment programs include:
- Medication management
- Nutrition counseling
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Group counseling
- Family therapy
In some cases, gender-specific services accelerate and improve the recovery process. For example, a womens eating disorder treatment center will focus on women’s needs. On the other hand, a men’s facility will focus on men’s needs. Some facilities treat both genders but tailor their services according to their gender-related needs.
Continued Care
Aftercare services should be part of eating disorder treatment programs as well. They might include step-down treatment to outpatient care or sober living homes. These services help people adjust to living on their own after residential care.
At the very least, treatment centers need to help people develop aftercare plans. While some people only need support groups to stay on track, others may need private therapy sessions.
Find an Eating Disorder Treatment Center That Meets Your Needs
Your overall health is important and that includes your physical, mental, and emotional state. An eating disorder treatment facility can address all of these elements. It can also teach you how to cope with stress in order to avoid relapsing into your disorder.
Don’t let anorexia, bulimia, or any other eating disorder keep you from having a healthy life. Find the best eating disorder treatment programs for your needs today.
