The Emily Program offers virtual outpatient treatment for adults, adolescents, and children of all genders. Some people begin treatment at the outpatient level, while others step down to it from a higher level of care. Outpatient treatment is personalized to each client’s needs and designed to provide the insight and skills necessary to promote lasting recovery.

• Individual sessions with a therapist who specializes in eating disorders and associated health complications
• Family therapy, as appropriate, to involve parents, partners, children, and other loved ones in the healing process
• Group therapy with other people experiencing similar issues, thoughts, and feelings
• Nutrition education
• Individual sessions with a dietitian who specializes in eating disorders, as needed, particularly when stepping down from higher levels of care
• Medical and psychiatric services, as needed, particularly when stepping down from higher levels of care

The Emily Program’s virtual outpatient treatment is available in Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Washington.

The Emily Program offers an intensive outpatient program (IOP) via virtual treatment. Virtual IOP treatment allows us to deliver eating disorder care to those who cannot travel to our locations for care or who prefer to attend programming from home. Through virtual eating disorder treatment, our clients can connect with their care team and peers over a secure video connection.

As in traditional intensive programming, our multidisciplinary care teams guide clients through our evidence-based eating disorder treatment program.

• Individual therapy
• Skills-based group therapy
• Therapeutic meals
• Nutrition counseling
• Yoga/mindfulness therapy
• Psychiatry and medical services, as needed

The Emily Program’s Virtual IOP is available for children, teens, and adults in Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, and Washington.

Prior to the start of programming, clients will have an assessment and participate in an orientation. To prepare for virtual treatment, clients will receive materials detailing how to connect, what to expect during individual and group sessions, how to optimize the group experience virtually, how to prepare for meals, and all group curriculum and materials.

Virtual IOP meets for 12 hours per week (three hours/day, four days/week), including one therapeutic meal per day. Group sessions contain 10 or fewer clients and meal sessions include five or fewer clients, along with therapy and/or nutrition staff.

Learn more about our Virtual IOP eating disorder treatment services in this information sheet:

• Virtual Eating Disorder Treatment for Adults and Adolescents

Our Virtual IOP for eating disorders provides a dynamic and supportive environment for those seeking flexibility along with comprehensive treatment from the safety and comfort of their own home. Below are the specific eating disorders addressed by our Virtual IOP eating disorder programs:

• Anorexia Nervosa: Our virtual intensive outpatient eating disorder treatment program offers specialized strategies for individuals facing restrictive eating patterns and significant weight loss, addressing the intense fear of gaining weight that characterizes anorexia.
• Bulimia Nervosa: The virtual IOP eating disorder program offers therapeutic interventions for recurrent binge eating followed by purging, focusing on breaking this cycle through personalized therapy and support.
• Binge Eating Disorder (BED): Our virtual IOP for eating disorders helps people manage and overcome the cycle of bingeing providing tools to regain control and establish a balanced, regular eating routine.
• Compulsive Overeating: Addressed through our virtual intensive outpatient eating disorder treatment programs, this disordered eating behavior is characterized by episodes of excessive, uncontrolled eating that are tackled with strategies aimed at managing emotional distress and reducing the guilt associated with overeating.
• Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): This condition, involving a persistent aversion to food, is comprehensively treated through our virtual IOP eating disorder programs, which cater to those with sensory sensitivities, anxieties about choking, or negative past experiences with food.
• Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED): For conditions that do not meet the criteria of other specified disorders, our virtual IOP provides a flexible yet structured treatment approach tailored to each client’s symptoms and challenges.

Each participant in our virtual IOP for eating disorders benefits from a multidisciplinary approach that combines therapy, nutrition counseling, and ongoing support, all delivered through a secure, accessible online platform.

Our virtual eating disorder treatment brings our comprehensive care directly to your home through advanced technology. Engage with your dedicated treatment team via secure video calls, receiving the depth of care typical of our on-site services. Our virtual IOP eating disorder treatment entails individual and group therapy, therapeutic meal support, nutritional guidance, and necessary medical or psychiatric consultations. Your health and safety are continuously evaluated and your treatment plan is adapted to fit your evolving needs, ensuring a personalized and supportive treatment journey from home.

To take part in our virtual IOP eating disorder program, you will need a reliable internet connection and a device equipped with a camera, such as a computer or smartphone. Our team provides support for any technical setups and addresses challenges like connectivity issues, ensuring you can engage effectively in our virtual outpatient eating disorder treatment without technical disruptions.

