New York Eating Disorder Treatment Centers

Eating disorders like bulimia nervosa (BN), anorexia nervosa (AN), and binge eating disorder (BED) are dangerous conditions that impact someone’s mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

If you or a loved one are struggling with an eating disorder, it’s important to seek out help. And if you live in New York, you have several options

Types of Eating Disorder Treatment in New York

All eating disorders are serious mental health disorders that should be treated appropriately. But these conditions present differently in everyone and at various levels of severity. So several levels of care have been developed to help cater to people at all points along this spectrum and at all points along their recovery journey.

Virtual Programs

Virtual care is an increasingly popular option for those struggling with eating disorders and many other types of mental health conditions.

This level of care can greatly extend access to care, particularly to those who live far from in-person treatment, those who have challenges around mobility or transportation, or people with complicated schedules or social obligations. It’s also a great option for those who simply prefer the convenience of receiving eating disorder treatment from home—or wherever they can get an internet signal.

While virtual care for eating disorders is relatively new, this type of care has already been found to be just as effective as outpatient eating disorder treatment in many cases.²

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment programs for eating disorders are the most intensive level of care. These programs involve patients living full-time at a facility in order to receive 24-hour medical care and monitoring.

Inpatient hospitalization is the most intensive form of care, generally reserved for patients who are experiencing a physical or mental health crisis or are otherwise considered medically unstable.¹ During this phase of treatment, focus is placed on short-term goals, such as alleviating any immediate threats to someone’s life. Likewise, stays at this level of care are often short.

Patients who are considered medically stable but still in need of full-time care can participate in residential treatment programs. These facilities are geared toward long-term treatment, including many of the mental health aspects that go into treating eating disorders, so stays are usually longer, with most patients staying a minimum of 30 days.¹ During this time, a patient may undergo various types of treatment, including individual and group therapy sessions, meal support and monitoring, regular medical evaluations, and nutritional counseling.

Partial Hospitalization Programs

Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) are also intensive forms of treatment, though patients are able to live and sleep at home and commute to treatment, which is why PHPs are sometimes called “day programs.”

The format has advantages, especially for patients who may have financial or familial obligations that make it difficult to stay somewhere full-time for an extended period. But day programs are still intensive, lasting as long as 10 hours a day, up to 5 days per week or more.¹

While participating in this level of care, patients undergo many of the same treatments offered at a residential treatment center. However, PHP schedules are generally adjusted as a patient progresses along their recovery journey.

Outpatient Programs

Outpatient eating disorder treatment is the least intensive form of care, so it’s important that patients attending these programs have a good amount of control over their disordered eating behaviors. Generally, outpatient programs involve regular visits with a therapist or psychiatrist and regular check-ins with primary care physicians, especially if medication is part of someone’s eating disorder treatment plan.

Those who still want or need additional support can also try an intensive outpatient program (IOP). This type of treatment involves several treatment sessions per week, which last several hours at a time. Many people at this point in the recovery process also start incorporating other types of help, such as family therapy or support groups, into their treatment regimen.

Additional Eating Disorder Resources in New York State

The New York Office of Mental Health (OMH) offers access to many more resources on eating disorder treatment, including links to studies, information, and places to reach out for help.

There are also a multitude of support groups available in New York. These programs give people who struggle with eating disorders an opportunity to meet others going through similar experiences and build a sense of community and support while practicing new coping strategies in a safe space.

Support groups are generally very locally run, so searching for the closest support group to you may be a good way to find the best available option.

What to Look for in a Bulimia Treatment Center/Program in New York

To find the best eating disorder treatment program in New York for you or your loved one, make sure to keep certain considerations in mind.

Insurance and Cost

The cost of eating disorder treatment is often the most pressing priority for people searching for care. This can be an especially important consideration if you’ll need help from your insurance company to cover costs.

Many eating disorder treatment programs accept insurance, but the type of insurance they’ll take, what that insurance will cover, and how long coverage lasts all depends on the details of the program and your plan. If you’re looking for a treatment center, start by contacting your insurance company to ask about programs or doctors they may work with. Don’t forget to ask how long coverage can be applied.

If you’re not insured or have already found a program you want to work with, it may also be possible to receive additional financial help from the program. Many eating disorder treatment clinics have employees dedicated to financial concerns, and they can help you understand your best options, whether or not you’re insured.

Accreditation

Accreditation is an important way to tell a legitimate eating disorder treatment program from one that’s just looking to make money or reach the most patients possible.

The Joint Commission (JCAHO) is a good name to look out for. This leading healthcare group is composed of professionals who determine when a program meets or exceeds industry standards.

Additional Questions

Determining the best eating disorder treatment center in New York for you or your loved one can be an overwhelming process. If you’re still struggling, you can ask yourself—or your would-be provider—these questions to help you determine your own priorities and expectations around treatment:³

• How long have you been treating eating disorders?
• Do you treat co-occurring conditions?
• What are the measurable criteria you use to determine progress toward recovery?
• Will you work with my school or workplace?
• What is your fee structure like?
• What is security on the grounds like?
• Does your program allow for your family to participate in the recovery process? If so, how?

Finding Help for an Eating Disorder in New York

If you or a loved one are struggling with an eating disorder, it’s important to seek out help.

You can start by speaking to your therapist, primary care physician, or another trusted medical professional. These experts are generally well-versed in eating disorders and may be able to help you secure an official diagnosis—often the first step in gaining entry to a treatment program—or otherwise help you determine your next best steps.

If you’re uncomfortable with or not ready to speak to someone in person about these concerns, you can also utilize a number of eating disorder hotlines. These services can offer additional information and resources and are generally free and run anonymously, to encourage callers to ask difficult questions.

Regardless of where you start looking for help, the most important step is starting. It’s often the first step on the road to a healthier and happier future.