Eating Disorder Levels of Care

What Levels of Care Means & Why It’s Important

Everyone’s journey to wellness is different and eating disorder treatment can start at any level. The ideal level of care to start at for you or a loved one will depend on the seriousness of the symptoms. Think of it as moving up and down a staircase: some people need to go to the top of the staircase for residential (RTC) care, then eventually “step down” to partial hospitalization (PHP). Or a person starts at intensive outpatient (IOP) and may need more support, so they “step up” to PHP or RTC.

Once you or a loved one complete an assessment with us, we’ll recommend the appropriate level of care. Ultimately, a clinician recommends which treatment is best but it’s good to understand what to expect from each one when deciding when to get care.

Residential Treatment (RTC)

• 24/7 supervision and support in a highly structured therapeutic setting that includes therapy sessions, family sessions, psychiatrist visits & more
• RTC lasts approximately 40 days or more, depending on the clinical recommendation and insurance coverage
• Round-the-clock treatment is done in a homelike environment, making it more suitable to practice coping skills and is best for severe symptoms

LEARN MORE ABOUT RTC

Partial Hospitalization (PHP)

• Programming is for a full day, 6-8 hours per day, 5-6 days per week; lasts 5 weeks or more, depending on the clinical recommendation and insurance coverage
• Typically, PHP is a step-down treatment after RTC care; it has identical programming to RTC but with a more flexible schedule
• Patients have more opportunities to practice what they have learned in therapy in places outside of treatment

LEARN MORE ABOUT PHP

Intensive Outpatient (IOP)

• Programs are available morning, afternoon or evening for 3-4 hours per day, 3-5 days per week; lasts 6 weeks or more, depending on the clinical recommendation and insurance coverage
• IOP is a supportive environment where patients can connect with peers
• Treatment provides a schedule that’s convenient for people who work, go to school or have other daily obligations

LEARN MORE ABOUT IOP

We’re Here for You

If you are struggling or someone you know is struggling, we are here for you. Center for Discovery’s treatment centers specialize in treatment for eating disorders, mental health and dual diagnosis treatment with unique treatment programs for every individual to get them on their way to eating disorder recovery.

For more information, resources, or to consult with one of our specialists, call 800.760.3934.