Your privacy and security are our utmost priorities. Throughout your participation in our virtual IOP eating disorder program, we implement rigorous confidentiality measures to protect your personal information. Our security protocols are robust, maintaining a high level of privacy assurance to create a secure and reliable setting for your recovery.

Beginning treatment starts with calling to schedule an evaluation with us. No referral is necessary. You can reach us by calling 1-888-364-5977 or by filling out an online form. Our team is here to assist you seven days a week, ready to answer your questions and support your journey toward recovery.

The Emily Program offers virtual partial hospitalization/intensive day programming (PHP/IDP) for treating eating disorders in both adults and adolescents. This high-intensity therapeutic intervention is delivered by our multidisciplinary care teams of therapists, dietitians, and medical and psychiatry providers who guide clients through comprehensive evidence-based eating disorder treatment.

• Skills-based group therapy
• Therapeutic meals
• Nutrition counseling
• Food skills groups
• Individual therapy sessions
• Individual nutrition sessions
• Yoga/mindfulness therapy
• Family therapy (for adolescents)
• Psychiatry and medical services

The Emily Program’s Virtual PHP/IDP is available for children, teens, and adults in Minnesota, Ohio, and Washington.

Prior to the start of programming, clients will have an assessment and participate in an orientation. To prepare for the start of our virtual PHP/IDP eating disorder treatment programming, clients and parents will receive materials detailing what to expect during group and individual sessions, how to optimize the group experience, how to prepare for meals, and all group curriculum and materials. Clients will have medical assessments and follow-up appointments in person at The Emily Program, via virtual treatment, or with a local primary care provider, as needed.

Virtual PHP/IDP meets a minimum of 30 hours per week (Monday–Friday), including two therapeutic meals plus snacks each day. Hours vary depending on the programming location. Weekend programming is also available virtually to extend care to seven days a week. Group sessions contain six or fewer clients, along with therapy and/or nutrition staff. Family sessions take place virtually.

How does virtual PHP/IDP eating disorder treatment work?

Virtual PHP/IDP eating disorder treatment at The Emily Program uses secure online technology to provide clients with intensive, structured eating disorder treatment in the comfort of their homes. Upon admission, you will receive detailed instructions on accessing the virtual platform using a laptop, desktop, tablet, or smartphone. The larger the screen, the better you’ll be able to see everyone in group sessions.

The program involves a combination of individual, group, and family therapy sessions. Each client participates in therapeutic meals, joining others virtually to experience a supportive dining environment. Virtual programming is designed to be interactive and engaging, mirroring the in-person treatment experience as closely as possible.

To accommodate clients with technological challenges, The Emily Program provides internet and device access at its treatment centers, if needed. This approach ensures that all clients can participate fully in their PHP/IDP virtual treatment, receiving the same high level of care and support as traditional, in-person programs.

Is your virtual PHP/IDP eating disorder treatment private?

Maintaining our clients’ privacy is a top priority in our virtual PHP/IDP eating disorder treatment. The Emily Program conducts all virtual partial hospitalization and intensive day program sessions within a secure online environment, making certain of your confidentiality. Support persons involved are instructed to safeguard private information.

We recognize the importance of trust in the treatment process and are dedicated to providing a confidential space for all clients. Our PHP/IDP virtual treatment adheres to strict privacy protocols, fostering a secure and supportive setting for recovery.

How do therapeutic meals work during virtual PHP/IDP eating disorder treatment?

Therapeutic meals are an important part of our virtual PHP/IDP eating disorder treatment. Clients join their peers virtually at mealtime, creating a supportive environment similar to in-person therapeutic meals. 

Before each meal, clients prepare their food so they are ready to sit down with the group. Smaller group sizes during meals allow for more personalized support from staff and peers, enhancing the therapeutic experience. 

Therapeutic meals in our virtual partial hospitalization/intensive day program are designed to help you develop healthy eating habits and improve your relationship with food in a supportive and interactive online setting.

What is a typical day like in virtual PHP/IDP eating disorder treatment?

The Emily Program’s virtual PHP/IDP program provides structured daily schedules for both adults and adolescents. For all ages, a typical day in PHP/IDP includes activities including therapeutic meals and snacks, self-monitoring, skills sessions, nutrition education, mindfulness exercises, yoga, and psychoeducation.

