Eating Disorder Center

The treatment team at Reasons Eating Disorder Center believes that people who struggle with eating disordered behaviors have difficulty expressing and coping with their feelings. They use their behaviors as a means to communicate their feelings and thoughts to the outside world. Through each part of treatment we focus on helping the client understand the underlying causes of the eating disorder and identify and express feelings in a more direct manner through the use of their voice. We believe that eating disordered behaviors are often a metaphor for the client’s lifestyle. For example, people who restrict food intake also restrict the acceptance of compliments, love, and care from others. Those who engage in bingeing and purging behaviors often experience overwhelming thoughts and feelings and may stuff down these feelings and experiences, without a healthy method of expression. We understand these dynamics and offer a collaborative approach, respecting the individuality of each client who enters our programs.

Our team supports clients not only better understand their own personal dynamics related to the eating disorder, but also focuses on education in alternative, healthy coping skills in order for clients to take control of their own lives, emotions, and eating disordered behaviors. Ultimately, we encourage our clients toward effective lifestyles and achieving the life goals and dreams they have for themselves.

Orientation and Assessment: Upon arrival to Reasons Eating Disorder Center, each client will receive a comprehensive orientation to the program and an evaluation by the medical, clinical, and nutritional staff in order to determine the best course of treatment.

Psychiatric Treatment: Our board-certified psychiatrist provides an initial evaluation within the first 24 hours of admission and follows the client throughout their stay. The psychiatrist oversees treatment and medication management to facilitate and support the therapeutic process. Clients meet with the psychiatrist daily in the inpatient program, one to three times per week in the partial hospitalization program, and one time per week in the intensive outpatient program.

Individual Therapy: Clients attending our program will be assigned an individual therapist and meet for an initial session within 24 hours of admission. Clients meet with their individual therapist three times per week in the inpatient, and two times per week in the partial hospitalization program and one time per week in the intensive outpatient program. Our individual sessions consist of a multi-modal approach, with a general emphasis on Dialectical Behavior Therapy. We recommend that clients in the intensive outpatient program participate in individual outpatient therapy in the community and we will provide referrals as needed.

Family Program: We place a strong emphasis on involving the family in treatment. Each client is assigned a family therapist who conducts a weekly family therapy session. Additionally, families are encouraged to attend a weekly multi-family group on Wednesday evenings at 6 pm and family education day on Saturday from 11 am until 4 pm. We believe “Family” can consist of any support system the patient identifies such as friends or colleagues. We also offer family telephone sessions for those clients whose families do not live locally.

Nutrition Program: The objective of the nutrition program is to help each individual learn how to listen to their bodies and identify signals of hunger and satiety. After completing a comprehensive nutritional assessment, each client is given a personalized meal plan based on their individual needs. Clients will meet privately with the dietitian at two times per week and participate in weekly nutrition education groups.

Our nutritional model is “All Foods Fit” which teaches clients to incorporate all foods using balance, moderation, and variety. All of our meals focus on mindful eating and we offer food choices from the fresh salad bar and hot meal station. Additionally, food is prepared and experimented with in our nutrition groups.

Clients participate in weekly restaurant outings and exposure food challenges to address their fears of food, increase social skills and decrease anxiety when dining in public.

Groups: We offer a variety of groups for clients attending the program to include:

Exercise Component: Our treatment team understands the importance of physical activity and offers our clients Yoga and Mindfulness Walks throughout the week. Participation in these activities will depend on the clients’ individual medical status and progression in treatment. We believe exercise is part of a healthy lifestyle and work to incorporate exercise into the life of the client in a balanced way that they can maintain when discharged from our center.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment: We understand the complexities of an eating disorder and the co-occurring disorders that often need special attention and treatment. Our team assesses for these issues from the initial consultation and is able to offer individualized treatment to accommodate special needs. Specifically, BHC Alhambra Hospital offers adult medical detoxification and a 12-step treatment approach for Chemical Dependency treatment co-occurring with an eating disorder.

Discharge and Aftercare Planning: Our skilled team of case managers will work with the client and therapist to determine the most appropriate care needed after leaving our treatment programs. We will work with the clients’ outpatient providers to ensure a smooth transition back into the community.

Call today and get connected with your team of treatment professionals- 1.800.235.5570.