Eating Disorders

Treatment

Treatment at Mayo Clinic for people with eating disorders includes psychotherapy, nutrition counseling, medical care, medications, and hospitalization for children and teenagers when necessary.

Family-based therapy program

Mayo Clinic's family-based therapy program is highly successful in treating eating disorders in children and teens. Treatment depends on the type of eating disorder. Each child and family is assigned an individual care consultant — a psychologist trained in family-based therapy techniques. Unlike many treatment programs, the consultant at Mayo cares for that person until full recovery. The program focuses on:

• Involving parents and other close family members as a crucial part of the treatment team
• Developing an eating management plan for the person with the eating disorder and teaching family members how to implement that plan at home to continue progress
• Promoting effective communication and healthy family relationships
• Helping the person to develop more effective coping strategies to reduce thoughts and behaviors associated with eating disorders

Treatment for adults

Adults with eating disorders are assessed and treated on an outpatient basis. Your treatment team may include a therapist, nurse, a dietitian specializing in eating disorders and your primary care doctor. Adults with complicating medical conditions especially can benefit from Mayo's coordinated approach, which includes other specialists as needed.

Read more about the treatment of eating disorders.