These schedules ensure that clients are engaged in consistent, comprehensive care essential for effective eating disorder treatment. The structure and routine of our virtual partial hospitalization/intensive day program can help you build stability and make progress in your recovery, maintaining the rigor and support of traditional in-person programs.

Learn more about our virtual PHP/IDP services in this information sheet:

• Virtual PHP/IDP for adults and adolescents

The Emily Program offers virtual eating disorder treatment through our CARE IOP, an intensive outpatient program for adults with binge eating disorder or OSFED with a pattern of binge eating. This virtual eating disorder treatment program addresses the unique treatment needs of those affected by binge eating or compulsive overeating, honoring clients’ identities and experiences in informed, inclusive, and intersectional care. CARE IOP is currently available in Minnesota, Ohio, and Washington, with plans to expand.

If you are considering CARE IOP or have questions you’d like answered, please email frontdesk.CAREIOP@accanto.com, and we’ll set up a time to connect with one of our CARE providers.

If you are a provider interested in making a referral to CARE IOP and have questions or would like to learn more, please contact frontdesk.CAREIOP@accanto.com.  

• Online, specialized binge eating treatment programming that takes place 4 days/week, 3 hours/day, including individual therapy and nutrition counseling
• Comprehensive curriculum that responds to clients’ intersectional identities with topics such as self-compassion, counteracting internalized weight stigma, exposure with response prevention, body appreciation, and health-promoting behaviors
• Skills acquisition groups informed by cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Therapeutic-supported meals that allow clients to explore their eating patterns and overall relationship with food in order to increase attunement and a sense of peace with eating
• Weekly nutrition education and psychoeducation groups

Learn more about our virtual intensive treatment for binge eating in this information sheet:  CARE IOP Overview

What is CARE IOP?

CARE IOP is a virtual IOP eating disorder program for adults experiencing binge eating disorder or OSFED with a pattern of binge eating. CARE stands for Cultivating Awareness and Resilience with Experience/Eating/Emotions. We offer CARE IOP in Minnesota, Ohio, and Washington, with plans to expand.

Why is a stand-alone program for treating binge eating necessary?

While binge eating shares a common etiology with other disordered eating behaviors, special consideration must be given to the specific needs of those living with binge eating disorder or OSFED with a pattern of binge eating. A separate binge eating program can more adequately respond to the unique challenges that people experiencing binge eating face, including those surrounding meal and snack times, food and body judgments, and complex intersectional issues related to weight. A safe, responsive, and weight-inclusive environment that honors clients’ lived experiences can support long-term recovery.

How does virtual eating disorder treatment work?

Our virtual eating disorder treatment utilizes technology to bring the comprehensive care you’d typically find at an Emily Program location right to you. This means you can connect with your treatment team through secure video conferencing, receiving the same level of in-person structured support without stepping outside your door.

Like the in-depth programming you’d expect from traditional in-person treatment, our virtual approach includes everything from individual, group, and family therapy to therapeutic meal support, nutritional counseling, psychiatry sessions, and medical appointments as needed.

We closely monitor your medical and safety needs, regularly assessing them to ensure the care you’re receiving is just right for you. Our ongoing attention to detail ensures your virtual treatment experience is safe and tailored to your unique situation.

Will CARE IOP address weight loss?

Weight loss is not a focus of this program. It is very common for clients to seek treatment with concerns about the impact of their weight on their physical and/or mental health. Our providers strive to understand and acknowledge clients’ concerns, while clarifying the program’s focus on decreasing/eliminating disordered eating behaviors and reclaiming a positive relationship with food, body, and self. The CARE IOP curriculum supports clients in investigating their motivation related to changing their weight/shape/size, and highlights the relevance of shifting the focus from intentional weight loss to overall health. Related curriculum content includes but is not limited to: consequences of dieting, weight bias, weight stigma, and related socio-cultural norms; Health At Every Size®; whole-health promoting behaviors; and body appreciation. 

Is exercise a component of CARE IOP?

While exercise is not an explicit component of the program, clients will have the opportunity to explore their relationship with movement. They will also learn about the benefits of movement and how movement can influence their physical and mental health. If clients have an interest in increasing movement or engaging in exercise, their care team will support them in ensuring a focus on safety, balance, and recovery-oriented motivation.

