Residential Treatment for Bulimia

Bulimia nervosa (BN) is a harmful eating disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. In the United States alone, 0.9% of adolescents, 1.5% of women, and 0.5% of men struggle with BN.¹

Thankfully, there are also many options for treating BN, with different levels of care that may help people at various points in their eating disorder recovery journey.

For those facing more severe eating disorder symptoms and behaviors, several residential treatment options can offer thorough, in-depth care that addresses the underlying emotional, psychological, and behavioral factors that develop and drive the condition.

What Is Residential Treatment for Bulimia?

Residential treatment involves living in a supervised setting, where patients have access to 24-hour care and support for all aspects of their condition.²

Throughout their stay in these eating disorder treatment centers, patients undergo a variety of different therapies and treatments. These programs can last several weeks or months, depending on the severity of someone’s case and their progress throughout treatment.

What Is Residential Treatment Like?

Patients in a residential eating disorder treatment center can expect a full schedule each day, structured around these therapies and recreational activities, to help them foster healthier relationships with food, their bodies, and themselves.

For example, patients may receive nutritional counseling to help them learn how to maintain a nourishing diet, identify fears related to food, and prepare meals and snacks that support their recovery and overall well-being. Additionally, patients may participate in educational sessions on problem-solving, self-care, and stress management.³ By doing so, they can learn to feel empowered and to address their eating disorder while acquiring healthy habits that they can take with them long after being discharged from the residential treatment program.

Residential Treatment vs. Inpatient Treatment

While residential care and inpatient treatment are often used interchangeably, there are a few key differences between these levels of care for bulimia nervosa patients. The main difference is the criteria a patient meets when being assessed for treatment.

A patient will be considered a candidate for inpatient treatment if they are deemed medically unstable due to low vital signs, lab work, and any other urgent complications from previously existing health problems. Patients who are considered psychiatrically unstable, such as having thoughts of suicide or rapidly worsening symptoms, may also be referred to an inpatient treatment program.⁴

Inpatient treatment is typically short-term and primarily focuses on addressing the immediate risks associated with the condition. It usually occurs in a hospital or other clinical setting, where medical professionals can offer 24-hour care and surveillance. Dangerous medical conditions, such as electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, abnormal pulse, malnutrition, destructive behaviors, and co-occurring mental health conditions, are closely monitored and treated during this time. These programs may also focus on weight restoration.² 

On the other hand, residential treatment programs are longer-term, focusing more on the psychological and behavioral elements of bulimia nervosa. They occur in medical settings or a more home-like setting and are structured around long-term recovery rather than immediate medical needs. Patients are typically considered candidates for residential treatment once they are deemed medically stable but still psychiatrically struggling.^2,3

Types of Care Offered at a Residential Treatment Facility

Patients at a residential treatment facility often work with an entire treatment team of experts from different medical disciplines to help them experience a comprehensive approach to recovery.

A residential treatment program for BN patients will usually include various types of eating disorder treatment options, including:^2,3

• Regular medical check-ups
• Nutritional therapy and counseling
• Individual therapy, including:
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)⁵
  • Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT)⁶
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Group therapy sessions
• Recreational activities such as yoga, meditation, and art
• Family therapy sessions
• Medication, in some cases

These treatments are meant to help a patient learn to recognize and change the unhelpful thought and behavioral patterns that worked to develop and drive their disorder. They will also learn different coping skills to replace these maladaptive coping mechanisms, which will hopefully help them continue a sustained recovery even outside of a treatment facility.

Who Are Residential Treatment Programs Best For?

Typically, patients seeking out this level of care have a challenging time managing their eating disorder symptoms. They are frequently not ready or able to take on or handle social responsibilities due to the interference of their condition. They may have tried outpatient programs without success.⁴

Many residential care patients are also experiencing mental or physical complications connected to their eating disorders, despite not being considered in a state of medical crisis.⁴

Overall, a residential treatment program for bulimia nervosa or other eating disorders is a great option for patients who are considered medically stable but who would also benefit from the 24-hour, guided support that is offered through a residential care facility.²

Benefits of a Residential Treatment Program

Residential treatment programs offer a wide range of benefits for those struggling with bulimia nervosa.

One of the biggest benefits of undergoing treatment in a residential setting is the immersive, supportive environment. This allows patients to focus entirely on recovery and, in some cases, avoid potentially dangerous or triggering situations at home.

Furthermore, residential treatment offers access to a range of therapy options, with various medical professionals on hand, including counselors, doctors, dietitians, and nutritionists.

Another unique perk of receiving treatment at a residential facility is the opportunity to connect with others who are going through similar experiences, promoting companionship and numerous opportunities for peer support. 

In some cases, residential treatment programs offer aftercare support to patients as they transition back to their everyday routines, helping them regain stability.

Finding the Best Residential Treatment Program for You

If you or a loved one is struggling with bulimia nervosa, there are many options to support the recovery from this debilitating and often dangerous condition.

You should contact your healthcare provider and insurance carrier to discuss the most suitable treatment options. Residential programs are often costly, and securing the approval of your insurance company can be a crucial component of affording an entire course of treatment.

A number of eating disorder hotlines can also help point you in the right direction. These services allow callers to remain anonymous while offering information and resources about bulimia nervosa and several other eating disorders, as well as viable treatment options.

Recovering from bulimia nervosa may seem like an impossible challenge, but the help to achieve this beautiful goal is out there. Reaching out can help you or your loved one take that first important step toward a healthier and happier future.