Frequently Asked Questions

Many potential candidates for residential, partial hospitalization or intensive outpatient treatment are already working with a behavioral health professional that may recommend more structured treatment. Others may be aware of their struggles with an eating disorder, but may not have found the right support to address those issues. Our clinical team at Fairhaven is experienced in treating many types of eating disorders at different levels of care. If you are unsure if residential, partial hospitalization or intensive outpatient treatment is appropriate for you or are seeking advice on what type of care is most appropriate for you, contact us at Fairhaven. We can help.

Having the compassion to reach out to someone in need is a courageous act of love and caring. It is always best to start with self-examination of why you should discuss your concerns with a friend or family member. This can be a calming and energizing step that allows you to reflect on the conversation. When you are ready, approach your friend or relative from a non-judgmental and compassionate place. Be willing to help them along the journey and to explore different treatment options that are available. There are several resources to help educate yourself on eating disorders, including information on how to address an eating disorder with someone you care about.

Your treatment plan will determine the frequency of interactions with your primary therapist. In residential care, for example, you can expect a minimum of four one-on-one sessions per week with your primary therapist and/or dietitian and one family session per week depending on their location and treatment team recommendations. If you are enrolled in the partial hospitalization or intensive outpatient program, interactions with therapists will be customized according to your need and frequency of program attendance throughout the week. You can also expect to take part in group sessions that allow you to gain insights into others journeys and share in their healing process. While these group activities are an important part of the program, the individual sessions will facilitate a more focused self-journey towards healing and recovery.

You are allowed to bring a limited number of comfort items from home. We have to balance the needs for an individualized safe space with the realities of community living. Along with these comfort items, you are welcome to bring a cellular phone and personal computer, although you will have limited access to these items. More information can be found in the Fairhaven Client Policy and Procedures Manual that we can send to you upon request.