“It started with skipped meals… then came the guilt, isolation, and fear.”
For many, an eating disorder quietly takes over daily life, stealing joy, confidence, and health. But with the right support, healing is possible—and it doesn’t mean pressing pause on your entire life. Research shows that seeking help within the first three years of symptom onset can increase the chances of full recovery by up to 75%. (Journal of Eating Disorders, 2024)
At Resilience Behavioral Health in New Brunswick, NJ, we offer structured, evidence-based care through our Day Treatment Eating Disorder Programs, including Partial Hospitalization (PHP/IDP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP). You get the clinical depth of inpatient treatment while staying connected to your home, work, and life. Read the full article to learn how we guide you toward recovery.
What Is Day Treatment for Eating Disorders?
Day treatment is an evidence- and research-supported approach to care with a clear structure and system in place, merging the physical, psychological, and emotional dimensions of an eating disorder without the necessity for full hospitalization. At Resilience Behavioral Health, our outpatient mental health team blends intensive therapeutic services with real-life flexibility.
Clients attend treatment sessions for several hours during the day and return home in the evenings, striking a balance between independence and ongoing clinical engagement.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP/IDP) in New Brunswick, NJ
Our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)—also known as the Intensive Day Program (IDP)—offers 30+ hours of treatment per week. It’s designed for those needing more support than traditional outpatient therapy but who do not require 24/7 inpatient care.
This aligns with the outcomes we aim for at Resilience Behavioral Health in our own PHP/IDP program.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed care.
- Structured meal support with registered dietitians.
- Medication management and psychiatric evaluation.
- Expressive arts therapy and movement-based sessions.
- Daily group and individual counseling.
- Family involvement and education.
- Discharge planning and relapse prevention strategies.
Our in-person and telehealth options ensure continuity of care—no matter where you are in your recovery.
Case Study: PHP Produces Rapid Gains
A 2022 study published in the Journal of Eating Disorders followed 45 adults undergoing a 6-week Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) for moderate-to-severe anorexia nervosa.
Researchers found that 80% of participants achieved at least a 5% increase in target body weight, a meaningful milestone in early physical recovery. Additionally, the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) revealed measurable improvements in eating-related thoughts, emotional regulation, and daily behaviors.
The study highlights the value of structured, multidisciplinary day treatment programs in achieving both nutritional progress and psychological healing, particularly within the first few weeks of care. (Journal of Eating Disorders, 2022)
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in New Brunswick, NJ
At Resilience Behavioral Health, the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides over 12 hours each week of specialized care for eating disorders, conveniently around your work, school, or family obligations. For some, IOP is a first step, while for others, it serves as a step down from higher levels of care.
Our IOP includes:
- Focused self-regulation and emotional recognition in group settings
- Support at meals in conjunction with individual therapy sessions
- Meal planning and nutritional education
- Techniques related to breath and mindfulness, body image work, and the mindful connection of the whole person
- Community recovery groups
- In-person and remote sessions offered
IOP/PHP Effectiveness: Quality of Life Improvement
A systematic review of 41 studies (spanning various eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder) found that patients in structured outpatient programs—including IOP and PHP—saw significantly lower quality‑of‑life scores compared to healthy controls. This highlights the importance of such programs in closing the gap in overall well-being.
- Patients with eating disorders face significant gaps in both mental and physical aspects of life, which can be alleviated with proper outpatient care.
- Outpatient care goes beyond just addressing the eating disorder—it enhances daily activities and overall life satisfaction.
What Conditions Do We Treat in Our Day Treatment Program?
At Resilience Behavioral Health, we treat a full spectrum of eating disorders through Day Treatment Eating Disorder Care. Each condition is approached with tailored interventions, trauma-informed care, and co-occurring mental health support.
Anorexia Nervosa
A restrictive eating pattern is often tied to an intense fear of weight gain. Our goals include implementing weight restoration, therapy for body image issues, and anxiety treatment.
Bulimia Nervosa
It includes cycles of binge eating and subsequent purging. Our goals are to normalize eating habits, reduce shame, improve emotional regulation, and heal from emotional dysregulation.
Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
People diagnosed with this disorder overeat beyond normal levels and lose subjective control over eating.
Our goals include self-triggered emotions, mindful eating, and strengthening self-compassion.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
It involves the avoidance of food due to trauma, sensory issues, or fear of choking.
Our goals: addressing anxiety related to food, nutritional deficiencies, and food sensitivities.
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED)
Disordered eating that does not fall into any of the categories mentioned above but is distressing to the individual and causes significant concern is termed OSFED. Our therapy goals: Tailored therapy for specific symptoms such as night eating or purging disorder.
Every program contains treatment for co-occurring mental health issues (depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, etc), ensuring comprehensive healing.
Curious how IOP helps with other conditions? Read: What is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for Bipolar Disorder in Edison, NJ?
Why Choose Resilience Behavioral Health for Day Treatment Eating Disorder Care?
Picking a provider impacts long-term recovery. Here at Resilience Behavioral Health, we offer more than outpatient therapy; we provide compassion and connection along with clinical excellence in the heart of New Brunswick, NJ.
- Focused outpatient multidisciplinary mental health team trained in eating disorder recovery therapies
- Custom treatment pathways for all tiers of care
- Clinically applicable trauma-informed care, intersectional care strategies
- Hybrid: in-person and virtual flexibility
- Family contribution and support are welcomed.
- Empathetic community, non-judgmental attitude
Start Your Treatment Journey With Us Today!
If you suffer from an eating disorder or know someone who does, rest assured: recovery is attainable, and it can be a shared journey. It can seem daunting at first, but having the proper guidance completely transforms the experience.
At Resilience Behavioral Health, our services include nurturing care that is organized around your real life. We provide help wherever and whenever it is needed, from beginning exploration to advanced recovery stages.
Contact us whenever you feel like the right time is for you; we are ready when you are. For everyone, recovery looks unique; we can help you every step of the way.
