Eating Disorders Treatment Centers in Bloomfield, NJ
Counseling Care Center, LLC
Treatment Center, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Bloomfield, NJ 07003
Counseling Care Center "Inspiring Lives....Healing Hearts" Care, comfort,support,sensitivity, empathy, understanding, mutual trust, respect and positive life changes can be found at the Counseling Care Center . Our highly trained Licensed Professional Counselors are available days, evenings and weekends for your convenience. Sessions are also available in Spanish. We can help you help yourself so that you can develop greater self - esteem, discover greater inner strength and find solutions to your problems.
Counseling Care Center "Inspiring Lives....Healing Hearts" Care, comfort,support,sensitivity, empathy, understanding, mutual trust, respect and positive life changes can be found at the Counseling Care Center . Our highly trained Licensed Professional Counselors are available days, evenings and weekends for your convenience. Sessions are also available in Spanish. We can help you help yourself so that you can develop greater self - esteem, discover greater inner strength and find solutions to your problems.
Northwest Essex Community Healthcare Network
Treatment Center, LCSW, LSW, LPC, LAC, LCADC
Verified Verified
Bloomfield, NJ 07003
Northwest Essex Community Healthcare Network is designated as a CCBHC (Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic) in the State of New Jersey. As a CCBHC, Northwest Essex provides the community with an all-inclusive range of substance use and mental health disorder services, especially for people who have the most complex needs. We provide integrated behavioral, substance use, and physical health care; utilizing a client-centered approach. As an integrated care program, all consumers participate in a comprehensive initial assessment, or “intake”, consisting of evaluations from each of the following staff members: a licensed mental health clinician, a registered nurse, a psychiatrist or psychiatric APN, and a case manager.
Northwest Essex Community Healthcare Network is designated as a CCBHC (Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic) in the State of New Jersey. As a CCBHC, Northwest Essex provides the community with an all-inclusive range of substance use and mental health disorder services, especially for people who have the most complex needs. We provide integrated behavioral, substance use, and physical health care; utilizing a client-centered approach. As an integrated care program, all consumers participate in a comprehensive initial assessment, or “intake”, consisting of evaluations from each of the following staff members: a licensed mental health clinician, a registered nurse, a psychiatrist or psychiatric APN, and a case manager.
Positive Reset Mental Health Clinic
Treatment Center, MD, APN, PA, LCSW, LSW
Not Verified Not Verified
Bloomfield, NJ 07003
Positive Reset's mission is to provide the highest quality mental health care to the widest range of issues and ages. We will benefit the community by providing needed and timely access to services and treatments. We strive to utilize treatments with the best evidence of effectiveness. We will treat all clients with dignity and respect and hold their confidentiality to the highest of standards. Our therapists will be current and comprehensive with treatment, community awareness and clinical education. We will improve the quality of life for residents of the community by providing the highest quality of mental health assistance services. These services are available to persons who meet the admission criteria regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, nationality, religion or any other discriminatory criteria. A basic aspect of our mission involves the provision of these services within a cultural context that is sensitive to the community. Our mission within the community encompasses children, adolescents, adults and the elderly. We also serve as advocates for consumers in obtaining other services not provided by the agency.
Positive Reset's mission is to provide the highest quality mental health care to the widest range of issues and ages. We will benefit the community by providing needed and timely access to services and treatments. We strive to utilize treatments with the best evidence of effectiveness. We will treat all clients with dignity and respect and hold their confidentiality to the highest of standards. Our therapists will be current and comprehensive with treatment, community awareness and clinical education. We will improve the quality of life for residents of the community by providing the highest quality of mental health assistance services. These services are available to persons who meet the admission criteria regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, nationality, religion or any other discriminatory criteria. A basic aspect of our mission involves the provision of these services within a cultural context that is sensitive to the community. Our mission within the community encompasses children, adolescents, adults and the elderly. We also serve as advocates for consumers in obtaining other services not provided by the agency.
