Anorexia is a mental illness. Treat it properly
Should People with Anorexia Be Force-Fed?
How do I choose a treatment team?
You may want to begin by asking for recommendations from friends, family, teachers, school counselors, members at your place of worship, your insurance carrier, or someone you know who has been in treatment. Your decisions may also depend on the level of care necessary in your particular situation. Resources such as the National Eating Disorders Association and the Web sites www.edreferral.com and www.bulimia.com offer helpful lists of treatment centers in locations across the United States. The relationships formed with your treatment team are an important part of the recovery process; therefore, it is important that you feel comfortable with the professionals with whom you will be working. You have every right to ask questions and receive answers that will enable you to make an informed decision about whom you will select to assist with your recovery. Often, healthcare professionals are willing to answer some of your questions on the telephone, before establishing time for an initial consultation. Other questions can be answered in your initial face-to-face meeting, when the healthcare provider can become more familiar with you and your particular needs. A face-to-face consultation also allows you to observe the location and environment in which services will be provided.
Ideally, you will want to choose professionals experienced in treating anorexia. It is vital that the professionals be licensed or board certified in their respective fields of training. Professional and ethical behavior is necessary; if someone does not wish to answer your questions, seems distracted during your conversation, or is too busy to take the time to describe their services, you may wish to look elsewhere. You should feel that you can build working relationships with your caregivers, so choose people whose training and experience you can respect and who also communicate a sense of respect for your needs. Treatment is, in effect, a collaborative process, so the healthcare providers you select should appear willing to collaborate with you and your loved ones in the treatment process. Be aware of anything that may cause you initial discomfort when speaking to potential treatment providers; however, keep in mind that it may take time for a deeper sense of comfort and trust to develop. You may wish to take this list of questions with you to your initial consultation, or keep it close by during your initial telephone call.
- What is your experience, and how long have you been treating eating disorders?
- Are you a licensed professional? What is your license type and number?
- Where did you receive your training?
- What type of treatment approach do you use?
- Do you use evidence-based treatment methods when treating eating disorders?
- What information do you use in formulating a treatment plan?
- How do you conduct your initial evaluation with patients?
- What other professionals will you be collaborating with for my treatment? Are they also familiar with eating disorders treatment?
- For therapists and dietitians: How is medical care integrated into your treatment approach? For physicians:
How are psychotherapy and nutrition counseling integrated into your treatment approach?
- Do you involve family members in treatment?
- How do you maintain the confidentiality of my treatment records?
- What days and times do you have appointments available?
- How long do appointments last?
- How often will we meet for appointments?
- What is your fee for services? Do you accept insurance?
What additional forms of payment do you accept?
- Do you offer a sliding scale fee structure?
- Do you have a Web site or any informational brochures that describe your services and background?
- What if I have questions or wish to contact you in between treatment sessions?
- Will I be able to reach you in the event of an emergency? If not, whom should I contact?
Additional questions to ask residential treatment facilities, partial hospital programs, or day-treatment programs:
- Do you offer travel assistance for patients who travel long distances to attend your program? Do you offer financial aid of any kind?
- Do you offer any adjunct services for family members who wish to receive help?
- Is admission available now, or is there a waiting list?
- Are family members able to visit patients during treatment?
- How long is the average stay at your facility?
- Do you provide aftercare or offer a transitional program?
- What is the age range of patients at your facility?
- Is it a co-ed facility?
- Do you have experience with my special needs (e.g., adolescent patients, older patients, athletes, patients with a history of substance abuse)?
- What is the treatment philosophy followed at your facility?
- Do you use any alternative forms of therapy (e.g., art therapy, drama therapy)?
- How much time is devoted to group therapy and how much to individual therapy?
- Do you have a physician and nutrition counselor on staff?
- Can my family and I visit your facility before we make our decision?
Questions for families and loved ones to ask when needed:
- Do you recommend family therapy?
- If my child is in individual therapy, how often will you update me on his or her progress, and what information will you share with me regarding his or her treatment?
- What aspects of my child’s treatment will remain confidential?
- Whom should I call if I have any questions about my child’s treatment?
- Do you provide parent education and/or parent support groups? If not, can you recommend any for us?
