Eating Disorders Treatment Centers in Longmont, CO

Photo of Our Addmissions Team - EDCare Denver, Treatment Center
EDCare Denver
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Longmont, CO 80501
With over 23 years of experience, EDCare has become one of the nation's foremost centers for the diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders. We understand how difficult and scary the journey to recovery can be and believe the more support an individual has, the better. EDCare is committed to empowering individuals, ages 13 and older, to let go of their eating disorder identity by teaching the necessary tools to make healthy, long-lasting changes. By matching the skills, passion, and excellence of our interdisciplinary team with the specific needs of each patient, we strive to create an environment where both patients and staff are able to celebrate successful eating disorder recovery.
With over 23 years of experience, EDCare has become one of the nation's foremost centers for the diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders. We understand how difficult and scary the journey to recovery can be and believe the more support an individual has, the better. EDCare is committed to empowering individuals, ages 13 and older, to let go of their eating disorder identity by teaching the necessary tools to make healthy, long-lasting changes. By matching the skills, passion, and excellence of our interdisciplinary team with the specific needs of each patient, we strive to create an environment where both patients and staff are able to celebrate successful eating disorder recovery.
(720) 575-2259 View (720) 575-2259
Photo of Elizabeth Olson - Collective for Psychological Wellness, PsyD, LCSW, CGP, Treatment Center
Collective for Psychological Wellness
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Longmont, CO 80501
The Collective for Psychological Wellness is a group practice that offers individual, group, couples, and family psychotherapy. We offer Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills training for our clients with a developmental focus. We offer an intensive team-based treatment program that includes mentoring and coaching for the purpose of integrating therapeutic goals into real life action, especially for our clients who struggle with failure to launch and significant affect regulatory issues. We collaborate with psychotherapists in the community to offer mentoring and academic coaching services for their clients as well. We offer treatment that creates constructive and meaningful changes. We work with clients of all ages who present with a wide range of therapeutic interests. Some of our clients present with more serious affect dysregulation difficulties, while some of our clients are interested in personal growth. We also provide training for psychotherapists in individual, group, and family therapy with an emphasis on modern psychoanalysis and dialectical behavior therapy skills training.
The Collective for Psychological Wellness is a group practice that offers individual, group, couples, and family psychotherapy. We offer Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills training for our clients with a developmental focus. We offer an intensive team-based treatment program that includes mentoring and coaching for the purpose of integrating therapeutic goals into real life action, especially for our clients who struggle with failure to launch and significant affect regulatory issues. We collaborate with psychotherapists in the community to offer mentoring and academic coaching services for their clients as well. We offer treatment that creates constructive and meaningful changes. We work with clients of all ages who present with a wide range of therapeutic interests. Some of our clients present with more serious affect dysregulation difficulties, while some of our clients are interested in personal growth. We also provide training for psychotherapists in individual, group, and family therapy with an emphasis on modern psychoanalysis and dialectical behavior therapy skills training.
(720) 809-8886 View (720) 809-8886
Photo of Intake Department - Centennial Peaks Hospital, Treatment Center
Centennial Peaks Hospital
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Longmont, CO 80501
Centennial Peaks Hospital is here for you or a loved one, if you are experiencing a mental health crisis or if you need a medical detox from drugs or alcohol. We are a 104-bed, Joint Commission-accredited behavioral health hospital serving adolescents and adults. We specialize in acute inpatient hospitalization, medical detoxification and intensive outpatient programs. We can help if you are thinking about suicide or if you are wanting to hurt yourself or someone else. Our expert team can help if someone is out of touch with reality or experiencing psychosis due to a mental health disorder like Bipolar or Schizophrenia. Our psychiatrists, registered nurses, and mental health professionals are available 24/7. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we encourage you to call us first instead of visiting an emergency room, we can get you help quickly and confidentially.
Centennial Peaks Hospital is here for you or a loved one, if you are experiencing a mental health crisis or if you need a medical detox from drugs or alcohol. We are a 104-bed, Joint Commission-accredited behavioral health hospital serving adolescents and adults. We specialize in acute inpatient hospitalization, medical detoxification and intensive outpatient programs. We can help if you are thinking about suicide or if you are wanting to hurt yourself or someone else. Our expert team can help if someone is out of touch with reality or experiencing psychosis due to a mental health disorder like Bipolar or Schizophrenia. Our psychiatrists, registered nurses, and mental health professionals are available 24/7. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we encourage you to call us first instead of visiting an emergency room, we can get you help quickly and confidentially.
(720) 410-6724 View (720) 410-6724
Photo of Joseph Yeretsian - OptiMindHealth, Treatment Center
OptiMindHealth
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Longmont, CO 80501
You are among the 1 in 5 Americans this year who are experiencing anxiety, depression, or other debilitating conditions that disrupt confidence, productivity, hopeful enthusiasm, and joy. Though it may be difficult to feel and see now, you have an inner strength and resilience that can help you get better. You just need some expert advice, strategies, and tools to help you along.
You are among the 1 in 5 Americans this year who are experiencing anxiety, depression, or other debilitating conditions that disrupt confidence, productivity, hopeful enthusiasm, and joy. Though it may be difficult to feel and see now, you have an inner strength and resilience that can help you get better. You just need some expert advice, strategies, and tools to help you along.
(877) 553-0119 View (877) 553-0119
Photo of Carina Kellenberger - Rocky Mountain Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, LCSW, MSW, AASW, Treatment Center
Rocky Mountain Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Longmont, CO 80504
Why Horses? Horses provide clients with a frequency and consistency of responses that are immediate and authentic. They offer honest feedback, which helps clients understand how they influence, create, and maintain relationships. Therapeutic work with horses allows for a safe and unique learning opportunity, where clients can explore their boundaries, personal awareness, safety, and relationship patterns.
Why Horses? Horses provide clients with a frequency and consistency of responses that are immediate and authentic. They offer honest feedback, which helps clients understand how they influence, create, and maintain relationships. Therapeutic work with horses allows for a safe and unique learning opportunity, where clients can explore their boundaries, personal awareness, safety, and relationship patterns.
(720) 753-4343 View (720) 753-4343