More Treatment Centers Nearby
Moriah Behavioral Health: Eating Disorder Division
Treatment Center, CPC, DBH
Not Verified Not Verified
Short Hills, NJ 07078
At Eden, we understand the complex challenges faced by adolescent girls struggling with eating disorders and we are here to help you find the strength that exists within to effect change in your life. Our goal is that you leave our program with the tools and ability to create a meaningful life of your own. We have created a safe and secure environment for you to heal in a residential setting. We are fully staffed; 24/7; for the support you will need on your journey. Each home has a small milieu that allows for a targeted approach based on your current needs. This means there will always be multiple staff members available to support your journey.
At Eden, we understand the complex challenges faced by adolescent girls struggling with eating disorders and we are here to help you find the strength that exists within to effect change in your life. Our goal is that you leave our program with the tools and ability to create a meaningful life of your own. We have created a safe and secure environment for you to heal in a residential setting. We are fully staffed; 24/7; for the support you will need on your journey. Each home has a small milieu that allows for a targeted approach based on your current needs. This means there will always be multiple staff members available to support your journey.
Eden Center For Eating Disorders
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Short Hills, NJ 07078
At Eden, we understand the complex challenges faced by women struggling with eating disorders and we are here to help you find the strength that exists within to effect change in your life. Our goal is that you leave our program with the tools and ability to create a meaningful life of your own. We have created a safe and secure environment for you to heal in a residential setting. We are fully staffed; 24/7; for the support you will need on your journey. Each home has a small milieu that allows for a targeted approach based on your current needs. This means there will always be multiple staff members available to support your journey.
At Eden, we understand the complex challenges faced by women struggling with eating disorders and we are here to help you find the strength that exists within to effect change in your life. Our goal is that you leave our program with the tools and ability to create a meaningful life of your own. We have created a safe and secure environment for you to heal in a residential setting. We are fully staffed; 24/7; for the support you will need on your journey. Each home has a small milieu that allows for a targeted approach based on your current needs. This means there will always be multiple staff members available to support your journey.
Center For Discovery
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Passaic, NJ 07055
Center For Discovery has been providing residential treatment for women and teens for over 20 years. At Center For Discovery, we provide residential treatment for women with eating disorders, teens with eating disorders, teens with mental health disorders, and teens with substance abuse issues. Each of our locations is dedicated solely to one of our specialized treatment programs. By keeping each location specialized to one of our treatment programs, we are able to provide the most effective and efficient treatment. All of our locations provide treatment for only a small number of residents at one time to maintain an intimate setting and a high staff to resident ratio. Treatment within a residential neighborhood allows our residents to feel more comfortable in a familiar surrounding and provides greater transferability and internalization of the treatment experience to life after treatment. We place a high priority on providing an environment where our clients feel like and are treated like people, never patients.
Center For Discovery has been providing residential treatment for women and teens for over 20 years. At Center For Discovery, we provide residential treatment for women with eating disorders, teens with eating disorders, teens with mental health disorders, and teens with substance abuse issues. Each of our locations is dedicated solely to one of our specialized treatment programs. By keeping each location specialized to one of our treatment programs, we are able to provide the most effective and efficient treatment. All of our locations provide treatment for only a small number of residents at one time to maintain an intimate setting and a high staff to resident ratio. Treatment within a residential neighborhood allows our residents to feel more comfortable in a familiar surrounding and provides greater transferability and internalization of the treatment experience to life after treatment. We place a high priority on providing an environment where our clients feel like and are treated like people, never patients.
Hillside Men’s Detox & Residential Treatment Ctr
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Elizabeth, NJ 07202
Health issues outside of an addiction, such as eating disorders, anxiety, grief, PTSD, and more, may complicate or even fuel an individual's drug addiction.
Located on a secluded, 16-acre campus overlooking the Pocono Mountains, Pyramid Healthcare's Hillside is northeastern Pennsylvania’s premier destination for holistic drug detox and inpatient rehabilitation.
