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How Long Should I Remain in Outpatient Treatment For Eating Disorder Recovery?
Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Director of Content and Social Media at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope
The concept of being completely recovered from an eating disorder is something that continues to be debated among professionals.
Having a mental illness with biological influences makes it difficult to understand if someone can be completely “cured” of having an eating disorder.
However, it is possible for a person to be in complete and long term remission from an eating disorder, where there is no longer active engagement in eating disorder behaviors.
Treatment for Eating Disorder Recovery
A person who is in recovery from an eating disorder likely understands the long-term battle and nature of the journey. Even when in remission from an eating disorder, there continues to be a need for vigilance and awareness of life and recovery. It is necessary to maintain proactiveness in recovery efforts to keep remission maintained for the long term.
Relapse episodes are no stranger to the recovery process from an eating disorder, and having a strong network of support can uphold resilience, even in the most uncertain and overwhelming circumstances. Enter outpatient care for eating disorders. This level of treatment can be foundational for sustaining recovery for the long term. Many individuals may assume or think that if they are “recovered” enough, treatment is no longer necessary.
However, ongoing treatment at the outpatient level of care should be seen as something that is part of a proactive effort to stay on top of the eating disorder. The recovery process can often involve unexpected twists and turns with various experiences affecting change. Having sustained support through outpatient care can give a person the resources they need to stay on track.
Staying Connected in Outpatient Treatment
Some people might feel intimidated about ongoing treatment, but outpatient care can be structured in a way that best suits your needs, adjusted as necessary as you move through your recovery journey. For example, you might find that monthly check in sessions with your therapist help you stay on track, or seeing your dietitian periodically keeps your perspective and focus on intuitive eating and wellness.
Periodically meeting with your healthcare professionals at the outpatient care can also give you the “tune-up” you need in your recovery, especially at times when you may be feeling weary or discouraged. Remaining within outpatient care for a sustained period of time is not a sign of weakness but rather an indicator that you are keeping yourself and your recovery a priority.
If you are interested in connecting with an eating disorder specialist, check out the Eating Disorder Hope Specialist Directory as a resource for getting started. Know that you are never alone at any point of your journey!
Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!
How has outpatient care supported your recovery from an eating disorder?
About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Director of Content and Social Media for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.
As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on October 21, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
The EatingDisorderHope.com editorial team comprises experienced writers, editors, and medical reviewers specializing in eating disorders, treatment, and mental and behavioral health.
