Partial Hospitalization Program

There is no “one size fits all” model for treating people with eating disorders. People with eating disorders may have a variety of different reasons for their illness – biological, emotional to environmental. In the same way, treating eating disorders usually requires a team approach – with assistance from counselors, psychologists, nutritionists, and other specialists.

Some clients may need more structure and contact than outpatient treatment can provide. These clients may benefit from the increased structure provided by a day-hospital treatment program. Day treatment programs provide structured eating situations and active treatment interventions while allowing the individual to live at home and in many cases, continue to work or to attend school.

They usually last all day, for example, from 11am-7pm. A Partial hospitalization program usually include, group work, weekly meetings with nutritionists, family therapy and individual counseling several times per week.

They are also less expensive than inpatient residential treatment centers, and particularly for those whose insurance does not cover treatment, may be a more cost-effective choice. Partial hospitalization program may also be a useful transitional tool for those patients leaving a residential program, but are not quite ready to adjust to daily life.

Here is one program’s sample schedule:

In addition, individual sessions are held throughout the day as needed, including:

• Nutritional consultation with dietitian
• Family therapy session
• Psychiatrist session

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