Eating Disorder Treatment in Georgia

Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge eating disorder (BED) have devastating impacts on society, affecting millions of people in a number of dangerous, devastating, or even deadly ways. And these mental health issues affect people of all ages, races, ethnicities, socioeconomic levels, sexual orientations, and gender identities. That’s why, if you or a loved one are struggling with one of these conditions, it’s vital to not only find treatment but to find the type of care that’s specific to your needs. Fortunately, if you’re a resident of Georgia, there are a number of eating disorder treatment centers to choose from.

Types of Eating Disorder Treatment in Georgia

Even as eating disorders and related mental health problems impact all types of people, these conditions range in severity, with symptoms running from mild to serious.

To cater to all these different needs, there are several levels of care generally considered for treating eating disorders.

Virtual Treatment

Virtual treatment is a relatively new way to address eating disorders and other mental health conditions, but this type of care is increasingly popular.

Allowing patients to connect to their care team members through the internet, virtual treatment has a host of benefits, making it easier to attend sessions for those with mobility or transportation challenges, those with social anxiety, patients who live far from in-person programs, or those with difficult-to-manage schedules. So whether you live in Georgia or another state, you can get access to much-needed treatment.

And while the technique is still new, telehealth has already been shown in some studies to be just as effective as in-person therapy in some cases. [2] Though it’s important to note that virtual treatment may not be for everyone. Those with more severe eating disorder symptoms might benefit from the more intimate types of care or observation that can take place in person.

Inpatient and Residential Treatment

Inpatient care and residential care are sometimes confused with each other. And while the two levels of care are similar, they each have their specific purposes.

Inpatient care is the most intensive form of eating disorder treatment. The goal is stabilizing a patient’s physical and mental health to the point where they can pursue further treatment. It involves moving a patient to a hospital-like facility, where they have 24/7 access to care and medical staff. Usually, this type of care is reserved for those in a state of crisis, with care lasting one to several weeks.

Residential care in Georgia is a more long-term option for those with severe eating disorder symptoms. Once someone is considered medically stable, they can move to a residential facility, where they’ll still have 24/7 access to care but live in a more home-like environment.

These programs are generally run by stringent schedules, with patients receiving individual and/or group therapy sessions, meal support, regular medical check-ups, nutritional education, and 24/7 access to medical and psychiatric care, among other treatments. Residential programs can run anywhere from several weeks to several months, depending on a patient’s specific needs.

Partial Hospitalization Programs

Partial hospitalization (PHP) is the middle ground of eating disorder treatment. At this stage, patients have some of their worse eating disorder symptoms under control but may still want or benefit from greater support.

Patients in a PHP in Georgia live and sleep at home but commute to treatment, which can take place up to 5 days a week for up to 8 hours per day. [1] During these sessions, patients generally receive the same kind of care they experienced in residential treatment, including individual and group therapy sessions, ongoing nutritional support and education, and supervised meals and snacks.

A PHP can last several weeks or several months, with session length and frequency generally tapered down as patients continue to get better.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment is generally either the first step or last step for people struggling with eating disorders of all kinds. In any case, those who engage in this type of treatment should have their eating disorder symptoms relatively well in hand but still want or benefit from ongoing support and care.

During outpatient care, patients live and sleep at home and attend regular sessions with a therapist, psychiatrist, nutritionist, or another member of their medical team. The schedule is meant to give them plenty of time to participate in other social responsibilities, such as work or school.

Those stepping down from more intensive forms of care may want to start with an intensive outpatient program (IOP). Treatment at this level may involve more frequent or longer sessions. Otherwise, outpatient care can be anything from weekly therapy sessions to bi-monthly or even monthly sessions with a care team member, depending on the needs of the patient.

Outpatient treatment can also easily be combined with other treatments, such as medication management or therapy, if it benefits the patient.

What to Look for in an Eating Disorder Treatment Center in GA

Choosing an eating disorder treatment program in Georgia is a big decision, and it’s important to find one that offers you the best options possible.

There are a number of considerations to keep in mind, and the process can feel overwhelming. But remembering these factors can help you winnow out the field to choose the best center or program for you.

Licensing and Accreditation

While a number of state and national laws work to ensure treatment centers of all types are properly licensed to offer the type of help they advertise, it’s still a good idea to ensure the center you’re interested in is licensed to treat eating disorder patients.

Accreditation offers another layer of assurance that a program is up to snuff. Seeing this stamp of approval means a regulatory board from within the industry has deemed the program up to certain standards.

Treatment Methods

There are many different forms of treatments used in Georgia for eating disorders. They all offer different benefits and may be more suitable for certain patients or certain types of eating disorders.

Some of the most common types of therapy for eating disorders include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
• Family Therapy
• Experiential Therapy

Your therapist, psychiatrist, or primary care provider should be able to help guide you toward the best type of treatment. But it’s good to check whether certain centers have more or less types of therapy on offer.

Cost and Insurance Options

Georgia eating disorder treatment centers are well-equipped to help, but these types of programs are often costly.

Since most people aren’t able to afford this essential kind of care out-of-pocket, most eating disorder treatment centers accept insurance to cover part of the cost of care. Some also have financial aid available to help patients with low incomes.

If you’re looking for an eating disorder treatment center in Georgia, it may be helpful to start by asking your insurance company the type of care they’re able or willing to cover. This can help narrow down choices before you even start looking.

If you find an eating disorder center you like first, make sure to call and ensure they will accept your insurance before enrolling. Otherwise, you may have to deal with the logistical nightmare that comes from changing treatment centers or bartering with insurance companies.

Quality of Environment

If you’re looking for eating disorder treatment, visiting a center is the best way to get a sense of whether it’s right for you. You want to feel the environment and how the staff behaves, as well as get a sense of whether they have an understanding of your illness and its causes.

Additional Considerations

If you still need help choosing the best treatment center in Georgia for you, there are a number of questions you can ask that can help you make the decision, including:

• Who will be in charge of your treatment, and who will work with you to develop the best plan for your recovery?
• What is the center’s treatment philosophy, and what religious affiliations does it have?
• What year did the center open?
• How can the family be supportive during the patient’s treatment?
• What is the ratio of patients to staff members? What is the average length of time your staff has worked for your practice? 

Other Eating Disorder Resources

There are a number of programs and resources that help people nationwide learn more about eating disorders or connect to others who are navigating these complex mental health conditions.

• The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting people and families affected by eating disorders. Their informational website has a wealth of resources for anyone looking for information on eating disorders, including support groups, a helpline, and recovery stories.
• The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Other Associated Eating Disorders (ANAD) hosts a number of eating disorder support groups throughout the United States. These groups are led by trained professionals and provide a safe space for participants to share, ask questions, and get support from other people who’ve been where they are now. 
• The Alliance for Eating Disorders is a non-profit organization that aims to provide support and resources for people suffering from eating disorders. They have a great selection of online support groups and chat options.

Regardless of where the journey toward recovery starts, it’s important to seek out help. If you or a loved one are struggling with an eating disorder, finding the right kind of treatment can be the first step on the road to a happier and healthier future.