Eating Disorders Program
Eating Disorders Program
The Eating Disorders Program at Nationwide Children’s Hospital provides comprehensive care for children and teens diagnosed with eating disorders or disordered eating.
Our team includes dietitians, doctors, therapists, psychiatrists and nurses. We work together to provide personalized care for each patient. We address their unique needs at every stage of treatment.
Our team collaborates with each patient and family to stabilize eating behaviors and overall health. We also address other medical or psychiatric concerns that may contribute to disordered eating.
What To Expect
When a child or teen is referred to the Eating Disorders Clinic, they receive a behavioral health assessment with a licensed mental health provider. This will help figure out the right level of care and provide treatment options.
Depending on the level of care required, families can expect their child to attend one to three sessions per week. Treatment has several goals. It is designed to help caregivers and family members stabilize their child’s eating. It also teaches strategies to manage stress, foster healthy coping skills and achieve long-term recovery goals.
The Eating Disorders team works with the family to create a goal-oriented version of treatment. Providers will evaluate progress through talk-therapy with the child and family. This therapy may include other specialties. It depends on the child’s needs.
The clinic works with the Medical Management of Disordered Eating and Eating Disorders (MDEED) program through Nationwide Children’s Adolescent Medicine. This partnership offers an added level of medical support for patients needing more intensive or specialized care.
Outpatient Program
This program is designed for those who can attend one to three in-person or virtual sessions each week. This program includes a strong focus on family involvement. It is staffed by licensed mental health providers who specialize in evidence-based treatment approaches. Sessions are customized to meet each family’s needs. They may include individual therapy, family sessions and caregiver-only support.
We also offer dedicated caregiver support for those helping a child with eating concerns. The group is a welcoming space where caregivers can share experiences, gain insights and develop skills to help their loved one on the path to recovery.
Our Approach to Care
Eating disorders are complex. They require medical and psychological care. Effective treatment requires teamwork from various health care professionals.
Our dedicated care team works together to address the unique needs of each patient and their family. This comprehensive care supports both physical and emotional recovery.
The team ensures a holistic approach to treatment by integrating medical, nutritional, and psychological expertise. This empowers patients and families on their journey toward recovery and long-term wellness.
Our Philosophy
We believe in empowering patients and families with the tools and knowledge to achieve lasting recovery. Our approach is rooted in empathy, evidence-based practices and a commitment to treating the whole person.
Location
Support Programs
In addition to our core treatment services, we offer a range of supplementary resources to enhance patient care and support families. These include:
- Family Education and Support: Resources to help families understand eating disorders, build effective communication strategies and provide strong support at home
- Nutritional Counseling: Personalized guidance from registered dietitians to help patients and families establish healthy eating patterns and address specific nutritional needs
- Group Therapy: Sessions facilitated by trained therapists, providing a supportive environment for patients and caregivers to connect with others facing similar challenges
- School Collaboration: Our team partners with schools to support children in the educational setting, providing guidance on accommodations and strategies to promote academic success.
- Medical Monitoring: Ongoing medical evaluations to track progress, address complications and ensure the safety and well-being of every patient throughout their treatment journey
These offerings are integral to our mission of providing holistic care that empowers patients and families to achieve lasting recovery.
Service Offerings:
- Individual, family and caregiver sessions with a licensed mental health provider
- Support from a registered dietitian
- Caregiver-only support group
- Holiday exposure therapy group
- Specialized Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) clinic
- Psychiatry services
To ensure clarity about the scope of our services, please note the following:
- Our focus is on health and recovery more than weight loss or appearance-based goals.
- Our treatment protocols do not include GLP-1 medications.
- Our clinic does not offer services related to bariatric surgery preparation or referrals.
Your Care Team
Due to the medical and psychological complexity of eating disorders, effective treatment involves the collaboration of clinicians from different health disciplines.
The team works together to help patients and families achieve recovery.
Inside the Eating Disorders Program
Conditions We Treat
- Anorexia Nervosa
- Avoidance Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
- Binge Eating Disorder
- Bulimia Nervosa
