Eating Disorder Treatment in New Mexico

Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa (AN), binge eating disorder (BED), and bulimia nervosa (BN) are dangerous conditions that can have a devastating impact on mental, physical, and emotional health. If you or a loved one are struggling with an eating disorder, it’s essential to seek out help.

Thankfully, there are a number of eating disorder treatment options available for New Mexico residents.

Types of Eating Disorder Treatment in New Mexico

Not all eating disorders are the same, and treatment for an eating disorder reflects that in several ways.

Generally, there are different levels of care for these types of mental health illnesses to cater to people with varying levels of symptoms and at various points along their recovery journey.

Within these programs, patients can also utilize many different types of therapy to treat the physical, mental, and emotional consequences of eating disorders. And in New Mexico, there are many options for people looking for these programs.

Virtual Treatment

Telehealth is one of the latest developments in behavioral health, using video chat technology, apps, and other online programs to connect patients with therapists virtually.

These programs can be accessed from anywhere, making them perfect for patients who live far from in-person treatment facilities, those with challenges around mobility or transportation, those with anxiety disorders or other co-occurring issues, or those who simply don’t want to leave home to receive care.

While online care for eating disorders is relatively new, studies have already shown that it can be just as effective as in-person care in many cases. [2]

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient eating disorder treatment encompasses several levels of care. Inpatient hospitalization is the most intensive, taking place at a specialized hospital unit where patients have 24-hour access to medical care.

This level of care is for patients who are experiencing the most extreme symptoms, including mental or physical health crises, or for those who are at immediate risk for serious medical complications. [1] The focus of this stage is helping a patient become medically stable.

Once a patient is considered medically stable, they can enter a residential treatment facility. This also involves 24-hour access to medical care and staff, but facilities are catered to longer-term stays and feel more home-like than clinical.

Still, patients going through inpatient treatment in New Mexico may partake in many types of care, including individual and group therapy sessions, nutritional counseling, medical monitoring, and medication counseling, among others.

Partial Hospitalization Programs

Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) are also called day programs, as patients do not live at treatment facilities but rather return home at night. Yet they still involve many hours of intensive treatment during the day, sometimes lasting as long as 60 hours per week. [1]

These programs involve many of the same treatment options as residential care, and patients who are transitioning from those facilities may keep their same treatment team throughout a PHP, depending on the program. Some of those who qualify for inpatient treatment are recommended to these effective eating disorder treatment programs instead. [1]

PHPs are also slightly more flexible than a residential program. As patients work toward recovery, their schedules can be adjusted to reflect their current treatment needs.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment is the least intensive form of care for eating disorders, so it is usually the last—and sometimes also the first—level of care a patient experiences.

In this setting, patients receive support from a therapist they meet with regularly, usually once or twice a week. These sessions typically focus on accountability, looking out for potential triggers, and other types of ongoing recovery support.

Those who still want or need more help can also participate in an intensive outpatient program (IOP). A hybrid form of treatment, this level of care sits somewhere between a PHP and outpatient program, with patients going to treatment several days a week for a few hours at a time.

An intensive outpatient program may work well for those who are stepping down from more intensive levels of care but who are ready to start incorporating their social responsibilities back into their recovery journey.

What to Look for in a New Mexico Eating Disorder Treatment Center

Finding the best eating disorder treatment center for you or your loved one may seem overwhelming. But keeping some considerations in mind may help you make the best choice possible.

Licensing and Accreditation

While a number of state and national laws work to ensure that all mental health treatment facilities are appropriately staffed, accreditation offers an additional assurance that the program has a certain quality of care.

Be sure to check with the Joint Commission or CARF International to ensure that the New Mexico eating disorder treatment centers you consider are accredited. This step ensures that the program has been examined by industry experts and determined to meet or surpass industry standards.

Cost and Insurance Options

Many treatment centers accept insurance, which is great news for those who want to use their insurance benefits. However, not all centers work with the same insurance companies, so a little research is essential.

If you’ve already found a program you like, it’s important to ensure it’s in your insurance provider’s network or will accept your insurance. You should also find out what percentage of the cost will be covered and for how long.

You can also start by calling your insurance company directly to see which programs they partner with. It may seem like an additional step up-front, but it can save surprise bills or the need to stop or switch centers during treatment.

Ask the Right Questions

It may seem difficult to tell the difference between eating disorder programs. If you need additional help determining the right program for you or your loved one, there are some questions that may help you understand your priorities and expectations around the experience: (3)

• Who will be involved in your treatment plan, and who will coordinate everything?
• What is the center’s philosophy toward the treatment of mental illness?
• How long has the organization been around?
• How can the family support the patient as they receive treatment?
• How many patients do the staff see per day? How long do they typically work, and how often do they take breaks?

Finding Help for an Eating Disorder

Eating disorders are dangerous conditions and can be deadly if left untreated. If you or a loved one are struggling, it’s essential to seek out help.

Aside from the above resources, you can start your recovery journey with your primary care physician or therapist. These experts may be able to help you secure an official diagnosis—usually the first step toward treatment—or guide you toward the next best steps.

But regardless of where you start, the most important thing is looking for help. It’s often the first step toward a healthier and happier future.