Eating Disorder Treatment in Rhode Island

Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge eating disorder (BED) affect an untold number of people around the world, and rank among the deadliest mental health conditions.

Anyone can be affected, regardless of their race, gender, religion, or sexuality. And the impact on the family and friends of those affected can also be very significant.

Thankfully, a wide range of treatment options have been developed, and there are multiple Rhode Island eating disorder treatment centers, in addition to remote treatment options.

Types of Eating Disorder Treatment in Rhode Island

Just as there are many different types of eating disorders, there are many different types of treatment for these conditions. Generally, there are several levels of care an eating disorder patient may participate in, based on the severity of their case.

Virtual Treatment

In a world that’s increasingly connected by the internet, virtual care for all types of mental health conditions has become very popular.

These programs allow patients to access care while remaining at home, or anywhere with an internet connection, which makes them great options for those who live far from in-person facilities, have challenges around mobility or transportation, have unpredictable or difficult schedules, or who simply would rather not commute to treatment.

While this type of care is still relatively new, studies have shown virtual treatment can be just as effective as in-person care. Still, it’s important to note that this option may not suit all cases, particularly those involving more severe eating disorder behaviors.

Residential Treatment

The most intensive type of eating disorder program, residential centers are designed for long-term stays, with patients living and sleeping at the facility throughout the duration of their treatment.

The residential setup also allows for people in these programs to focus exclusively on their recovery and participate in full daily schedules, which can include everything from individual therapy and group therapy sessions, meal monitoring and support, nutritional counseling, and regular medical check-ins.

Residential programs are generally recommended for people who are struggling significantly with their eating disorder symptoms, those at the beginning of their recovery journey, or those who may have a dangerous or insecure home. They can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on a patient’s progress.

Partial Hospitalization Programs

Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) bridge the gap between inpatient and outpatient treatment. During this level of care, patients live and sleep at home but commute to a facility for treatment.

The idea behind the split schedule is to allow someone progressing with their eating disorder recovery the space to start practicing their new coping skills outside of a treatment facility and the autonomy to start making their own decisions about food while still offering them plenty of support and a safe space to continue healing.

Still, PHPs can be extensive, lasting anywhere up to 8 hours per day for up to 5 days per week. [1] However, a patient’s schedule is usually adjusted as their time in the program goes on.

Outpatient Programs

Outpatient clinics are usually the first—or last—level of care people receive for an eating disorder. That’s because these programs are the least intensive and intrusive, generally consisting of weekly or otherwise regular appointments with a therapist, psychiatrist, dietician, or another member of someone’s treatment team.

Some facilities also offer intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), which may involve several meetings per week or sessions that are longer or more in-depth than other outpatient services. These programs are usually recommended for those stepping down from more intensive forms of care.

At the point of utilizing an outpatient program, someone should have their eating disorder symptoms mostly under control. This level of care is optimal for those who are ready to incorporate social responsibilities like work and school back into their life while continuing to commit to their long-term recovery.

Additional Eating Disorder Resources in Rhode Island

Aside from programs aimed explicitly at treating eating disorders, Rhode Island has a number of programs that can help offer additional information and resources, including:

• The University of Rhode Island has a range of health and wellness services available to students, including access to their counseling center. They also publish articles relating to mental health conditions, including one from a former student regarding her experience with disordered eating and subsequent recovery.
• The Community College of Rhode Island has additional information about eating disorders on its website and provides counseling services for enrolled students. They also have a partnership with MySSP, meaning that students can access 24/7 real-time phone and chat support for mental health issues.

Finding Help for an Eating Disorder in Rhode Island

Eating disorders are dangerous and potentially deadly conditions. If you or a loved one are struggling, it’s important to seek out help.

Aside from the above options, your primary care physician, therapist, or another trusted medical professional may be a good source to consult for recommendations or help with securing a diagnosis. You can also utilize a number of eating disorder hotlines for more information.

Overcoming an eating disorder may seem hopeless, but with the right kind of help, recovery is always possible.