Using Mental Health Network for Eating Disorder Treatment

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Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that require specialized professional care. The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders reports that as many as 24 million people suffer from some type of eating disorder. Anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder are among the most common eating disorders.

Individuals suffering from anorexia nervosa are often obsessed with their weight and will not eat enough food to remain healthy. People with bulimia nervosa may consume large amounts of food at a time and then experience a sense of shame and guilt that causes them to engage in unhealthy behaviors to compensate. Such behaviors might include self-induced vomiting, over-exercising or taking laxatives to purge the food. A person suffering from a binge eating disorder may consume large amounts of food but will usually not engage in purging behavior. Consequently, a person with a binge eating disorder may be overweight to the point of obesity.

Mental Health Network Coverage for Eating Disorder Treatment

If you suspect that someone close to you is suffering from an eating disorder, it is important to seek help as quickly as possible. In many instances, individuals with eating disorders lose complete control of their eating habits. People with eating disorders may also lose control of their ability to stop purging or over-exercising in an attempt to keep from gaining weight. Professional medical assistance is necessary to help the individual return to a normal weight and overcome the disorder.

If you have Mental Health Network eating disorder coverage, treatment may be covered for you or your loved one. Understanding your level of coverage as well as what is involved in treatment can help you find the most appropriate treatment solution. For help in locating a treatment center that specializes in eating disorders, please contact us at . We are always here to speak with you and answer any questions you may have regarding eating disorder treatment facilities.

Will Mental Health Network Cover Eating Disorder Treatment?

In determining whether Mental Health Network will cover treatment for an eating disorder, it is important to first examine your coverage. Keep in mind that not all policies are the same. If you have a copy of your policy, it is important to carefully review any information regarding covered benefits. If you do not have a copy of your policy or you still have questions, a benefits administrator should be able to provide more specific information regarding your coverage.

While verifying your benefits information, remember that not all treatment facilities are the same. It is important to determine which type of facility will be able to best meet your needs or those of your loved one and find out whether it is covered by your policy. Call us at for help locating an eating disorder facility near you.

How Much Will Eating Disorder Treatment Cost?

Patients and their families are often curious about the cost of treatment for an eating disorder. As with any medical issue, cost can vary based on a number of factors, including the severity of the problem. If your eating disorder has only recently developed, you may not require care that is as intensive as someone who has battled the problem for months or years. The individual’s medical condition will also have a bearing on cost.

Eating disorders can result in a wide range of physical and mental problems and can place stress on the entire body. Symptoms commonly experienced by individuals with an eating disorder include:

• Yellowish and dry skin
• Brittle nails and hair
• Anemia
• Slowed pulse and breathing
• Low blood pressure
• Thinning of the bones
• Emaciation
• Chronic constipation
• Severe dehydration
• Fatigue
• Brain damage
• Heart damage
• Multi-organ failure

In very severe cases, it may be necessary for the patient to be hospitalized to ensure that the proper care and nutrition are provided to address critical medical issues. If so, the cost of treatment will naturally be impacted.

Additionally, the length of care will have an effect on total cost. While some eating disorder treatment programs only last for about a month, the South Carolina Department of Mental Health reports that patients with eating disorders typically require a minimum of three months of inpatient care.

Finally, whether you choose an inpatient or outpatient program will affect the cost. The South Carolina Department of Mental Health further reports that treatment for an eating disorder typically ranges in cost between $500 and $2,000 per day. A month of residential care averages about $30,000.

Keep in mind that the most important thing to focus on right now is finding the help you or your loved one needs to recover. Eating disorders are serious and can become life-threatening. With proper professional help, it is possible to overcome an eating disorder. Our staff of caring counselors is available 24/7 to guide you on how to find help treating an eating disorder. Please contact us at

Inpatient Eating Disorder Treatment vs. Outpatient Services

In determining whether an inpatient or an outpatient program will be more appropriate for your needs or those of your family member, it is important to understand the differences between the two types of programs. As the name implies, an inpatient eating disorder program is a residential facility. This means that you or your family member will live at the facility while receiving care. For some patients and their families, this can initially present some concern. However, the goal of an inpatient facility is to ensure that patients with eating disorders receive the medical supervision and intensive care necessary for a successful recovery. Many patients find it difficult to stop purging, refusing food or over-exercising on their own.

In an inpatient facility, your family member will have round-the-clock care and supervision. A team of highly trained physicians and medical staff will help to monitor your loved one’s condition and progress. Additionally, an inpatient facility will also provide an array of amenities and services that are designed to help patients achieve full recovery.

One of the most important of those services is nutritional counseling. If you are emaciated due to a lack of nutrition when you first enter a program, this will need to be addressed first. Skilled dieticians will design a customized meal plan to meet your needs and help you return to a normal weight.

Psychologists are also on staff in residential treatment facilities to provide counseling and therapy services. While each eating disorder is different, counseling can help to identify the individual triggers that first led to the development of the disorder.

Many inpatient programs also provide a variety of recreational activities that are designed to help patients relax and learn how to deal with stress and negative emotions in a positive manner rather than through self-destructive methods. Such amenities might include:

• Yoga
• Acupuncture
• Massage therapy
• Horseback riding
• Art/music therapy

An outpatient program, by comparison, does not require patients to reside at the facility while receiving treatment. As such, an outpatient facility is not able to provide the same level of intensive care and supervision as an inpatient facility.

The National Institute of Health reports that the early mortality rate among people with anorexia is 18 times greater than within the general population. Help is available, however. For help in locating an eating disorder treatment facility for yourself or a family member, please do not hesitate to give us a call at . We are always here and willing to help.

Dual Diagnosis Eating Disorder Therapy

Another factor you should take into consideration when choosing an eating disorder facility is whether the facility is able to provide dual diagnosis treatment. While an eating disorder on its own can be complicated, many patients suffer from other co-occurring disorders. For instance, persons with eating disorders may also suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression or anxiety disorders. Treatment for a dual diagnosis is usually more complex. To ensure a successful recovery, any co-occurring disorders should be identified and a customized treatment plan should be provided.

In the case of patients suffering from both an eating disorder and anxiety or depression, physicians may need to prescribe mood stabilizers or antidepressants. Once the depression or anxiety has been addressed, the patient will then be able to focus on a meaningful recovery from the eating disorder.

The presence of a substance abuse problem along with an eating disorder is also not uncommon. Substance abuse problems may require professionally assisted detoxification prior to beginning treatment for the eating disorder. Additionally, specialized therapy and counseling will need to be provided to address the substance abuse problem.

Insurance vs. Private Pay for Eating Disorder Options

Both insurance-covered programs and private pay eating disorder therapy options are available. If you are trying to determine which option would be most suitable for yourself or your family member, you should understand that insurance-covered programs often have restrictions. For example, many insurance policies limit the duration of treatment or the types of treatment that will be covered.

Private pay eating disorder programs have no such restrictions. A private pay facility may also provide additional services and amenities that are not available through an insurance-covered program. In a private pay facility, you can opt for a private room where you are able to focus on your recovery without any outside distractions. You may not have this option in an insurance-covered program.

If you are concerned about paying for the cost of a private pay facility, be aware that some facilities may offer special financing options for the cost of care. Cost should never prevent you or your loved one from receiving the care necessary to recover. We are always available to help you understand the options that are available. Call us at .