What happens when I arrive at a Treatment Center for Eating Disorders?

Taking the step to seek treatment is a milestone in your recovery; it also leaves you with many questions. Pamela Hay, Magnolia Creek Admissions Director, shared some valuable information regarding the role of our Intake Coordinator and Dietitian, how the level of care is determined, what to expect your first day, and the value of therapy sessions.

I want to call and inquire about treatment – what are they going to ask me?

When a potential client or family member calls Magnolia Creek to inquire about treatment, they will speak to our Intake Coordinator. She will collect some basic demographic information, such as name, age, phone number and location, and will discuss any current symptoms and what has prompted the call. In addition to discussing current or recent treatments, she will also ask for information regarding any immediate risk factors such as self-harm behaviors, suicidal thoughts, aggressive behaviors, substance abuse and medical concerns. If the Intake Coordinator feels there is a safety or health risk that is an immediate danger, she may direct the caller to seek emergency or acute care. After giving a brief overview of our Residential and Partial Hospitalization (PHP) programs, she will answer any additional questions. If interested in pursuing the admissions process, she will verify your health insurance benefits and plan information, present you a cost estimate for treatment, and she will schedule an Intake Assessment to determine the appropriate level of care. Local inquiries also have the option to schedule a facility tour.

Who will work with me to determine the level of care and how do they determine what I need?

The Intake Coordinator will complete an initial intake that will assess current and past symptoms and treatment experiences, during this time they will discuss current daily functioning and ask for a complete list of medications and health issues. The intake assessment also provides an opportunity for us to review current dietary habits and any current or past substance abuse. Once complete, the Clinical Director, Director of Nursing and Psychiatrist review the assessment information and determine the appropriate level of care.

What happens when I arrive on the first day?

When you arrive, you will meet with an Intake Coordinator to complete admission paperwork, and she will provide you with a client handbook and a welcome bag that includes therapeutic books and a t-shirt. Following your admissions, a therapist will meet with you to assess suicide and safety risks, as well as create a therapeutic safety plan.

Following these meetings, you will begin your assessments. Assessments play a valuable role in the treatment process and help us to determine the type of therapy needed and help to form your individualized treatment plan. You will be assigned several self-assessments to be completed, including screenings for depression, anxiety, trauma, addictions and eating disorders. You will also begin working on assessments that include the EDI-III, BAI, BDI, and PTSI. You will also complete the VIA Survey of Character Strengths, and we will review your coping skills and spirituality, all used to help with your recovery journey.

How is it determined if I have a roommate or not?
We know that committing to treatment is a new step, and we take your therapeutic issues, safety and stabilization concerns into consideration when determining room placement. We also review the interaction between an existing client and a new admission. When you are admitted to Magnolia Creek, we will assign you a roommate unless specific medical concerns are given.

When will therapy begin and what type of therapy is it?

Our goal is to provide you with a collaborative environment that is personal to your recovery needs. Through a holistic program, our treatment addresses your specific medical, nutritional, psychological, spiritual, and behavioral needs. To that extent, we begin your therapeutic relationship at admission to Magnolia Creek. You will meet with the nursing staff, a psychiatrist, your primary therapist, dietitian, and family therapist to complete initial assessments and ascertain the therapeutic issues that led you to treatment. During these initial meetings, the treatment planning process begins. Once your assessments are complete, you will attend daily psychoeducation and process groups. Group therapy topics include nutrition, coping skills, healthy relationships, body appreciation, addictive behaviors, creative arts, and relapse prevention. The therapists employ a variety of different treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, experiential therapy, and somatic experiencing based on the individual client (during sessions) and the specific group. You will meet with your therapist twice a week, your family therapist once a week, and the dietitian once a week.

What role does the Dietician play when I arrive?
Brittany Braswell, Magnolia Creek Dietitian, completes your initial nutrition assessment within 48 hours of admission. From this assessment, she will calculate your energy, protein and fluid needs. Once these needs are determined, your individualized meal plan is created, and Brittany will work with you on how to use your meal plan and create personalized menus.

Our serene and peaceful setting provides you with the environment you need to explore the contributing factors related to your eating disorder. Our therapeutic approach helps you to challenge the thoughts and behaviors that prevent you from living your life fully and freely. We are here to support you on your journey to recovery, and help you recover from your eating disorder, not just manage it.

If you would like more information on resources available to assist you or guidance on how to support a loved one, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Magnolia Creek by calling 205-409-4220, or complete our contact form.