More Treatment Centers Nearby

Photo of Malia Sperry - La Luna Center, PsyD, Treatment Center
La Luna Center
Treatment Center, PsyD
Not Verified Not Verified
Boulder, CO 80301
At La Luna Center, we specialize in and truly understand eating disorders.
Struggling with disordered eating is painful, frustrating and exhausting. It is common to feel ashamed, alone and stuck. Friends and family may try to help, but they don't always know how to best support you. Let us be your guide to recovery. Insurance accepted!
At La Luna Center, we specialize in and truly understand eating disorders.
Struggling with disordered eating is painful, frustrating and exhausting. It is common to feel ashamed, alone and stuck. Friends and family may try to help, but they don't always know how to best support you. Let us be your guide to recovery. Insurance accepted!
(720) 606-6985 View (720) 606-6985
Photo of Alexa Hudmon - Denver Women's Recovery, Treatment Center
Denver Women's Recovery
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Boulder, CO 80301
Denver Women's Recovery (DWR) provides a quality, clinically savvy, trauma-integrated Intensive Outpatient Program. We provide comprehensive services to allow you to meet your treatment goals while also continuing to work, take care of children, and/or other responsibilities. Our goal is to assist you in discovering alternative solutions for coping with life (trauma, depression, anxiety, etc) rather than through the use of mind-altering substances.
Denver Women's Recovery (DWR) provides a quality, clinically savvy, trauma-integrated Intensive Outpatient Program. We provide comprehensive services to allow you to meet your treatment goals while also continuing to work, take care of children, and/or other responsibilities. Our goal is to assist you in discovering alternative solutions for coping with life (trauma, depression, anxiety, etc) rather than through the use of mind-altering substances.
(844) 432-0510 View (844) 432-0510
Photo of Our Intake Department - Wildflower Center for Emotional Health, Treatment Center
Wildflower Center for Emotional Health
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Boulder, CO 80301
Wildflower Center for Emotional Health is a group of caring mental health professionals skilled in the practice of individual, couples, family, and group psychotherapy. We believe in providing effective, attuned mental health services that enable individuals, families, and communities to flourish. We offer a wide array of therapeutic and learning experiences to help you accomplish your goals. In our culture of impossible expectations, we help you slow down and find your own way. We specialize in perinatal and reproductive health, trauma and PTSD, anxiety and depression, relationships, sex and intimacy concerns, and more. We are trauma-informed, committed to antiracism and social justice advocacy, sex-positive, kink and BDSM-friendly, and welcoming to all who identify under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella. We stand by you, acknowledging the broader social systems at play and advocating for a world where every individual’s worth and dignity is affirmed and celebrated.
Wildflower Center for Emotional Health is a group of caring mental health professionals skilled in the practice of individual, couples, family, and group psychotherapy. We believe in providing effective, attuned mental health services that enable individuals, families, and communities to flourish. We offer a wide array of therapeutic and learning experiences to help you accomplish your goals. In our culture of impossible expectations, we help you slow down and find your own way. We specialize in perinatal and reproductive health, trauma and PTSD, anxiety and depression, relationships, sex and intimacy concerns, and more. We are trauma-informed, committed to antiracism and social justice advocacy, sex-positive, kink and BDSM-friendly, and welcoming to all who identify under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella. We stand by you, acknowledging the broader social systems at play and advocating for a world where every individual’s worth and dignity is affirmed and celebrated.
(872) 250-4161 View (872) 250-4161
Photo of Melody Stone - Acera - Mental Health IOP Facility, Treatment Center
Acera - Mental Health IOP Facility
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Firestone, CO 80504
At Acera Health, we understand how difficult it can be to struggle with mental health issues. We offer a comprehensive approach to treatment that incorporates multiple evidence-based practices, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Our clients participate in individual/family therapy, psychiatry sessions, and daily therapy groups such as DBT Skills Training, Seeking Safety, Relapse Prevention, & Anger Management. We also offer family therapy via telehealth or in person. Our goal is to help our clients heal and recover so they can lead healthy and fulfilling lives. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care and we welcome you to contact us to learn more about our program.
At Acera Health, we understand how difficult it can be to struggle with mental health issues. We offer a comprehensive approach to treatment that incorporates multiple evidence-based practices, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Our clients participate in individual/family therapy, psychiatry sessions, and daily therapy groups such as DBT Skills Training, Seeking Safety, Relapse Prevention, & Anger Management. We also offer family therapy via telehealth or in person. Our goal is to help our clients heal and recover so they can lead healthy and fulfilling lives. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care and we welcome you to contact us to learn more about our program.
(714) 410-2707 View (714) 410-2707
Photo of Johnstown Heights Behavioral Health - Johnstown Heights Behavioral Health, Treatment Center
Johnstown Heights Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
Not Verified Not Verified
Berthoud, CO 80513
We have a vision of providing compassionate care to those struggling with mental health issues and substance use disorders. We know how difficult it can be for people to admit they are suffering and ask for help. We know how easy it is to get caught in cycles of anxiety, depression, and substance use, especially when past or present traumatic experiences are at play. And we know how daunting it can be to reach out to a healthcare facility to seek treatment.
We have a vision of providing compassionate care to those struggling with mental health issues and substance use disorders. We know how difficult it can be for people to admit they are suffering and ask for help. We know how easy it is to get caught in cycles of anxiety, depression, and substance use, especially when past or present traumatic experiences are at play. And we know how daunting it can be to reach out to a healthcare facility to seek treatment.
(970) 293-3985 View (970) 293-3985

