Eating Disorders Treatment Centers in Lexington, MA

Photo of Copernican Clinical Services, Treatment Center in Lexington, MA
Copernican Clinical Services
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Lexington, MA 02420
At Copernican we utilize a combination of traditional therapy techniques and cutting-edge clinical interventions to help support your treatment experience. Our staff functions as an integrated, CLINICAL TEAM as we coordinate with other professionals in a seamless manner. Our approach to continuity of care that is packed with relevant clinical information. We believe that KNOWLEDGE IS POWER. The usual response we receive from other professionals is, "Thanks! You guys are always so helpful."
At Copernican we utilize a combination of traditional therapy techniques and cutting-edge clinical interventions to help support your treatment experience. Our staff functions as an integrated, CLINICAL TEAM as we coordinate with other professionals in a seamless manner. Our approach to continuity of care that is packed with relevant clinical information. We believe that KNOWLEDGE IS POWER. The usual response we receive from other professionals is, "Thanks! You guys are always so helpful."
(617) 405-3203 View (617) 405-3203
Photo of Waltham Behavioral Health, LLC, Treatment Center in Lexington, MA
Waltham Behavioral Health, LLC
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Lexington, MA 02420
At Waltham Behavioral Health we are committed to providing client-centered mental health to individuals of all ages. The WBH team consists of providers with varied areas of expertise including psychologists, licensed clinical social workers specializing in adult, child and adolescent therapy as well as psychopharmacologists available to prescribe to all patients with psychiatric disorders and medication-management needs.
At Waltham Behavioral Health we are committed to providing client-centered mental health to individuals of all ages. The WBH team consists of providers with varied areas of expertise including psychologists, licensed clinical social workers specializing in adult, child and adolescent therapy as well as psychopharmacologists available to prescribe to all patients with psychiatric disorders and medication-management needs.
(781) 570-5129 View (781) 570-5129
Photo of Meta Addiction Treatment, Treatment Center in Lexington, MA
Meta Addiction Treatment
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Lexington, MA 02420
Clients choose Meta Addiction Treatment for a recovery experience that puts their needs first. We work closely with every client to personalize their treatment plan and ensure we're helping them meet their recovery goals. We also offer flexible schedules for each of our outpatient levels of care to work around work, school, or family commitments.
Clients choose Meta Addiction Treatment for a recovery experience that puts their needs first. We work closely with every client to personalize their treatment plan and ensure we're helping them meet their recovery goals. We also offer flexible schedules for each of our outpatient levels of care to work around work, school, or family commitments.
(351) 300-7380 View (351) 300-7380

More Treatment Centers Nearby

Photo of Ai Pono Hawaii , Treatment Center in Lexington, MA
Ai Pono Hawaii
Treatment Center, PhD
Not Verified Not Verified
Weston, MA 02493
Johnston has been treating eating disorders for over 35 years.
At 'Ai Pono Maui Residential Treatment Center, we offer evidence-based, trauma-informed holistic eating disorder treatment in a peaceful home-like setting with picturesque views of the ocean (just footsteps away), mountains, and lush gardens. Our treatment center was designed to reflect and complement its surroundings - creating a peaceful, relaxing environment that will help women connect to their inner selves while on their journey towards recovery. We also offer a Partial Hospitalization (Day) Program in Maui and a Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program accessible to all residents of Hawaii.
Johnston has been treating eating disorders for over 35 years.
At 'Ai Pono Maui Residential Treatment Center, we offer evidence-based, trauma-informed holistic eating disorder treatment in a peaceful home-like setting with picturesque views of the ocean (just footsteps away), mountains, and lush gardens. Our treatment center was designed to reflect and complement its surroundings - creating a peaceful, relaxing environment that will help women connect to their inner selves while on their journey towards recovery. We also offer a Partial Hospitalization (Day) Program in Maui and a Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program accessible to all residents of Hawaii.