Health issues outside of an addiction, such as eating disorders, anxiety, grief, PTSD, and more, may complicate or even fuel an individual's drug addiction.
Located on a secluded, 16-acre campus overlooking the Pocono Mountains, Pyramid Healthcare's Hillside is northeastern Pennsylvania’s premier destination for holistic drug detox and inpatient rehabilitation.
Center For Discovery
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Union, NJ 07083
At Center for Discovery, we have built a legacy that has helped thousands of patients in eating disorder recovery. Since 1997, our continuum of care takes treatment out of hospitals and into real-life settings. Our evidence-based and trauma-informed treatments give our patients the coping skills and encouragement they need to navigate real-life recovery. Our team gets to the heart of why patients have a disorder—this means asking questions and providing therapies that reveal the root causes, all in a space that is filled with compassion and security. From the moment our patients step through the doors, they’ll begin developing the tools needed for everyday life after treatment.
At Center for Discovery, we have built a legacy that has helped thousands of patients in eating disorder recovery. Since 1997, our continuum of care takes treatment out of hospitals and into real-life settings. Our evidence-based and trauma-informed treatments give our patients the coping skills and encouragement they need to navigate real-life recovery. Our team gets to the heart of why patients have a disorder—this means asking questions and providing therapies that reveal the root causes, all in a space that is filled with compassion and security. From the moment our patients step through the doors, they’ll begin developing the tools needed for everyday life after treatment.
Discovery Psychotherapy Center, LLC
Treatment Center, PhD
Verified Verified
East Hanover, NJ 07936
At Discovery Psychotherapy Center, our mission is to create a warm and welcoming environment where you will feel comfortable sharing your personal struggles and triumphs with us. Through the supportive and collaborative process of psychotherapy, we seek to help you increase your awareness of yourself, your motivations and your actions. As you become more aware of yourself, your perceptions, and your usual ways of relating to others, you increase your ability to break out of old patterns that may not be working anymore. Sometimes the journey of psychotherapy involves finding relief from troubling symptoms, while at other times it consists of making room for increased effectiveness, freedom and joy. This personal change process happens through guided discovery.
At Discovery Psychotherapy Center, our mission is to create a warm and welcoming environment where you will feel comfortable sharing your personal struggles and triumphs with us. Through the supportive and collaborative process of psychotherapy, we seek to help you increase your awareness of yourself, your motivations and your actions. As you become more aware of yourself, your perceptions, and your usual ways of relating to others, you increase your ability to break out of old patterns that may not be working anymore. Sometimes the journey of psychotherapy involves finding relief from troubling symptoms, while at other times it consists of making room for increased effectiveness, freedom and joy. This personal change process happens through guided discovery.
Transcend Recovery Community NYC
Treatment Center
Not Verified Not Verified
Short Hills, NJ 07078
Transcend Recovery Community has been helping clients build new lives since opening our first sober living home in Los Angeles in 2008. In addition to our men's sober living home in New York, we are now proud to offer a network of 6 sober living homes throughout the Los Angeles area, and men's and women's home in Houston, Texas. Built on a foundation of love, support, and acceptance, we are a sober living community intent to help others help themselves. Our Manhattan brownstone sober living home for men allows individuals to work towards their best life in a city of opportunity. Our impressive, multiple story brownstone, is only a few short blocks from Central Park and Riverside Park. Situated within a renowned cultural hub of New York, clients have easy access to numerous museums, restaurants, art galleries, and sports and music venues. At Transcend you are not alone. Begin your path to fulfillment and self-discovery in a community of brotherhood and camaraderie. Give one of our intake specialists a call to learn more about becoming a part of our recovery community.
