Author: Ryleigh Scott (Dietetic Intern)
If you, or someone you know, is struggling with an eating disorder, it’s important to understand
the treatment options available. One approach is outpatient treatment, which allows individuals to get the help they need without leaving their daily lives behind.
Whether you're struggling with anorexia, bulimia, BED, OSFED, ARFID, or disordered eating, outpatient care can be an essential part of the recovery process that offers a flexible and supportive way to healing.
Outpatient Treatment for Eating Disorders - St. Louis Area Nutrition Therapy
When it comes to eating disorder treatment, there’s definitely no one-size-fits-all solution.
Outpatient treatment is one option that allows patients to receive support while living at home and maintaining their daily routines. It’s a more flexible approach compared to
inpatient or residential care, where patients live full-time in a treatment facility and have
round-the-clock care.
What does outpatient treatment for anorexia, bulimia, and BED look like?
Treatment involves a multi-disciplinary approach -- a combination of therapy, medical monitoring, and nutritional support. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most common treatments used for eating disorders, and it helps patients identify and challenge the negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their eating disorder. Nutrition counseling is also a major part of outpatient treatment, where a registered dietitian helps individuals rebuild healthy relationships with food.
Virtual nutrition therapy now provides patients with location, transportation, and mobility limitations with access to necessary care.
Who should get outpatient eating disorder treatment?
Again, not every treatment and nutrition therapy program is right for every patient. Treatment options should be discussed with your healthcare team (primary care physician, therapist, psychiatrist, and dietitian nutritionist). Here are things to consider when determining if you or someone you love are fit for outpatient treatment. It can be suitable for those who:
Have Stable Physical and Mental Health: Patients who are medically stable and do not require immediate hospitalization for life-threatening symptoms such as severe malnutrition, electrolyte imbalances, or organ dysfunction.
Can Maintain Nutritional Intake: Patients who are able to eat and follow meal plans with the support of outpatient care without requiring 24-hour supervision.
Show Motivation for Recovery: Patients who demonstrate a willingness to participate in treatment and make progress toward recovery goals.
Have a Strong Support System: Patients who have access to family, friends, or other support networks who can assist and encourage them throughout the recovery process.
Do Not Pose Immediate Risk: They are not engaging in behaviors or experiencing thoughts (e.g., self-harm, suicidality) that require intensive monitoring or inpatient care.
Outpatient treatment is a great option for people who have less severe eating disorders and are medically stable enough to manage their own recovery at home. It’s especially suited for those who don’t need 24/7 supervision but still need ongoing support to stay on track.
If you have a strong support system, whether it's friends or family, outpatient treatment can
offer the flexibility to get better without disrupting your life too much. It’s really ideal for
people who need ongoing therapy and nutritional support but have the ability to function
independently, manage their emotions, and implement what they learn in real-life situations.
Benefits of Outpatient Medical Nutrition Therapy
One of the biggest benefits of outpatient treatment for eating disorders is that it’s often much
more affordable than inpatient care. Since you’re not staying overnight in a facility, it’s a much
more cost-effective option for many people. Another benefit is the increased independence it
offers. You can continue with your daily routine without any major disruptions.
St. Louis area nutrition therapy and counseling in the outpatient setting can also help you apply what you’re learning directly to your meals and lifestyle, so it’s much more practical and sustainable. It may also feel somewhat less overwhelming and more manageable since you’re able to remain in familiar surroundings.
Outpatient treatment for eating disorders can be a great option for those who need support
but don’t require full-time care. It’s a flexible and affordable way to receive nutrition therapy and guidance while giving you the freedom to live your life. Also, support groups and recovery coaching are options many patients have available to them to build community and get ongoing support, strategies, tips, and nutrition care to sustain recovery.
Whether you’re in the early stages of recovery or simply need ongoing support, outpatient care
can help make lasting changes to your relationship with food. If you’re thinking about starting
your recovery journey or want to learn more about how nutrition can play a role, Branz Nutrition is here to help. Get started today!
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