Arizona Bulimia Treatment Centers

If you or a loved one are struggling with an eating disorder, it’s important to seek help. Treatment is available for these conditions, and there are a number of treatment options for Arizona residents seeking eating disorder recovery.

Still, there are a number of ideas to keep in mind when searching for the best eating disorder treatment center for you.

Virtual Treatment Options

Virtual treatment options are relatively new, but in an increasingly digital world, they’re becoming more common.

These mental health services allow patients to access their treatment team online, using a website or app, or over the phone via text or chatting. This can be particularly helpful for those who aren’t close to in-person treatment options, those who face challenges around mobility or transportation, or those with schedules that are difficult to manage.

And while virtual therapy is new, some studies have shown it can be just as effective as in-person treatment in some cases. [2]

Still, it’s important to remember that this kind of therapy is not always ideal. Those with more severe eating disorder thoughts, symptoms, or behaviors may benefit more from in-person monitoring and care.

Types of Eating Disorder Treatment in Arizona

Common eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa (AN), binge eating disorder (BED), and bulimia nervosa (BN) occur on a spectrum. These conditions, and their associated behaviors, can range anywhere from mild to severe.

To help best address the needs of an individual struggling with one of these illnesses, it’s important to determine the level of care they may require when considering specific treatment options.

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient and residential treatment are generally reserved for the most severe eating disorder cases.

During inpatient care, which is sometimes referred to as hospitalization, patients are monitored by medical staff 24/7 and may be fed intravenously or through other methods.

These stays are generally only called for when someone is experiencing a medical crisis, with the overall goal being medical stabilization. Once that is achieved, patients are generally moved into residential treatment facilities.

In Arizona, someone may be placed in an inpatient facility if they or a loved one call 9-1-1 or are otherwise deemed in crisis.

Residential Treatment

Aside from an inpatient situation, residential treatment is the most intensive form of eating disorder care. It involves living full-time at a facility where there will be 24/7 access to care and medical staff.

These environments can be helpful for focusing on recovery without being distracted by the challenges of everyday life. Schedules are often highly regimented and may include everything from individual and group therapy sessions to meal support, medical monitoring, and other treatment services.

Residential treatment can last anywhere from several weeks to several months, depending on an individual case, and is typically considered the best option for those whose eating disorder behaviors are generally beyond their control.

Partial Hospitalization Programs

Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) represent the middle ground of eating disorder treatment.

When following these programs, patients continue to attend intensive therapy and other services during the day while returning home at night. It’s an ideal option for those who may be ready to start practicing their new skills and coping mechanisms outside of a facility setting but who still need regular support. [1]

PHPs can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months and generally take place anywhere from 4-6 days per week, for up to 8 hours per day. Programs include everything from ongoing individual and group therapy sessions, nutrition education, medical monitoring, and meal support.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment is generally the first, or last, step someone takes on their road to eating disorder recovery.

These treatments are the least intensive, generally comprising regular appointments with a therapist, psychologist, nutritionist, or another member of someone’s treatment team.

Within this level of care, there are also degrees of intensity.

Intensive outpatient programs often constitute more frequent or longer therapy sessions, or a combination of treatments, such as therapy and medication. Regular outpatient care may represent just one therapy session per week.

This level of care is considered best for those whose disordered thoughts and behaviors are mostly manageable and under their control but who may still benefit from occasional support and help.

Additional Eating Disorder Resources in Arizona

Eating disorder treatment can come in all types of forms. If you or your loved one need additional resources or information, you may want to check out:

• The University of Arizona. The educational institute has a Campus Eating Disorder Awareness and Recovery Group (CEDAR), which offers further access to support and information.
• Eating Disorders Anonymous. These peer-led groups, which are available throughout Arizona, are forums for people to share their experiences, learn from others, or simply be in the presence of those who understand what they’re going through.

It’s possible other programs exist throughout Arizona to help residents dealing with eating disorders. You may want to do an online search, call an eating disorder hotline, or ask a trusted medical professional for more information.

What to Look For in Arizona Treatment Centers

Unfortunately, not all eating disorder treatment centers are created equal.

If you or a loved one needs this kind of care, it’s important to keep a number of factors in mind when looking for the best possible option for you.

Licensing and Accreditation

While there are a number of state and national laws requiring treatment centers of all sorts to meet certain standards, ensuring a program is licensed and accredited is a fast and easy way to get an idea of its quality. [3]

If a program is licensed, that means it complies with the state’s regulations. Accreditation means it has met certain industry standards set by regulating organizations. The Joint Commission and CARF International are two organizations that can be trusted to accredit high-quality eating disorder centers.

Treatment Methods

While there is a core group of treatments generally thought to help with eating disorders, the methods employed by each center will vary, along with their treatment philosophies.

The type of care someone receives in Arizona is perhaps the biggest aspect of their recovery journey. It’s important to research not just the types of care used at a center but their overall philosophy on how that care should be administered and how people with eating disorders should progress through treatment.

Cost and Insurance

Eating disorder treatment in Arizona tends to be lengthy, and programs can be very expensive.

As such, paying for care out-of-pocket is out of reach for most people. Instead, many people rely on the help of insurance to cover the cost of treatment.

If you’re researching eating disorder care centers, it’s imperative to make sure the program accepts your insurance before enrolling. Failing to do so could lead to huge medical bills or outsized confusion and frustration.

You can contact your insurance company for a better idea of the types of treatment they cover. Or if you find a program you like first, you can call and ask them about insurance options.

Quality of Environment

It can be hard to judge the quality of an Arizona treatment center environment without enrolling in the program. But there are some tips for recognizing a center that may be more worthwhile, including:

• Offering programs that are tailored to your needs, whether an inpatient, outpatient or partial hospitalization option.
• Hiring teams of professionals trained in treating eating disorders, including psychiatrists, nurses, and nutritionists

It may also be possible to tour a facility before enrolling. If you are able to do so, make sure to ask as many relevant questions as possible while you’re there.

Finding Help for an Eating Disorder

Finding help for an eating disorder can be frustrating or disheartening. But it’s an essential part of dealing with these dangerous and potentially even deadly disorders.

With the right kind of care, it is possible to achieve recovery from an eating disorder. And in Arizona, there are a number of programs that can help set you on that healthier, happier path.