(855) 929-0538 View (855) 929-0538
Photo of The Renfrew Center of Philadelphia, Treatment Center in Lexington, MA
The Renfrew Center of Philadelphia
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02215
The Renfrew Center has been the pioneer in the treatment of eating disorders since 1985. As the nation's first residential eating disorder facility, now with 19 locations throughout the country, Renfrew has helped more than 100,000 cisgender adolescent girls and adult women, transgender and non-binary individuals with eating disorders move towards recovery. Renfrew provides patients suffering from anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and related mental health problems with the tools they need to succeed in recovery and in life. Renfrew's extensive range of services includes residential, day treatment, intensive outpatient, and outpatient programs. Each treatment level is built upon The Renfrew Center Unified Treatment Model for Eating Disorders®, an evidence-based, emotion-focused therapy that addresses eating disorders and co-morbid symptoms. Within this model, individual and group therapy are enhanced with a diverse array of services to meet patients' needs. Renfrew accepts most major insurances and is a preferred provider for all levels of treatment.
The Renfrew Center has been the pioneer in the treatment of eating disorders since 1985. As the nation's first residential eating disorder facility, now with 19 locations throughout the country, Renfrew has helped more than 100,000 cisgender adolescent girls and adult women, transgender and non-binary individuals with eating disorders move towards recovery. Renfrew provides patients suffering from anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and related mental health problems with the tools they need to succeed in recovery and in life. Renfrew's extensive range of services includes residential, day treatment, intensive outpatient, and outpatient programs. Each treatment level is built upon The Renfrew Center Unified Treatment Model for Eating Disorders®, an evidence-based, emotion-focused therapy that addresses eating disorders and co-morbid symptoms. Within this model, individual and group therapy are enhanced with a diverse array of services to meet patients' needs. Renfrew accepts most major insurances and is a preferred provider for all levels of treatment.
(866) 858-2876 View (866) 858-2876
Photo of Cambridge Biotherapies, Treatment Center in Lexington, MA
Cambridge Biotherapies
Treatment Center, MD
Not Verified Not Verified
Boston, MA 02116
Cambridge Biotherapies is committed to helping people find relief from depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and OCD. We offer treatments in a safe, private, and comfortable setting with highly qualified and supportive staff. We maintain exemplary medical standards and incorporate developments from the most current research in a never-ending quest to improve our outcomes.
Cambridge Biotherapies is committed to helping people find relief from depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and OCD. We offer treatments in a safe, private, and comfortable setting with highly qualified and supportive staff. We maintain exemplary medical standards and incorporate developments from the most current research in a never-ending quest to improve our outcomes.
(617) 862-2237 View (617) 862-2237
Photo of Walden Behavioral Care, Treatment Center in Lexington, MA
Walden Behavioral Care
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Waltham, MA 02451
At Walden's Waltham outpatient location we offer eating disorder treatment services for all individuals ages 12 and up. Programs at this clinic for adults include: Adult Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), Adult Binge Eating Disorder Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), Adult Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP). Programs at this clinic for adolescents include: Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP).
At Walden's Waltham outpatient location we offer eating disorder treatment services for all individuals ages 12 and up. Programs at this clinic for adults include: Adult Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), Adult Binge Eating Disorder Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), Adult Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP). Programs at this clinic for adolescents include: Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP).
(781) 679-5143 View (781) 679-5143
Photo of Acera Health - Mental Health Treatment For Adults, Treatment Center in Lexington, MA
Acera Health - Mental Health Treatment For Adults
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02116
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) 779-3482 View (949) 779-3482
Photo of Crossroads Back Cove Women's Residential Program, Treatment Center in Lexington, MA
Crossroads Back Cove Women's Residential Program
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02115
The Back Cove Women's Residential Program serves as a premier recovery destination for women from all over the country, offering holistic treatment in a beautiful Maine setting. In addition to cutting edge gender-responsive addiction and eating disorder treatment, our holistic approach includes yoga, equine therapy and acupuncture. This inpatient program is ideal for women who seek a serene spot in which to get away for a short time and start their road to recovery.
The Back Cove Women's Residential Program serves as a premier recovery destination for women from all over the country, offering holistic treatment in a beautiful Maine setting. In addition to cutting edge gender-responsive addiction and eating disorder treatment, our holistic approach includes yoga, equine therapy and acupuncture. This inpatient program is ideal for women who seek a serene spot in which to get away for a short time and start their road to recovery.