Online Treatment Centers

Photo of Jeanne Christensen - Windhorse Community Services, MA, Treatment Center
Windhorse Community Services
Treatment Center, MA
Verified Verified
Boulder, CO 80304
WCS has worked with clients with a wide range of diagnoses and conditions, including schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, affective disorders, substance abuse, eating disorders, personality disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders autism, & life transitions.
At Windhorse Community Services we believe that significant recovery from mental health challenges can take place over time. We provide a complete range of services that are individually tailored to suit each person’s needs and resources. We bring our compassionate, whole-person perspective to all of our work. This approach also includes, whenever possible, the voice and needs of the client’s family. Recovery teams can be comprised of a a small number of clinicians as well as a more fully developed situation that can include a Team Supervisor, Psychotherapist, Team Leader, Assistant Team Leader, Basic Attenders, and Housemate.
WCS has worked with clients with a wide range of diagnoses and conditions, including schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, affective disorders, substance abuse, eating disorders, personality disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders autism, & life transitions.
At Windhorse Community Services we believe that significant recovery from mental health challenges can take place over time. We provide a complete range of services that are individually tailored to suit each person’s needs and resources. We bring our compassionate, whole-person perspective to all of our work. This approach also includes, whenever possible, the voice and needs of the client’s family. Recovery teams can be comprised of a a small number of clinicians as well as a more fully developed situation that can include a Team Supervisor, Psychotherapist, Team Leader, Assistant Team Leader, Basic Attenders, and Housemate.
(720) 704-1171 x125 View (720) 704-1171 x125
Photo of Eating Recovery Center Colorado - Eating Recovery Center Colorado, Treatment Center
Eating Recovery Center Colorado
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80218
Eating Recovery Center is the only national healthcare system dedicated to providing the best-in-class treatment for individuals and families struggling with serious eating disorders. Led by the world's leading experts in eating disorder treatment, Eating Recovery Center provides a full spectrum of eating disorder recovery services for patients at every stage of the illness through an unmatched network of 24 locations in seven states.
Eating Recovery Center is the only national healthcare system dedicated to providing the best-in-class treatment for individuals and families struggling with serious eating disorders. Led by the world's leading experts in eating disorder treatment, Eating Recovery Center provides a full spectrum of eating disorder recovery services for patients at every stage of the illness through an unmatched network of 24 locations in seven states.
(303) 825-8584 View (303) 825-8584
Photo of Admissions Department - EDCare Kansas City, Treatment Center
EDCare Kansas City
Treatment Center
Not Verified Not Verified
Denver, CO 80246
With over 23 years of experience, EDCare has become one of the nation's foremost centers for the diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders. We understand how difficult and scary the journey to recovery can be and believe the more support an individual has, the better. EDCare is committed to empowering individuals to let go of their eating disorder identity by teaching them the necessary tools to make healthy, long-lasting changes. By matching the skills, passion, and excellence of our interdisciplinary team with the specific needs of each patient, we strive to create an environment where both patients and staff are able to celebrate successful eating disorder recovery.
With over 23 years of experience, EDCare has become one of the nation's foremost centers for the diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders. We understand how difficult and scary the journey to recovery can be and believe the more support an individual has, the better. EDCare is committed to empowering individuals to let go of their eating disorder identity by teaching them the necessary tools to make healthy, long-lasting changes. By matching the skills, passion, and excellence of our interdisciplinary team with the specific needs of each patient, we strive to create an environment where both patients and staff are able to celebrate successful eating disorder recovery.
(866) 771-0861 View (866) 771-0861
Photo of Our Admissions Team - EDCare Omaha, Treatment Center
EDCare Omaha
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80246
