Eating disorders are affecting increasing numbers of pre-teens, teens and young adults.
In the United States, conservative estimates indicate that after puberty, 5-10% of girls and women (that translates to 5-10 MILLION girls and women) and 1 MILLION boys and men are struggling with eating disorders. Most are ages 12 to 27. Eating disorders are not just a "fad" or a "phase".
Teens do not just "catch" an eating disorder for a period of time.
Parents of a pre-teen or teen struggling with an eating disorder need to seek professional help.
The earlier a teen with an eating disorder receives treatment, the greater the likelihood of emotional and physical recovery.
At least 50,000 individuals (fermales and males) will die as a direct result of their eating disorder.
Because of the secretiveness and shame associated with eating disorders, many cases are p
robably not reported.
In addition, many pre-teens and teens struggle with body dissatisfaction and sub-clinical eating disorder attitudes and behaviors. For example, 80% of American women are dissatisfied with their appearance.
Preoccupations with food and body image can escalate into a pattern of unhealthy eating behaviors that, when left untreated, can lead to the potentially life threatening disorders of anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. Pre-teens and teens often seek to control their lives by embracing a destructive regimen of dieting and overeating, bingeing and purging.
Eating disorders are complex conditions that arise from a combination of long-standing interpersonal, psychological, and social conditions.
Most Eating Disorder Treatment Programs provide residential treatment programs for pre-teens and teens suffering with Anorexia, Bulimia, Compulsive Overeating, and related disorders. Clients are housed in residential therapeutic communities where the mission is to offer a supportive environment from which to begin a new way of life.
The treatment teams usually consist of experienced professionals including, dietitians, exercise counselors, family counselors, physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, and nurses who assist the teen and family through the program.
Through the utilization of a multi-disciplinary approach, the teen learns to love and respect themselves and to form positive relationships with their family.
How long will my teen or young adult be in treatment?
The average length of stay varies between 60 and 150 days.
Please recognize that each individual's circumstances and needs vary.
Although most treatment programs are "flexible" with regard to each individual's needs, they strongly suggest a minimum length of stay to be at least 60 days. For those young adults considering treatment who are employed, most programs are able to provide the appropriate documentation to allow for a medical leave of absence without risk to your employment in accord with current Federal Law.
What does all this cost?
Most treatment programs are contracted with the major insurance carriers and managed care organizations. In many instances your insurance will cover most of the expense. Fees are usually "all-inclusive" and cover housing, professional (physician and therapy) fees, and an allowance for grocery shopping. It is important to contact your insurance company for an explanation of your mental health benefits.
For those families who do not have insurance benefits, the cost is approximately $8,400.00 to $12,000.00 per month.
For more information, please call us anytime at 1-866-833-6911 to speak confidentially. You may also contact us by e-mail.
