Where can I find an Intensive Outpatient Program?
We are New Orleans' only Intensive Outpatient Program for treating eating and self-image disorders.
What
does the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) consist of?
The Intensive Outpatient Program consists of therapy
groups addressing issues specific to eating
disorders. In addition, individual therapy, nutritional counseling,
and family therapy will be recommended as a part of your
treatment plan. Treatment is provided by a multi-disciplinary treatment
team that includes psychologists, nutritionists, social workers,
and expressive therapists.
Do I have to participate
in the entire program?
No, although participating in the program in its entirety does improve
the effectiveness of the treatment, particularly for individuals
who have had a long struggle with their eating disorder and/or who
have previously required hospitalization or inpatient/residential
treatment for their illness. However, an individualized treatment
plan is developed for each person, and some people may not need to attend each group.
What is the cost
of the program? Will insurance cover it?
This is a "fee for service" program. Clients may pay weekly or monthly with checks or credit cards. The cost of the program varies depending on the individual treatment
plan that is developed for you. We do not accept insurance,
but most insurance plans cover our services, and we will be glad to
help you submit claims to your insurance company to collect reimbursement.
In addition, if you are uninsured or choose not to use your insurance,
we will work with you to determine a fee structure.
Are there specific
criteria for admission to the program?
Yes. You must be determined to be “medically stable”
by your physician to participate in the program. A full physical
including specific tests for medical problems common to eating disorders
is recommended. In addition, you must also be participating in individual
therapy. Individual treatment can be provided by a member of our
staff or you may continue working with your own therapist if you
already have one. If this is the situation, one of our staff will
work with you as a “case manager” in order to coordinate
care. Finally, since you will be working on an outpatient basis,
you must be committed to and willing to take self-responsibility
for your treatment and recovery.
What can I expect from
the program?
The program will provide a safe, supportive environment where you
can focus on building skills that will help to decrease symptoms,
modify unhealthy thinking and behavioral patterns, and improve social
support. In addition, you will be supported in working through underlying
issues that support the eating disorder. Our outpatient program
requires you to take greater responsibility for maintaining your
weight, participating in meals and following treatment recommendations.
With the greater level of responsibility comes greater personal
freedom and self-empowerment. You will have the support of peers
and staff to help you as you learn new skills and develop new patterns
of thinking, behaving, and relating.
What is group
therapy like?
Group therapy is a very powerful form of treatment and includes
many different types of groups. Some groups are more like classes,
such as psycho-educational groups, while others involve more discussion
and talking about thoughts and feelings, such as process oriented
groups. In addition, experiential/expressive therapy groups and
nutritional groups are structured around participating in activities that
will help you to recognize and cope more effectively with feelings.
Do I have to tell my
family that I am participating in the program?
Family involvement is highly encouraged for increased support and
lowered risk of relapse. However, family therapy is only required
if you are under eighteen or still live with your family.
How long does treatment
take?
Recovery is a process that requires considerable time and commitment.
However, the actual length of treatment varies with each individual.
Treatment may require several months or several years depending
on the severity and chronicity of the illness and the complexity
of the issues that underlie and maintain the eating disorder.
How do I get started?
Schedule an initial evaluation with one of our staff members. The
initial evaluation will include a comprehensive assessment consisting
of several questionnaires you will be asked to fill out and a personal
interview with a member of our staff. Following the evaluation an
individualized treatment plan will be developed. Treatment is tailored
to the individual and is likely to include family therapy and nutrition
counseling in addition to individual therapy and group treatment.
In addition, you may be recommended to meet with a psychiatrist
for an evaluation for medication. Treatment interventions are initially
focused on nutritional rehabilitation and restoration of normal
eating patterns to correct the physiological and psychological side
effects of the illness. Long-term goals include identification and
resolution of associated psychological, family, social, and behavioral
problems to prevent relapse.