About Eating Disorders
Levels of Eating Disorder Treament (from highest to lowest)
Hospitalization — This is the most intensive level of care available and is recommended when a patient is medically or psychiatrically unstable. A patient may be suffering from unstable vital signs, suicidal thoughts, extreme low weight requiring re-feeding, or complications due to coexisting medical problems. Hospitalization is for crisis stabilization with stays generally from 2-4 weeks.
Residential Treatment Center (RTC) — A step down from hospitalization, RTC is utilized when patients are physically stable but highly engaged in destructive behaviors. Patients live on-site at a facility or home setting with 24-hour care and a daily milieu of therapeutic services. Patients usually stay for an extended period of time, anywhere from 1 to 4 months.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) — This is the next step down in care and is at the outpatient level, in which patients attend treatment daily but live at home or in a transitional living facility. PHPs usually require patients to attend treatment 5 days a week for 8-10 hours a day. Patients are medically stable but their eating disorder continues to significantly impair functioning in educational, social or vocational situations.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) — Often used as a step down from RTC or PHP treatment, or a step up from weekly individual sessions, IOP involves treatment ranging from 2-5 days a week for 3-4 hours a day. Patients usually live at home, with loved ones, or in a transitional living facility. Patients are medically stable but having difficulty reducing symptoms, maintaining nutritional intake and participating actively in life. IOP is a critical level of care in re-integrating into social, educational and familial environments, applying what has been learned in previous treatment without increasing symptoms and behaviors.
Relapse Prevention and Individual Services — Usually involving sessions once or twice per week, patients receive support and accountability to maintain gains and pursue meaningful lives.