Eating Disorders Treatment Centers in Denver, CO

Photo of Embark Behavioral Health , Treatment Center in Denver, CO
Embark Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80002
Embark Behavioral Health is a leading network of exceptional treatment and therapy programs across the United States. We specialize in helping adolescents, teens, and young adults struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health and substance abuse issues. Our programs include virtual IOPs, outpatient clinics that offer intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) and therapeutic day treatment programs, also known as a partial hospitalization program (PHPs), outdoor therapy, residential treatment centers, therapeutic boarding schools, and young adult transitional living options.
Embark Behavioral Health is a leading network of exceptional treatment and therapy programs across the United States. We specialize in helping adolescents, teens, and young adults struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health and substance abuse issues. Our programs include virtual IOPs, outpatient clinics that offer intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) and therapeutic day treatment programs, also known as a partial hospitalization program (PHPs), outdoor therapy, residential treatment centers, therapeutic boarding schools, and young adult transitional living options.
(720) 386-4937 View (720) 386-4937
Photo of Scottsdale Providence Recovery Center, Treatment Center in Denver, CO
Scottsdale Providence Recovery Center
Treatment Center
Not Verified Not Verified
Denver, CO 80002
At Scottsdale Providence Recovery Center, we treat adults with addiction and substance use disorders, primary psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex co-occurring disorders. We are also a vibrant community of healing. Our guiding mission is to help people start a new chapter in their lives with hope, love and purpose.
At Scottsdale Providence Recovery Center, we treat adults with addiction and substance use disorders, primary psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex co-occurring disorders. We are also a vibrant community of healing. Our guiding mission is to help people start a new chapter in their lives with hope, love and purpose.
(602) 884-8615 View (602) 884-8615
Photo of D'Amore Mental Health, Treatment Center in Denver, CO
D'Amore Mental Health
Treatment Center, JD
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80012
D'Amore Healthcare is a subacute mental health residential treatment program specializing in crisis stabilization. With a 2:1 staff to patient ratio, we offer 24/7 individualized care provided by a team of qualified professionals treating mood, personality and anxiety disorders along with depression and emotional or behavioral issues. D'Amore challenges the idea of hospitalization for mental illnesses and specializes in preventative treatment by creating an environment that reduces the shame cycle. Our Build Me Up Program fosters behavioral and cognitive change through positive reinforcement. D'Amore offers single bedrooms, 3 weekly 1:1 therapy sessions, 6-8 hours of intensive group therapy daily and a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation with regular follow ups and medication management. CBT, DBT and ACT therapy, equine, art and music therapy, breathwork, sound bath, pilates and yoga therapies as well as nutritious meals and nutrition planning. Experiential therapies also include budgeting groups, outside gym and weekly outings.
D'Amore Healthcare is a subacute mental health residential treatment program specializing in crisis stabilization. With a 2:1 staff to patient ratio, we offer 24/7 individualized care provided by a team of qualified professionals treating mood, personality and anxiety disorders along with depression and emotional or behavioral issues. D'Amore challenges the idea of hospitalization for mental illnesses and specializes in preventative treatment by creating an environment that reduces the shame cycle. Our Build Me Up Program fosters behavioral and cognitive change through positive reinforcement. D'Amore offers single bedrooms, 3 weekly 1:1 therapy sessions, 6-8 hours of intensive group therapy daily and a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation with regular follow ups and medication management. CBT, DBT and ACT therapy, equine, art and music therapy, breathwork, sound bath, pilates and yoga therapies as well as nutritious meals and nutrition planning. Experiential therapies also include budgeting groups, outside gym and weekly outings.
(714) 970-4425 View (714) 970-4425
Photo of Mile High Recovery Center, Treatment Center in Denver, CO
Mile High Recovery Center
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80127
At Mile High Recovery, we work with an individual until they are whole. Our levels of care range from residential to sober living and everything in between. We employ evidence-based clinical therapeutic approaches with holistic therapies to address the client’s body, mind, and spirit. We offer a multi-phase extended treatment options: Residential - 24/7 highly structured care with therapeutic activities most hours of the day Partial hospitalization program (PHP)–intensive, five days a week, with high accountability Intensive outpatient program (IOP)–less intense than PHP, with an expectation of reintegrating into the surrounding community while still receiving regular support Sober living or recovery housing–we started with sober living and know the value of a safe and supportive living environment conducive to recovery. Each of these treatment regimens will be tailored to your individual needs. At Mile High Recovery, we understand that addiction is different for everyone, and there is no one-size-fits-all. We believe that a long-term approach with a personalized treatment plan and community support is the best recipe for success.
