Eating Disorder Treatment Program

Abbott Northwestern, in collaboration with the Center for Treatment of Eating Disorders at Children's Hospitals & Clinics of Minnesota - Minneapolis, offers adult patients expert, inpatient care for medical stabilization, telemetry monitoring, nutritional rehabilitation and access to inpatient specialists. This program provides inpatient and outpatient treatment that is based on Enhanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT-E) - the leading evidence-based treatment for eating disorders.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - Enhanced

Enhanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT-E) for Eating Disorders was developed by Christopher Fairburn, MD and colleagues at the Centre for Research on Eating Disorders Oxford University in Oxford, England. CBT-E is the leading evidence-based treatment for all types of eating disorders.

Program goals

The goals of this program are to help patients attain:

• acute medical stabilization
• weight regain
• an increased motivation for change
• preparation for outpatient treatment.

Your care team

The Eating Disorder Treatment Program is led by medical director, Julie Lesser, MD, and associate medical director, Beth Brandenburg, MD. They are supported by a team of highly trained staff that includes:

• nurses
• psychiatrist
• psychologist
• hospitalists
• dietitian
• physical therapist
• social worker.

A typical day

In a typical day, patients can expect:

• weight and vitals checked each morning to monitor your physical health
• daily rounds with the team to see how you're doing and talk with you and your family about your care plan
• three meals and two snacks as a group and with a designated staff person
• individual meetings with our psychologist or psychiatrist
• group activities that include:
  • psychotherapy and integrative health therapies through the Penny George™ Institute for Health and Healing
  • psychoeducational groups
  • CBT-E groups
  • self care/coping skills
  • dietitian-led groups
  • integrative medicine groups
  • phsycial exercise sessions

Our expectations

It is our expectation that patients in the Eating Disorder Treatment Program will be active and engaged participants. Patients will:

• attend and participate in all groups and appointments
• have weight and vital signs checked everday
• follow individualized treatment plans which includes regular eating
• maintain a positive environment on the unit without counterproductive behaviors like vomiting, unsupervised exercise, negative talk, etc.