With over 23 years of experience, EDCare has become one of the nation's foremost centers for the diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders. We understand how difficult and scary the journey to recovery can be and believe the more support an individual has, the better. EDCare is committed to empowering individuals to let go of their eating disorder identity by teaching the necessary tools to make healthy, long-lasting changes. By matching the skills, passion, and excellence of our interdisciplinary team with the specific needs of each patient, we strive to create an environment where both patients and staff are able to celebrate successful eating disorder recovery.
With over 23 years of experience, EDCare has become one of the nation's foremost centers for the diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders. We understand how difficult and scary the journey to recovery can be and believe the more support an individual has, the better. EDCare is committed to empowering individuals to let go of their eating disorder identity by teaching the necessary tools to make healthy, long-lasting changes. By matching the skills, passion, and excellence of our interdisciplinary team with the specific needs of each patient, we strive to create an environment where both patients and staff are able to celebrate successful eating disorder recovery.
(303) 771-0861 View (303) 771-0861
Photo of Our Admissions Team - Peak View Behavioral Health, Treatment Center
Peak View Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Colorado Springs, CO 80923
Peak View offers inpatient and outpatient mental health services for adolescents, adults, and seniors. Substance use and dual diagnosis programs are available for adults age 18+. Full wrap around care is offered including our therapeutic half day outpatient programs (commonly referred to as Intensive Outpatient Program- IOP) and therapeutic day program (Partial Hospitalization Program- PHP). Peak View offers no cost and confidential level of care assessments 24/7. Whether you are struggling with an acute crisis or want to learn more about what program may be best for you, we are available and ready to help. Peak View can help with a variety of mental health diagnosis including depression ,anxiety, psychosis, suicidality, borderline personality disorder, drug and alcohol addiction, grief, PTSD, and many others. Our programs utilize a Trauma Informed Care approach through client centered treatment and strength based skill building. Call today for more information.
Peak View offers inpatient and outpatient mental health services for adolescents, adults, and seniors. Substance use and dual diagnosis programs are available for adults age 18+. Full wrap around care is offered including our therapeutic half day outpatient programs (commonly referred to as Intensive Outpatient Program- IOP) and therapeutic day program (Partial Hospitalization Program- PHP). Peak View offers no cost and confidential level of care assessments 24/7. Whether you are struggling with an acute crisis or want to learn more about what program may be best for you, we are available and ready to help. Peak View can help with a variety of mental health diagnosis including depression ,anxiety, psychosis, suicidality, borderline personality disorder, drug and alcohol addiction, grief, PTSD, and many others. Our programs utilize a Trauma Informed Care approach through client centered treatment and strength based skill building. Call today for more information.
(719) 694-5128 View (719) 694-5128
Photo of Revive Health Recovery - Revive Health and Recovery, Treatment Center
Revive Health and Recovery
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80219
Revive Health and Recovery is an accredited intensive mental health, alcohol, and drug outpatient facility. We provide individual counseling and intensive outpatients programs for mental health and substance use. In our programs, we understand not all patients are going to learn using the same tools as the next person, so we provide customized treatment programs to ensure success post-recovery. We are located in the Denver Metro area to be a more centralized location for people to seek mental health or substance use treatment for. We provide virtual or in-person care as a way to help those even in the most remote areas of Colorado.
Revive Health and Recovery is an accredited intensive mental health, alcohol, and drug outpatient facility. We provide individual counseling and intensive outpatients programs for mental health and substance use. In our programs, we understand not all patients are going to learn using the same tools as the next person, so we provide customized treatment programs to ensure success post-recovery. We are located in the Denver Metro area to be a more centralized location for people to seek mental health or substance use treatment for. We provide virtual or in-person care as a way to help those even in the most remote areas of Colorado.