At Mile High Recovery, we work with an individual until they are whole. Our levels of care range from residential to sober living and everything in between. We employ evidence-based clinical therapeutic approaches with holistic therapies to address the client’s body, mind, and spirit. We offer a multi-phase extended treatment options: Residential - 24/7 highly structured care with therapeutic activities most hours of the day Partial hospitalization program (PHP)–intensive, five days a week, with high accountability Intensive outpatient program (IOP)–less intense than PHP, with an expectation of reintegrating into the surrounding community while still receiving regular support Sober living or recovery housing–we started with sober living and know the value of a safe and supportive living environment conducive to recovery. Each of these treatment regimens will be tailored to your individual needs. At Mile High Recovery, we understand that addiction is different for everyone, and there is no one-size-fits-all. We believe that a long-term approach with a personalized treatment plan and community support is the best recipe for success.
(720) 728-0606 View (720) 728-0606
Photo of Creekside Collaborative Therapy, Treatment Center in Denver, CO
Creekside Collaborative Therapy
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80210
Creekside Collaborative Therapy, PLLC, is a network of clinicians in private practice who specialize in trauma and complex mental health issues. Our therapists and prescribers share a common vision of providing quality mental health services which are trauma-informed and based on interventions that have been proven to be effective. We are experienced clinicians with a variety of specialties. Because of this, we are able to find the right provider for each client based on his or her individual needs. Our clinicians have long standing connections to the community and we believe in the power of partnership and collaboration.
Creekside Collaborative Therapy, PLLC, is a network of clinicians in private practice who specialize in trauma and complex mental health issues. Our therapists and prescribers share a common vision of providing quality mental health services which are trauma-informed and based on interventions that have been proven to be effective. We are experienced clinicians with a variety of specialties. Because of this, we are able to find the right provider for each client based on his or her individual needs. Our clinicians have long standing connections to the community and we believe in the power of partnership and collaboration.
(303) 872-0997 View (303) 872-0997
Photo of Zuma's Equine Assisted Learning, Treatment Center in Denver, CO
Zuma's Equine Assisted Learning
Treatment Center, LCSW
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80207
The vision behind Zuma's Equine Assisted Learning Center is to provide people from all backgrounds with unique, equine assisted learning coaching and therapy, using evidence and strengths based approaches. Our unique programs aim to promote the development of healthy relationships, personal empowerment, leadership and creative expression.
The vision behind Zuma's Equine Assisted Learning Center is to provide people from all backgrounds with unique, equine assisted learning coaching and therapy, using evidence and strengths based approaches. Our unique programs aim to promote the development of healthy relationships, personal empowerment, leadership and creative expression.
(720) 600-2487 View (720) 600-2487
Photo of Prescott House, Treatment Center in Denver, CO
Prescott House
Treatment Center, MEd, LISAC, CSAT, CMAT
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80207
Since 2005 we have offered a unique program focused on men with eating disorders.
Since 1988 Prescott House has provided outstanding services to men and their families from across the country and abroad. Throughout the years we have found that long-term recovery is best achieved through long-term treatment in a nurturing and therapeutic environment. Prescott House is committed to providing precisely that: excellent clinical care in a close-knit recovery community. This commitment is founded on a firm belief in recovery of the mind, spirit, and body. Prescott House is a safe environment in which clients may confront their self-destructive behaviors and develop integrity and accountability while nurturing their personal and emotional growth in recovery. We as a staff work tirelessly to consider the whole person and to treat the causes of self-destructive behaviors and not simply the symptoms.
Since 2005 we have offered a unique program focused on men with eating disorders.
Since 1988 Prescott House has provided outstanding services to men and their families from across the country and abroad. Throughout the years we have found that long-term recovery is best achieved through long-term treatment in a nurturing and therapeutic environment. Prescott House is committed to providing precisely that: excellent clinical care in a close-knit recovery community. This commitment is founded on a firm belief in recovery of the mind, spirit, and body. Prescott House is a safe environment in which clients may confront their self-destructive behaviors and develop integrity and accountability while nurturing their personal and emotional growth in recovery. We as a staff work tirelessly to consider the whole person and to treat the causes of self-destructive behaviors and not simply the symptoms.
(928) 504-5406 View (928) 504-5406
Photo of New Haven Residential Treatment Center, Treatment Center in Denver, CO
New Haven Residential Treatment Center
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80002
We offer residential treatment and boarding schools for teenage girls ages 14-18 in Utah and throughout the United States. We help to empower your child with the skills to heal from life's traumas and give families a chance to move forward together. With an emphasis on family-focused treatment, we help adolescent and teen girls overcome difficult mental health challenges through family-focused therapy and create lasting change that heals and empowers young women.
