Questions about the treatment program
Does Magnolia Creek treat only eating disorders?
Magnolia Creek specializes in treating eating disorders, and we only admit clients who have an eating disorder (anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder or EDNOS) as their primary diagnosis. However, our program is designed to also treat secondary, coexisting disorders, including compulsive exercise, anxiety, depression, self-harm, addiction issues, and trauma.
Are you a 12-step program?
As a Recovery-based (not Addictions-based) program, we are not a 12-step program. However, we believe that many 12-step principles are applicable to eating disorders recovery, including peer accountability and support and a spiritual foundation of recovery.
We offer a weekly peer-led onsite support group and a weekly professionally-led offsite support group that both integrate some 12-step principles. For individuals with substance abuse histories, we integrate offsite 12-step meetings into the treatment plan as appropriate.
How often will I meet with my therapist?
Primary therapists meet with residential clients three times a week and PHP clients twice a week. Our therapists have at most three clients at one time to ensure that each client receives personal and individualized attention.
Clients also meet individually with our nurse practitioner and psychiatrist on a weekly basis and our executive director, clinical director, and medical director as needed.
Will my family be able to participate?
Yes. At Magnolia Creek, we strongly believe that families and significant others play a valuable part in the recovery experience. Family relationships provide vital information for a better understanding of our clients' needs, and we respect the place that family has in their lives of our clients.
Magnoia Creek has a dedicated therapist on staff to offer family therapy and facilitate our Family Program. Family weekends take place every four-to six weeks, and our multifamily group meets weekly for local and visiting families.
How long will I stay?
Residential clients are required to stay thirty days, while PHP clients are required to stay fifteen days. The average total stay at Magnolia Creek averages between two-to-four months, depending on individual circumstances.
Questions about daily life
What is a typical day like at Magnolia Creek?
Mornings begin with breakfast, followed by a walk or time for individual appointments. Clients participate in several morning therapy groups, including process group, with breaks for snack and lunch. There are also therapy groups in the afternoon, with breaks for snacks and time for individual appointments or personal time for completing assignments, reading, or doing art.
PHP clients leave at around 4:30 pm. For residential clients, dinner is served in the early evening, followed by Food and Feelings and then a therapy group or activity. Residential clients then have some free time, with time for snacks and vitals before lights out at 11 pm. Recreational outings, errand outings, movie nights, and visiting hours are sprinkled throughout the week.
What should I bring?
View our suggestions on what to bring. We suggest bringing clothes that are comfortable. Residential clients have access to a washer and dryer to do laundry during their stay, as do PHP clients who reside in our PHP apartments.
Residential clients also participate in weekly errand outings to the store if they need to pick up an item or run out of something.
How will Magnolia Creek manage my medications?
Residential clients' prescription medications are filled through an outside contracted pharmacy and administered throughout the day by our nursing staff. (Please be aware that if you choose to use your own pharmacy service, there may be delays in receiving medications.)
PHP clients are expected to manage their own medications, but they may request assistance and advice from our nursing staff if needed.
Are the bathrooms locked?
Only under very special circumstances. Our treatment facility resembles real-life as closely as possible. Bathrooms are generally left unlocked so that clients can experience similar temptations and triggers to a home environment. In early stages of treatment, staff will stay with clients after meals to help them learn to tolerate normal feelings of fullness without purging.
Will I have a roommate?
Yes. In our residential facility, two women share a room and bathroom. In our PHP apartments, four women share an two-bedroom apartment with one bathroom. In both cases, the living arrangements are spacious and comfortably furnished.
Questions about meals
What are the meals like at Magnolia Creek?
Meals are specifically designed to meet the individual nutritional needs of our clients. Our chef works closely with our dietitian to provide healthy, wholesome meals that nourish the body and work to restore our clients' relationships with food.
Meals are family-style and shared with staff members to provide our clients support and guidance. We recognize that food is not only necessary for sustenance but also part of the greater social and cultural experience. We work to help each client repair her relationship to food as well as the personal relationships in her life.
Do you work with a vegetarian diet?
Yes, we make allowances for vegetarians, but our program does not accommodate vegans. Magnolia Creek's dietitian works with each client to explore her personal dietary needs, and distinguish between dietary preferences and eating disordered choices. Our goal is to help each client create a healthy relationship with food, free from restrictions and rules.