Is the virtual CARE IOP eating disorder program suitable for all ages?

At this time, our virtual CARE IOP program is offered only to adults experiencing binge eating disorder or OSFED with a pattern of binge eating.

How long do people stay in CARE IOP?

As with other programs at The Emily Program, length of stay depends on various factors, such as client progress, achievement of goals, and frequency and intensity of symptoms. Participants are encouraged to plan for 6–8 weeks in CARE IOP programming, with the knowledge that this timeline may be shorter or longer depending on their unique circumstances.

Will CARE IOP be available in-person in the future?

CARE IOP will remain 100% virtual, providing clients an ongoing opportunity for supported self-accountability while practicing eating, food preparation, and coping within the comfort and privacy of their own space.

Is CARE IOP’s virtual eating disorder treatment as effective as in-person care?

The Emily Program’s virtual CARE IOP was specifically designed to fill the gaps that former clients reported seeing in traditional in-person eating disorder treatment settings. We conducted comprehensive client surveys, reviewed research, and consulted with clinical experts to create the most effective evidence-based curriculum that considers the unique needs and intersectional domains of people living with binge eating disorder or OSFED with a pattern of binge eating. Our experienced, dedicated healthcare providers tailor virtual CARE IOP treatment to your specific needs, educating and supporting you every step of the way.

What requirements are there for participating in virtual CARE IOP?

Participation in our virtual CARE IOP eating disorder program requires a computer or smartphone with internet connectivity and a camera. Our team is on hand to assist with any technical setup or requirements. Should you encounter technological issues, such as internet connectivity issues, we assist by identifying alternative solutions, allowing you to seamlessly partake in our online binge eating treatment and broader virtual care.

How secure is my personal information during virtual CARE IOP programming?

Unquestionably secure. The Emily Program is dedicated to upholding stringent confidentiality protocols to safeguard your personal information throughout your participation in our virtual CARE IOP eating disorder program. Our commitment to your privacy and security is steadfast, ensuring a safe and trustworthy environment for your recovery journey.

The Emily Program is committed to increasing access to quality eating disorder care. That’s why we’ve taken our comprehensive treatment model and made it available online. With our leading virtual treatment programs, people with eating disorders can find lasting recovery from the comfort and convenience of their homes.

*Note: Virtual treatment is currently offered in Georgia, Minnesota, North Carolina, Washington, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Virtual treatment across state lines has limitations.

Virtual treatment uses technology to deliver care to clients. It allows you to connect to your treatment team via secure video to receive the structured support you would typically receive in person at an Emily Program treatment center.

Like traditional intensive programming (IDP/PHP and IOP), virtual programming at The Emily Program includes individual, group, and family therapy; therapeutic meal support; nutritional counseling; psychiatry sessions; and medical appointments, as appropriate. Your eating disorder treatment plan will be personalized to fit your specific needs.

Prior to receiving virtual treatment at The Emily Program, you will attend an orientation that introduces your programming schedule and curriculum. Orientation staff will ensure you have access to the appropriate food and nutritional supplements, technology, and other resources you will need to participate in virtual treatment.

Medical and safety needs will be assessed regularly to ensure you are receiving the level of care appropriate for you.

Online eating disorder treatment puts The Emily Program’s compassionate, evidence-based care within greater reach. With a wide range of specialized multidisciplinary services, our online programs are thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of clients of all genders facing eating disorders of all types.

• Virtual Partial Hospitalization/Intensive Day Programming (PHP/IDP): Our virtual PHP/IDP programs provide a minimum of 30 hours per week of intensive treatment. Clients can expect highly structured care from multidisciplinary treatment teams, with virtual access to individual and group therapy sessions, nutrition education and therapeutic meal support, and medical and psychiatric monitoring as needed.

• Virtual Intensive Outpatient Programming (IOP): Our virtual IOP programs provide structure and support beyond traditional outpatient care. For a minimum of 12 hours per week, clients virtually engage with multidisciplinary treatment teams, participating in therapeutic and skills-based sessions in both individual and group settings.

• Virtual CARE IOP for Binge Eating: CARE IOP (Cultivating Awareness and Resilience with Experience/Eating/Emotions) is an online-only program designed exclusively for adults with binge eating disorder or OSFED marked by binge eating. Emphasizing inclusivity and intersectionality, the program offers support tailored to the unique challenges of those struggling with binge eating.