Transcend Recovery Community has been helping clients build new lives since opening our first sober living home in Los Angeles in 2008. In addition to our men's sober living home in New York, we are now proud to offer a network of 6 sober living homes throughout the Los Angeles area, and men's and women's home in Houston, Texas. Built on a foundation of love, support, and acceptance, we are a sober living community intent to help others help themselves. Our Manhattan brownstone sober living home for men allows individuals to work towards their best life in a city of opportunity. Our impressive, multiple story brownstone, is only a few short blocks from Central Park and Riverside Park. Situated within a renowned cultural hub of New York, clients have easy access to numerous museums, restaurants, art galleries, and sports and music venues. At Transcend you are not alone. Begin your path to fulfillment and self-discovery in a community of brotherhood and camaraderie. Give one of our intake specialists a call to learn more about becoming a part of our recovery community.
Harmony Healing Center
Treatment Center, MD
Verified Verified
Bogota, NJ 07603
Conveniently located in Cherry Hill, NJ, Harmony Healing Center provides unsurpassed personalized, compassionate, and effective mental health and substance use disorder treatment. Because everyone's journey to healing and recovery is different, we custom-tailor treatment plans to follow your path and meet your specific needs. Our beautiful, newly updated facility offers Partial Care, Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), co-occurring disorder treatment, and more. Whether you're battling a substance use disorder, suffering from depression, or struggling with another behavioral health concern, our flexible programs are designed to accommodate your lifestyle and promote life-changing hope, healing, and recovery. Our dedicated staff of professionals is here to support you - every step of the way.
Conveniently located in Cherry Hill, NJ, Harmony Healing Center provides unsurpassed personalized, compassionate, and effective mental health and substance use disorder treatment. Because everyone's journey to healing and recovery is different, we custom-tailor treatment plans to follow your path and meet your specific needs. Our beautiful, newly updated facility offers Partial Care, Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), co-occurring disorder treatment, and more. Whether you're battling a substance use disorder, suffering from depression, or struggling with another behavioral health concern, our flexible programs are designed to accommodate your lifestyle and promote life-changing hope, healing, and recovery. Our dedicated staff of professionals is here to support you - every step of the way.
Guardian IOP | New Brunswick Addiction Treatment
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Hoboken, NJ 07030
Guardian Intensive Outpatient Program offers a truly unique experience by combining the latest advances in evidence based clinical and medical care with 12-step and holistic approaches. Our program continues to evolve to offer our clients the best tools for long-term recovery. With Guardian Intensive Outpatient Program we provide innovative treatment options for clients who do not require residential care and for those in need of continuing care following completion of inpatient treatment. The families & loved ones of our clients are able to be fully involved in the entirety of the recovery process if they choose. We accept most private insurance plans, which could mean little to no out-of-pocket expenses. Call to speak with our Treatment Advisors and begin healing today.
Guardian Intensive Outpatient Program offers a truly unique experience by combining the latest advances in evidence based clinical and medical care with 12-step and holistic approaches. Our program continues to evolve to offer our clients the best tools for long-term recovery. With Guardian Intensive Outpatient Program we provide innovative treatment options for clients who do not require residential care and for those in need of continuing care following completion of inpatient treatment. The families & loved ones of our clients are able to be fully involved in the entirety of the recovery process if they choose. We accept most private insurance plans, which could mean little to no out-of-pocket expenses. Call to speak with our Treatment Advisors and begin healing today.
North Jersey Consultation Center (NJCC)
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Livingston, NJ 07039
The NJCC is an affordable treatment service providing care for the community. We serve children, adolescents, adults, seniors, families, couples and groups at fees that are based entirely on the client's personal circumstances. Our philosophy is that finances should not interfere with getting excellent mental heath treatment. We are generally able to see the client within one week of the initial call to the Center.
The NJCC is an affordable treatment service providing care for the community. We serve children, adolescents, adults, seniors, families, couples and groups at fees that are based entirely on the client's personal circumstances. Our philosophy is that finances should not interfere with getting excellent mental heath treatment. We are generally able to see the client within one week of the initial call to the Center.
