10 Ways To Help Your Teen Thrive In Eating Disorder Treatment (And What To Expect)
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What to Expect in Treatment
- 10 Ways to Support Your Teen During Treatment
- Inner Haven Wellness Can Help
For families, eating disorders in teens can present unique challenges not only because they are serious health conditions but also because they often hide behind behaviors that, at first, resemble typical teenage habits. What might look like a new fitness goal or diet can actually indicate deeper issues.
Especially in younger people, eating disorders carry high health risks and impact both physical and emotional health in significant ways. The right approach to care can make all the difference, and early intervention can prevent lasting damage. To support effective recovery, an appropriate and personalized treatment plan becomes essential.
More than just therapy, treatment for eating disorders involves selecting a level of care that meets each teen’s unique needs. An individualized approach can distinguish a manageable treatment experience from one that may overwhelm. From partial hospitalization (PHP) to intensive outpatient (IOP) and outpatient care, treatment programs come in different levels to fit various lifestyles and needs.
For those further along in recovery or needing lighter support, outpatient treatment provides flexibility. IOP, offering a structured approach, still adapts to school and family schedules for teens needing more intensive help. Offering the most comprehensive support outside of a residential setting, PHP allows teens to receive a full day of treatment and then return home each evening.
Treatment, with each level of care, is never one-size-fits-all. Teens can overcome daily challenges and build healthier, lasting habits when they receive the right support at the right time. Because eating disorders affect mental and physical well-being alike, early intervention tailored thoughtfully has the potential to enhance recovery outcomes—and bring families together in the process.
What to Expect in Treatment
Assessment and Intake
A journey into eating disorder treatment starts with a detailed assessment to match each teen’s specific needs with the level of care best suited to them. Intake focuses on understanding the unique aspects of their condition and personality. Families and teens meet a team that treats them with kindness and respect, creating a safe space where young people feel comfortable speaking openly about their struggles.
More than simply gathering facts, this step builds a trusting, supportive relationship that assures teens they are in a place of healing.
In-Person vs. Virtual Care Options
Available options include both in-person and virtual care, with partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient levels offering unique benefits tailored to the teen’s lifestyle and needs. Those who seek a more adaptable or accessible schedule may choose virtual care, while in-person treatment brings specific experiences that are essential for many teens.
Meeting with counselors and peers face-to-face creates real-life social connections and builds a rhythm in their day-to-day routines. Time away from screens and structured schedules allow teens to stay present in their recovery, with valuable pauses from everyday distractions and the pressures of technology.
The act of going to a safe, dedicated environment also establishes a helpful routine and mental separation from life’s usual stresses.
Team-Based Approach
Recovering from an eating disorder requires the support and expertise of a multidisciplinary team. It isn’t a solo journey.
Medical professionals, therapists, and dietitians collaborate side-by-side to form a comprehensive treatment plan. Each specialist brings a different area of focus and perspective, from monitoring physical health to helping teens create a healthier relationship with food. A team-based approach surrounds teens with professionals who understand the intricacies of their condition and who dedicate themselves to their recovery journey.
Every member contributes to a compassionate, coordinated care atmosphere that supports each aspect of the teen’s well-being.
Therapeutic Approaches and Activities
Therapeutic strategies in eating disorder treatment address both the emotional and behavioral aspects of recovery. Modalities often include Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for building coping mechanisms, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for challenging negative thought patterns, and family therapy to enable communication and understanding at home.
In addition to traditional therapy, teens also engage in activities like yoga to reconnect with their bodies in positive ways and participate in group meals, which build trust and reinforce balanced eating in a supportive setting. Community-based sessions further encourage teens to grow and learn alongside their peers, reminding them that they are not alone in their recovery.
A Day in the Life of Treatment
Treatment follows a structured yet manageable schedule each day, balancing therapeutic work with recovery-supporting activities without overwhelming the teen’s life. Group therapy often begins in the morning, allowing teens to share challenges and thoughts in a safe, encouraging environment. Personal therapy sessions center on individual obstacles and goals, while meal support provides real-life practice with balanced eating.
