Eating Disorder Treatment in Oklahoma

Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge eating disorder (BED), among others, are dangerous and debilitating conditions that can lead to a number of physical, emotional, and mental health issues and even death.

Luckily, eating disorder treatment in Oklahoma is widely available, offering many levels of care for those struggling with these issues and more.

Types of Bulimia Treatment in Oklahoma

Each eating disorder case is different, reflecting someone’s personal history and health. Likewise, there are many different levels of care to help treat disordered eating, with each level designed to cater to different levels of severity.

Determining which is the best level of care for you or your loved one is a good first step when looking for an eating disorder treatment center in Oklahoma.

Remote Care

In an increasingly online world, more people are turning to virtual therapy to help with all manner of mental health conditions, including eating disorders.

This option is great for anyone who has challenges around mobility or transportation; who lives far from an in-person facility; or whose schedule presents difficulties. Likewise, it’s a great option even for someone who simply feels more comfortable receiving care from home.

And while the practice is still relatively new, studies have already shown that virtual care can be just as effective as in-person treatment in many cases. (2) Though, online treatment may not always be appropriate, so it’s best to check with your therapist or physician about whether virtual care is right for you.

Outpatient Care

Outpatient care is generally either the first or last level of care someone in Oklahoma receives, as people at this stage are expected to have a good handle on their eating disorder symptoms and be able to pursue treatment while maintaining other social obligations, such as work and school.

This type of eating disorder treatment usually involves individual counseling sessions conducted at least once weekly. Each of these appointments will generally last about an hour. Some people may choose to also participate in group therapy during this stage.

Many people find this level of care optimal for keeping a level of accountability to their recovery journey and continually looking out for potential triggers, while giving themselves enough time and space to continue growing and pursuing different aspects of their life.

Intensive Outpatient Care

As the name suggests, intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are a more intensive version of outpatient care.

Unlike outpatient care, which is generally only once a week, IOPs can run anywhere from three to five days a week and include more varied forms of therapy, such as meal monitoring and nutritional counseling.

Like regular outpatient care, these programs are well suited for individuals who function well in their daily lives but would like or need more support in their recovery. They’re generally recommended for people who are stepping down from more intensive forms of care before they transition into a regular outpatient routine.

Partial Hospitalization Programs

Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) represent the middle ground of eating disorder treatment. During this stage of recovery, patients will live and sleep at home while commuting to treatment. But programs are very intensive, taking place up to five days a week, anywhere from four to eight hours per day. [1]

The idea behind the set-up is to allow patients the opportunity to practice new coping skills and make food-based decisions on their own, outside of a clinical setting, while still providing them with the care and support they need to continue making progress in their recovery.

Treatments at this level of care range, but a PHP can include everything from individual and group therapy sessions to medical check-ins, meal monitoring, and nutrition education, among other types of care.

Inpatient Hospitalization and Residential Programs

Inpatient care is the most intensive type of treatment for eating disorders. It’s mostly recommended in cases where someone is in a state of crisis, with the overall goal being medical stabilization.

Patients who need this type of care are usually admitted to more specialized units instead of general psychiatric wards. They’re given 24-hour monitoring to help facilitate continuous monitoring of vitals, tube feeding, IV fluids, lab tests, medication, and other types of care, though stays are generally short, lasting only as long as a few weeks.

After being stabilized, a patient can check into a residential program. These are also very intensive types of treatment, though they’re designed more for long-term care.

Residential programs take place in more of a home-like environment, where patients live, sleep, and follow intensive treatment schedules to help them overcome the most severe aspects of their eating disorder. Stays can last for up to a few months, depending on a patient’s recovery progress.

Additional Eating Disorder Resources in Oklahoma

Aside from programs designed specifically to treat eating disorders, there are a number of resources that can be used to help people struggling with these conditions, including:

• The OEDA: On top of eating disorder care, the facility offers additional information and resources on how to help or where to look for help.
• LiberatED: Eating Disorder Support Group: This Tulsa-based operation includes support groups and other resources for overcoming eating disorders.
• Eating Disorder Meal and Support Group: This support group not only shares stories of progress but also shares meals together to help build a sense of community, support, and solidarity.
• Parenting Through Eating Disorders: This program provides resources for parents who have kids suffering from eating disorders, helping them access all the information they need to be their child’s best resource through treatment and recovery.

Finding Treatment for an Eating Disorder in Oklahoma

Eating disorders can be debilitating, but they don’t have to be destiny. If you or a loved one are struggling with one of these conditions, it’s imperative to seek out help.

Along with these Oklahoma-based options, you can also speak with your doctor or therapist for advice on how or where to get started. A number of eating disorder hotlines also exist, which can help provide you with additional resources and information.

But no matter where you look for help, the most important thing is looking to begin with. Finding the right kind of care is often the first step on the road to recovery.