We offer residential treatment and boarding schools for teenage girls ages 14-18 in Utah and throughout the United States. We help to empower your child with the skills to heal from life's traumas and give families a chance to move forward together. With an emphasis on family-focused treatment, we help adolescent and teen girls overcome difficult mental health challenges through family-focused therapy and create lasting change that heals and empowers young women.
(385) 442-9366 View (385) 442-9366
Photo of KNRB and Associates, Global, LLC, Treatment Center in Denver, CO
KNRB and Associates, Global, LLC
Treatment Center, LCSW
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80014
Are you trying to find a treatment program or therapist for yourself or loved one but don't know how to navigate the myriad of programs and people? Our team of professionals specialize in therapeutic placement and case management of youth & adults who struggle with issues related to mental health, substance abuse, sexual compulsivity and eating disorders.
Are you trying to find a treatment program or therapist for yourself or loved one but don't know how to navigate the myriad of programs and people? Our team of professionals specialize in therapeutic placement and case management of youth & adults who struggle with issues related to mental health, substance abuse, sexual compulsivity and eating disorders.
(480) 908-9081 View (480) 908-9081
Photo of Acera Health - Residential Mental Health Programs, Treatment Center in Denver, CO
Acera Health - Residential Mental Health Programs
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80237
At Acera Health, we believe that everyone has the potential to create a life that they love. However, sometimes life can get in the way, and it can be challenging to know where to turn. That's where we come in. We offer a range of services to help restore your mind and transform your life. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or addiction, we'll be there to support you every step of the way. We know that change can be difficult, but we also know that it's possible. With our help, you can create the life you've always wanted. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you create lasting change in your life.
At Acera Health, we believe that everyone has the potential to create a life that they love. However, sometimes life can get in the way, and it can be challenging to know where to turn. That's where we come in. We offer a range of services to help restore your mind and transform your life. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or addiction, we'll be there to support you every step of the way. We know that change can be difficult, but we also know that it's possible. With our help, you can create the life you've always wanted. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you create lasting change in your life.
(949) 779-8376 View (949) 779-8376
Photo of Sunrise Residential Treatment Center, Treatment Center in Denver, CO
Sunrise Residential Treatment Center
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80002
Sunrise is a group of residential treatment centers for adolescent and teen girls in Utah. Teenage girls come to Sunrise to find healing as they learn to regulate their emotions and successfully manage daily life tasks with increased independence – all while continuing their education. Sunrise’s treatment programs are strength-based, working closely with each student to develop strengths and harness her gifts, passions, and talents. Their vision is for every Sunrise girl to have a life of emotional balance and independence.
Sunrise is a group of residential treatment centers for adolescent and teen girls in Utah. Teenage girls come to Sunrise to find healing as they learn to regulate their emotions and successfully manage daily life tasks with increased independence – all while continuing their education. Sunrise’s treatment programs are strength-based, working closely with each student to develop strengths and harness her gifts, passions, and talents. Their vision is for every Sunrise girl to have a life of emotional balance and independence.
(435) 412-8377 View (435) 412-8377
Photo of Denver Family Institute, Treatment Center in Denver, CO
Denver Family Institute
Treatment Center, LPC, LMFT, LCSW, LSW
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80237
We offer high quality, affordable sliding scale family and couples therapy services. We are a high quality, affordable, and inclusive counseling provider... our doors are open - we look forward to collaborating with you. Whether your goal is behavioral, emotional, spiritual, to find meaning, to heal a relationship, to find solutions, or to find resilience we are here to help our Denver community.
We offer high quality, affordable sliding scale family and couples therapy services. We are a high quality, affordable, and inclusive counseling provider... our doors are open - we look forward to collaborating with you. Whether your goal is behavioral, emotional, spiritual, to find meaning, to heal a relationship, to find solutions, or to find resilience we are here to help our Denver community.
(303) 816-8068 View (303) 816-8068
Photo of Eating Recovery Center Colorado, Treatment Center in Denver, CO
Eating Recovery Center Colorado
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80230
Eating Recovery Center is the only national healthcare system dedicated to providing the best-in-class treatment for individuals and families struggling with serious eating disorders. Led by the world's leading experts in eating disorder treatment, Eating Recovery Center provides a full spectrum of eating disorder recovery services for patients at every stage of the illness through an unmatched network of 24 locations in seven states.
Eating Recovery Center is the only national healthcare system dedicated to providing the best-in-class treatment for individuals and families struggling with serious eating disorders. Led by the world's leading experts in eating disorder treatment, Eating Recovery Center provides a full spectrum of eating disorder recovery services for patients at every stage of the illness through an unmatched network of 24 locations in seven states.