(207) 230-6393 View (207) 230-6393
Photo of Acera Health - Residential Mental Health Programs, Treatment Center in Lexington, MA
Acera Health - Residential Mental Health Programs
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Waban, MA 02468
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 Mayflower Recovery , Treatment Center in Lexington, MA
Mayflower Recovery
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Wilmington, MA 01887
Mayflower Recovery is the premiere detox and residential addiction treatment program in Massachusetts and all of New England. Mayflower offers both detox and residential levels of care. If you or your loved one is looking for the best facilities and staff, Mayflower is your destination. We treat alcohol addiction and all drug addictions including opioid, cocaine, benzodiazepine (Ativan, Valium, etc.), fentanyl, methamphetamines, etc. We are equipped to develop and provide robust aftercare recommendations and accommodations to all of our clients. We also help provide family system counseling and advice.
Mayflower Recovery is the premiere detox and residential addiction treatment program in Massachusetts and all of New England. Mayflower offers both detox and residential levels of care. If you or your loved one is looking for the best facilities and staff, Mayflower is your destination. We treat alcohol addiction and all drug addictions including opioid, cocaine, benzodiazepine (Ativan, Valium, etc.), fentanyl, methamphetamines, etc. We are equipped to develop and provide robust aftercare recommendations and accommodations to all of our clients. We also help provide family system counseling and advice.
(978) 865-2739 View (978) 865-2739
Photo of Ellenhorn, Treatment Center in Lexington, MA
Ellenhorn
Treatment Center, MSW, PhD
Verified Verified
Arlington, MA 02474
Ellenhorn is the most comprehensive and integrative private community-based mental health program in the country with locations in Boston, Los Angeles, and NYC. Geared to individuals 18 years and older, our approach combines robust psychiatric services with intensive psychosocial care, focusing equally on reducing the psychosocial damage caused by stigma, loss of social identity and institutionalization, as on treating psychiatric illness and co-occurring disorders. Using the best-practice "gold standard" community-based treatment model, Program for Assertive Community Treatment (PACT), our multidisciplinary teams of professionals - which include psychiatrists and a broad spectrum of other experts - provide rehabilitation and treatment resources to clients living, for the most part, in apartments in the community. A small number of clients receive services at our staff-supervised home called "The Brackett House".
Ellenhorn is the most comprehensive and integrative private community-based mental health program in the country with locations in Boston, Los Angeles, and NYC. Geared to individuals 18 years and older, our approach combines robust psychiatric services with intensive psychosocial care, focusing equally on reducing the psychosocial damage caused by stigma, loss of social identity and institutionalization, as on treating psychiatric illness and co-occurring disorders. Using the best-practice "gold standard" community-based treatment model, Program for Assertive Community Treatment (PACT), our multidisciplinary teams of professionals - which include psychiatrists and a broad spectrum of other experts - provide rehabilitation and treatment resources to clients living, for the most part, in apartments in the community. A small number of clients receive services at our staff-supervised home called "The Brackett House".
(617) 936-7330 View (617) 936-7330
Photo of Dana Behavioral Health, Treatment Center in Lexington, MA
Dana Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Needham, MA 02494
Dana Behavioral Health provides a multidisciplinary approach to behavioral health care. For over 30 years, we have treated children, adolescents, adults, and older adults providing group, couple, and individual psychotherapy; medication management; TMS Therapy, EMDR Therapy, Music Therapy, Nutrition & Wellness, and neuropsychological testing. Our clinicians have expertise in treating anxiety, anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, trauma, PTSD, and other mental illness and psychiatric disorders. We accept both in-person and Telehealth appointments.
Dana Behavioral Health provides a multidisciplinary approach to behavioral health care. For over 30 years, we have treated children, adolescents, adults, and older adults providing group, couple, and individual psychotherapy; medication management; TMS Therapy, EMDR Therapy, Music Therapy, Nutrition & Wellness, and neuropsychological testing. Our clinicians have expertise in treating anxiety, anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, trauma, PTSD, and other mental illness and psychiatric disorders. We accept both in-person and Telehealth appointments.
(781) 590-3525 x309 View (781) 590-3525 x309
Photo of TCA Counseling Group, Treatment Center in Lexington, MA
TCA Counseling Group
Treatment Center, PhD
Not Verified Not Verified
Boston, MA 02114
TCA Counseling Group was founded by Dr. Tonn Q. Cao in 2011 specializing in treatments for Millennials. Our philosophy is that every individual should be treated with respect and integrity despite his or her background, identity or experiences. This is particularly true when they are at their most vulnerable as they seek counseling services. We offer a safe refuge where individuals, couples and families are encouraged to explore their tribulations as they succeed at leading healthier and happier lives. By combining our specializations, our therapists can help our clients from many different perspectives and increase the chances of their success in meeting their treatment goals.
