Calgary Eating Disorder Program
Services

Promotion and Prevention

The promotion and prevention component of the program works with educators, schools, public health nurses, physicians, community practitioners and anyone in a position to mentor youth to promote healthy body image, self-acceptance and early identification of potential disordered eating for all age groups.

Consultation

The consultation service provides recommendations to physicians, community therapists, community agencies and other practitioners to assist with the management of patients who are struggling with an eating disorder.  This service also provides referral information and support to the general public and is for all age groups.

Treatment

Comprehensive Assessment consists of meeting with a family counselor, psychiatrist and a physician.  At the end of the assessment process, feedback and treatment recommendations are provided to the patient and their family.

Day Hospital is an intensive treatment option for adolescents and adults suffering from Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified, as outlined in the DSM IV.  Clients are medically stable but in need of in-depth treatment due to the severity and complexity of their disorder.  The Day Hospital program operates 11 hours per day, 5 days per week.  It includes three meals and two snacks per day which are supported by staff, a variety of psychotherapeutic and psychoeducational groups, individual and family therapy, and a school component for those in junior high and high school.  Day Hospital can accommodate 12 patients at any one time and the expected average length of stay is 3 months.

Outpatient treatment consists of individual/family therapy and a number of groups including Motivational Enhancement, Psychoeducation, Readiness, Parents & Partners Support Group and an After Care Group.  Outpatient services are provided for patients/families waiting for Day Hospital and patients/families who are finished Day Hospital and are transitioning back into the community.

An outpatient clinic occurs for patients under the age of 14 years old who have an eating disorder.  Treatment is provided on an outpatient basis by a multidisciplinary team consisting of a pediatrician, family therapist, nurse, dietitian and psychiatrist.

Inpatient services are available for individuals who require or may benefit from an admission.  Services are offered out of Unit 32 at the Foothills Medical Centre.  To date, there are 4 beds dedicated to eating disorder patients.