PHP addition will enhance Magnolia Creek's residential program to provide the most comprehensive eating disorders treatment options in the state of Alabama.
BIRMINGHAM, AL (10/29/09) - Magnolia Creek Treatment Center for Eating Disorders may be shortening its name, but it is expanding its services to provide clients more comprehensive and continuous eating disorder treatment. Beginning November 2, Magnolia Creek will add a partial hospitalization (also known as "day treatment") program to its Joint Commission-accredited residential treatment program.
The partial hospitalization program (PHP) will serve as both a "step-down" program for women transitioning out of inpatient or residential care and a "step-up" program for women requiring a higher level of care than outpatient services are able to provide.
The program is scheduled to run weekdays, from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, with a Saturday option for clients who require additional structure and support. Clients participate in both individual and group therapy and meet regularly with the program's medical director, nurse, and dietitian. They eat two meals a day and snacks at the center and receive nutrition education, cooking classes, and grocery vouchers to prepare their evening and weekend meals at home.
"This type of step-down approach from inpatient or residential programs improves the chances of full recovery, because it provides structure while gradually reintroducing clients to the habits and stressors of daily life," explains Dr. Nicole Siegfried, Magnolia Creek's Executive Director.
"We also have the support and experience of the residential program," adds Lynn Eastman, RN, a nurse who has worked at Magnolia Creek for several years and now serves as the new PHP Program Coordinator. "PHP clients are aware that residential treatment is right there and that they can easily transition to higher level of care should the need arise."
Siegfried and Eastman are encouraged that the PHP will further enhance Magnolia Creek's core residential program, a program that has held Joint Commission accreditation since its inception and consistently earns high survey scores from the state of Alabama's licensing agency.
"We held off on starting a PHP until we were sure we could provide it at a quality consistent with our residential program," explains Dr. Siegfried. "With both residential and PHP programs, as well as our free weekly after care groups and support groups, Magnolia Creek now offers one of the most comprehensive eating disorder treatment programs in the Southeast."