• Virtual Outpatient Treatment: Our virtual outpatient program includes regular online eating disorder therapy sessions with a therapist, along with online visits with a dietitian or other clinician as needed. Individual, family, and group sessions are thoughtfully designed to provide support tailored to each client’s needs and goals.

No matter the setting, The Emily Program’s treatment team is committed to helping you nurture self-compassion, resilience, and empowerment, supporting you as you hone the skills and strategies you’ll need to cope with triggers and maintain recovery long-term.

That said, treatment works best in an environment conducive to recovery-focused behaviors. Through treatment, you are prioritizing your well-being, so we ask you to consider where you’ll be able to feel the most calm and present.

Does your home environment offer enough privacy, comfort, and safety to promote open, honest conversations? Some clients prefer receiving treatment in a space away from the routine and people of their everyday life. A neutral, on-site location can allow for additional comfort when sharing private information and create a needed sense of separation and intentionality for recovery. Moreover, you may live in a setting that triggers urges to engage in eating disorder behaviors, in which case in-person support may be preferential.

Alternatively, virtual care may be optimal if you are most comfortable in a familiar space to explore your relationship with food and body. Virtual care lets you develop coping skills in real-time, in real-life – the environment where lasting recovery and relapse prevention take place. Additionally, virtual programs increase treatment access for individuals who have historically felt excluded from traditional in-person treatment programs, such as individuals living in larger bodies.

The prospect of opening up to someone about the details of a personal eating disorder experience can feel incredibly vulnerable – if not outright terrifying. We recognize both the privilege and responsibility of navigating this uncomfortable, extremely personal terrain, and our team is highly trained to build a strong, supportive therapeutic alliance with you. If you are considering virtual vs. in-person treatment, consider how comfortable you are engaging on a personal level with others via technological means.

For some, particularly younger generations, virtual communication comes more naturally, while others may find it uncomfortable or forced and may respond better face-to-face. The added visual component of virtual care can be a trigger for some people. If you feel urges to engage in eating disorder behaviors post-video call, for example, it may behoove you to opt for in-person treatment.

Is the prospect of driving to an appointment (or even accessing transportation) a logistical nightmare for you? Attending treatment online means a lower time commitment as there is no need to commute to appointments. Virtual care offers minimal disruptions to daily life, which may be especially beneficial for you if you have a hectic work or school schedule and/or family responsibilities. For those who live in more remote locations without eating disorder treatment centers, virtual treatment increases access by bringing expert care to those who need it.

At the same time, setting up recurring in-person appointments at a nearby place that serves your needs might work just as well. These time and accessibility constraints are necessary to consider, as treatment should work for you and add to your life, not the other way around.

Therapeutic meals over virtual treatment will involve you joining others at the table virtually. You will have a short amount of time to prepare your meal prior to sitting with the group to eat. To allow for more interaction and support, the group size at meals will be smaller than in other virtual treatment groups. Staff and your peers in the group will offer support at the meal so that you can accomplish your meal-related treatment goals.

Read through these documents on how to get ready for treatment prior to your first appointment.

• Preparing for your virtual services
• How to access and use secure video

Please let us know if you have any technology concerns (e.g., internet access) that would make it difficult for you to participate from home. We will provide internet for you on-site at The Emily Program so that you can participate in virtual programming.

If you have others present in your space while you are in virtual programming, we imagine it may be a time you could enlist those around you for extra support. When/if you do that during programming, please ensure that they understand these are confidential services. Please ask that they maintain confidentiality regarding anything they may hear or see while you are involved in virtual treatment.

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by restrictive eating due to a fear of weight gain and distorted body image, resulting in a significantly low body weight.

Virtual treatment for anorexia involves:

• Restoring a healthy weight and nutritional status
• Addressing medical complications associated with malnourishment, such as electrolyte imbalances and cardiac issues
• Addressing body image distortions and facilitating the development of a realistic perception of body weight and shape
• Addressing food-related anxiety and phobias
• Identifying and addressing underlying psychological issues contributing to the development and maintenance of anorexia
• Addressing any co-occurring mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression
• Fostering the development of adaptive coping skills
• Addressing any interpersonal issues contributing to the maintenance of anorexia
• Fostering the development of a positive self-concept
• Improving insight and fostering motivation for ongoing recovery

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by purging behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting or excessive exercise, in an attempt to control their weight.

