Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you are struggling with an eating disorder or you are a loved one, it is one of the hardest recoveries anyone can face. We know the journey is overwhelming and we are here to help.
FOR THE PATIENT
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Residential treatment provides 24/7 care and a structured environment, whereas patients in PHP will live off-property and attend programming 6 days per week for 6-8 hours a day.
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The length of stay can vary depending on individual needs, ranging from 30 to 90 days or longer. We recommend at least 60 days. Upon admission your treatment team will discuss what is best for your recovery.
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Our primary focuses are Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED), and related subsets along with co-occurring disorders.
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In treatment, we work to restore body, mind, and heart through daily groups, individual psychotherapy, family sessions, individual sessions with a registered dietitian, experiential therapies, and collaborative care with our medical teams.
To learn more about our approach, click HERE.
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Everyone comes from different faith backgrounds and experiences, especially those dealing with an eating disorder. At our fully integrated faith-based treatment center, our aim is to help patients restore or establish faith as a source of safety, empowerment, guidance, and peace. While faith-based treatment is central to our approach, it is not required for patients. We believe that restoring faith is crucial for lasting recovery, but we respect that it is a personal choice. Our Christian values offer patients a chance to explore what a relationship with Christ can offer. We strive to love our patients as Jesus loves us, with humility, respect, and care. We encourage moving away from identities rooted in eating disorders or past experiences to focus on discovering our spiritual identity.
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A typical day at Charis Eating Disorder Care residential treatment center begins at 7:00 am with morning vitals and procedures, followed by breakfast and morning devotionals to foster spiritual growth. The schedule includes a variety of therapeutic activities such as art therapy, group therapy, and psychoeducation education and nutrition sessions throughout the day. Lunch is followed by processing time to discuss insights and experiences. Evening activities include dinner processing, group activities, and evening devotionals for reflection and prayer. The day ends with winding down through showers, bedtime preparation, and reading, emphasizing a faith-based approach to healing and personal growth.
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Each evening, we offer an allotted time for patients to access their phones, with computer access available during PHP sessions for added flexibility.
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At Charis, our commitment to your recovery journey doesn’t end when treatment does. We believe in continuing to walk alongside you, offering support as you transition to life beyond residential treatment. To help you on your recovery journey, we provide a variety of supportive services, including our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), ResolvED for ongoing guidance, personalized coaching sessions, free support groups, and annual recovery retreats. These programs are designed to gently support your progress as you continue to recovery.
FOR THE SUPPORTER
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Eating disorders are serious but treatable mental and physical illnesses that can affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights. National surveys estimate that 20 million women and 10 million men in America will have an eating disorder at some point in their lives.
The onset of the eating disorder is typically not about food or weight. It can often become the brain's coping mechanism for a traumatic event - expressed through obsession over body.
While no one knows for sure what causes eating disorders, a growing consensus suggests that it is a range of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors.-NEDA
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Eating disorders are more common than many people realize and can affect individuals of all ages and genders. In the United States, about 20 million women and 10 million men will experience an eating disorder at some point in their lives. The most common types are binge-eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa. Binge-eating disorder involves consuming large amounts of food in a short period, often leading to feelings of guilt. Anorexia nervosa is characterized by extreme restriction of food and an intense fear of gaining weight, while bulimia nervosa involves cycles of binge eating followed by purging or other behaviors to prevent weight gain. These disorders highlight the importance of understanding, early intervention, and access to treatment to support loved ones on their recovery journey.
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Yes! The Clinical Director will coordinate with you and your family throughout your time with us.
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In our residential and PHP programming, we offer the following services:
Psychotherapy: Individual, familial, & group sessions
Nutrition: Individual and group sessions; Individualized meal plans and support
Experiential: Equine, Yoga, Music, Art, Culinary, Nature, and Animal-Assisted Therapies
Spiritual: Gospel-centered treatment philosophy, discipleship groups, quiet time and reflection, church attendance
Outside of residential and PHP treatment, we offer the following resources:
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Yes! We are a 501(c) charitable organization and licensed facility where those struggling can get the help they need, regardless of financial circumstances.
We currently have scholarships for residential and partial hospitlization treatment. Scholarships average 30-80% depending on financial need for patients needing private pay.
We are also in network with Cigna Healthcare.
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Yes! The role of a supporter is vital but also very hard. We want to equip you with resources and community as you walk through this with your loved one.
Click here for resources.
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Absolutely! You can read stories from past patients here.