Adolescent Outpatient Eating Disorder Program

The Center for Anorexia and Bulimia offers the Bay Area's only day treatment programs for adolescents with eating disorders who are at a more advanced stage of recovery. The goal of the program is to maintain the necessary structure for continued growth and recovery and to promote a healthy transition back to normal, everyday living.

Outpatient participants are typically in the program five to six hours a day, five days a week. As the participant progresses in recovery, the schedule may be reduced to six hours a day, two days a week.

The daily group schedule consists of cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapies, process groups, yoga and relaxation training, movement, and art and drama therapies.

Individuals in our inpatient and outpatient programs often join together in a group setting to help each other gain insight about the disease and support one another through recovery.

Each patient is seen regularly and individually by a psychiatrist and dietitian who specialize in eating disorders. Family therapy sessions are also a regular part of treatment. Participants and their loved ones are expected to attend bi-monthly support groups and education meetings.

For information on the Outpatient Eating Disorder Program, call (510) 204-4569.

Adolescent Inpatient Eating Disorder Program

The Adolescent Inpatient Eating Disorder Program offers a safe and supportive setting for adolescents and their families. With parental involvement, inpatient participants are generally able to gain significantly more than in outpatient settings to accelerate the recovery process. Proper nutrition and maintaining a healthy weight are necessary for healthy cognitive function, which is essential to effective psychological interventions.

The "HOPE" and "PATH" Workbook Programs are used as structured guides through the stages of recovery. The program also makes use of a "level system" to motivate and reward patients for active participation in their treatment.

The adolescent program’s psychiatrists and staff offer extensive experience with patients struggling with eating disorders. The "HOPE" workbook addresses a wide array of eating disorder treatment needs including:

• Education regarding anorexia and bulimia nervosa
• Individual, family and group psychotherapy
• Medically supported "re-feeding"
• Assistance identifying and dealing with conflicts
• Family therapy and support
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Treatment of comorbid conditions
• Development of healthy coping skills
• Dealing with the loss of eating disorder identity
• Assertiveness training
• Relapse prevention
• Discharge meal planning
• After-care support resources

Each day participants meet with their psychiatrist, nursing staff and assigned mental health support staff. Interfaith chaplains are available to assist with individual spiritual needs. Registered dietitians and social work clinicians also work closely with patients, families and outpatient providers to develop a comprehensive transition plan to support a healthy return home.

Weekly therapeutic family meetings help educate and support parents so they can be an active part of the treatment team. Family involvement is also expected at weekly family meals and encouraged at bi-monthly support/education groups. The ultimate goal of the "HOPE" program is to provide the best opportunity for health and long-term recovery.

For information on the Inpatient Eating Disorder Program, call (510) 204-4405.