Many people with eating disorders respond very well to outpatient therapy. There are several types of outpatient psychotherapies with demonstrated effectiveness in treating patients with eating disorders. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, family therapy, and behavioral therapy have all shown promising results in treating eating disorder sufferers. Also, regular consultations with a registered dietician can be an effective means of support and information for patients who are regaining weight or normalize their eating. Patients with eating disorders are subject to a variety of physical and medical concerns, thus adequate medical monitoring is essential to effective outpatient treatment.
Psychiatric medications have a demonstrated role in the treatment of patients with eating disorders.
Some clients may need more structure and contact than outpatient treatment can provide. These clients may benefit from the increased structure provided by a day-hospital treatment program. Day treatment programs provide structured eating situations and active treatment interventions while allowing the individual to live at home and in many continue to work or to attend school. Inpatient Care Inpatient treatment provides a structured environment in which the client has access to clinical support 24-hours a day. Many programs are affiliated with day and outpatient programs that allow clients to step up or down to the appropriate level of care depending on their clinical needs.