Treatment

Philosophy and Overview

Eating disorders are highly complex diseases, and sometimes they occur in tandem with other conditions, such as substance abuse, depression, or anxiety disorders. McLean’s multidisciplinary approach is designed to address each patient’s unique psychiatric, psychological, nutritional and medical needs. Many of our clinical staff are on the faculty at Harvard Medical School.

Each patient is cared for by a highly trained team, including psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, nutritionists, expressive therapists and social workers. This team follows the patient throughout her course of treatment at McLean, creating a personalized therapeutic environment that is conducive to recovery.

Services

Individual treatment plans are continually reviewed and adapted to meet the patient’s needs at each level of her recovery. Comprehensive treatment includes:

• Thorough initial psychiatric evaluation
• Medical history and physical examination
• Psychotherapeutic interventions for the patient and her family
• Nutritional assessment and ongoing therapy
• Scientifically validated treatments, including cognitive and dialectical behavior therapies
• Ongoing psychiatric assessment, including medications when necessary
• Supervision of daily activities (including meals and bathroom use)
• Body image work
• Healing and restorative yoga
• Creative arts therapy
• Educational and vocational pursuits
• Social skills and interpersonal relationship training
• Relapse prevention
• Psychological testing
• Medical consultation and lab work

Comprehensive Discharge Planning

When a patient is nearly ready to return home, the treatment team will prepare her for a smooth transition by emphasizing coping skills that will help reduce the potential for relapse. As part of a comprehensive discharge plan, with consent, McLean’s Canadian Patient Liaison will also ensure that the patient’s Canadian doctor is informed of her status, as well as all the recommendations for her follow-up care.