TCA Counseling Group was founded by Dr. Tonn Q. Cao in 2011 specializing in treatments for Millennials. Our philosophy is that every individual should be treated with respect and integrity despite his or her background, identity or experiences. This is particularly true when they are at their most vulnerable as they seek counseling services. We offer a safe refuge where individuals, couples and families are encouraged to explore their tribulations as they succeed at leading healthier and happier lives. By combining our specializations, our therapists can help our clients from many different perspectives and increase the chances of their success in meeting their treatment goals.
(617) 861-0370 View (617) 861-0370
Drug & Alcohol Treatment at Hillside Detox
Treatment Center
Not Verified Not Verified
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
Hillside works to offer the highest quality treatment. We believe in looking deep within and treating the underlying causes of our clients alcoholism and substance use. We look at each clients case on a personalized level. Our program is centered around clinical treatment delivered by our masters level clinicians but is not limited to it. We offer a full continuum of care and a wholistic approach including nutritional counseling, employment counseling, yoga, mindfulness therapy, 12 step immersion and more. Conveniently located outside of Boston, MA.
Hillside works to offer the highest quality treatment. We believe in looking deep within and treating the underlying causes of our clients alcoholism and substance use. We look at each clients case on a personalized level. Our program is centered around clinical treatment delivered by our masters level clinicians but is not limited to it. We offer a full continuum of care and a wholistic approach including nutritional counseling, employment counseling, yoga, mindfulness therapy, 12 step immersion and more. Conveniently located outside of Boston, MA.
(617) 622-5147 View (617) 622-5147
Photo of The Therapy Center at BGSP, Treatment Center in Lexington, MA
The Therapy Center at BGSP
Treatment Center, PsyaD
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02108
Talk - we feel it's still the best medicine. So, if you decide to start therapy, the Therapy Center can offer you long or short-term treatment, whether for one person, a couple, a family or a child/adolescent, at affordable fees. You can usually get an appointment within a week. An initial consultation at the Therapy Center is affordable, confidential, and individualized.
Talk - we feel it's still the best medicine. So, if you decide to start therapy, the Therapy Center can offer you long or short-term treatment, whether for one person, a couple, a family or a child/adolescent, at affordable fees. You can usually get an appointment within a week. An initial consultation at the Therapy Center is affordable, confidential, and individualized.
(617) 934-6085 View (617) 934-6085
Photo of Turnbridge, Treatment Center in Lexington, MA
Turnbridge
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02199
Turnbridge is a nationally acclaimed provider of mental health and dual diagnosis treatment programs for adolescents (14-17) and young adults (18+). Turnbridge offers clients and their family members the comprehensive treatment services, consultation, and education needed to gain diagnostic clarity, assess executive functioning, and initiate whole-person healing. The Turnbridge treatment campuses are beautiful, welcoming, home-like environments in which clients, parents, and leading clinicians form an alliance focused on identifying the root causes of mental health conditions and address some of the most complex behavioral health problems. Our team of highly trained doctors, researchers, psychometricians, and psychotherapists provide an extraordinary level of personalized attention. Our houses and grounds are continuously monitored and staffed and combine fun activities with advanced clinical therapies to help clients have an enjoyable treatment experience while learning to manage the symptoms of their conditions.
Turnbridge is a nationally acclaimed provider of mental health and dual diagnosis treatment programs for adolescents (14-17) and young adults (18+). Turnbridge offers clients and their family members the comprehensive treatment services, consultation, and education needed to gain diagnostic clarity, assess executive functioning, and initiate whole-person healing. The Turnbridge treatment campuses are beautiful, welcoming, home-like environments in which clients, parents, and leading clinicians form an alliance focused on identifying the root causes of mental health conditions and address some of the most complex behavioral health problems. Our team of highly trained doctors, researchers, psychometricians, and psychotherapists provide an extraordinary level of personalized attention. Our houses and grounds are continuously monitored and staffed and combine fun activities with advanced clinical therapies to help clients have an enjoyable treatment experience while learning to manage the symptoms of their conditions.
