Eating Disorder Rehab Admissions Process & Intake

Deciding to seek treatment can be difficult, but reaching out for help and navigating the admissions criteria for eating disorder rehab shouldn’t be. Finding the proper care is essential if you’re worried about your health or that of someone you love. We’re here to assist you. Keep reading for everything you need to know about the eating disorder admissions process.

How Do I Get Admitted to Eating Disorder Rehab?

The eating disorder admission requirements can vary from center to center. However, below is a step-by-step outline that you can generally apply:

1. Inquire about admission to the eating disorder rehab facility.
2. Undergo an assessment to evaluate your needs.
3. Verify insurance coverage for eating disorder treatment.
4. Discuss the treatment plan and financial arrangements.
5. Complete admission paperwork and necessary preparations.
6. Be admitted to the facility and receive orientation.
7. Start the treatment process under the guidance of the treatment team.

Treatment programs for eating disorders vary and may include outpatient and inpatient options. The type of program that’s best for you depends on the severity of your disorder and your overall health. Both types of programs typically offer a combination of individual therapy, group counseling, and skills training. Inpatient programs offer more intensive care, including medical monitoring and supervision, while outpatient programs allow you to live at home and continue with certain everyday activities. Your treatment team will work with you to develop a personalized plan that fits your needs and promotes recovery.

What is an Eating Disorder?

Eating disorders are medical conditions that significantly impact a person’s eating habits, thoughts, and emotions. While most people have occasional concerns about their health, weight, or appearance, some develop an unhealthy fixation on weight loss, body shape, and controlling their food intake, resulting in an eating disorder.

Eating disorders can cause significant harm to both physical and mental health and, in some cases, can even be life-threatening. These disorders often occur alongside other conditions, such as mood and anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and alcohol and substance use disorders.

The causes of eating disorders are not fully understood. Still, like other mental health conditions, there are potentially multiple factors that can vary from person to person and contribute to their development, including:

• Genetics: Individuals may possess genes that heighten their susceptibility to developing eating disorders.
• Biological factors: Eating disorders may be influenced by alterations in brain chemicals.

In addition, there are specific factors that can raise the likelihood of developing an eating disorder:

• Family history: Individuals with a family history of eating disorders are at a higher risk of developing one themselves. While genes and hereditary factors may increase the risk, the condition can also affect people with no family history.
• Other mental health issues: Experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other mental health problems can elevate the risk of developing an eating disorder.
• Dieting and starvation: Repeatedly going on diets can increase the likelihood of developing an eating disorder, particularly when weight fluctuates due to constantly starting and stopping new diets. Research shows that many symptoms of eating disorders are symptoms of starvation, which can negatively affect the brain and lead to changes in mood, rigid thinking, anxiety, and a reduced appetite.
• A history of weight bullying: Individuals who have experienced teasing or bullying related to their weight are at a higher risk of developing eating disorders. This encompasses those who have felt shame about their weight due to peers, healthcare providers, coaches, teachers, or family members.
• Life changes: Going to college, moving, starting a new job, or experiencing family or relationship problems can cause stress that potentially increases the likelihood of developing an eating disorder.

What is an Eating Disorder Rehab Center?

An eating disorder rehab center, or eating disorder treatment center, is a specialized facility providing comprehensive and intensive care for individuals struggling with eating disorders. These centers offer a structured and supportive environment where you or your loved one can receive professional treatment, therapy, and guidance to address eating disorders and related mental health issues.

The primary goal of an eating disorder rehab center is to help you regain a healthy relationship with food, your body, and yourself. Treatment approaches may include medical supervision, nutritional counseling, individual and group therapy, psychiatric support, and various evidence-based therapies tailored to your needs. The length of stay can vary depending on the severity of the disorder and your treatment progress.

What are the Different Types of Eating Disorders?

There are various types of eating disorders, each with its own symptoms and diagnostic criteria. However, all of these conditions share a common characteristic — an intense preoccupation with food, eating, and, in some cases, weight.

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a serious condition that involves self-starvation and weight loss, resulting in a significantly low weight for the individual’s height and age. It has one of the highest mortality rates among psychiatric diagnoses, second only to opioid use disorder. Typically, an adult with anorexia nervosa will have a body mass index (BMI) under 18.5.

