If you or someone you love is ready to seek out a treatment program for an eating disorder, you may be concerned about finding the right one. A lot of variety for treatment options exists, but how do you know which one is going to be the right fit for you?
It’s important to remember that anyone seeking treatment can make the choice that is best for their individual needs. These five tips can help someone on their path to treatment for and recovery from an eating disorder.
1. One Size Does Not Fit All
Eating disorders do not always manifest in the same way, so treatment should take individual differences into account. You should have a comprehensive understanding of your condition and any co-existing conditions to ensure that the treatment program specializes in care that meets your needs.
Think about some of these care options that may work best for your lifestyle:
- Inpatient/residential center
- Outpatient counseling
- Group sessions
- Full or half day programs
- Nutritional and medical support
- Exercise or mindfulness components
No one approach works best for every patient, which is why you should think about what factors appeal to you and are sustainable for long-term success.
2. Convenience and Cost
Location is another consideration that may affect your choice of treatment program. Is the service you need close by, or do you need to plan for a short-term stay? What about the expense? You may be limited by what your insurance covers or staying within a provider network.
If travel and cost limit your possibilities, you may still have choices that can work within your budget and comfort level.
3. Do Your Homework
An online search may not be adequate to find an eating disorder treatment program for you or your loved one. You may want to look for other resources, such as national associations or treatment agencies, to see what’s available in your area. Your medical provider can also offer recommendations, but you may want to do some research on your own to find what model of care is best.
4. The Total Picture
You are more likely to have success with an eating disorder program that takes a holistic approach to treatment. Look for one that focuses on life balance and techniques to restructure not just your relationship with food, but also other healthy habits.
Behavior changes that focus on mindfulness, positive coping mechanisms, and other aspects of self-care may help you achieve your long-term goals and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
5. Strong Support
Having the support of your family and friends is another important factor for eating disorder treatment. Programs that involve family members and explore existing family dynamics can help with lasting success.
When you and your family work together to overcome your eating disorder, you may feel empowered after your initial treatment and during recovery.
If you or someone you love is suffering from an eating disorder, Seeds of Hope can help. Our holistic treatment services for adults are offered in Philadelphia, Lake Ariel, and other locations. To learn more about available treatment options, fill out a contact form or call (610) 644-6464 and start your path to recovery.