Day Eating Disorder Treatment
Comprehensive Day Programs for Adults, Teens, and Children
Day eating disorder treatment at The Emily Program offers structured, intensive care during the day—without overnight stays.
Our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), Intensive Day Program (IDP), and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provide the same evidence-based therapies and multidisciplinary expertise found in residential care, while allowing clients to return home in the evenings.
These flexible programs help clients rebuild healthy patterns, practice recovery skills in daily life, and move toward lasting freedom from eating disorders. 888-364-5977 or Schedule an Assessment to get started.
What Is Day Eating Disorder Treatment?
Day eating disorder treatment combines medical, nutritional, and therapeutic support in a structured daytime schedule.
Clients attend programming several hours a day, five days a week, engaging in group and individual therapy, therapeutic meals, and skill-building activities.
Treatment is available for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, ARFID, OSFED, and related mental-health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or trauma.
Our approach blends CBT, DBT, and Family-Based Treatment (FBT) with nutrition counseling and experiential therapies to create a comprehensive, compassionate path to recovery.
Who Benefits from Day Treatment?
Day treatment is ideal for those who:
- Need more support than weekly outpatient therapy provides
- Are stepping down from inpatient or residential care
- Require structure for symptom interruption and relapse prevention
- Want intensive treatment while maintaining work, school, or family routines
Clients receive the care intensity of a hospital-based program with the freedom to sleep at home, promoting the integration of recovery into everyday life.
Unsure which level of care fits? Take our Eating Disorder Quiz or call 888-364-5977 to speak with our admissions team.
Partial Hospitalization / Intensive Day Program (PHP / IDP)
Our PHP / IDP provides the most immersive day eating disorder treatment, typically 5 days a week, 6 hours per day in person or via secure telehealth.
This program is best suited for clients needing robust structure without 24/7 supervision.
Programming includes:
- Therapeutic meals and snack support with dietitians
- CBT and DBT skills-based group therapy
- Expressive arts and movement therapy
- Food skills and meal-planning groups
- Individual therapy and nutrition sessions
- Medical and psychiatric monitoring as needed
- Case management and recovery education
Adult lodging is available in select cities—St. Paul (MN), St. Louis Park (MN), Cleveland (OH), Seattle (WA)—for those traveling from a distance.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
The IOP offers a step-down or entry point for individuals needing significant support while balancing school, work, or caregiving responsibilities.
Clients attend programming 3–4 hours per day, 3–4 days per week, either in person or virtually.
IOP includes:
- Group sessions on coping skills and relapse prevention
- Therapeutic meals and nutrition education
- Individual therapy tailored to specific goals
- Ongoing family involvement and support
Both PHP and IOP programs emphasize community, accountability, and continuity of care to build resilience and long-term healing.
Day Programs for Adults
Our adult day eating disorder programs focus on skill development, nutrition stabilization, and emotional healing through structured support.
Clients learn mindful eating, body acceptance, and stress-management strategies while re-engaging with work and family life.
Available Locations: St. Paul (MN), Cleveland (OH), Seattle (WA), Durham (NC), and other centers nationwide. Find a Location
Day Programs for Children, Teens, and Young Adults
Our youth day treatment programs offer structured care for children, adolescents, and young adults who need more support than outpatient therapy.
Combining therapy, school support, and family involvement, these programs foster recovery within a safe, encouraging community.
- PHP for Adolescents: 5 days/week, 6 hours/day, plus school or tutoring time
- IOP for Youth: 4 days/week, 3 hours/day, with weekly family sessions
- Therapies include CBT, DBT, and FBT (Maudsley Approach)
- Academic support through teachers or LearnWell Educational Services
Our youth teams include therapists, dietitians, psychiatrists, and nurses specializing in child and adolescent care, helping families reconnect and recover together.
Eating Disorders Treated in Day Programs
- Anorexia Nervosa: Nutritional restoration, medical monitoring, and body-image work
- Bulimia Nervosa: Meal regularity, coping skills, and body acceptance
- Binge Eating Disorder (BED): Mindful eating, emotional regulation, and relapse prevention
- ARFID / OSFED: Gradual exposure to fear foods and nutrition education
- Co-Occurring Conditions: Support for anxiety, depression, and trauma
Each treatment plan is personalized to address medical, psychological, and nutritional needs for sustainable recovery.
A Typical Day in Day Eating Disorder Treatment
A structured routine balances therapy, meals, and skill practice. A typical day might include:
Morning: Group therapy on coping skills and goal setting, followed by a therapeutic meal.
Afternoon: Individual therapy, nutrition education, and expressive arts or movement sessions.
Evening: Reflection and planning for real-world application at home.
This structure helps clients translate recovery skills into daily life, building confidence and consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s a structured program providing intensive daytime care for eating disorders through therapy, nutrition, and medical support while allowing clients to return home at night.
People needing more structure than outpatient care but not 24/7 monitoring—often those transitioning from residential or inpatient care.
Typically 4–8 weeks, depending on clinical needs and progress, followed by step-down to IOP or outpatient care.
Residential programs provide 24/7 support; day treatment offers intensive care during the day only. Learn about Residential Treatment.
Days include group and individual therapy, therapeutic meals, and skills practice in a structured setting that mirrors daily life.
Yes. Many PHP and IOP options are available virtually through secure telehealth for flexibility and accessibility.
CBT, DBT, FBT, nutrition therapy, expressive arts, and movement therapy are used to treat the emotional and behavioral aspects of eating disorders.
Absolutely. Family sessions and education are core to our youth programs and encouraged for adult participants as well.
Most major plans cover PHP and IOP. Our team will verify your benefits and help maximize coverage. Verify Insurance.
Programs are available in Minnesota, Ohio, North Carolina, Washington, and Georgia. Find a Location.
Most clients step down to IOP or outpatient therapy with ongoing support from our team and community providers.
Call 888-364-5977 or fill out our online form to schedule an assessment. We’ll help determine the right level of care for you or your loved one.
Recovery Starts Here
Eating disorder recovery is possible.
Through The Emily Program’s day eating disorder treatment programs, you can rebuild your relationship with food, body, and self—supported by a team that understands your journey and believes in your healing.
Call 888-364-5977 or Schedule an Assessment to take the first step toward recovery.