(855) 305-0157 View (855) 305-0157
Photo of Acera Health - Outpatient Mental Health Services, Treatment Center in Denver, CO
Acera Health - Outpatient Mental Health Services
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80249
Here at Acera Health, we specialize in helping people create lasting change in their lives. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or addiction, we'll be there to support you every step of the way. We know that change can be difficult, but we also know that it's possible. With our help, you can create the life you've always wanted. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you create lasting change in your life. We offer a range of services to help restore your mind and transform your life. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or addiction, we'll be there to support you every step of the way. We know that change can be difficult, but we also know that it's possible. With our help, you can create the life you've always wanted. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you create lasting change in your life.
Here at Acera Health, we specialize in helping people create lasting change in their lives. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or addiction, we'll be there to support you every step of the way. We know that change can be difficult, but we also know that it's possible. With our help, you can create the life you've always wanted. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you create lasting change in your life. We offer a range of services to help restore your mind and transform your life. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or addiction, we'll be there to support you every step of the way. We know that change can be difficult, but we also know that it's possible. With our help, you can create the life you've always wanted. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you create lasting change in your life.
(714) 868-8520 View (714) 868-8520
Photo of EDCare Omaha, Treatment Center in Denver, CO
EDCare Omaha
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80246
With over 23 years of experience, EDCare has become one of the nation's foremost centers for the diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders. We understand how difficult and scary the journey to recovery can be and believe the more support an individual has, the better. EDCare is committed to empowering individuals to let go of their eating disorder identity by teaching the necessary tools to make healthy, long-lasting changes. By matching the skills, passion, and excellence of our interdisciplinary team with the specific needs of each patient, we strive to create an environment where both patients and staff are able to celebrate successful eating disorder recovery.
With over 23 years of experience, EDCare has become one of the nation's foremost centers for the diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders. We understand how difficult and scary the journey to recovery can be and believe the more support an individual has, the better. EDCare is committed to empowering individuals to let go of their eating disorder identity by teaching the necessary tools to make healthy, long-lasting changes. By matching the skills, passion, and excellence of our interdisciplinary team with the specific needs of each patient, we strive to create an environment where both patients and staff are able to celebrate successful eating disorder recovery.
(303) 771-0861 View (303) 771-0861
Photo of Centennial Peaks Hospital, Treatment Center in Denver, CO
Centennial Peaks Hospital
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80202
Centennial Peaks Hospital is here for you or a loved one, if you are experiencing a mental health crisis or if you need a medical detox from drugs or alcohol. We are a 104-bed, Joint Commission-accredited behavioral health hospital serving adolescents and adults. We specialize in acute inpatient hospitalization, medical detoxification and intensive outpatient programs. We can help if you are thinking about suicide or if you are wanting to hurt yourself or someone else. Our expert team can help if someone is out of touch with reality or experiencing psychosis due to a mental health disorder like Bipolar or Schizophrenia. Our psychiatrists, registered nurses, and mental health professionals are available 24/7. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we encourage you to call us first instead of visiting an emergency room, we can get you help quickly and confidentially.
Centennial Peaks Hospital is here for you or a loved one, if you are experiencing a mental health crisis or if you need a medical detox from drugs or alcohol. We are a 104-bed, Joint Commission-accredited behavioral health hospital serving adolescents and adults. We specialize in acute inpatient hospitalization, medical detoxification and intensive outpatient programs. We can help if you are thinking about suicide or if you are wanting to hurt yourself or someone else. Our expert team can help if someone is out of touch with reality or experiencing psychosis due to a mental health disorder like Bipolar or Schizophrenia. Our psychiatrists, registered nurses, and mental health professionals are available 24/7. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we encourage you to call us first instead of visiting an emergency room, we can get you help quickly and confidentially.
(720) 410-6724 View (720) 410-6724
Photo of Revive Health and Recovery, Treatment Center in Denver, CO
Revive Health and Recovery
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80219
Revive Health and Recovery is a reputable, accredited, and intensive mental health, alcohol and drug treatment facility. Our center operates under state licensing and national accreditation, assuring the effectiveness of our treatment programs. At Revive Health and Recovery, we craft bespoke recovery roadmaps for each patient. We impart essential life skills, such as procuring and retaining employment and attaining financial autonomy. We provide personalized guidance and therapy to address a range of needs, from resolving life conflicts to mastering basic money management. Our ultimate aim is for our patients to not only overcome addiction and mental health challenges, but to thrive independently post-recovery.
