Eating Disorder Treatment Options

Recovering from an eating disorder can feel extremely daunting and feel impossible to do alone. There are many different levels of care and support to help if you are currently struggling with eating disorder thoughts and behaviors. It takes a lot of courage and bravery to seek help and it can feel overwhelming to know kind of treatment is needed and where to start. The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to eating disorder treatment and there are many evidence based options. Healing from an eating disorder is possible and you do not have to try to do it alone.

Levels of Care for Eating Disorder Treatment:

Outpatient Therapy

• What it is: Weekly or biweekly individual sessions with a therapist trained in eating disorder treatment.

• Best for: Individuals with mild to moderate symptoms who are medically stable and able to maintain daily responsibilities.

• What to expect: Outpatient therapy focuses on developing insight into disordered thoughts and behaviors, building coping skills, and exploring the underlying emotional and psychological factors driving the eating disorder. Therapists may also collaborate with dietitians, psychiatrists, and medical doctors to provide more comprehensive care.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)

• What it is: Structured treatment that typically meets 3–5 days per week for several hours a day, combining individual therapy, group therapy, meal support, and nutrition counseling.

• Best for: Those who need more support than outpatient therapy can provide but do not require 24/7 care.

• What to expect: IOPs provide a community of support and offer more frequent monitoring of behaviors, meals, and emotional health. They’re ideal for people transitioning from a higher level of care or those whose symptoms have started to interfere with daily life.

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)

• What it is: Also known as “day treatment,” PHP is often a full-day program (5–7 days a week) offering medical monitoring, structured meals, group and individual therapy, and psychiatric support.

• Best for: Individuals with moderate to severe symptoms who require close supervision during the day but can safely return home at night.

• What to expect: PHP offers a highly structured environment, providing a balance of intensive treatment and some personal freedom. Many clients attend PHP before stepping down to IOP.

Residential Treatment

• What it is: 24/7 care in a live-in treatment center where clients receive round-the-clock support from a multidisciplinary team.

• Best for: Individuals with severe eating disorders who need constant supervision, medical stabilization, or who have not responded to outpatient or PHP/IOP levels of care.

• What to expect: Residential treatment provides a healing environment removed from everyday stressors, allowing clients to focus fully on recovery. It includes medical and psychiatric care, individual and group therapy, nutrition support, and holistic interventions like art therapy or movement therapy.

Inpatient Hospitalization

• What it is: Short-term medical and psychiatric stabilization in a hospital setting.

• Best for: Individuals who are medically unstable or in acute crisis (e.g., dangerously low weight, heart irregularities, suicidal ideation).

• What to expect: The goal is medical stabilization, not long-term treatment. Once stabilized, clients are typically referred to residential or PHP programs to continue their recovery journey.

Choosing A Path Towards Recovery

Every eating disorder is different and so is every path for eating disorder recovery. If you or someone you love is unsure where to begin, here are a few starting points:

• Talk to your primary care provider: They can assess your medical stability and help refer you to specialized care.

• Consult an eating disorder therapist or dietitian: These professionals can help determine what level of care is appropriate and guide you through the process.

• Reach out to national helplines: Organizations like the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) offer free, confidential support and referrals.

Recovery is possible, and you do not have to do it alone. Whether you start with weekly therapy or need the support of a residential program, there is a path forward. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength. My hope is that, no matter where you are in your journey, this post helps you feel a little more empowered to take the next step.

If you have questions about treatment options or want to talk about what might work best for you or your loved one, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Healing is hard work and it is possible. 

You deserve support. You deserve recovery. You deserve to take up space.

Julia Peterson

MSW, CSW

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