Using ComPsych for Eating Disorder Treatment

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An eating disorder is a type of mental illness that can result in serious health consequences. Individuals with eating disorders may limit their intake of food, severely overeat, or engage in a cycle of binging and purging in an effort to avoid gaining weight. The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders reports that 35 percent of normal dieters eventually progress to pathological dieting. Of those individuals, as many as 25 percent later develop eating disorders. While eating disorders are more common during the teen years or young adulthood, it is also possible to develop an eating disorder later in life. Both men and women are affected by eating disorders, which include binge eating disorder, bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa.

If you believe that you or someone close to you may be suffering from an eating disorder, it is imperative that you seek help right away. Your ComPsych assistance program may help to pay for eating disorder treatment. ComPsych is the world’s largest provider of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), including behavioral health programs.

It is important to understand that eating disorders are serious illnesses, and they can be treated. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, those with anorexia nervosa are 18 times more likely to die at an early age than people of a similar age within the general population. The key to avoiding this outcome is to recognize the symptoms and reach out for the help that you or your family member needs.

Symptoms of eating disorders include:

• Extreme thinness
• An ongoing pursuit of weight loss
• Unwillingness to maintain a healthy weight
• Fear of gaining weight
• Distorted body image
• Restricted eating
• Sore throat
• Swollen salivary glands
• Acid reflux disorder
• Chronic constipation
• Severe dehydration

If you need assistance in locating a treatment facility that specializes in eating disorders, please call us at . We are available 24/7 to answer your call and speak to you regarding options to help you or your loved one with an eating disorder. It is never too late to get the help you need. Regardless of how long you have suffered from an eating disorder, you will most likely need professional help to overcome the challenges you are experiencing and to once again develop a healthy approach to eating and weight management.

Will ComPsych Cover Eating Disorder Treatment?

Determining your eligibility for treatment coverage is an important first step in getting the help needed. If your employer offers ComPsych employee assistance, you may be able to qualify for treatment. To determine specific benefits coverage, it is important to speak with your benefits administrator. In order to determine your level of benefits coverage, it will be important to verify the specific type of eating disorder treatment that is covered as well as whether your provider places restrictions on the type of facility or the duration of treatment.

How Much Will Eating Disorder Treatment Cost?

The cost of eating disorder treatment may vary based on a number of factors. According to the South Carolina Department of Mental Health, eating disorder treatment in the United States could cost between $500 and $2,000 per day, and a month of inpatient care averages around $30,000. Other factors that may affect the cost of care include the intensity of care and the types of services provided.

Cost should never stand in the way of receiving the treatment that you or your family member needs to overcome an eating disorder. Do not hesitate to contact us at for help in finding eating disorder treatment facility that will meet your needs.

Inpatient Eating Disorder Treatment vs. Outpatient Services

One of the most important decisions you will need to make is between inpatient care and outpatient services. It is imperative that you understand the differences between the two types of care so you can choose the one that is most appropriate for you or your loved one.

If you choose inpatient treatment, you will reside at the treatment center for the duration of your care. One of the primary goals of an inpatient facility is to ensure that the patient receives adequate medical care and supervision. This can be particularly important in the treatment of an eating disorder. Patients who have lost control of their eating habits may require continual medical care to ensure that self-destructive behaviors do not continue. An inpatient facility may also be appropriate if the patient is suffering from a co-occurring condition such as depression, anxiety or substance abuse along with an eating disorder.

If an individual with an eating disorder has reached critical condition, an even more intensive level of care may be required. Hospitalization may be necessary if the patient is severely emaciated and/or dehydrated. An inpatient facility typically has the most suitable resources for handling severe eating disorders. Also, inpatient facilities typically offer an array of services and allow a more personalized approach to treatment.

In an outpatient facility, the patient is able to continue living at home and will travel to the facility for regularly scheduled treatments. The frequency of treatments may vary based on the patient’s individual needs and will usually be scheduled by the treating physician. Patients may initially prefer the idea of an outpatient facility because they are able to continue living at home; however, keep in mind that an outpatient facility cannot provide the same level of care as an inpatient facility. In deciding whether an outpatient facility or inpatient program is best for you or your loved one, it is imperative that you carefully consider the severity of the eating disorder and the individual’s current medical condition.

If you need help locating an appropriate facility, our trained staff can assist you. Please call us at .

Dual Diagnosis Eating Disorder Therapy

When selecting a treatment program, you should also consider whether the facility is able to provide dual diagnosis care. Because eating disorders are often accompanied by other problems, such as depression and substance abuse, it is crucial that you choose a facility that will be able to identify any co-occurring disorders. Even if you do not believe that you or your loved one is suffering from another disorder, choosing a facility that can treat a dual diagnosis is important.

In some instances, depression can ultimately lead to an eating disorder. Similarly, an eating disorder can result in depression or anxiety. All co-occurring disorders must be treated at the same time for the best chance of a successful recovery. During treatment, a therapist will attempt to identify and address the underlying factors that contribute to eating disorders and co-occurring disorders.

Treatment for all disorders requires a comprehensive medical team that may include a nutritionist, therapist and physician. This treatment approach will allow all facets of each disorder to be properly addressed and treated. Customized treatment plans may include a variety of treatments, such as:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Music and/or art therapy
• Medicines
• Group support therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help you alter negative thought and behavior patterns and develop healthier ones. Medical personnel may also use relaxation techniques to assist patients in learning how to manage tension, stress and anxiety. Depending on the needs of the patient, medications may also be used to treat depression, anxiety and mood disorders. In the event that you or your loved one is also suffering from a substance abuse problem, detoxification services may be needed to remove the toxins from drugs or alcohol before treatment for all disorders can progress. Throughout treatment, supportive counseling is provided to patients to help them in developing insight into their disorders and to improve effective coping and management skills.

Insurance vs. Private Pay for Eating Disorder Options

You will also need to understand the differences between insurance-approved treatment programs and private pay options. An insurance-approved treatment program may have restrictions regarding your choice of facility as well as the duration of treatment. For example, you may be limited to a certain number of weeks or days of residential treatment per year. This may be problematic in severe cases of eating disorders. The South Carolina Department of Mental Health reports that individuals with eating disorders may need up to six months of residential treatment. To learn more about ComPsych eating disorder coverage, call our 24/7 helpline today.

In a private pay facility, the medical personnel can often customize your treatment plan according to your unique needs. Additionally, a private pay facility may offer amenities that are not available in other types of programs. For instance, it is not uncommon for a private pay facility to be located in an exclusive location that will provide patients with the maximum amount of privacy as well as a tranquil environment in which to recover. This type of option can be an appropriate solution for high-profile individuals who are concerned about their privacy. In addition, a private location lets patients recover without distractions from the outside world.

A private pay facility may also provide a host of other amenities to make recovery easier for patients, including private rooms, access to recreational facilities and accommodation for special dietary needs. Such centers may also be more open to offering alternative forms of therapy that have not yet been accepted by the mainstream medical community.

If you discover that your ComPsych Employee Assistance Program will not pay for all of your treatment needs, it is important to recognize that other resources may be available to you. Many facilities understand the need for patients and their families to finance the cost of care.

If you need help in finding an eating disorder treatment facility that offers private pay options, we are always available to help. Contact us at . It is possible to recover from an eating disorder and begin a healthy new life.