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 due to eating disorders. 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 generally 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. They are generally free of symptoms of anorexia, symptoms of bulimia or symptoms of binge eating disorders.