Virtual treatment for bulimia involves:

• Establishing regular and balanced eating patterns
• Addressing medical complications associated with purging behaviors, such as electrolyte imbalances and dental issues
• Challenging and modifying attitudes and beliefs related to body weight and shape
• Developing healthier coping mechanisms to manage emotional distress and stressors
• Identifying and addressing underlying psychological issues contributing to the development and maintenance of bulimia
• Addressing any co-occurring mental health disorders, such as mood disorders or substance use disorder
• Promoting self-monitoring and awareness of binge and purge behaviors
• Addressing any interpersonal difficulties or conflicts that contribute to the maintenance of bulimia
• Building self-esteem and fostering a positive body image
• Encouraging relapse prevention skills and strategies to maintain long-term recovery

Binge Eating Disorder (BED)

Binge eating disorder (BED) is an eating disorder characterized by frequent consumption of large amounts of food in a short time, accompanied by a sense of loss of control.

Virtual treatment for BED involves:

• Establishing regular, balanced meal patterns
• Addressing the physical consequences of binge eating
• Addressing emotional triggers and developing healthier coping mechanisms to manage emotions without relying on binge eating
• Identifying and addressing underlying psychological issues contributing to the development and maintenance of binge eating disorder
• Addressing any co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety
• Promoting mindful eating practices and increasing awareness of hunger and fullness cues
• Addressing any interpersonal or social factors that contribute to binge eating behavior
• Encouraging self-compassion and positive body image
• Providing strategies for relapse prevention and maintaining long-term recovery

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

ARFID is an eating disorder that involves restrictive eating due to fears of choking or vomiting, sensory aversions, or lack of interest, leading to potential nutritional deficiencies and weight loss.

Virtual treatment for ARFID involves:

• Gradual exposure to feared foods and broadening the variety of foods consumed
• Addressing nutritional deficiencies and promoting healthy weight gain or maintenance
• Identifying and addressing sensory issues related to food, such as texture or smell aversions
• Addressing underlying psychological factors contributing to the development and maintenance of ARFID
• Providing education and support for caregivers to create a positive mealtime environment and encourage adherence to treatment goals
• Teaching strategies for coping with anxiety and managing food-related anxiety or phobias
• Providing ongoing support and monitoring to ensure sustained progress and relapse prevention

Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED)

OSFED is a category of eating disorder diagnoses that encompasses a range of disordered eating behaviors, including restriction, purging, and binge eating.

Virtual treatment for OSFED involves:

• Identifying and addressing specific disordered eating behaviors, such as night eating syndrome or purging disorder
• Addressing any physical complications associated with the specific disordered eating behavior(s) present
• Addressing emotional triggers and developing healthier coping mechanisms to manage emotions without resorting to disordered eating behavior(s)
• Identifying and addressing underlying psychological issues contributing to the development and maintenance of OSFED
• Addressing any co-occurring mental health disorders that may be contributing to OSFED symptoms
• Promoting balanced eating patterns and addressing nutritional deficiencies
• Addressing any interpersonal or social factors that contribute to disordered eating behavior(s)
• Encouraging self-compassion and positive body image
• Setting specific goals and providing strategies for relapse prevention and maintaining long-term recovery

Take the first step today by calling 1-888-364-5977 or completing our online Get Help form. We’re here with the unwavering support, compassionate care, and expert guidance that will empower you on your path to healing.

The Emily Program is here to answer any questions you have about eating disorders and the recovery journey. We want to help. For more information, please call us today at 1-888-364-5977.

She’s both a real person and a philosophy. When Dirk Miller opened his new clinic for people with eating disorders, he named it for his sister, Emily, who had recovered from an eating disorder.

Through the years, that name has come to signify personalized care for all individuals struggling with eating disorders – the hallmark of The Emily Program. Members of our eating disorder treatment team often develop a personal connection with clients.

This connection is often the start of a long-term relationship because eating disorders can sometimes be difficult, long-term illnesses. Strengthening this connection is The Emily Program staff’s unparalleled commitment. We help clients heal, and we do much more. We work hard to prevent eating disorders by promoting awareness of their causes and their effects on families and communities.