The dieting behavior associated with anorexia nervosa is often driven by an intense fear of gaining weight. Anorexia nervosa has two subtypes:

• Restricting type: Losing weight primarily by dieting, fasting, or excessively exercising.
• Binge-eating/purging type: Engaging in intermittent binge eating and/or purging behaviors.

Symptoms that may arise over time include:

• Menstrual periods stop
• Dizziness or fainting (caused by dehydration)
• Weak and brittle hair and nails
• Intolerance to cold
• Muscle weakness and wasting
• Heartburn and acid reflux (in those who vomit)
• Severe constipation, bloating, and fullness after meals
• Stress fractures from compulsive exercise
• Bone loss resulting in osteopenia or osteoporosis
• Depression, irritability, anxiety, poor concentration, and fatigue

Anorexia nervosa can lead to serious, life-threatening health issues such as heart rhythm abnormalities, kidney problems, or seizures. A nutritional plan helps patients counter anxiety about eating and practice consuming various foods across regularly spaced meals. If outpatient treatment is ineffective, admission to an inpatient or residential behavioral specialty program may be necessary.

Bulimia Nervosa

Alternating between dieting or consuming only low-calorie “safe foods” and bingeing on “forbidden” high-calorie foods is a common feature of this eating disorder. Binge eating refers to consuming a lot of food quickly while feeling a loss of control over what or how much is consumed. This behavior is typically secretive and accompanied by feelings of guilt or embarrassment, typically followed by “compensatory behaviors” such as fasting, vomiting, laxative misuse, or compulsive exercise.

Common signs of bulimia nervosa include:

• Frequent bathroom visits directly after meals
• Excessive amounts of food disappearing or unexplained empty wrappers
• Chronic sore throat
• Dehydration and swelling in the cheeks
• Dental decay
• Heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux
• Misuse of laxatives or diet pills
• Recurring or unexplained diarrhea
• Dizziness or fainting from excessive purging behaviors

Bulimia nervosa can have serious and life-threatening consequences including esophageal tears, gastric rupture, and cardiac arrhythmias. The most effective treatment is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps patients establish healthy eating habits and manage thoughts and emotions. For young people, eating disorder-focused family-based treatment may also be effective.

Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating disorder is characterized by consuming large amounts of food in a short time, causing loss of control and distress. Unlike bulimia, individuals do not engage in compensatory behaviors. To diagnose binge eating disorder, one must have frequent episodes of overeating (at least once a week for three months) accompanied by a feeling of loss of control and three or more of the following:

• Eats more rapidly than normal
• Eats until uncomfortably full
• Consumes excessive amounts of food when not hungry
• Eats alone due to feeling embarrassed
• Feels disgusted, depressed, or very guilty after binging

Individual or group-based CBT is the most effective treatment for binge eating disorder. Interpersonal therapy (IPT) can also be helpful.

Pica

Pica involves repeatedly consuming non-food items with no nutritional value. The substances ingested may vary based on age and availability and can include items such as paper, paint chips, cloth, hair, clay, chalk, metal, pebbles, soap, charcoal, or string. Those diagnosed with pica are at risk for intestinal blockages or toxic effects from the substances consumed. Treatment involves identifying and addressing any nutritional deficiencies and behavior interventions to redirect the individual from non-food items.

Rumination Disorder

Rumination disorder is when swallowed food is brought back into the mouth and re-chewed, then swallowed again or spat out. To meet the diagnostic criteria, the behavior must:

• Occur repeatedly for a minimum of 1 month
• Not be caused by a gastrointestinal or medical issue
• Take place independently of any other behavioral eating problems

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

ARFID is characterized by eating disturbances that repeatedly fail to fulfill nutritional requirements. Avoidance or limited food choices may be caused by:

• Poor appetite and lack of interest in eating or food
• Complete avoidance of some foods due to their sensory qualities, such as texture, look, color, and smell
• Extreme anxiety or concern due to the fear of negative consequences like choking, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or an allergic reaction

To diagnose ARFID, difficulties with eating must be linked to one or more of the following:

• Significant and noticeable weight loss or failure to achieve expected weight gain in children
• Extreme nutritional deficiency
• Reliance on a feeding tube or oral nutritional supplements
• Interference with social functioning such as inability to eat with others

Treatment for ARFID involves a personalized plan that may require the involvement of specialists, such as a mental health professional or registered dietitian nutritionist.

Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorders (OSFED)

This category covers eating disorders or behaviors that cause distress and affect social, family, or work life but do not fit into other established categories. An example is “atypical anorexia nervosa,” which includes people with anorexia nervosa-like behaviors and concerns about their weight or appearance who, while having an above-average starting weight, are not regarded as underweight by their BMI. Individuals with atypical anorexia nervosa who experience rapid weight loss through extreme weight control behaviors may be at high risk for medical complications despite appearing to be at a normal or above-average weight.

Does My Insurance Cover Eating Disorder Rehab Treatment?

Rehab insurance coverage for eating disorder treatment varies depending on your policy, the treatment facility, and the level of care needed. In-network providers will generally provide more comprehensive coverage. Be aware of limitations, deductibles, co-pays, and co-insurance. Pre-authorization and demonstrating medical necessity may also be required. Verify your insurance benefits here.

How to Find Eating Disorder Rehabilitation Centers Near Me

At Virtue Recovery Center, we believe that “all foods fit” when it comes to our nutritional philosophy. This forms the basis of our dietary program, which includes and supports individuals of all shapes and sizes. We specialize in treating eating disorders by promoting mind-body connection through compassion, education, and shame reduction.

We offer personalized care beginning with a convenient and free assessment. Call 866-461-3339 or visit one of our nationally accredited treatment facilities:

Recovery Centers in Arizona

• Chandler, Arizona: 111 S Hearthstone Way, Chandler, AZ 85226
• Sun City West, Arizona: 13951 W Meeker Blvd, Sun City West, AZ 85375

Recovery Centers in Texas

• Houston, Texas: 9714 S Gessner Rd, Houston, TX 77071
• Killeen, Texas: 5200 S W S Young Dr, Killeen, TX 76542

Recovery Centers in Nevada

• Las Vegas, Nevada: 9230 Corbett St, Las Vegas, NV 89149

Recovery Centers in Oregon

• Astoria, Oregon: 263 W Exchange St, Astoria, OR 97103

To find additional eating disorder rehabilitation centers nearby:

• Research Online: Conduct an online search using keywords such as “eating disorder inpatient rehab within my vicinity” or “eating disorder treatment close to me,” followed by your exact location.
• Use Treatment Referral Helplines: Contact helplines or support organizations such as SAMHSA for a list of the nearest reputable eating disorder treatment centers. You can also reach our 24/7 hotline.
• Consult with Local Healthcare Professionals: Connect with professionals specializing in eating disorder treatment for recommendations and insights about nearby programs.
• Seek Recommendations: Ask anyone you know who has undergone eating disorder treatment. Their personal experiences can help identify reputable rehab centers.
• Check Online Reviews and Testimonials: Read reviews and testimonials to assess the quality of care, staff, amenities, and overall satisfaction.
• Verify Licensing and Accreditation: Make sure any center you consider is licensed and accredited by regulatory bodies.
• Consider Location and Accessibility: Factor in proximity to your home, work, or support network when choosing a facility.
• Assess Treatment Approaches and Services: Research the treatment options and services offered to ensure they meet your specific needs.
• Verify Insurance Coverage and Cost: Check if a program accepts your insurance or offers financing options, and inquire about the total cost of the program.
• Visit the Facility: If possible, visit the treatment centers you’re considering to see the environment, meet the staff, and ask questions.

What Does Eating Disorder Rehabilitation Admissions or Intake Mean?

Eating disorder rehabilitation admissions or intake refers to the process by which you enter and begin receiving treatment at an eating disorder rehab center. During the admissions process, you’ll typically be evaluated by a team of professionals — including doctors, therapists, and other specialists — to assess the severity of your eating disorder and determine the most appropriate treatment plan. This evaluation often includes a thorough physical examination, a psychological assessment, and a discussion of your medical history, eating behaviors, and related concerns.

The information gathered during intake helps the treatment team develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and challenges. It is also an opportunity to ask questions, express your goals and concerns, and understand what to expect during your stay.

