There are several eating disorder treatment options available, and finding the right fit can be a stressful process. As a care counselor at an eating disorder clinic, I have gained knowledge about the different levels of care and the recovery process associated with each. Unless you are familiar with this field and environment, most people are unaware of the different treatment options for eating disorders. Understanding the differences between the levels of care and the treatment options provided at each level can make recovery easier to manage.

Outpatient treatment is considered to be the first level of care in eating disorder treatment. This treatment option is best suited for individuals who can manage their eating disorder symptoms with healthy coping mechanisms while living at home. These individuals may either be stepping down from higher levels of care or have just started their eating disorder recovery. During this treatment, individuals typically attend weekly sessions with a multidisciplinary team consisting of a therapist, dietician, and medical provider.

The second level of care is intensive outpatient program (IOP), which provides a higher level of support than standard outpatient treatment. Intensive outpatient programs usually involve group sessions with other clients in addition to sessions with their multidisciplinary team, typically three to five times a week. This program is for individuals who need additional support and a more structured routine to help with their recovery but are able to live at home.

Partial hospitalization program (PHP) typically occurs five to seven days a week for five to eight hours a day, usually in a non-hospital facility. This program is designed for individuals who require support and monitoring throughout meals and snacks for the majority of the day but are able to return home at the end of the day. During the partial hospitalization program, individuals will participate in individual and group sessions with their therapist and dietician to process their experiences with meals and other struggles and learn and practice skills they can continue to use outside of treatment.

Residential treatment provides 24-hour care in a hospital or home-like setting. This level of care is best suited for individuals who are medically stable but continue to struggle and engage in harmful eating disorder behaviors and need a supportive and structured environment. Treatment includes weekly sessions with a multidisciplinary team, as well as group sessions with other residents. During residential treatment, all three meals and three snacks are supported and supervised, providing encouragement and guidance throughout this stage of their recovery.

Intensive inpatient care, or hospitalization, is the highest level of care provided for eating disorder treatment. This option is usually for individuals suffering from severe malnutrition or other medical complications as a result of their eating disorder. This level of care provides 24-hour care in a hospital or similar medical facility, with constant medical monitoring. Patients work with a multidisciplinary team to help them stabilize their health and transition to a lower level of eating disorder care.

Eating disorders are complex and dangerous mental health conditions that require care and treatment. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, 9%, or about 31 million people in the U.S., will have an eating disorder in their lifetime. A medical professional should evaluate each individual to determine the most appropriate level of care based on their own circumstances. The amount of time an individual spends at each level of care varies for each person and should not be compared to others. Reaching out for help is a difficult yet big step toward recovery. It is important to remember that you are worthy and deserving of recovery and a life beyond your eating disorder.

Article written by: Adriana Kirakosyan “My name is Adriana Kirakosyan and I have a deep love for learning and engaging with different mental health topics. I received my Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology from University of California, San Diego in June 2026, and I will continue my education by pursuing a master’s degree in the near future.”