Criteria To Check When Researching Eating Disorder Treatment Facilities

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Woman speaking to her therapist in eating disorder therapy

Eating disorder treatment centers and facilities are among the most helpful resources for receiving comprehensive treatment and care, but what needs to be evaluated when researching eating disorder treatment facilities?

From inpatient facilities to residential treatment centers, partial hospitalization, or even centers for intensive outpatient or outpatient work, many individuals in recovery from an eating disorder will often spend a majority of time in various facilities for treatment, if and when possible.

What to Look For in an Eating Disorder Treatment Center

With the number of options available to you, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to determine which facility or treatment center may be right for you.

Consider these criteria when conducting your research for eating disorder treatment centers:

  1. Comprehensive Care: Ideally, treatment centers should offer comprehensive care with a multidisciplinary approach. Because of the complexities involved with eating disorders, treatment must be able to address the many different aspects of these psychiatric illnesses, including medical stabilization, nutritional restoration, psychiatric care, psychotherapy, support groups and more.
  2. Accreditation: Eating disorder treatment facilities should be accredited by The Joint Commission (TJC), a nonprofit and independent organization that accredits various healthcare organizations according to set standards. The Joint Commission recently added new requirements to its accreditation process for behavioral health care organizations that provide treatment for individuals with eating disorders, which were based on work and research completed by the Academy for Eating Disorders Credentialing Task Force [1]. When researching a potential treatment center, be sure to inquire about their accreditation.
  3. Specialized Care: If you are struggling with any other issues in addition to the eating disorder, such as substance abuse, seek out treatment centers that offer this specialized care. You can also research treatment centers based on specific criteria, such as offerings for a certain gender, trauma-based treatment, approaches for co-occurring disorders and more.
  4. Level of Care: Treatment centers offer varying levels of care, depending on the facility. It is important to find a treatment facility that offers the type of support and care you need, depending on the acuity of the illness.

Where to Start

Man In Deep Thought about Researching Eating Disorder Treatment FacilitiesThere are many important factors to consider when determining which treatment center is appropriate for your unique needs. Working with an eating disorder specialist can help you understand the specific factors to look for as you begin your search for an eating disorder treatment center to support your eating disorder recovery.

If there is a particular treatment center that you might be interested in, be sure to call and discuss your needs and concerns with their admissions department. Know that you are not alone in your recovery journey and that there are many resources that can support your treatment efforts.

Crystal Headshot 2About the Author: Crystal is a Contributing Writer for Eating Disorder Hope.

Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, 

As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH and nutrition private practice.

References:

[1]: Academy For Eating Disorders, “The Joint Commission Introduces Accreditation For Eating Disorder Treatment Programs Based on Recommendations Made By the Academy For Eatin Disorders”, https://www.aedweb.org/index.php/10-news/196-The-Joint-Commission-Introduces-Accreditation-For-eating-disorder-Treatment-programs Accessed 18 May 2017

The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.

Published on May 29, 2017.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on May 29, 2017.
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com