What is the Eating Disorder Inpatient Rehab Admissions and Intake Process?

The eating disorder inpatient rehab admissions and intake process generally involves the following steps:

1. Initial inquiry: Reach out to the rehabilitation center by phone, email, or online form.
2. Pre-assessment: The facility gathers initial information about your medical history, eating disorder symptoms, and mental health concerns.
3. Clinical assessment: An in-person or virtual assessment with healthcare professionals specializing in eating disorder treatment helps determine the severity of the disorder, any co-occurring conditions, and the appropriate level of care.
4. Medical evaluation: A thorough medical evaluation assesses your physical health, including vital signs, laboratory tests, and potential medical complications.
5. Treatment planning: A customized treatment plan is developed outlining the specific interventions, therapies, and goals guiding your treatment.
6. Insurance and financial arrangements: The rehab center discusses insurance coverage, financial responsibilities, and necessary paperwork.
7. Admission: Once intake procedures are completed and inpatient treatment is deemed appropriate, you’ll be officially admitted. You’ll receive information about what to bring, facility rules, and other relevant details.

What is the Eating Disorder Outpatient Rehab Admissions and Intake Process?

The eating disorder outpatient rehab admissions and intake process is similar to the inpatient process in many ways, with some key differences:

Similarities:

• Both begin with an initial inquiry and clinical assessment conducted by a team of healthcare professionals.
• Both develop a customized treatment plan and discuss insurance coverage and financial arrangements.

Differences:

• Level of care: Inpatient rehab requires staying at the facility full-time. Outpatient rehab offers part-time treatment sessions so you can live at home and manage daily responsibilities.
• Medical evaluation: Inpatient care typically involves a more thorough medical evaluation to account for the higher severity level. Outpatient rehab may offer a briefer medical assessment.
• Program orientation: Inpatient programs include a detailed orientation covering facility rules, expectations, and daily routines. Outpatient programs typically have a more streamlined orientation.
• Treatment intensity and duration: Inpatient rehab offers round-the-clock care and a highly structured environment. Outpatient rehab provides part-time treatment sessions with varying levels of intensity depending on the program and your individual needs.

What is the Initial Intake Assessment Process for Eating Disorder Treatment?

The initial eating disorder rehab intake assessment typically involves a psychological and nutritional assessment, along with a comprehensive review of your medical history, eating disorder symptoms, and mental health status. This process is crucial to understanding your individualized needs, tailoring the treatment plan, and determining the appropriate level of care. It helps the treatment team provide comprehensive, customized care throughout your recovery. Call 866-461-3339 to schedule your free assessment.

Are There Ongoing Evaluations During the Eating Disorder Recovery Process?

Yes, ongoing evaluations are an essential part of the eating disorder recovery process. Regular assessments are conducted throughout treatment to monitor progress, adjust treatment plans as needed, and ensure your overall well-being. These evaluations may involve therapists, medical providers, and dietitians, and provide opportunities to address emerging challenges, celebrate milestones, and make informed decisions to optimize your health toward long-term recovery.

Rehabilitation Treatment Process and Daily Schedule

The eating disorder rehabilitation treatment process and daily schedule can vary between centers. However, below is a general overview:

Assessment — Initial evaluation of your condition, including physical and mental health, to determine an appropriate treatment plan.

Medical stabilization — If necessary, medical interventions and medications are provided to address any immediate health concerns.

Nutritional support — Individualized meal plans and nutritional counseling help restore healthy eating habits and address nutritional deficiencies.

Therapy sessions — A range of therapies are offered, including:

• Individual therapy: One-on-one sessions with a therapist to address underlying issues and develop coping strategies.
• Group therapy: Sessions with peers led by a therapist to share experiences and gain support.
• Family therapy: Involving family members to improve communication and foster a supportive environment for recovery.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifying and modifying unhealthy thoughts and behaviors related to the eating disorder.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Combining CBT techniques with mindfulness to promote emotion regulation and effective coping.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Encouraging acceptance of difficult emotions while promoting personal values and committed actions toward recovery.
• Body image therapy: Strategies and interventions aimed at improving body image perception.
• Trauma-informed therapy: Addressing any past traumas that may contribute to the development or maintenance of the eating disorder.
• Psychoeducation: Education about eating disorders, nutritional knowledge, and relapse prevention.
• Experiential therapies: Incorporating art therapy, yoga, meditation, and other expressive therapies to enhance self-expression and relaxation.
• Relapse prevention: Equipping you with strategies and skills to recognize triggers, manage stress, and prevent relapse after leaving the treatment center.

