Eating Disorder Treatment in West Virginia

Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge eating disorder (BED) are serious conditions that can have an outsized impact on physical, emotional, and mental health.

If you or a loved one are struggling with an eating disorder, finding the appropriate treatment for these conditions is essential. This may be more difficult in West Virginia than in other states, but some programs can still help.

Types of Eating Disorder Treatment in West Virginia

Disordered eating happens across a spectrum, and so does the type of care that caters to these issues.

Different levels of care are meant to help people experiencing various symptoms during their recovery journey.

Unfortunately, most levels of care for eating disorders are not available in West Virginia. But the state may have some alternative options for those needing help.

Online Treatment for Eating Disorders in West Virginia

Eating disorder treatment options vary from state to state. Unfortunately, West Virginia has fewer options than other areas. But this is where online eating disorder care can be so helpful.

Online treatment can happen anywhere someone can get an internet signal, with programs running through online tools or apps. In West Virginia, this can extend treatment options to rural areas, which are not as well served by in-person clinics.

But online eating disorder treatment can also be an excellent route for someone with challenges around mobility or transportation, someone with an unpredictable schedule, or someone who simply prefers to receive treatment at home.

While this type of care is still relatively new, studies have already found that online eating disorder treatment can be just as effective as in-person care in many cases. [2]

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment is the most intensive form of care for eating disorders. It’s generally reserved for patients with the most severe symptoms, involving 24-hour access to medical staff and care.

There are several levels within inpatient care. Inpatient hospitalization is the most extreme. Generally reserved for those experiencing a physical or mental health crisis, this type of care usually takes place in a specialized hospital unit. It focuses on restoring a patient to medical stabilization.

Residential care is inpatient treatment for those who are medically stable. These programs are focused much more on longer-term outcomes, with stays commonly lasting at least 30 days. [1]

Throughout a residential program, a patient typically undergoes many types of treatment to address both physical and mental health care. Individual and group therapy sessions, nutritional counseling, medical monitoring, meal support, and other forms of care may be involved.

Partial Hospitalization Programs

Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) are the second-highest tier of eating disorder treatment. Patients at this point do live and sleep at home, which is why PHPs are sometimes called day programs, but their treatment schedule remains vigorous.

Someone may attend a PHP as many as six days a week, for many hours per day. [1] During this time, patients will undergo many of the same types of treatment offered in residential care, which is why some patients who may need that type of higher-level treatment are recommended to a PHP, especially in cases where residential programs are unavailable. [1]

As treatment goes on, a patient’s schedule may be adjusted to reflect how far they’re coming in their recovery process.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment for eating disorders is the most common level of care in West Virginia, but it is generally also the least intensive type of care.

Outpatient services involve regular meetings with a therapist, dietician, or other physician, usually once or twice per week. These sessions typically target sustained recovery, focusing on accountability and looking out for potential triggers.

An intensive outpatient program (IOP) may benefit those needing additional support. These ramped-up versions of outpatient care include several weekly meetings that last several hours and possibly other types of care, like meal monitoring.

Additional Resources for Eating Disorder Care in West Virginia

There is a lot of room for improvement in the state of West Virginia when it comes to intensive specialized services, IOPs, PHPs, and residential levels of care that provide specialty care for eating disorders. But there may be additional resources for those in the state seeking help.

Students at West Virginia University have access to several resources, including dietitians and collegiate recovery support groups. Other support groups may be found on a more regional or local basis.

Searching online or asking for referrals to support groups can be an excellent way to locate the closest and best option. And many support groups are offered entirely online, making them accessible to everyone, everywhere.

Finding Help for an Eating Disorder in West Virginia

Treatment centers for eating disorders and eating disorder specialists are admittedly hard to come by in West Virginia. But that doesn’t mean there is no hope.

Speaking with your primary care physician or therapist can be a good way to start looking for help. These experts may be able to not only give you an official diagnosis—often the first step in securing a spot at a treatment center—but also to counsel you on your next best steps, including how to locate nearby help.

Eating disorder hotlines can also provide additional resources and information on who treats eating disorders near you or how to find them. And online directories can be a treasure trove of information about nearby clinics or providers.

But no matter which route you take, the most important part is to keep moving in the direction of help. It’s often what leads to a healthier and happier future.