Recreational time in the afternoon might include social activities, self-care, and relaxation, giving teens space to connect, unwind, and refocus. This setup is intensive but avoids being all-consuming, giving teens space to focus on their well-being while maintaining room for personal interests and life outside therapy.
10 Ways to Support Your Teen During Treatment
1. Encourage Open Communication
Create a safe space where your teen feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and emotions about treatment. Listen without judgment or pressure, and let them know that their feelings matter. Keep conversations open-ended and allow them to express as much or as little as they want. This approach builds trust and helps them feel secure as they navigate recovery.
2. Understand Their Treatment Plan
Learn the details of their treatment plan to understand the goals and expectations of their level of care, whether outpatient, IOP, or PHP. By aligning your support with what they work on in therapy, you can strengthen positive progress at home. Stay in touch with their care team to gain insights and provide the right kind of support for their unique path.
3. Model Balanced Attitudes Toward Food and Body Image
Teens observe our attitudes toward food, body image, and self-worth closely. Show a positive, balanced approach and choose healthy habits and speak about your own body with kindness and respect. Avoid diet talk, negative comments about appearance, or discussions about weight. Instead, celebrate qualities like health, strength, and well-being, which create a positive self-image for both of you.
4. Provide Routine and Structure at Home
Simple routines and consistent structure offer stability, a calming anchor for teens during treatment. Set up regular mealtimes, predictable schedules, and specific times for relaxation, creating a safe and reliable environment. This sense of routine allows them to feel grounded, as it removes uncertainty and provides calm moments amid their daily challenges.
5. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
Recovery is a journey marked by small victories, so celebrate these steps along the way. Acknowledge when they complete a meal, attend group therapy, or express a positive thought. Focus on progress rather than any need for perfect outcomes, which can make recovery feel more attainable and rewarding.
6. Limit Screen Time As a Family
Screen time can be isolating, so invite your teen into screen-free activities that support real-life connections. Plan family game nights, read together, cook, or explore nature. By sharing these moments, you create opportunities for bonding and give them a break from social pressures and digital distractions that could interfere with their recovery.
7. Promote Self-Care for Both of You
Self-care benefits both your teen and yourself. Join them in activities like family walks, mindfulness exercises, or creative projects. These shared practices promote mutual relaxation and show that caring for oneself is essential. Plus, they reinforce the value of self-care as a positive, consistent habit for everyone involved.
8. Attend Family Therapy Sessions
Participating in family therapy sessions deepens the recovery process by letting everyone communicate openly in a structured setting. These sessions provide insights into what your teen experiences and help you discover ways to support them effectively. Your presence in this part of their treatment shows commitment to healing together.
9. Encourage Peer Connection
Healthy social connections strengthen a teen’s recovery. Support them in forming positive relationships, whether in therapy groups or through friendships with a supportive influence. Encourage engagement with peers who provide a sense of belonging and community, reminding them they’re not alone and can support each other’s growth.
10. Stay Patient and Positive
Recovery rarely follows a straight path. Expect setbacks, but stay supportive and hopeful. Offer encouragement by focusing on their effort and remain positive about their progress. Your patience creates a steady foundation, showing your teen that you believe in them, no matter how long the path.
Inner Haven Wellness Can Help
Eating disorder treatment requires a serious commitment, but it doesn’t have to turn daily life upside down.
At Inner Haven, our support system meets families where they are, offering quality care that fits their needs without unnecessary disruption. With both in-person PHP and IOP options, teens can access a structured, effective approach to recovery that still allows them to stay connected to their everyday lives. Our established local and regional in-network contracts make our services more accessible and affordable, reducing the burden of out-of-network costs.
Help is available. Together, we can support your teen on this journey to recovery with the guidance and care they need.
Reach out today to Inner Haven Wellness.
Key Takeaways
- Eating disorders in teens often hide behind seemingly normal behaviors.
- Early intervention is crucial to prevent lasting damage.
- Treatment should be tailored to the individual needs of each teen.
- Different levels of care are available, including partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and outpatient care.
- Both in-person and virtual treatment options are available.
- A multidisciplinary team provides comprehensive care.
- Treatment includes therapy, activities like yoga, and group meals.
- Families play a vital role in supporting their teen’s recovery.
- Open communication, healthy role modeling, and patience are essential.