Daily Schedule:

• Mornings: Structured meals and snacks, followed by therapy sessions including individual or group therapy, nutritional counseling, or psychoeducation.
• Afternoons: Additional therapy sessions such as body image therapy, trauma-informed therapy, or experiential therapies.
• Evenings: Free time for relaxation, self-reflection, recreational activities, and social interaction with peers in a supportive environment.

Statistics and Information about Eating Disorders

• Individuals who have a sibling or parent with an eating disorder have a higher likelihood of developing one themselves.¹
• According to experts, differences in brain structure and biology — specifically the levels of serotonin and dopamine — could contribute to developing eating disorders.²
• Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder, with a high prevalence among adolescents.³
• The average age when binge eating disorder begins is 21 years old. Both bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa typically start at 18 years old.⁴
• In the United States, approximately 30 million individuals will experience at least one eating disorder in their lifetime, with an estimated 20 million being women and 10 million being men.⁵
• Out of all mental illnesses, eating disorders pose the most significant risk of mortality.⁶
• Eating disorders can impact individuals of all genders, races, and ethnic groups.
• The worldwide prevalence of eating disorders rose from 3.4% to 7.8% between 2000 and 2018.⁷
• Eating disorders among adolescent females in the United States are the third most prevalent chronic illness.
• A study conducted in 2021 shows that the number of individuals seeking inpatient treatment for an eating disorder doubled from 2018 to 2020.⁸
• Individuals who identify as a gender different from their assigned sex at birth are more likely to be diagnosed with an eating disorder or report disordered eating habits.⁹
• Existing treatments for eating disorders can prevent approximately 42 deaths per 100,000 people under 40 in the United States. Expanding treatment options could potentially prevent up to 70.5 deaths per 100,000 people under 40.¹⁰

Sources

1. “Eating Disorders.” NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness, www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Eating-Disorders.
2. Riva, Giuseppe. “Neurobiology of Anorexia Nervosa: Serotonin Dysfunctions Link Self-Starvation With Body Image Disturbances Through an Impaired Body Memory.” Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, vol. 10, Nov. 2016. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2016.00600/full
3. Marzilli, Eleonora, et al. “A Narrative Review of Binge Eating Disorder in Adolescence: Prevalence, Impact, and Psychological Treatment Strategies.” Adolescent Health, Medicine and Therapeutics, vol. 9, 2018, pp. 17–30. https://doi.org/10.2147/ahmt.s148050
4. Hudson, James I., et al. “The Prevalence and Correlates of Eating Disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication.” Biological Psychiatry, vol. 61, no. 3, Feb. 2007, pp. 348–58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2006.03.040
5. National Eating Disorders Association. “What Are Eating Disorders?” www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/what-are-eating-disorders.
6. “Eating Disorder Facts.” Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, www.hopkinsallchildrens.org.
7. SingleCare Team. “Eating Disorder Statistics 2023.” The Checkup, Feb. 2023, www.singlecare.com/blog/news/eating-disorder-statistics.
8. Asch, David A., et al. “Trends in US Patients Receiving Care for Eating Disorders and Other Common Behavioral Health Conditions Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic.” JAMA Network Open, vol. 4, no. 11, Nov. 2021. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.34913
9. Diemer, Elizabeth W., et al. “Beyond the Binary: Differences in Eating Disorder Prevalence by Gender Identity in a Transgender Sample.” Transgender Health, vol. 3, no. 1, May 2018, pp. 17–23. https://doi.org/10.1089/trgh.2017.0043
10. Ward, Zachary J., et al. “Estimation of Eating Disorders Prevalence by Age and Associations With Mortality in a Simulated Nationally Representative US Cohort.” JAMA Network Open, vol. 2, no. 10, Oct. 2019. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.12925