(720) 902-7395 View (720) 902-7395
Photo of Michelle Lefco Or Alyce Duckworth - Creekside Collaborative Therapy, Treatment Center
Creekside Collaborative Therapy
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Centennial, CO 80111
Creekside Collaborative Therapy, PLLC, is a network of clinicians in private practice who specialize in trauma and complex mental health issues. Our therapists and prescribers share a common vision of providing quality mental health services which are trauma-informed and based on interventions that have been proven to be effective. We are experienced clinicians with a variety of specialties. Because of this, we are able to find the right provider for each client based on his or her individual needs. Our clinicians have long standing connections to the community and we believe in the power of partnership and collaboration.
Creekside Collaborative Therapy, PLLC, is a network of clinicians in private practice who specialize in trauma and complex mental health issues. Our therapists and prescribers share a common vision of providing quality mental health services which are trauma-informed and based on interventions that have been proven to be effective. We are experienced clinicians with a variety of specialties. Because of this, we are able to find the right provider for each client based on his or her individual needs. Our clinicians have long standing connections to the community and we believe in the power of partnership and collaboration.
(303) 872-0997 View (303) 872-0997
Photo of Treatment Center - Boulder Integrated Health, MD, PMHNP, MA,  LPC, MSW, Treatment Center
Boulder Integrated Health
Treatment Center, MD, PMHNP, MA, LPC, MSW
Verified Verified
Boulder, CO 80304
Our mission is to help you lead a meaningful life by building a relationship with yourself through connection, community, and compassion. At an IOP (intensive outpatient) level we do this through psycho education, DBT, yoga, experiential therapy, wellness process groups, psychiatry, and life skills mentoring. At an OP (outpatient) level we do this through individual and family therapy, psychiatry, fellowship, life skills mentoring and provide opportunities to join group therapy if desired. Our evening IOP follows themes to help create structure, support, and consistency in order to support your path to wellness.
Our mission is to help you lead a meaningful life by building a relationship with yourself through connection, community, and compassion. At an IOP (intensive outpatient) level we do this through psycho education, DBT, yoga, experiential therapy, wellness process groups, psychiatry, and life skills mentoring. At an OP (outpatient) level we do this through individual and family therapy, psychiatry, fellowship, life skills mentoring and provide opportunities to join group therapy if desired. Our evening IOP follows themes to help create structure, support, and consistency in order to support your path to wellness.
(303) 529-9316 View (303) 529-9316
Photo of Denver Family Institute - Denver Family Institute, LPC, LMFT, LCSW, LSW, Treatment Center
Denver Family Institute
Treatment Center, LPC, LMFT, LCSW, LSW
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80237
We offer high quality, affordable sliding scale family and couples therapy services. We are a high quality, affordable, and inclusive counseling provider... our doors are open - we look forward to collaborating with you. Whether your goal is behavioral, emotional, spiritual, to find meaning, to heal a relationship, to find solutions, or to find resilience we are here to help our Denver community.
We offer high quality, affordable sliding scale family and couples therapy services. We are a high quality, affordable, and inclusive counseling provider... our doors are open - we look forward to collaborating with you. Whether your goal is behavioral, emotional, spiritual, to find meaning, to heal a relationship, to find solutions, or to find resilience we are here to help our Denver community.
(303) 816-8068 View (303) 816-8068
Photo of Misty Scherbondy - Zuma's Equine Assisted Learning, LCSW, Treatment Center
Zuma's Equine Assisted Learning
Treatment Center, LCSW
Verified Verified
Littleton, CO 80125
The vision behind Zuma's Equine Assisted Learning Center is to provide people from all backgrounds with unique, equine assisted learning coaching and therapy, using evidence and strengths based approaches. Our unique programs aim to promote the development of healthy relationships, personal empowerment, leadership and creative expression.
The vision behind Zuma's Equine Assisted Learning Center is to provide people from all backgrounds with unique, equine assisted learning coaching and therapy, using evidence and strengths based approaches. Our unique programs aim to promote the development of healthy relationships, personal empowerment, leadership and creative expression.
(720) 600-2487 View (720) 600-2487

