Eating disorders can be complex and challenging mental illnesses to overcome. Treatment for eating disorders often requires a multidisciplinary approach, with a team of healthcare professionals working together to provide the best care possible. One important aspect of eating disorder treatment is determining the appropriate level of care based on an individual's unique needs. Here are the levels of care commonly used for eating disorder treatment.
Outpatient Treatment Outpatient treatment is the least intensive form of eating disorder treatment and typically involves weekly or bi-weekly therapy sessions with a mental health professional. Outpatient treatment may be appropriate for individuals who have mild to moderate eating disorders, are medically stable, and have good social support. There are numerous outpatient specialists around Denver.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) offer more structure and support than outpatient treatment and can be beneficial for individuals who require more intensive treatment but do not require 24-hour medical monitoring. IOP typically involves several hours of treatment per day, several days per week. The Eating Recovery Center (ERC), La Luna Center, and the Eating Recovery Center of Denver (EDCare) provide this level of care.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) are designed for individuals who require more intensive treatment than an IOP but do not require 24-hour/day medical monitoring. PHPs usually involve several hours of treatment per day, five to seven days per week. PHP is offered at ERC and EDCare in Denver.
Residential Treatment Residential treatment involves 24-hour/day medical monitoring and support in a specialized facility. Residential treatment is appropriate for individuals who require intensive treatment but do not require hospitalization. Residential treatment typically lasts for several weeks to several months. ERC has residential treatment in Denver.
Inpatient Hospitalization Inpatient hospitalization involves round-the-clock medical monitoring and support in a hospital setting. Inpatient hospitalization is appropriate for individuals who require intensive medical or psychiatric care due to severe eating disorder symptoms or complications. This level of care is provided by ERC.
Medical Hospitalization In more extreme cases with eating disorder treatment, a medical stabilization period may be necessary. This treatment will provide intensive medical support to allow stabilization. The ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders in Denver provides this level of care and will collaborate with ERC to facilitate a transition to Inpatient eating disorder treatment.
Determining the appropriate level of care for eating disorder treatment is an important part of the recovery process. Factors such as medical stability, severity of symptoms, and level of social support should be taken into consideration when determining the appropriate level of care. It is important to work with a healthcare professional who specializes in eating disorder treatment to develop an individualized treatment plan that meets individuals unique needs. With the right care and support, recovery from an eating disorder is possible.