Residential Eating Disorder Treatment

All gender identities 18+

We're making history with the first standalone residential eating disorder treatment center in Michigan. Based 12 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids in Marne, Michigan, Sanford CTED residential treatment has a mission to raise the standard of care across the state and fill service gaps. Sanford is committed to improving access to services, reducing stigma surrounding mental health, and promoting progress and innovation related to mental health.

scted bed orchid closeup
Soothing colors and comfortable beds

Residential Eating Disorder Treatment Program

Our residential treatment aims to provide structure, safety, and accountability with 24-hour nursing and clinical support. We want to efficiently reduce the harmful effects of eating disorders and start individuals on their recovery path. At Sanford Behavioral Health, we understand that the needs of each person seeking treatment are unique, and we work with patients to support a safe transition out of residential treatment when the time is right. Eating disorders that we treat include:

  • Anorexia nervosa
  • Bulimia nervosa
  • Binge eating disorder
  • Other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED)

Individuals served in this program have been diagnosed with eating disorders, according to the DSM ICD-9 or ICD-10, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED). Patients in this program also need symptom management and support that requires more service than what can be safely delivered in an outpatient setting. All medications prescribed are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Sanford Behavioral Health accepts referrals from agencies throughout the community, as well as internal referrals.

Why Choose Sanford Behavioral Health?

eating disorder art therapy
Art, movement, yoga, and therapeutic excursions

At Sanford Behavioral Health, we employ a fully integrated model of care that addresses eating disorders, addiction, and co-occurring mental health conditions. It is not a one-size-fits-all approach because no two individuals or situations are alike. While the initial focus of treatment may be symptom stabilization, our goal is to treat individuals as a whole and not just focus on symptoms but also address underlying issues to promote physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual healing.

 

Treatment Services Offered

Our residential eating disorder treatment offers our patients a variety of services to ensure they receive comprehensive and effective treatment, including:

  • Individual therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Group therapy
  • Medical evaluation and monitoring
  • Psychiatric support
  • Nutrition therapy provided by a registered dietician
  • Resource referral
  • Case management
  • Crisis prevention and intervention are available 24/7
  • Structured daily check-in with staff
  • Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) services, as needed
  • Support groups for individuals and families
  • Aftercare planning and referrals
  • Meal planning and support
  • Therapeutic outings in the community

These services not only set up our patients for success during the duration of their residential treatment program but also in their continued recovery after they leave our program. We understand that recovery is a lifelong journey, and we want to equip our patients with the necessary tools for long-term success.

women laughing 2
Friends in recovery - friends for life.

What to Expect from Residential Treatment

During residential treatment, individuals can expect to participate in therapy and other forms of treatment for six to eight hours a day, five days a week. The length of stay will vary depending on the individual’s specific needs and treatment progress. At Sanford Behavioral Health, we offer a comfortable and supportive environment for individuals to focus on their recovery from eating disorders. All our patients participate in an orientation session before admission, which includes but is not limited to the following:

  • Background about eating disorders
  • Introduction to roles of treatment team members and their scope of practice
  • Information regarding the appropriate level of care and anticipated length of stay based on needs
  • Patient rights related to confidentiality, HIPAA, and informed consent for the release of information
  • Our program guidelines and expectations related to patient participation
  • Ethical and cultural awareness of staff
  • An informed choice about the treatment commitment patients are making
  • Treatment and program options

A medical practitioner provides a comprehensive medical assessment within 72 hours of admission. At the start of treatment, master' s-level clinicians complete bio-psycho-social evaluations to identify the appropriate levels of care, current physical and mental health symptoms, eating disorder behaviors, and nutritional status.

What is a "Typical" Day Like in Treatment?

Treatment begins early at Sanford CTED. Clients start waking up at 6:00 am. Their first group session is at 9:00 am, so there is much to do before the group. First, they take vitals and medication, shower, and prepare for the day. Then they have breakfast, which can be challenging for some clients because they are used to skipping breakfast. This is the first meal support of the day. Clinical staff may provide support during this time, and support staff are always available. There is a mindful movement group from 9:00 to 10:00 am, a snack, and another group (Therapeutic Baking, Kitchen 101, Art Therapy) from 10:30 to 11:30.

Residents have free time for laptops or phones before lunch if approved. Therapists and support staff encourage residents to engage in games with each other, but free time is often spent relaxing because our residents work hard and are tired. Lunch is at noon, and a process group is offered immediately afterward because some clients struggle with discomfort after lunch. On Wednesday, there is a meal outing for lunch. There is a snack at 3:00 and another group at 3:30, some free time, and dinner. On Tuesdays, there is an experiential outing in the evening, and on Sundays, there is a more "social excursion" in the community. Learn about our Recreational Therapy HERE.

Residential Treatment Schedule (Sample)

RTC eating disorder schedule Page1
RTC eating disorder schedule Page 2

Treatment Approaches and Evidence-Based Practices

Our residential facility is homelike, non-bureaucratic, and beautiful. We have found that healing happens best in an aesthetically pleasing environment, and treatment is more successful if you feel comfortable and safe. An inviting atmosphere can contribute toward reducing stress, promoting self-care, and serving as a vehicle for healing. Our science-based programs incorporate whole-body wellness and the vital role of the family in treatment.

Some of the evidence-based approaches and modalities we use at Sanford Behavioral Health include the following:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Compassion-focused therapy (CFT)
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
  • Specialist supportive clinical management (SSCM)
  • Motivational interviewing (MI)
  • Brainspotting
  • Emotion-focused family therapy
  • Art therapy
  • Experiential therapy
  • Exposure-response therapy (ERP)
  • Nutrition therapy
  • 12-step program integration

Our treatment team collaborates to develop a personalized treatment plan for each patient, incorporating the approaches and modalities that best meet their needs. We have found that by utilizing various approaches, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and discover new ways to cope with the challenges they may face in their recovery journey.

Continuum of Care at Sanford Behavioral Health

At Sanford Behavioral Health, we offer a continuum of care for individuals struggling with eating disorders, starting with residential treatment and continuing through partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs. We understand the importance of continuous support throughout the recovery process and strive to provide our patients with the necessary resources and guidance at every stage of their journey.

You are not alone in your eating disorder. Help is waiting for you. At Sanford Behavioral Health, we offer residential eating disorder treatment to support individuals in finding healing and hope for their future. Please contact us at 616.202.3326 for more information about our program and how we can support you on your path.

Don't Wait to Change Your Life - Get In Touch Today

For information about our eating disorder programs 616.202.3326 or fill out the form below