See more therapy options for Longmont

Eating Disorders Treatment Centers

What happens in therapy for eating disorders?

In therapy for eating disorders, patients typically describe their eating and exercise behaviors, their patterns of eating in relation to stress, their beliefs about their body, the ways their eating behavior affects their relationships, and their desire (or lack of it) to change. Such information helps the therapist understand the origins of the disorder and the role it plays in the patient’s life, important for guiding treatment. Attitudes and feelings about food and eating, body weight, and physical appearance are common topics of discussion throughout treatment.

What therapy types help with eating disorders?

Once any acute medical or psychiatric emergency is resolved, psychoactive medication is often prescribed, requiring the supervision of a psychiatrist. In addition, patients receive some form of nutritional counseling along with one or more forms of psychotherapy. For adolescents, family-based treatment is empirically validated and considered the first line of treatment; parents and their children meet weekly with a clinician as the adults are coached on how to nourish and psychologically support the young patient. Adults typically receive some form of individual psychotherapy, intended to resolve the cognitive and behavioral disturbances that underlie the disorder and to relieve the mood disturbances that accompany it. In addition, patients may also be helped by group therapy.

What is the goal of therapy for eating disorders?

The most immediate goal of treatment for eating disorders is to save the life of people who are on a path of starving themselves to death or engaging in eating patterns that are doing irreparable physical harm to their body. Once the acute medical danger is past, therapy is required to understand the nature of the disordered eating and/or exercise patterns, establish healthy eating behavior, and to tackle the many erroneous beliefs and distorted self-perceptions that underlie eating disorders and continue to pose a threat to health and life. Therapy also addresses the impaired mood that not only accompanies eating disorders but intensifies the danger to health and life.

What are the limitations of therapy for eating disorders?

Therapy can be very helpful for eating disorders—but that can happen only after people recognize they have a condition that must be treated. Especially with anorexia, the distortions in self-image that accompany the disorder can keep people from acknowledging they have a problem. Individuals may in fact see their eating disorder as a badge of self-control. Those with binge-eating disorder may feel too ashamed to seek help. Therapy cannot help those who do not avail themselves of it.

How long does therapy last for eating disorders?

Because of their complexity, recovery from eating disorders is usually a long-term process—measured in months and years— often marked by setbacks and relapse. Some form of help, such as individual or group therapy, may be advisable for much of that time. It is a general rule of thumb that the longer the illness has endured and the dysregulated eating behavior has taken root, the longer treatment is likely to be needed.