Virtual Eating Disorder Treatment: What is it & How Can it Help?

Written by CCTC Staff Writer

Intensive Outpatient Programming for eating disorders is a promising treatment modality that has been proven to be effective in helping individuals recover from their eating disorder and maintain a healthy relationship with food, body image and self. Thanks to advances in technology and responding to changing needs of individuals seeking help for their eating disorder, virtual options have flourished in recent years. At Central Coast Treatment Center, our Virtual IOP is open to all residents of California of all genders, ages 13 and up.

Read on to learn more about:

What virtual eating disorder treatment looks like
What eating disorders and co-occuring issues we are able to treat
What the benefits of virtual programming are
When virtual eating disorder treatment is a good option to consider
The importance of different programming components

What does virtual eating disorder treatment look like?

Most Intensive Outpatient programs whether eating disorder specific or any mental health focus will run multiple days a week for a few hours at a time. Central Coast Treatment Center’s Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program runs 4 days a week from 4-7pm. Intensive Outpatient Programs such as ours provide comprehensive care for individuals struggling with eating disorders in a supportive and safe environment.

Programming at Central Coast Treatment Center includes individual therapy, nutrition counseling, monthly family support groups, family therapy sessions, group education and process sessions.

What do we treat in our Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program?

At Central Coast Treatment Center we treat the spectrum of eating disorders including Anorexia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, Bulimia Nervosa, Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), Orthorexia, and any type of disordered eating issues. We also treat co-occurring disorders including depression, anxiety, trauma, and body dysmorphia.

What are the benefits of a virtual program?

Virtual therapy and treatment programs offer many benefits to individuals struggling with eating disorders. These programs can provide patients with access to a variety of specialized care and support services without having to leave the comfort of their own home especially if specialized care is not available in their location. Additionally, these programs often allow for more flexible scheduling which can be beneficial for those who are unable to commit to traditional in-person treatment. Furthermore, virtual therapy sessions provide individuals with a safe and secure space to talk about their eating disorder without fear of judgment or stigma. Finally, virtual therapy and treatment programs can be very cost effective compared to traditional in-person treatment. All of these benefits make virtual therapy and treatment programs an excellent option for those seeking help for their eating disorder.

When is a virtual eating disorder treatment a good option to consider?

There are a few different scenarios an intensive outpatient program may be a good option. The first is providing a structured program that can serve as a step down option from a higher level of care such as residential or inpatient, or a partial hospitalization program. Transitioning to a less intense level of support allows clients to begin introducing themselves to more freedom and flexibility to practice maintaining recovery while still receiving adequate support and structure.

Second, some clients may find themselves needing more support and structure outside of meeting outpatient with a therapist. An Intensive Outpatient Program can be a way to receive necessary treatment while continuing day-to-day responsibilities such as attending school or work.

It can also be beneficial for some to have all therapeutic services under one roof to ensure a close collaboration between their therapists, dietitian and any other treatment providers.

Why are the components of a treatment program important?

Treatment programming is designed to offer a wealth of support, education and encouragement to embark on the journey to discovering one's true self. Below we will discuss the benefits of group therapy, individual therapy, nutrition counseling, meal plans and meal support.

Group Therapy

Group therapy is an extremely important component of eating disorder intensive outpatient programs. Group therapy provides a space to share experiences with others who understand what you are going through. Breaking through the shame and isolation that is often created by the eating disorder allows for the practice of being vulnerable, building self-esteem, and developing a sense of self-acceptance. Group therapy can also be a positive place to celebrate recovery wins and build accountability.

Individual Therapy

The purpose of individual therapy for those struggling with an eating disorder is to help the individual learn about their disorder, identify and manage triggers, develop healthy coping skills and gain insight into how their behaviors are impacting themselves and others. Additionally, individual therapy can also provide a safe space to discuss how emotions such as guilt, shame or fear are impacting the individual’s eating disorder. Ultimately, individual therapy is designed to help the person struggling with the eating disorder gain a better understanding of themselves and promote recovery.

The Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program at Central Coast Treatment Center individual sessions focus on the 6 core elements of our unique treatment formula. Our therapists approach each client as individuals to cater to their unique needs. Throughout programming, therapists work on helping clients define and contact their true Self. Our goal is to help clients relocate the seat of control, power and agency in life, allowing individuals to renegotiate their relationship to self, others, nature, creativity, spirituality and life purpose.

Nutrition Counseling

Working with a registered dietitian through nutrition counseling in the treatment of eating disorders is important because it helps the individual to develop healthy eating habits and a balanced diet. Working with a registered dietitian can help individuals struggling with an eating disorder to better understand nutrition, improve their relationship with food and learn how to make healthier choices. In intensive outpatient programs, registered dietitians can provide personalized meal plans, medical nutrition counseling and support as well as practical tips for making positive changes.

In Central Coast Treatment Center’s Virtual Outpatient Program clients meet with a Registered Dietitian every other week. To create an individualized treatment plan, we look at past and current medical concerns, take into consideration unique metabolic considerations alongside evaluation of psychological barriers to eating.

Meal Planning & Support

A large component of working with a Registered Dietitian in a treatment program is to create a meal plan that offers clients structure, regulates hunger and fullness, and helps reintroduce foods that may be difficult for clients to tackle alone. Typically in eating disorder treatment a meal plan will consist of main meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner with two to three snacks in-between meals. During programming hours clients typically will eat at least one meal and/or snack together. This type of meal support is aimed to help clients transition from highly structured meal plans to intuitive or conscious eating plans.

In the virtual program, meal planning support transfers life skills to each client, with menu-planning, grocery shopping, and food preparation skills that build lasting confidence and self trust.

By participating in Intensive Outpatient Programming, individuals can learn to develop healthy relationships with food, body image and themselves and reclaim their lives from their eating disorder. With the right support, individuals can learn to understand their disordered eating behaviors and develop the skills necessary to sustain recovery.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, we invite you to learn more about our Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program. You or your loved one are worthy of recovery! Reach out to our Admissions team today to discuss treatment options.

Ai PonoDecember 30, 2022