Revive Health and Recovery is a reputable, accredited, and intensive mental health, alcohol and drug treatment facility. Our center operates under state licensing and national accreditation, assuring the effectiveness of our treatment programs. At Revive Health and Recovery, we craft bespoke recovery roadmaps for each patient. We impart essential life skills, such as procuring and retaining employment and attaining financial autonomy. We provide personalized guidance and therapy to address a range of needs, from resolving life conflicts to mastering basic money management. Our ultimate aim is for our patients to not only overcome addiction and mental health challenges, but to thrive independently post-recovery.
(720) 902-7395 View (720) 902-7395
Photo of EDCare Denver, Treatment Center in Denver, CO
EDCare Denver
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80246
With over 23 years of experience, EDCare has become one of the nation's foremost centers for the diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders. We understand how difficult and scary the journey to recovery can be and believe the more support an individual has, the better. EDCare is committed to empowering individuals, ages 13 and older, to let go of their eating disorder identity by teaching the necessary tools to make healthy, long-lasting changes. By matching the skills, passion, and excellence of our interdisciplinary team with the specific needs of each patient, we strive to create an environment where both patients and staff are able to celebrate successful eating disorder recovery.
With over 23 years of experience, EDCare has become one of the nation's foremost centers for the diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders. We understand how difficult and scary the journey to recovery can be and believe the more support an individual has, the better. EDCare is committed to empowering individuals, ages 13 and older, to let go of their eating disorder identity by teaching the necessary tools to make healthy, long-lasting changes. By matching the skills, passion, and excellence of our interdisciplinary team with the specific needs of each patient, we strive to create an environment where both patients and staff are able to celebrate successful eating disorder recovery.
(720) 575-2259 View (720) 575-2259
Photo of Northwest College Support Residential Transition, Treatment Center in Denver, CO
Northwest College Support Residential Transition
Treatment Center, DO, LPC, LMSW, EdS, MEd
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80012
Northwest College Support exists to help young adults ages 18 60 26 transitioning from treatment programs, wilderness programs, and leaving their home environment. We are a caring and supportive team of dedicated professionals helping young adults find their path to success in college, vocation, high school completion and living independence. Based out of beautiful Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Northwest College Support provides a wide range of supportive services to help students meet their potential as they attend college. The range of services provided is widely variable based on each student's needs and goals. Our services include Individual Psychotherapy,Testing and Evaluations, Psychiatric Services Educational Coaching, Life Skills Training, Nutritional Education, Fitness Coaching, and Life Coaching Services. Other services may include Family Therapy and Parent Education. Our approach is based on a growth model that provides uniquely provides the appropriate amount of support. The amount of support provided decreases as each individual grows towards his or her potential.
Northwest College Support exists to help young adults ages 18 60 26 transitioning from treatment programs, wilderness programs, and leaving their home environment. We are a caring and supportive team of dedicated professionals helping young adults find their path to success in college, vocation, high school completion and living independence. Based out of beautiful Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Northwest College Support provides a wide range of supportive services to help students meet their potential as they attend college. The range of services provided is widely variable based on each student's needs and goals. Our services include Individual Psychotherapy,Testing and Evaluations, Psychiatric Services Educational Coaching, Life Skills Training, Nutritional Education, Fitness Coaching, and Life Coaching Services. Other services may include Family Therapy and Parent Education. Our approach is based on a growth model that provides uniquely provides the appropriate amount of support. The amount of support provided decreases as each individual grows towards his or her potential.
(877) 485-2776 View (877) 485-2776
Photo of Denver Women's Recovery, Treatment Center in Denver, CO
Denver Women's Recovery
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80210
Denver Women's Recovery (DWR) provides a quality, clinically savvy, trauma-integrated Intensive Outpatient Program. We provide comprehensive services to allow you to meet your treatment goals while also continuing to work, take care of children, and/or other responsibilities. Our goal is to assist you in discovering alternative solutions for coping with life (trauma, depression, anxiety, etc) rather than through the use of mind-altering substances.
Denver Women's Recovery (DWR) provides a quality, clinically savvy, trauma-integrated Intensive Outpatient Program. We provide comprehensive services to allow you to meet your treatment goals while also continuing to work, take care of children, and/or other responsibilities. Our goal is to assist you in discovering alternative solutions for coping with life (trauma, depression, anxiety, etc) rather than through the use of mind-altering substances.
(844) 432-0510 View (844) 432-0510

