If you’ve spent time researching eating disorder treatment, you’ve likely come across programs that emphasize a specific model like family-based treatment (FBT) or programs that are strictly virtual. While these approaches can be valuable, recovery is rarely one-size-fits-all. What works for one person may not work for another.
The most effective treatment is often one that’s not only personalized but clinically appropriate for the individual.
By conducting comprehensive assessments and considering the whole person, our dedicated team of experts at Center for Discovery helps individuals access the support they need when they need it.
This creates a strong foundation for sustainable eating disorder recovery.
First: What Is Family-Based Treatment (FBT) for Eating Disorders?
Family-based treatment (FBT), historically called the Maudsley approach, is an evidence-based treatment model for children and adolescents with eating disorders. In FBT, parents or caregivers take an active role in helping their child restore nutrition, normalize eating behaviors and support recovery at home. We’re not calling FBT a bad thing – far from it. However, like other forms of treatment, it’s important to realize that FBT has benefits along with points to seriously consider:
| Potential Benefits of FBT | Potential Considerations of FBT |
| Empowers parents and caregivers to play an active role in supporting recovery. | Requires significant time, energy, and consistency from parents or caregivers. |
| Has a strong evidence base for adolescents with anorexia nervosa. | May not be appropriate for adults or older adolescents seeking greater independence in treatment decisions, or an eating disorder diagnosis that isn’t anorexia. |
| Allows treatment to occur while the individual remains at home and connected to daily life. | Home environments can vary widely and may not always provide the structure needed for recovery. |
| Helps families better understand eating disorders, and learn how to support meal plan completion and/or weight rehabilitation. | Some families may experience increased stress or conflict while navigating meal support responsibilities. |
| Encourages collaboration among the individual, family, and treatment team. | Family dynamics, work schedules, geographic separation, or other factors can make participation difficult. |
| May reduce feelings of blame by recognizing that families do not cause eating disorders. | Not every individual feels comfortable involving family members in treatment to the same degree. |
| Can be effective in helping parents interrupt eating disorder behaviors early in recovery. | May not fully address all co-occurring concerns, such as trauma, anxiety, depression, or complex mental health needs without additional therapeutic interventions. Also, transitioning to the more independent phase 2 of FBT can be challenging. |
Eating disorders affect individuals across all ages, backgrounds, and family situations. Not every person is a candidate for FBT, and not every family has the structure, availability or clinical needs that make this approach the best fit.
One of the ways we accomplish that at Center for Discovery is through multiple levels of care.
Understanding the Different Levels of Care for Eating Disorder Treatment
Individuals may need different types and intensities of treatment depending on their symptoms, medical needs, daily functioning and stage of recovery.
That’s why Center for Discovery offers multiple levels of care, allowing treatment to be tailored to each person’s unique situation.
Residential Treatment
Residential treatment provides the highest level of support outside of a hospital setting. Patients live on-site and receive around-the-clock care while participating in a structured treatment program that includes therapy, nutritional support, meal supervision and medical monitoring.
This level of care is often recommended for individuals who need focused support to safely begin or continue their recovery.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Our partial hospitalization program (PHP) offers comprehensive treatment during the day while allowing individuals to return home in the evenings. Patients participate in a full schedule of therapeutic programming, including individual therapy, group therapy, nutrition counseling and supported meals.
PHP can be an effective option for those who need significant structure and support but do not require 24-hour residential care.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Center for Discovery’s intensive outpatient program (IOP) provides a flexible level of care for individuals who are medically stable and able to manage many aspects of their daily lives while continuing treatment. Patients attend therapy and treatment programming several days per week, allowing them to practice recovery skills in real-world settings while maintaining work, school or family responsibilities.
Online Treatment Program
For those who may benefit from remote care, s online treatment program provides access to evidence-based eating disorder treatment from the comfort of home. Through virtual therapy sessions, nutrition support, group programming and ongoing clinical guidance, individuals can receive meaningful treatment while maintaining greater flexibility in their daily routines.
Are Family-Based and/or Online Eating Disorder Treatment Right for Everyone?
FBT can be a highly effective approach for some children, adolescents and families affected by eating disorders. However, FBT is not the ideal treatment approach for every individual or family. The same is true for virtual treatment: it can be an effective option for many individuals, but it is not the right fit for everyone.
Eating disorders exist on a spectrum of severity, and recovery needs can vary significantly from person to person. Some individuals thrive in a virtual setting, particularly when they have:
- Strong support systems
- Medical stability
- The ability to consistently engage in treatment from home
Others may benefit from the structure, supervision, meal support and therapeutic environment available through in-person treatment programs
Our online IOP treatment is built on the same core philosophy that guides all of our treatment services: recovery is not one-size-fits-all. It’s why our programs are informed by the standards and recommendations developed by the Residential Eating Disorders Consortium (REDC), which helps ensure that treatment decisions prioritize clinical appropriateness, patient safety and long-term recovery outcomes.
We’ll Help You Find the Treatment Approach That Fits You
The most important question is not whether FBT is better than other forms of treatment, or if online treatment is better than in-person care. The most important question is whether a particular level of care is clinically appropriate for the individual’s current needs.
Recovery works best when treatment is tailored to the individual, not when the individual is expected to fit the treatment model. Whether care is delivered virtually or in person, our focus remains the same: matching each individual with the level of support that best meets their unique needs.
Contact us today to learn more about our in-person and virtual treatment options and find the level of support that’s right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is family-based therapy (FBT) right for everyone?
No. FBT can be very effective, particularly for adolescents with eating disorders, but no single treatment works for everyone. Some people need additional medical, nutritional, psychiatric, or therapeutic support, and some benefit from a higher level of care. The right plan depends on the individual, their health, and where they are in recovery.
What if FBT isn’t enough?
That doesn’t mean treatment has failed. Eating disorders are complex, and recovery sometimes requires more support than one approach can provide. Depending on the person’s needs, treatment may combine therapy with medical and nutritional care or step up to a more intensive level of care.
Can FBT be part of a broader eating disorder treatment plan?
Yes. FBT may be one part of a comprehensive treatment plan that also includes medical monitoring, nutrition support, individual therapy, psychiatric care, or more intensive treatment when needed. The goal is not to make someone fit a particular model, but to build the level and combination of care that gives them the best chance of recovery.