Deciding to seek help for an eating disorder is a big step, but before recovery can begin, you’ve got to find a treatment center that will work for you. While there are an increasing number of these facilities nationwide, not every program will make sense for your situation, so it’s important to do your research before making a final choice. If you’re unsure about how to make an informed decision, use these tips for finding an eating disorder treatment center.
Consider the location.
For most people, it will be best to choose a center that’s far enough from home for treatment to feel like a clean break from their old life. However, it’s also important to think about your personal financial situation. Seeking treatment halfway across the country may not be feasible if you can’t afford the move or if your loved ones won’t be able to afford the trip to visit you. So, when it comes to location, choose a treatment center that strikes a good balance between your personal needs and your financial reality.
Think about the severity of your disorder.
Both inpatient and outpatient formats are common for eating disorder treatment centers, but which one is right for you will depend on your own unique situation. For many people, outpatient facilities will provide enough support to be successful. However, if you’ve struggled with an eating disorder for a long period of time or suffer from other problems such as substance abuse, you may need the constant support that inpatient facilities offer.
Ask questions.
When it comes to finding an eating disorder treatment center, you can never ask too many questions. You’re very much putting your life in the hands of a facility, so it’s important you know as much about it as possible. If you don’t know which questions to be asking, start with the basics—the success rates for the center, the certifications the facility holds, and the educational backgrounds of their staff.
Look for a good aftercare program.
You may find recovery in a treatment center to be easier than you expected, since you’ll be in an environment conducive to healthy living. However, once your program is over, you’ve got to return to the “real world,” where maintaining your recovery can become quite difficult. So, when choosing a facility, look for one offering a good aftercare program that includes outpatient visits and support groups.