Eating Disorders Treatment Centers

What happens in therapy for eating disorders?

In therapy for eating disorders, patients typically describe their eating and exercise behaviors, their patterns of eating in relation to stress, their beliefs about their body, the ways their eating behavior affects their relationships, and their desire (or lack of it) to change. Such information helps the therapist understand the origins of the disorder and the role it plays in the patient’s life, important for guiding treatment. Attitudes and feelings about food and eating, body weight, and physical appearance are common topics of discussion throughout treatment.

What therapy types help with eating disorders?

Once any acute medical or psychiatric emergency is resolved, psychoactive medication is often prescribed, requiring the supervision of a psychiatrist. In addition, patients receive some form of nutritional counseling along with one or more forms of psychotherapy. For adolescents, family-based treatment is empirically validated and considered the first line of treatment; parents and their children meet weekly with a clinician as the adults are coached on how to nourish and psychologically support the young patient. Adults typically receive some form of individual psychotherapy, intended to resolve the cognitive and behavioral disturbances that underlie the disorder and to relieve the mood disturbances that accompany it. In addition, patients may also be helped by group therapy.

What is the goal of therapy for eating disorders?

The most immediate goal of treatment for eating disorders is to save the life of people who are on a path of starving themselves to death or engaging in eating patterns that are doing irreparable physical harm to their body. Once the acute medical danger is past, therapy is required to understand the nature of the disordered eating and/or exercise patterns, establish healthy eating behavior, and to tackle the many erroneous beliefs and distorted self-perceptions that underlie eating disorders and continue to pose a threat to health and life. Therapy also addresses the impaired mood that not only accompanies eating disorders but intensifies the danger to health and life.

What are the limitations of therapy for eating disorders?

Therapy can be very helpful for eating disorders—but that can happen only after people recognize they have a condition that must be treated. Especially with anorexia, the distortions in self-image that accompany the disorder can keep people from acknowledging they have a problem. Individuals may in fact see their eating disorder as a badge of self-control. Those with binge-eating disorder may feel too ashamed to seek help. Therapy cannot help those who do not avail themselves of it.

How long does therapy last for eating disorders?

Because of their complexity, recovery from eating disorders is usually a long-term process—measured in months and years— often marked by setbacks and relapse. Some form of help, such as individual or group therapy, may be advisable for much of that time. It is a general rule of thumb that the longer the illness has endured and the dysregulated eating behavior has taken root, the longer treatment is likely to be needed.