Acera Health - Residential Mental Health Facility
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Short Hills, NJ 07078
At Acera Health, we believe that everyone has the potential to create a life that they love. However, sometimes life can get in the way, and it can be challenging to know where to turn. That's where we come in. We offer a range of services to help restore your mind and transform your life. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or addiction, we'll be there to support you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you create lasting change in your life. We know that change can be difficult, but we also know that it's possible. With our help, you can create the life you've always wanted. Acera Health is here to help you on your journey to a better life. Contact us today to get started!
At Acera Health, we believe that everyone has the potential to create a life that they love. However, sometimes life can get in the way, and it can be challenging to know where to turn. That's where we come in. We offer a range of services to help restore your mind and transform your life. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or addiction, we'll be there to support you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you create lasting change in your life. We know that change can be difficult, but we also know that it's possible. With our help, you can create the life you've always wanted. Acera Health is here to help you on your journey to a better life. Contact us today to get started!
It Takes A Family
Treatment Center, PhD, PsyD, MDAPN, LCSW, LPC
Not Verified Not Verified
East Orange, NJ 07018
It Takes a Family(ITAF) is an innovative community based organization with locations in Cinnaminson, Bridgeton, East Orange and Galloway New Jersey. ITAF offers In home as well as outpatient behavioral health services to ensure that clients, families, children and communities have access to quality mental health and behavioral services. Our approach is holistic in nature, viewing our clients not from their perspective challenges, but in association with broader issues in relation to their lives. Our Doctors and Clinicians have years of experience in their various areas of expertise. We are unique in that we are able to provide all mental health and behavioral needs ranging from behavioral intervention to medication management. Our staff includes Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Licensed Therapist, Masters Level Clinicians, Advanced Practice Nurses as well as Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselors. Our intent is to provide the best mental health interventions by having experts in all areas of mental health contributing to your care and overall well being.
It Takes a Family(ITAF) is an innovative community based organization with locations in Cinnaminson, Bridgeton, East Orange and Galloway New Jersey. ITAF offers In home as well as outpatient behavioral health services to ensure that clients, families, children and communities have access to quality mental health and behavioral services. Our approach is holistic in nature, viewing our clients not from their perspective challenges, but in association with broader issues in relation to their lives. Our Doctors and Clinicians have years of experience in their various areas of expertise. We are unique in that we are able to provide all mental health and behavioral needs ranging from behavioral intervention to medication management. Our staff includes Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Licensed Therapist, Masters Level Clinicians, Advanced Practice Nurses as well as Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselors. Our intent is to provide the best mental health interventions by having experts in all areas of mental health contributing to your care and overall well being.
Guardian IOP | Hoboken Addiction Treatment
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Hoboken, NJ 07030
Guardian Intensive Outpatient Program offers a truly unique experience by combining the latest advances in evidence based clinical and medical care with 12-step and holistic approaches. Our program continues to evolve to offer our clients the best tools for long-term recovery.
Guardian Intensive Outpatient Program offers a truly unique experience by combining the latest advances in evidence based clinical and medical care with 12-step and holistic approaches. Our program continues to evolve to offer our clients the best tools for long-term recovery.
North Jersey Recovery Center
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Hackensack, NJ 07601
The staff here at North Jersey Recovery Center understands that addiction is a disease which manifests in mental, physical, and spiritual anguish. Regardless of the places that addiction has taken you, our addiction specialists can help you heal. Our specialized North Jersey addiction treatment programs set an industry-standard using innovative drug and alcohol programming. Our vision is to provide each and every client with the tools needed for a lifetime of lasting, meaningful sobriety.
The staff here at North Jersey Recovery Center understands that addiction is a disease which manifests in mental, physical, and spiritual anguish. Regardless of the places that addiction has taken you, our addiction specialists can help you heal. Our specialized North Jersey addiction treatment programs set an industry-standard using innovative drug and alcohol programming. Our vision is to provide each and every client with the tools needed for a lifetime of lasting, meaningful sobriety.
