Eating Disorders: Behavioral Health | OSF Saint Francis Medical Center

Eating Disorders

The OSF Saint Francis Eating Disorders Program specializes in individualized attention to meet treatment goals in a hospital-based environment, without the expense of spa-type services. We want our patients to get better as quickly as possible while learning to handle the challenges of normal, everyday life. That’s why we don’t offer “boot camp” or therapy in a vacation-like setting…because sooner or later, the patient will be back at home, school or wherever they experience the stressors that trigger their eating disorder.

We also believe patients are more likely to have positive long-term outcomes when their family members are involved in the treatment process with them, via family therapy, participation in the Support Care Group or one of the other available options.

We provide top-quality, supportive, effective care for our patients and their families…right here in Central Illinois.

Patient Stories

Read about Beth's struggle with Anorexia Nervosa.

Meet Our Team

Since 1983, our Eating Disorders Program has been providing care for patients ages 9 and older with eating disorders, thanks to our comprehensive team of psychotherapists, registered nurses, occupational therapists, physicians and registered dietitians.

Meet our highly trained professional staff.

Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa include:

Loss of body weight
Intense fear of weight gain (feeling fat even when thin)
Distorted body image
Loss of menstrual periods in females
Insistence on keeping weight below a healthy level

Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa include:

Repeated episodes of binge eating
Purging after a binge
Frequent dieting
Extreme concern with body weight and shape

Many individuals do not meet the strict diagnostic criteria of Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia Nervosa. However, individuals may exhibit attitudes and behaviors that pose serious health threats. These individuals are often diagnosed with "Eating Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified."

Treatment

Because of the complex nature of these disorders, OSF Saint Francis Medical Center offers treatment with a variety of professionals including registered dietitians, nurses, occupational therapy assistants, physicians and psychotherapists.

The first step of treatment is an evaluation by a psychotherapist, consisting of an interview to gather a history and description of current problems. After the evaluation, an appropriate course of treatment is recommended.

Outpatient Program

Outpatient counseling is the cornerstone of managing eating disorders. It explores the underlying factors that maintain the eating disorder and emphasizes the development of a plan for change. For patients who do not require the structure and support of the Partial Hospitalization Program, our Outpatient Program provides a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan and may include:

Family Therapy-The family can be instrumental in the recovery process. Many families find these sessions help reduce guilt, stress and miscommunication.
Nutrition Counseling-A licensed dietitian assesses nutritional status and provides nutrition counseling which is an essential component of treatment for eating disorders.
Medical Management-The Eating Disorders staff coordinate with the patient's primary care physician and address any medical concerns or issues. A medical consultant is available to assist in addressing issues with patients who are admitted for partial hospitalization treatment.
Psychiatric Management-A psychiatrist is available to provide psychiatric evaluations and treatment during partial hospitalization treatment and when needed in outpatient treatment.

Intensive Outpatient Program

Patients who are able to minimally manage their symptoms but are still struggling on a daily basis are placed in our Intensive Outpatient Program. In this program, they're provided two structured meals along with therapy and activities from two to five days per week. Patients are also made responsible for managing one meal at home each weekday and are allowed to spend evenings and weekends at home.

Partial Hospitalization Program

Designed for patients with unremitting eating disorder symptoms like severe weight loss, inability to gain weight or daily bingeing and purging, our Partial Hospitalization Program offers a more structured daily environment. Patients are provided three meals each day, group and individual therapy, psychoeducation and body image therapy. The program runs five days per week from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and provides the structure and support for patients to be at home during evenings and weekends. This program may be recommended under the following circumstances:

Medical or psychiatric instability
Severe weight loss or inability to maintain an adequate weight
Unremitting binge/purge episodes
Failed outpatient treatment

All patients in PHP and IOP participate in the following:

Therapeutic Community
Group Therapy
Medical Management
Psychiatric Management
Family Therapy
Structured Group Activities
Individual Psychotherapy
Nutrition Counseling
Body/Self-Image Group

Support Groups and Insurance

Support Care—Family Awareness Group: Family and friends of someone struggling with an eating disorder have this forum for learning more about eating disorders and discovering that others have similar questions, feelings and concerns. This Wednesday evening group is facilitated by a psychotherapist. There is no charge.

Patient Support Group: Patients at various stages of recovery meet weekly with a registered nurse to share common experiences and feelings and provide support in facing and overcoming their everyday problems related to eating and living. This group meets Wednesday evening and there is no charge.

Insurance—Patients often have health insurance coverage that pays a portion of the costs of our program. You may call your benefits department and ask about coverage for mental health services. This information should be brought to your initial appointment.

Additional Resources

For more information or to schedule a visit:

Please call 655-2738.