Evaluation and Testing - The evaluation begins with a comprehensive nutritional assessment which includes metabolic testing, body composition analysis as well as a clinical interview. Once the appropriate level of care is determined, an individualized treatment plan is developed in which recommendations are discussed with patients and when appropriate, family members. Individuals in IOP must have an outpatient team during their course of treatment. If this is not in place upon admission, referrals for an outpatient team will be provided. Upon evaluation, insurance benefits will be reviewed.

Metabolic Profile Test - Individuals suffering from eating disorders often are not able to see or believe that they are harming their body. Metabolic Testing (measuring resting energy expenditure and how the body adapts to being underfed) provides valuable information to assess the nutritional status of an individual. Individuals can be normal or above normal body weight and still be doing damage to the body. The metabolic testing shows bodies that are at high risk for short term and long term medical problems and also helps identify individuals whose bodies are fairly resilient. The test is a non-invasive breathing test.

Body Composition Analysis Test - Neither body weight nor BMI is a true measure of ideal body weight or how malnourished an individual may be. If an individual has a larger lean mass, then the ideal body weight should be more. The body composition analysis is done by electrical impedance. The test is done during the initial appointment and then with follow-up appointments. In addition to body composition, the test also assesses cell integrity, hydration status, and changes in fat free mass. Body composition analysis is also very helpful in showing how the body changes during the recovery process. Changes in body composition help to guide the nutritionist in making meal plan changes.

Group Psychotherapy - This group is an integral part of the treatment program. This weekly session provides an opportunity to develop interpersonal and coping skills, as underlying issues contributing to the eating disorder are explored.

Education Group - These sessions cover a wide range of topics pertinent to eating disorders and recovery. Topics include body image, stress management, self esteem, relapse prevention, and others.

Art Therapy - This group provides an opportunity to identify, express and transform underlying emotions which may be difficult to communicate verbally.

Yoga - This activity is scheduled weekly to increase clients’ ability to relax and reduce stress during their treatment experience.

Supervised Dinner - Clients are asked to bring their dinner and to eat as a group at a scheduled time period under the supervision of assigned staff. Clients are expected to follow their meal plan as recommended by the outpatient nutritionist, who will monitor compliance.

Wrap-Up Group - This session directly follows dinner. Clients are asked to review the evening session, set goals for the following day, and identify a self affirmation.