Serenity Springs Recovery Center
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Jersey City, NJ 07399
Serenity Springs Recovery Center (Since 2012) is regarded as Florida's best drug & alcohol treatment center for men. Historically, high success rates within the substance abuse industry depend on three important modalities: 1. GENDER SPECIFIC: The opposite sex can be a distraction and tends to inhibit vulnerability in the male population. In a gender-specific setting men are more inclined to shed their armor and get open and honest. 2. DURATION OF STAY: Length of stay is based on an individual's history, presenting problems, and progress in treatment. We don't keep a client a day too long or discharge a day too early. With our continuing care program, clients may remain engaged with our team indefinitely. CENSUS SIZE: Our small, intimate, 20-bed facility creates a sense of community. This allows us to ensure deep, clinical work, as well as true, individualized care. At Serenity Springs you will NEVER get "lost in the shuffle." We are a family, not a corporation. We value ethics in treatment, truth in sobriety, and genuine passion for recovery.
Serenity Springs Recovery Center (Since 2012) is regarded as Florida's best drug & alcohol treatment center for men. Historically, high success rates within the substance abuse industry depend on three important modalities: 1. GENDER SPECIFIC: The opposite sex can be a distraction and tends to inhibit vulnerability in the male population. In a gender-specific setting men are more inclined to shed their armor and get open and honest. 2. DURATION OF STAY: Length of stay is based on an individual's history, presenting problems, and progress in treatment. We don't keep a client a day too long or discharge a day too early. With our continuing care program, clients may remain engaged with our team indefinitely. CENSUS SIZE: Our small, intimate, 20-bed facility creates a sense of community. This allows us to ensure deep, clinical work, as well as true, individualized care. At Serenity Springs you will NEVER get "lost in the shuffle." We are a family, not a corporation. We value ethics in treatment, truth in sobriety, and genuine passion for recovery.
The Counseling Center at Fair Lawn
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
The Counseling Center is an outpatient treatment center offering both an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and an Outpatient Program to help people recover from substance abuse and cope with mental illness. Programs at The Counseling Center provide evidence-based methods that combine substance abuse treatment with principles of the 12-steps. Treatment is individualized and designed to teach the necessary skills to live a clean, sober and productive life.
The Counseling Center is an outpatient treatment center offering both an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and an Outpatient Program to help people recover from substance abuse and cope with mental illness. Programs at The Counseling Center provide evidence-based methods that combine substance abuse treatment with principles of the 12-steps. Treatment is individualized and designed to teach the necessary skills to live a clean, sober and productive life.
Positive Reset Freehold
Treatment Center, MD, APN, LCSW, LSW
Verified Verified
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
Are you ready to break free from the chains of mental health challenges and embark on a journey of healing and personal growth? Look no further than Positive Reset Mental Clinic Freehold. We are your trusted partner in mental health, offering a wide range of exceptional psychiatric and psychotherapy services designed to empower you to reclaim your life and thrive. At Positive Reset, we understand that mental health is just as important as physical health. That's why our team of dedicated licensed professionals is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that is tailored to your unique needs. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or any other mental health issue, we have the expertise to guide you towards lasting positive change.
Are you ready to break free from the chains of mental health challenges and embark on a journey of healing and personal growth? Look no further than Positive Reset Mental Clinic Freehold. We are your trusted partner in mental health, offering a wide range of exceptional psychiatric and psychotherapy services designed to empower you to reclaim your life and thrive. At Positive Reset, we understand that mental health is just as important as physical health. That's why our team of dedicated licensed professionals is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that is tailored to your unique needs. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or any other mental health issue, we have the expertise to guide you towards lasting positive change.
See more therapy options for Bloomfield
Nearby Eating Disorders Treatment Centers Searches for Bloomfield
- Hackensack
- Holmdel
- Mahwah
- Marlboro
- Morristown
- New Brunswick
- Newark
- Old Bridge
- Paramus
- Red Bank
- Short Hills
- Somerset
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.