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The inpatient treatment program opened in 1991. Our program was one of the first in the country to use a cognitive behavioral therapy approach where patients learn how their thinking affects their behaviors.

Treatment of anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders often begins on an inpatient unit. Some specific signs that a patient needs to start on an inpatient unit include:

• More than 20 pound weight loss or lost weight quickly
• Heart problems or other medical symptoms from bingeing or purging
  
• Not able to improve through outpatient therapy
  
• Struggling with other mental health problems, such as depression, that often occur with eating disorders, (obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, substance abuse and post-traumatic stress disorders)
  

Goals of inpatient hospitalization include:

• Diagnosis of the eating disorder and other mental health or medical problems
  
• Help the patient feel better physically
  
• Restore body weight to a normal range
  
• A return to normal eating in all situations
  
• Helping patients let go of their fear of fatness and their distorted body image
  
• Helping individuals understand their own negative thoughts and symptoms from their personal history
  
• Treatment of common mental health disorders that occur with eating disorders (depression, anxiety, substance abuse, obsessive-compulsive disorder, past abuse)
  
• Improve coping skills, handling stress, and taking care of their own needs
  
• Teaching about ways the family can improve their communication and help their patient.
  
• Helping patients deal with a society that is too focused on weight, size, and shape by
  
• Improving how they feel about themselves, sticking up for themselves, and using healthy eating and exercise habits
  

At first staff closely supervise patients while they get used to normal healthy eating. Gradually they gain more freedom and independence as they make good progress.

We have programs that can help patients who have both an eating disorder and problems with drugs or alcohol.

Adult Services

Child and Adolescent Services