Eating Disorder Program
- For all other requests:
- 1-800-777-8442
Our team specializes in providing care that is evidence based, individualized, and comprehensive.
UI Health Care has been providing treatment to individuals with eating disorders for over four decades and our interdisciplinary team includes dietitians, nurses, occupational therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, recreational therapists, music therapists, and social workers. We work alongside patients to help them learn effective strategies to treat the symptoms of an eating disorder and to address past and present emotional needs. At UI Health Care, we believe in caring for the whole person.
Comprehensive Care
Individuals who are diagnosed with eating disorders may also be struggling with other psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or substance abuse. In addition, patients may experience medical conditions that often occur with these disorders. Our team will address various areas of concern before designing a treatment plan. We are housed in the state's only academic medical center and can consult other specialists.
Levels of Care
When seeking treatment, it can be difficult to know what level of care is needed to best treat symptoms, medical conditions, and emotional needs a patient may be experiencing. At UI, we offer the following levels of care to address patient needs across the spectrum.
We provide diagnosis evaluations by appointment to assess the appropriate level of care. Treatment options in an outpatient setting include individual therapy and medication management. For individuals who need services closer to home, we may be able to assist you in finding care in your area.
Individuals on the Eating Disorder Track in the Partial Hospital participate in structured therapy programs during the day and spend nights and weekends at home. This program serves as a step-up from outpatient care and as a step-down from higher levels of care (inpatient, residential). Treatment is time-limited and may last up to six weeks.
A typical day in the partial program might include all or some combination of the following:
- Individual psychotherapy
- Group Psychotherapy
- Group Education & Skills Classes
- Family meetings
- Medication management
- Dietary guidance
- Occupational therapy
- Recreational therapy
- Therapeutic meals and snacks
Treatment for an eating disorder sometimes requires inpatient hospitalization. As an academic medical center, we offer the state’s only medicine/psychiatry unit to care for individuals with extensive medical needs related to symptoms and health changes including nutritional deficits, cognitive impairments, severe dehydration and more.
Our Care Team
- Psychiatry
- Psychiatry
- Psychiatry
- Dietitian: Emily Garcia, RD
- Music Therapist: Becca Kurtz, MHA, MT-BC
- Occupational Therapist: Kaitrin Helstrom, OTD, OTR/L
- Recreational Therapist: Melissa O'Donnell, MA, CTRS
- Nurse Clinician: Jeanne Gupta, RN