Eating disorders are widely regarded as highly complex mental health conditions in terms of treatment and maintaining recovery. Many different treatment approaches, tools, skills and techniques as well different levels of intensity ranging from individual therapy to 24-hour inpatient care are available. This article aims to explore how one may best go about seeking day-patient treatment for anorexia with key areas to be examined listed below.
- Where to find day-patient anorexia treatment
- What to consider prior to contacting a clinic
- Questions to ask during a visit
- Hallmarks of an effective day-patient unit
Where to Find Day-patient Anorexia Treatment
The easiest and most practical means of acquiring information about day-patient care for eating disorders if to go online and get in touch with eating disorder organisations, charities and support group who will be able to recommend places in one's area. Alternatively a visit to the local health centre to see one's family doctor or be referred to a clinic, therapist or psychiatrist is often a good place to start. Personal recommendation from those who are now in recovery is also a valuable option.
What to Consider Before Contacting A Treatment Clinic
The decision to commit to eating disorder treatment is one that must not be taken lightly and it is vital to first consider key factors including the following: finances (NHS funding, private health insurance or self-funding), location (travel distance, costs), employment (sick leave, paid/unpaid), family (if parent) and the approach or form of therapy as well as any personal/special requirements needed.
Questions to Ask While Visiting A Clinic
The opportunity to visit a day-patient eating disorder facility is one that may provide a great deal of information and ultimately help make the decision of whether it is suitable or not much easier. Key questions to ask during a visit may include the following: costs, therapy approaches, groups, average length of treatment, care planning, available support for family and aims or goals of treatment.
Hallmarks of An Effective Day-Patient Clinic
As with seeking in-patient treatment for eating disorders, it is important to be aware of the treatment philosophy associated with the clinic and which specialists make up the treatment or care team. An effective clinic will be well-organised and involve a whole range of health professionals who are specialised and very experienced in the treatment of eating disorders. Good practice includes structure, boundaries and individualized care planning which is regularly reviewed in addition to discharge planning such as in terms of aftercare support.
Source:
Shepphird, S. (2010) 100 Questions & Answers About Anorexia Nervosa Massachusetts: Jones and Bartlett
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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