New Hampshire Eating Disorder Treatment Centers

Fortunately, if you’re living in New Hampshire, there are numerous eating disorder treatment center options available to provide the kind of help you need.

Types of Eating Disorder Treatment in New Hampshire

The path to eating disorder recovery is different for everyone, and that includes the types of treatment that may be best for their particular condition.To help cater to the varying levels of severity with which an eating disorder may present, there are varying levels of treatment. And determining which level of treatment is best for you or your loved one is an important first step toward seeking help in New Hampshire.

Virtual Treatment

Virtual treatment has become a common way to get treatment for eating disorders. It’s one of the most popular options because it provides ease of access, which may be particularly helpful for those with severe anxiety disorders, those with difficulties around transportation or mobility, or those who don’t live close to in-person program options.

And while virtual treatment is still relatively new, studies have already shown that it’s just as effective as in-person treatment in many cases. [2] Still, this is not always the case—especially for those with extreme disordered eating behaviors—so it’s important to speak with your doctor or treatment team about whether virtual therapy is right for you.

Inpatient and Residential Treatment

Inpatient treatment is the most intensive treatment for eating disorders, including access to 24/7 care and medical monitoring. This generally takes place in a medical facility and is reserved for patients at the point of a mental or physical health crisis, or those with severe complicating factors, such as an issue with substance abuse.

Inpatient treatment generally lasts no longer than a few weeks, with the primary goal of medical stabilization. Once a patient reaches the point where their vital signs are stable and they are no longer in crisis, they can move on to different forms of care.

Residential treatment programs in New Hampshire are also intensive but are designed to provide more long-term care, with programs generally ranging anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. This type of treatment takes place in more of a home-like facility, where patients live and sleep throughout the duration of their treatment.

This allows them to partake in all-day care, which can include everything from individual therapy sessions and group therapy to meal monitoring, medical check-ups, and nutritional counseling. It also gives patients the time and space they need to focus on their recovery.

Partial Hospitalization Treatment

Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) are the middle ground of eating disorder treatment. At this level of care, patients live and sleep at home, while commuting to care sessions and other meetings with their New Hampshire treatment team.

The idea behind a PHP is to start allowing patients the opportunity to practice their new coping skills and make some decisions about food and meals outside of a clinical setting.

Still, the regimen remains intensive, with programs lasting anywhere from 5 days a week, up to 8 hours per day. [1] Patients generally receive similar types of care as those in residential treatment during this time, with a PHP lasting anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment is generally either the first or last level of care someone with an eating disorder encounters. It is best for those whose eating behavior is mostly under control and who are ready to start adding social responsibilities such as work and school into their eating disorder recovery.

Individuals who are seeking outpatient treatment often attend group therapy sessions and individual counseling, which can help them stay accountable and stay ahead of any potential triggers or setbacks.

There are also intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), which incorporate more frequent, longer, or more intensive therapy sessions throughout a given week. These programs may be best for those who are stepping down from more intensive types of treatment.

Additional Eating Disorder Resources in New Hampshire

Aside from programs that are designed specifically to help treat eating disorders, there are a number of other resources that can offer information for those seeking help for the conditions, including:

• The Cambridge Eating Disorder Center of NH hosts a large library of educational resources about eating disorders. These resources include books, articles, and podcasts that are available for patients and families to read and listen to at their convenience.
• Women’s Counseling of Nashua has a great deal of information and resources for those with eating disorders.

It may also be possible to find additional sources of help, such as eating disorder support groups, on a more local basis. Support groups, in particular, are generally run by local programs, and may be found through local message boards, online searches, or even word of mouth.

What to Look for in a New Hampshire Eating Disorder Treatment Program

Use the following factors to help you decide which of the many New Hampshire eating disorder treatment centers is right for you.

Licensing and Accreditation

Before you choose a center to treat your eating disorder, you should do some research to find out if the center is accredited by the Joint Commission or CARF International. This will ensure that the center has been reviewed and meets certain standards of care. You should also make sure that the center is licensed to treat eating disorders.

Treatment Methods

Depending on your specific needs, you will receive one of several types of treatment for your eating disorder. Some of the most common treatment modalities include:

• Group counseling
• Medication
• Nutritional education and counseling
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)

What these various treatment options have in common is the fact that they’re considered evidence-based, or considered effective through the results of various studies and analyses. This designation could make a big difference in the type of insurance coverage you’ll receive.

Cost and Insurance Options

Indeed, insurance is often a major consideration for people, as eating disorder treatment can be lengthy and expensive.

Most eating disorder treatment centers will accept insurance, but the specifics of which plans they’ll work with and the type of coverage those plans will provide will vary dramatically.

You may want to check with your insurance provider first, to see which centers or treatments are in their network, or that they’re more likely to cover. If you find a place you like first, it’s also possible to call the center and ensure that they will accept your insurance. Most New Hampshire treatment centers have employees who specialize in these proceedings, and additional financial assistance may also be available.

Additional Considerations

If you’re still struggling to narrow down your choices, there are a few additional questions you can ask of yourself or the centers you’re considering to determine which may be the best fit for you or your loved one: [3]

These questions will not only help you determine the best eating disorder treatment center for you, but they may also help you figure out your own priorities and expectations for the treatment or recovery experience.

Finding Help for an Eating Disorder

If you or a loved one are struggling with an eating disorder, it’s important to seek out help. These conditions can be dangerous or even deadly if left untreated.

If you’re still unsure where to start, you can speak with your primary care doctor, therapist, or another trusted medical professional. They may be able to point you in the direction of a successful program or help you plan out your next best steps.

If you’d rather not discuss these sensitive issues face-to-face, you can utilize a number of eating disorder hotlines. These services generally allow callers to remain anonymous, while giving out information and other resources related to eating disorders and treatment options.

But regardless of where you look for help, the most important thing is to look. Taking that first step can help you start on a road to a healthier and happier future.