Eating Disorders Program
Where Hope and Healing Come TogetherSpecialized treatment for eating disorders makes a major difference. Clinical experience and research over the last two decades have shown that anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder respond best to focused combined approaches. Treatment must both reverse the symptoms of disordered eating and alleviate underlying psychological turmoil. Nutritional counseling, behavioral modeling of normal eating, correction of distorted perceptions , increased understanding of stress and stress management along with family involvement all factor into a successful outcome. Such multifaceted care often extends beyond the capacity of any single therapist and requires the combined effort of a treatment team.
In the Eating Disorders Program at Friends Hospital in Philadelphia, our treatment team offers this type of specialized inpatient treatment for individuals with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, obesity and associated depression, anxiety and trauma. Treatment is designed to help individuals change the behaviors perpetuating their disorder. The program philosophy emphasizes problem solving and uses individual patient strengths to initiate change.
After 11 years, the Eating Disorders Program is still led by many of its original staff members, making it one of the most experienced and dedicated teams of eating disorders therapists on the East Coast. The team continues to be directed by Michael Pertschuk, MD, who has been repeatedly recognized as a “Top Doc” in Eating Disorders by Philadelphia Magazine.
The unique program is small and individualized, serving only 10-14 patients at a time. We are trained to work with male and female adults and adolescents, ages 13 or older.
The facility is situated on the beautiful 100-acre garden campus of Friends Hospital, named a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Some other program highlights include:
¨ Individualized treatment, including daily visit with the psychiatrist & individual therapy with other members of the treatment team
¨ Extensive family support, including family visitation and meetings with masters level family therapist
¨ Separate, dedicated treatment setting exclusively for patients with eating disorders
¨ Medical assessment, substance abuse counseling, psychopharmacology and psychological testing
¨ Comprehensive discharge planning to ensure proper follow-up care
Copyright © 2006 Friends Hospital. All rights reserved.
4641 Roosevelt Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19124
(215) 831-4600
Revised: October 18, 2006
