Philosophy and Treatment Approach

Over the past decade, there have been tremendous advances in science that have revolutionized our understanding of eating disorders. Technological tools such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have now substantiated that eating disorders have a powerful neurobiological basis. Researchers have identified specific neurobiological differences in the brains of people with eating disorders that affect how they eat, how they feel (their emotional experience), and how they make decisions. This explains why eating disorders tend to run in families and why people with eating disorders often exhibit certain personality traits. For example, individuals with anorexia nervosa tend to be driven, perfectionistic, harm-avoidant, and obsessional. Individuals with bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder also tend to be perfectionistic and harm-avoidant as well as impulsive and novelty-seeking.  

We also know that people with eating disorders struggle with emotion regulation, or the ability to effectively manage their emotions. Some people with eating disorders experience their emotions intensely, which can be overwhelming and lead to ineffective or destructive behaviors while others experience alexithymia, or difficulty identifying, labeling, and/or expressing emotion. People with eating disorders often have anxiety and depression concurrently. 

Program Details

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

PHP offers a structured environment with an intense focus on learning skills for recovery, while offering the important advantage of allowing the patient to continue living at home or in our supportive housing. This allows the patient to build skills for recovery and practice them in their home environment.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)  

Our IOP curriculum is carefully structured as a strategic step-down from PHP, with two core objectives: 1) preventing relapse, and 2) facilitating a seamless transition from treatment to a fulfilling life. In alignment with the DBT framework, IOP participants are actively encouraged to connect with their outpatient therapist to treatment plan as they prepare for discharge, ensuring ongoing support as they navigate the complexities of returning to school, work, relationships, and personal interests. This approach fosters the application of coping skills to real-world challenges. Additionally, a personalized IOP treatment plan may include practical skill-building activities such as grocery shopping, meal planning, cooking, resume creation, job interviewing, and other critical life skills to ensure a smooth and empowered transition into lasting recovery.  

Specialty Tracks and Program Highlights

Tracks Designed to Meet Comorbid Conditions

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), has proven highly effective in addressing many aspects of co-occurring disorders. To provide targeted care, we offer specialized "tracks" that integrate focused programming directly into the treatment schedule, ensuring a more comprehensive approach to each individual's unique needs. 

SUBSTANCE ABUSE/ CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS (COD)  

Our experienced team of therapists and medical professionals follows evidence-based practices to tailor the most effective approach—whether abstinence, harm reduction, or dialectical abstinence. We offer urine toxicology screens when needed and are equipped to manage detox within our facility. 

FAMILY PROGRAMMING 

Research supports that it is essential for support persons to be involved in the treatment process of their loved ones. We offer a weekly Carers group that is designed for anyone who is involved in caring for and supporting our adult patients. Carers often include parents, partners, siblings, friends, roommates, etc. The group provides psychoeducation on eating disorders, neurobiology, DBT skills, and general support techniques. Monthly, a dietitian provides a nutrition lesson. Carers will learn about meal plans, exercise/movement, and our research-driven food philosophy. 

OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD)

We offer exposure and response prevention (ERP), an evidence-based treatment for OCD and related conditions. The goal is to reduces symptom by helping individuals face their fears without engaging in compulsions. OCD treatment is tailored to provide targeted, effective treatment for lasting change. 

POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

We offer two evidence-based therapies: Prolonged Exposure (PE) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). These therapies are designed to help patients process and heal from trauma. Our staff is specially trained in both approaches, ensuring that each patient receives expert, compassionate care tailored to their needs.

SPORT AND EXERCISE TRACK

Our specialized clinicians and sports dietitians offer tailored programming for patients who are working on their relationship with training to safely reintroduce exercise as a positive in recovery. Our experts are deeply committed to helping patients redefine the role of exercise in their lives, fostering healthier, balanced relationships with movement. The program includes specialized groups that provide psychoeducation on dysfunctional exercise patterns, explore the underlying functions of exercise, and offer individualized experiential practice across a variety of movement types. 

RO-DBT TRACK

In addition to our core DBT programming, we offer Radically Open DBT (RO-DBT) to those who identify as being “overcontrolled” in their emotions. These skills can be helpful for individuals who find themselves being socially distant or reserved, have difficulty expressing their emotions, and tend to engage in rigid and rule-governed behaviors. RO-DBT helps people increase connectedness and emotional expression, as well as increasing flexibility in day-to-day lives. 

ARFID TRACK

We utilize a multidisciplinary team approach, centered in CBT-AR (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for ARFID) interventions. Treatment focuses on increasing food variety, reducing fear and avoidance, and improving nutritional intake through supported meals and snacks. ARFID care is enhanced with specialized groups such as biofeedback, process groups, and cognitive-behavioral interventions for co-occurring gastrointestinal symptoms. Together, these components help patients build skills, confidence, and flexibility around eating while addressing both psychological and physiological maintenance factors of ARFID.

OTHER SPECIALIZED GROUPS

We offer groups for other problems commonly found among people with eating disorders, such as:  

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (CBT-AR) 
• Diversity Group (process group for anyone with a diverse identity)  
• CBT for Insomnia  
• CBT groups specifically designed to address conditions such as Social Anxiety Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 
• Biofeedback (helpful for anxiety, and gastrointestinal discomfort)