Where are residential services offered?
Currently, there are two residential facilities in St. Paul, Minnesota: Anna Westin House for Adults and Anna Westin House – Adolescent for ages 10-21; a facility in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, Anna Westin House West for Young Adults and Adolescents for adults; a facility for adults in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, a facility for adolescents ages 10-17 in Columbus, Ohio; and a facility for adults in Seattle, Washington.
Do The Emily Program – Residential facilities help males?
Yes, we serve adolescents and adults of all genders, including males, females, and transgender individuals who struggle with eating disorders. We admit new residents after we take into consideration the current population.
How long do people stay at The Emily Program – Residential?
We tailor the length of stay to meet the unique needs of each resident. Some residents stay less than a month and others stay several months.
Can I be a vegetarian/vegan at The Emily Program – Residential?
Our culinary staff and dietitians can work with a variety of dietary needs. They will work with you and your family to meet your specific needs.
We believe those who enter care with a vegetarian/vegan diet based on religious, cultural, or familial heritage have this dietary preference taken at face value and are provided an eating plan accommodating vegetarian or vegan eating styles. Those who come to our care having made a shift away from their family table or cultural origin toward vegetarianism or vegan diets, are met where they are and the choice of a vegetarian/vegan lifestyle is explored as a therapeutic area of interest within the eating disorder care.
Can I have visitors while I am at The Emily Program – Residential?
Residential clients may have up to 2 visitors (parent/legal guardian, partner, sibling, etc.) visit at any given time. Visitors will be screened for COVID-19 when scheduling the visitation. Visitors will be required to wear a medical/flat masks while in public common areas. If both the visitor(s) and client are vaccinated, medical/flat masks are not required during family sessions, visiting hours, or while preparing, plating, or consuming meals and snacks. If the visitor(s) and/or the client is unvaccinated, medical/flat mask are required to be worn for the full duration of the visit, and the visitor and client must remain physically distanced. We are supporting virtual visits to continue to support clients and families through these exceptional times.
How much does The Emily Program – Residential cost?
Cost depends on how long you stay. Our staff will gladly help you determine and maximize your insurance benefits. If you need to pay out of pocket, we are also happy to set up a payment plan.
Who is Anna Westin?
Anna Selina Westin was born in 1978 and lived in Chaska, Minnesota most of her life. She died in 2000 after struggling for five years with anorexia, a deadly disease that affects millions of Americans.
A graduate of Chaska High School, she was a student at the University of Oregon who loved life. Her many interests and talents included music, photography, hiking, backpacking, reading, writing, fishing, traveling, volunteering, and best of all, spending time with family and friends. She made and sent beautifully decorated cards and letters to family and friends throughout her life.
She was thoughtful, compassionate, generous with her time, and had a talent for making everyone feel special and important.
Anna’s family is very proud of her accomplishments, including her hard work to overcome anorexia. Anna suffered from a serious, often fatal, illness that needs to be treated with the same urgency as other life-threatening diseases. The duration of the illness, high cost of treatment, and lack of knowledge about eating disorders cause immense suffering. Click here to watch a short video about Anna Westin.
To help other families, Anna’s family speaks openly about her life and death, and opened the Anna Westin House in 2002. They continue to advocate for those struggling with eating disorders through advocacy and education with WithAll.
What do you mean by “integrative” interventions?
We offer therapies that complement traditional medical approaches and are effective with eating disorders. For example, we may use meditation, yoga, or art therapy.
What do I have to bring to The Emily Program – Residential?
Bring comfortable clothing, typical toiletries, and some personal items to help you feel secure away from home (e.g., a few photos or other personal decorative items). See the packing list for suggested and prohibited items.
Will I have passes or time away from the program?
From day one, we develop a strong transition plan to optimize your recovery. We regularly have group outings—and you also have some individual free time to spend with friends and family. Both can help you develop the independent living skills essential to recovery.
Can I have my cell phone with me at The Emily Program – Residential?
Adult residents and young adults ages 18+ may have a cell phone and use it during non-programming times.
Residents under 18 years of age will not have access to their cell phones.
Our facilities have a residents’ phone line where families and friends can leave messages and where you can make local calls or use a long-distance calling card.
Will I have access to the Internet while at The Emily Program – Residential?
We have a residents’ PC for Internet, email, and general computing. Many residents bring a small USB storage device for documents or other files they create here.
Can I have a car at The Emily Program – Residential?
Yes, you can have a vehicle while staying at our residential facility. Please note that in St. Paul, we have limited spaces in our parking lot and must require all residents to park their cars at our Como Ave. location. We do have a car protocol that must be followed by residents who choose to have a vehicle with them while in residential care.
Are there laundry facilities at The Emily Program – Residential?
Yes, and there is no additional cost.
Do I need spending money?
Residents typically bring some spending money for toiletries, reading materials, craft materials, etc.
