Eating Disorder Treatment in Nebraska

Eating disorders like binge eating disorder (BED), anorexia nervosa (AN), and bulimia nervosa (BN) can have devastating consequences on both the person struggling with the condition and their loved ones.

If you or a loved one are experiencing these types of thoughts and behaviors, it’s important to seek out help. Thankfully, if you live in Nebraska, there are a number of available treatment options that can help you live a more fulfilling, healthy life.

Types of Bulimia Treatment in Nebraska

Disordered eating behaviors vary in frequency and severity. Likewise, treatment for these issues also spans a spectrum, with different levels of care intended to help those struggling with symptoms of all intensities.

Virtual Treatment

For people with social anxiety, those who live far from in-person care centers, or those with challenges around mobility or transportation, virtual treatment can be a convenient option. That’s because treatment sessions can be conducted online, through any number of websites or apps, on any internet-connected device.

This form of care is still relatively new but has become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to the simultaneous rise of technological capability and change in the telehealth landscape ushered in by the pandemic. Yet, studies have already shown that virtual care can be just as effective as in-person treatment in many cases. [3]

Inpatient and Residential Treatment

Inpatient treatment is for those with severe eating disorders whose physical health may be in danger of failing. This type of care includes 24/7 medical monitoring and is typically reserved for those in need of medical stabilization or who are otherwise experiencing a health crisis. Stays at these facilities are often short, with patients typically moving on once their vital signs have stabilized.

The second-highest level of care for eating disorders is residential treatment. These facilities are designed for long-term stays and house a more home-like environment.

Patients at Nebraska residential facilities will sleep and live on-site throughout the duration of their treatment. This allows them to not only focus exclusively on their recovery but to keep a rather full schedule, with individual therapy, group therapy, meal monitoring, medical consultations, and meetings with other treatment team members all likely to be included on a given day.

Partial Hospitalization Programs

Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) are the middle step of eating disorder care. These programs offer a hybrid schedule, where patients live and sleep at home, but commute to treatment sessions, which are often long and intensive.

Many of the same types of care administered in Nebraska residential treatment centers are also available through PHPs, with the programs lasting anywhere from 4 to 8 hours a day, up to 5 days per week. [1] Generally, though, as a patient continues to make progress, their schedule is reduced.

The format of partial hospitalization programs makes an ideal level of care for those who are ready to start making their own choices about eating and practicing their new coping skills outside of a facility setting but who still would benefit from a lot of ongoing support and care.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment is generally the first or last level of care someone will experience. These sessions are usually the least frequent and demanding, making outpatient care best suited for Nebraska patients who don’t need daily interventions or constant monitoring. [2]

For those stepping down from higher levels of care, or those who do want more support, there are intensive outpatient programs (IOPs). These courses of treatment generally take place a few days a week and may include therapy sessions that are longer than standard outpatient care but will still be less intensive than a PHP.

Standard outpatient care may include regular therapy sessions, group therapy or support group participation, or regular check-ups with a primary care physician or nutritionist. This level of care is ideal for those whose symptoms are mostly under control but who would still like to consistently check in with a treatment team member or keep themselves accountable.

Additional Nebraska Eating Disorder Resources

Want to find out more about eating disorder recovery in Nebraska? Here are some resources to get you started.

• The University of Nebraska offers disordered eating and body image services. This university resource includes a library of information about eating disorders and links to further help and support groups in your area.
• The Nebraska Eating Disorders Network is a place for education, support, and hope, not only for those who struggle with eating disorders but for their friends, family, and loved ones.

There also may be additional eating disorder support groups in your area. These programs are generally run on a local basis, so internet searches, local recommendations, or even word of mouth may be helpful ways to track them down.

What to Look for in a Nebraska Bulimia Treatment Center

Aside from the level of care that best suits you or your loved one, there are a number of other considerations to keep in mind when determining the best treatment program for you.

Additional Questions and Concerns

Choosing the best possible treatment center for you or your loved one can be an overwhelming experience. To help you narrow down the field, there are some questions you can ask of yourself or of the program in question: [4]

• What types of professionals will be involved in your treatment, and who will coordinate all of the services you need?
• What sort of treatment philosophy does the center have, and to what extent is it influenced by any particular religion or belief system?
• How long has the center been in operation?
• How is the patient’s family involved in his or her treatment?
• What’s the staff-to-patient ratio? How long have the staff worked at the center, on average?

These kinds of questions can help you not only differentiate one program from another but establish your own set of expectations and priorities around treatment and recovery.

Finding Help for Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are detrimental and potentially even dangerous conditions. But they don’t have to be destiny.

If you or a loved one are struggling with an eating disorder, it’s important to seek out help. If you’re unsure where to start, you can consult your primary care physician, therapist, or another trusted medical professional. These experts may be able to point you in the direction of a good program or help you determine your next best steps.

If you’d prefer not to talk about this sensitive topic in person, a number of eating disorder hotlines can also help provide you with additional resources and information. Many of these services are anonymous, allowing callers to ask questions and request information without revealing their names or identifying factors.

But regardless of where you start, the most important decision you can make is the choice to start the process at all. With the right kind of help, you can start making progress on the road to recovery.

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