What are the levels of care in eating disorder treatment?
When thinking about the different levels of care, it can be helpful to visualize a ladder: in order to move down safely, one step must be taken. Not everyone will need to start with the highest level of care, but moving down one step at a time is crucial. By being placed in the appropriate level of care, both immediate medical needs and long-term therapeutic goals can be met.
Inpatient: This level is for those who are medically unstable and require medical interventions. The stay length is typically 1-3 weeks and include medical, dietician, and psychiatric support. At this level, family and group therapy is an important component of treatment for building skills and support.
Residential: This level is for those who are actively engaging in eating disorder behaviors (purging, restrictive eating, excessive exercise) and require medical monitoring but are stable. The stay length is typically 4-6 weeks, family and group therapy continue to be important, as well as working with a dietician. This may be in a hospital or specifically in an eating disorder facility.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): This level is for those who still may be experiencing in eating disorder symptoms. This level is typically 30 days long and consists of treatment lasting 6-10 hours a day, 5-7 days per week. Treatment days include individual, group, and family sessions, and typically includes therapeutic meals and snacks.
Intensive Out Patient (IOP): The focus at this level is relapse prevention and building skills for long-term recovery. This level is typically 6-12 weeks and consists of treatment lasting at least 3 hours a day, 3 days per week.
Outpatient: At this level, there is no set length of treatment, but individual sessions are typically once a week as well as continuing to work with a dietician. Support group or group therapy at this level can be vital for continued support.
If you’re wondering which level is appropriate for you, reach out to schedule an assessment where we will discuss the frequency, duration, and severity of symptoms to determine which level is needed. I know that reading about the time commitment at each level can be overwhelming and there isn’t often a “convenient” time to start, but early invention is key. Remember, don’t worry about the time it takes to do something, the time will pass anyway.
