When a parent or loved one suspects that their child may have an eating disorder, it's important to take these suspicions seriously and seek professional medical attention. In fact, early intervention is a vital aspect of long-term recovery for many adolescents with eating disorders. Luckily, there are many great teen eating disorder programs available today that are specifically designed to help younger clients find the tools they need to begin the recovery process and transition back into their regular routine outside of treatment. One of the best options available today are day treatment programs for teens.
Keeping up with school and other activities can be difficult for some teens after treatment. But with the help of a strong support system at home and comprehensive day treatment programs, the transition can be easy.
Exploring Eating Disorder Recovery Options: Day Treatment Programs for Teens
Inpatient or residential eating disorder treatment often requires adolescents to take time away from school and other important commitments to focus on recovery. While this is a necessary step for many, it can be a very confusing and disruptive decision. This is particularly true when a student is excelling in academics or sports. But just like any other serious health condition, it's sometimes necessary for children to step away from school in order to heal and come back stronger.
These more intensive treatment options are usually recommended for teens who are either medically or psychiatrically unstable. For example, if a teen has unstable or depressed vital signs, they may benefit from access to medical monitoring. Additionally, if teens are dealing with suicidal thoughts, they would benefit more from a treatment program that offers psychiatric monitoring in a treatment center that offers 24/7 care.
Benefits of Day Treatment Programs for Teens
At Clementine teen day treatment programs, our adolescent clients can enjoy access to professional eating disorder care in a more relaxed setting. This type of program is designed to meet the needs of clients who are deemed to be both medically and psychiatrically stable and no longer need daily medical monitoring. However, although they are able to function in their regular educational and social situations, these teens can still benefit from regular counseling sessions and health check-ups.
Transitioning from Inpatient Treatment Back to School
Another great benefit of continuing care at a day treatment center is the fact that teens can make a calculated transition back into school after completing a more intensive recovery program. While the transition out of a residential treatment program can be a confusing and challenging time for many families, with an extra layer of professional support, returning to school and other social activities can go very smoothly.
When making the decision to return to school and possibly transition to a day treatment center, families should ask a few key questions of themselves and their eating disorder treatment team:
- Is the client completing meals regularly? Are meals completed with minimal to no prompting?
- Has the client demonstrated an ability to use the skills they’ve learned in treatment to avoid purging or other negative compensatory behaviors?
- Is the client demonstrating the ability to be more open and honest regarding eating disorder urges and behaviors?
- Is the client ready to take on changes in their schedule, different food options and any other unexpected events that require them to be flexible?
- Who will offer support while the student is back in school?
- Who will help to oversee nutrition while in school? Are there options available for eating with a staff member?
- Is it possible to return to school slowly? Can the student commit to a half day of classes at first, then gradually increase exposure?
- Is the client ready to participate in extra-curricular activities? Are they physically well enough to keep up with competitive standards?
Contact Clementine Day Treatment Center Today
As teens look to transition back into their regular school schedule post-recovery, continuing care at a day treatment center can offer a variety of different benefits. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an eating disorder and are interested in learning more about comprehensive adolescent treatment, call 1.855.900.2221 to speak with one of our friendly admissions specialists today.