Our staff has extensive experience in the field. Some also have personal experience with recovery.

“We think like people with eating disorders think,” says Miller. “We ‘are’ our clients… we know the changes people need to make to live through patterns of thoughts and feelings.”

We personalize eating disorder treatment for each individual, so the answer is different for each person. Recovery happens in different ways. Together we’ll determine the program that seems like the best fit for you. We’ll work with you for as long as you need to meet your recovery goals.

It is a thorough, simple, and confidential process tailored to your needs. Once you call us at 1-888-364-5977 or complete an online form, an admissions specialist will talk with you about what you or your child are experiencing, answer questions, collect your personal information (name, contact info, insurance information), and help schedule your intake assessment. After your intake, we will provide a level of care recommendation and schedule your start date.

It is very difficult to watch someone in your life struggling with an eating disorder. We understand. And we know that you may be unsure of how to help those with eating disorders. These steps can help frame how you present your concerns to your family member or friend:

Ask to speak to the person in a private setting.

Explain your specific concerns to the person in a non-judgmental, compassionate way. Use “I” language like:

• “I’m concerned because you seem to be isolated and not wanting to be involved in any activities, especially when there is food involved.”
• “I see a large amount of food disappearing in the house and I’m concerned that you may be struggling with an eating problem.”
• “I see a change in your behavior during family meals, and there’s growing tension during meals. I’m concerned that eating and food is becoming a problem for you.”
• “Your mood seems to be changing these days and I’m concerned about you.”

Offer to stay with the person while they make the phone call. Offer to accompany the person to the assessment evaluation. If the person is resistant to making the call, let them know that you will continue to check in.

Get support for yourself. Being concerned about someone else who is reluctant to seek help can drain you mentally and emotionally. For more information, please call us at 888-364-5977 or complete an online form.

Check out our resources for families for help with perspective.

The Emily Program offers a compassionate, personalized approach to eating disorder treatment for individuals facing challenges like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating, and more. Our eating disorder programs are tailored to meet each person’s unique needs, providing a path to recovery that respects the individual’s journey. From residential to outpatient eating disorder treatment, we ensure everyone receives the support necessary for healing.

Since we tailor our eating disorder treatment to you as an individual, we can’t answer that question until we know more about you. At your assessment, you and your intake therapist will decide together which eating disorder treatment options make the most sense for you and why. Call us at 1-888-364-5977 or use the online form to schedule an assessment.

Many insurance companies cover The Emily Program eating disorder treatment and we can work with you to determine what your insurance will cover. More detailed insurance information, including a list of current insurance providers, is available in the insurance section of our website. You’ll also find our Insurance Verification Tool there, which helps you to speak with your insurance company about the services covered by your plan. The Emily Program helps you navigate the insurance system, too. If you have questions about your coverage, please call our admissions team at 888-364-5977. One of our admissions specialists will answer your questions. 

The Emily Program uses an evidence-based approach to treatment. See this infographic for information on outcomes.

Each insurance plan is a little different; some require a referral and others don’t. Check with your insurance carrier to determine if you need a referral to receive eating disorder help. Please contact us at 1-888-364-5977 if you have questions.

No. Sometimes, people come to The Emily Program after having been told in numerous ways that their weight is a problem and that weight loss is the answer.

Commonly, they have not been asked about their relationship with food or how they are coping with life’s challenges. They may never have been asked if they experience feeling out of control with food, feeling guilty or embarrassed about what they have eaten, or eating behaviors they feel they cannot stop, sometimes described as compulsive overeating.

If you have experienced any of these, or struggle in your relationship with food, you are not alone. You may have also tried a long list of diets or ways to change your weight and feel like none of them have worked long-term, yet they continue to be suggested to you. Binge eating disorder is an eating disorder in which this range of experiences is common.

If you see yourself in these words, there is another way — one that can help you feel better and is not centered on weight loss as the solution. We offer evidence-based approaches to wellness that center on decreasing or stopping disordered eating behaviors and changing thoughts about food, weight, and self. These approaches also focus on strengthening coping skills and developing alternative behaviors and skills, so that, ultimately, you can experience an improved relationship with food and with yourself.