(475) 252-8424 View (475) 252-8424
Photo of Amber Hayes @ ABC Medical, Treatment Center in Lexington, MA
Amber Hayes @ ABC Medical
Treatment Center, MD, NP, LDAC, LICSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
Reading, MA 01867
ABC Medical is a licensed treament center which offers a scope of services in the behavioral health field. Our organization staff are comprised of psychiatrist/MD, social workers, counselors and psychiatric nurse practitioners. We offer services for children, adults, couples and families and provide medication management, TMS treatments and psychotherapy. Telemedicine services are also available.
ABC Medical is a licensed treament center which offers a scope of services in the behavioral health field. Our organization staff are comprised of psychiatrist/MD, social workers, counselors and psychiatric nurse practitioners. We offer services for children, adults, couples and families and provide medication management, TMS treatments and psychotherapy. Telemedicine services are also available.
(833) 394-7998 View (833) 394-7998
Photo of LightWork Therapy and Recovery, Treatment Center in Lexington, MA
LightWork Therapy and Recovery
Treatment Center, LICSW, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woburn, MA 01801
LightWork Therapy & Recovery is a place for hope, healing, and recovery for women. Our mission is to help our clients gain confidence and independence in learning and utilizing healthy and effective coping strategies in their day to day lives. We strive to make LightWork a safe and supportive space, combining compassion and understanding with our highly-trained clinicians’ expertise in cutting edge mental health treatments and therapies to bring our clients the very best services the field has to offer. Through individual sessions, group therapy modalities, and holistic approaches to wellness, we aim to provide women the help, hope, and healing they deserve, whether they may be struggling with anxiety, depression, OCD, or beyond. We are passionate about helping clients discover their inner strength, and assisting women in creating tangible strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and triggers in life’s more difficult moments. We help women learn the tools to step into their power and become the best version of themselves possible.
LightWork Therapy & Recovery is a place for hope, healing, and recovery for women. Our mission is to help our clients gain confidence and independence in learning and utilizing healthy and effective coping strategies in their day to day lives. We strive to make LightWork a safe and supportive space, combining compassion and understanding with our highly-trained clinicians’ expertise in cutting edge mental health treatments and therapies to bring our clients the very best services the field has to offer. Through individual sessions, group therapy modalities, and holistic approaches to wellness, we aim to provide women the help, hope, and healing they deserve, whether they may be struggling with anxiety, depression, OCD, or beyond. We are passionate about helping clients discover their inner strength, and assisting women in creating tangible strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and triggers in life’s more difficult moments. We help women learn the tools to step into their power and become the best version of themselves possible.
(339) 675-1128 View (339) 675-1128
Photo of Embark Behavioral Health, Treatment Center in Lexington, MA
Embark Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02113
Embark Behavioral Health operates an exceptional network of treatment and therapy programs across the United States. We specialize in preteens, teens, and young adults, struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health and substance abuse issues. Our programs include in-home treatment, virtual coaching and counseling, outpatient clinics, wilderness therapy, short-term residential programs, long-term residential treatment, therapeutic boarding schools, and young adult transitional living options. Mental health problems are common among youth and can make things like school, socializing, work and everyday life more difficult. In fact, one in five adolescents, ages 12-18, live with a mental health condition; and between 20-30% will have one major depressive episode before they reach adulthood. Half of all lifetime cases of mental disorders will first present by age 14 and 75% will present by age 24. This is why it is a critical time to find expert help and address issues.
Embark Behavioral Health operates an exceptional network of treatment and therapy programs across the United States. We specialize in preteens, teens, and young adults, struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health and substance abuse issues. Our programs include in-home treatment, virtual coaching and counseling, outpatient clinics, wilderness therapy, short-term residential programs, long-term residential treatment, therapeutic boarding schools, and young adult transitional living options. Mental health problems are common among youth and can make things like school, socializing, work and everyday life more difficult. In fact, one in five adolescents, ages 12-18, live with a mental health condition; and between 20-30% will have one major depressive episode before they reach adulthood. Half of all lifetime cases of mental disorders will first present by age 14 and 75% will present by age 24. This is why it is a critical time to find expert help and address issues.
(484) 261-1509 View (484) 261-1509

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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.