If you are suffering from an eating disorder, you may be wondering if treatment through outpatient services is the right choice for you. Well, there are a number of advantages to getting help through outpatient care, and we will discuss some of them in this post.
Getting Outpatient Services for Eating Disorders – Is It a Good Idea?
Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that can have dangerous consequences if left untreated. It is estimated that 1 in 20 Canadians may suffer from an eating disorder at some point in their lives.
Outpatient treatment can be an essential step in the recovery of people with eating disorders. It can provide them with the support and resources they need to manage their illness and progress towards recovery.
Outpatient services are available for all types of eating disorders. They are especially beneficial for those in the early stages of their disorder and who have not yet developed serious physical complications.
However, outpatient services can also be effective for individuals with more severe eating disorders who have already received inpatient treatment and are now ready to transition to a less intensive level of care.
The Advantages of Treating Eating Disorders Through Outpatient Services
Getting outpatient treatment for your eating disorder can benefit you in various ways. Below are some of these noteworthy advantages:
- You can continue to live at home and go to school or work while receiving treatment.
- You have more flexibility in scheduling appointments, enabling you to do your normal daily activities while receiving care.
- You may be able to receive a higher level of care than what is available through other forms of treatment, such as day treatment or hospitalization.
- Outpatient services can also be less costly than inpatient treatment and may offer a higher level of privacy.
- You can receive support from a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, dietitians, and therapists.
- Patients who receive outpatient treatment for eating disorders often have better long-term outcomes than those who do not receive any treatment.
- Outpatient services offer a range of treatment options that can be tailored to meet each patient’s individual needs.
What to Expect from Outpatient Services for Eating Disorders
Outpatient treatment for eating disorders typically includes individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy. It may also involve nutritional counseling and medical monitoring. Patients who receive outpatient treatment often have a better chance of recovering from their eating disorder and maintaining their recovery in the long term.
When you go to a clinic for outpatient treatment for your eating disorder, you will first undergo orientation and evaluation. These help the clinic staff determine the level of care patients like you need.
After the assessment, a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals will develop a treatment plan tailored to meet your specific needs. Since the recommendations are tailored to the individual based on assessments, you can expect the proposed treatment strategy to be effective.
At BACA Clinic, we start by examining how serious the eating disorder is, the patient’s motivation towards getting better, and whether our clinic is the right fit for them. It’s the beginning point for the majority of our clients.
The evaluation discussions go more in-depth than the orientation sessions, both psychologically and nutritionally. They are for individuals who are already interested in beginning therapy with us.
Outpatient Therapy Services for Eating Disorders
Talking to a psychologist or psychotherapist greatly helps individuals with mental health issues. This is why talking to a specialist is an integral part of the treatment plan for people struggling with anorexia, bulimia, and other eating disorders.
Individual Psychotherapy for Eating Disorders
When you check out clinics, you will notice that they use psychotherapy in treating eating disorders. In fact, at BACA Clinic, individual psychotherapy is a key component of our outpatient services.
Depending on the clinic, patients have weekly individual meetings with an experienced therapist. These meetings provide an opportunity for patients to explore the thoughts and emotions that are driving their eating disorder. They also serve as a space for them to learn new skills and strategies for managing their illness.
Just a reminder:
When getting psychotherapy, you and your therapist need to trust each other. This way, the sessions will be more comfortable for both of you.
Communicating your fears, expectations, and concerns during the beginning stages of the therapy is crucial in establishing trust. So, don’t be scared to share these things with your therapist, as she is there to lend a listening ear without passing judgement.
Outpatient Family Therapy Services
Family therapy is another important part of outpatient treatment services for eating disorders. Families can play a vital role in the recovery process. As such, family therapy sessions are part of treating patients with eating disorders. The therapy is meant to help patients and their families learn more about eating disorders and how to support each other.
If you are struggling with an eating disorder, outpatient service is a treatment option worth considering, especially if you do not want to stay overnight (or for several days) in a facility. These services can help you learn how to take care of yourself properly. It also promotes independence and is less expensive than inpatient treatments.
But first, keep in mind that each person’s situation is unique. So, it is important to speak with your doctor or therapist to see if outpatient treatment is right for you.
Are you dealing with an eating disorder? Or do you know someone who is struggling with anorexia nervosa or bulimia? Please call us at (514) 544-2323 | 1-833-544-2323 or leave us a message here to learn more about our outpatient services for patients with eating disorders.
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