We work with vegetarians and vegans at all levels of care, across residential eating disorder programs, PHP and IOP day treatment, and outpatient eating disorder treatment. Our position is that those who enter care with a vegetarian diet based on religious, cultural, or familial heritage be provided an eating plan that accommodates these preferences. We will meet you where you are and explore the vegetarian/vegan lifestyle as a therapeutic area of interest within eating disorder care.

Residential eating disorder treatment at The Emily Program provides around-the-clock care in welcoming, home-like settings where recovery can take root.

Designed for adults, teens, and children who need structure beyond day or outpatient programs, our residential centers offer continuous medical, nutritional, and emotional support in peaceful, restorative environments.

888-364-5977 or schedule an assessment today.

Residential eating disorder treatment is a 24/7 level of care for people whose symptoms require ongoing supervision and medical monitoring.

Clients live on site and participate in individual, group, and family therapy, supported by a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, therapists, dietitians, nurses, and medical providers. Treatment integrates evidence-based therapies—including CBT, DBT, and Family-Based Treatment (FBT)—with nutrition education and meal support.

Our programs address all major eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, ARFID, and OSFED, as well as co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders.

Residential care is recommended when eating disorder symptoms cause medical instability, rapid weight changes, or inability to interrupt disordered behaviors outside a supervised setting. It provides a bridge between inpatient medical stabilization and day or outpatient programs.

Residential treatment may be right if you or your loved one experience:

• Severe restriction, binging, or purging behaviors
• Medical concerns such as bradycardia, dehydration, or electrolyte imbalance
• Significant BMI or vital-sign changes
• Co-occurring trauma, anxiety, or depression
• Limited support or safety at home

Unsure which level of care is right? Take our confidential Eating Disorder Quiz or call 888-364-5977.

For adults of all genders, The Emily Program’s residential centers offer comprehensive, individualized care focused on healing both body and mind.

Programs emphasize structured meals, skill development, and relapse prevention through therapies like CBT, DBT, and trauma-informed interventions. Clients learn healthy coping mechanisms that support long-term recovery and successful transition to lower levels of care.

Our adult residential sites include the Anna Westin House for Adults in St. Paul, Minnesota; Columbus Residential in Ohio; Douglas-Durham Residential in North Carolina; and Seattle Residential in Washington.

Each center combines clinical excellence with warmth and community, creating a safe space to rebuild a peaceful relationship with food and self.

For younger clients, our residential eating disorder treatment centers provide 24/7 supervision and academic support in collaboration with parents and schools. Treatment plans are personalized to developmental needs and include individual therapy, family sessions, nutrition education, and expressive arts and movement therapies.

Locations include the Anna Westin House for Adolescents in St. Paul, Minnesota and Columbus Residential in Ohio. Our teams include physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, dietitians, teachers, and recreational therapists who ensure that school-aged clients continue academic progress while focusing on recovery.

A typical day includes therapeutic meals, group therapy, nutrition education, and family involvement through FBT. This structure helps children and teens practice recovery skills and build confidence for lasting wellness.

Each day in residential treatment is structured to balance therapy, meals, rest, and reflection. Clients participate in:

• Individual Therapy: Targeted work on underlying thoughts and behaviors
• Group Therapy: Peer connection and community support
• Family Therapy: Engaging families in the recovery process
• Nutrition Therapy: Meal planning and education from registered dietitians
• Medical and Psychiatric Care: Continuous assessment for safety and progress

Evenings allow time for journaling, mindfulness, and relaxation. Clients receive encouragement from staff who understand both the difficulty and the hope of recovery

When ready to step down, clients move seamlessly into Partial Hospitalization (PHP/Intensive Day Program) or Intensive Outpatient (IOP) care. Our clinicians coordinate aftercare with community providers, including physicians, therapists, and dietitians, ensuring continuity and stability through every stage of recovery.

• Comprehensive, evidence-based treatment integrating therapy, nutrition, and medical support
• Multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, therapists, and dietitians collaborating daily
• Warm, home-like settings designed to promote healing and belonging
• Nationally trusted leader affiliated with the University of Minnesota Medical School and member of the REDC consortium
• Full continuum of care from inpatient through outpatient for long-term success

Start your recovery journey today. Schedule an Assessment or call 888-364-5977.

The Emily Program’s residential treatment centers provide expert, compassionate, 24/7 care that helps clients of all ages reclaim their health and their lives.

888-364-5977 or Schedule an Assessment to take your first step toward healing.