Currently, Dr. Wood is not taking new patients.  She will continue working with existing patients.

 

Eating disorders have been on the rise in children and teens, but most recently, the COVID pandemic has created skyrocketing numbers.  Parents are struggling to find the help they need as specialty eating disorder therapists, dietitians, physicians and psychiatrists, along with eating disorder programs can have long wait lists.

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There are different Levels of Care (LOC) that are discussed in eating disorder treatment and finding the resources is an important aspect of the solution.  An Outpatient level of care takes a team approach. Ideally, patients are treated by a multidisciplinary team, consisting minimally of a psychotherapist, dietitian and physician. The team should be trained specifically in the treatment of eating disorders and collaborate to create a treatment plan. These people are usually seen once a week and sometimes more or less often depending on the case. Most patients are handled at the outpatient level of care at some point along the treatment path.

 

Once a child/teen needs more support, Higher Levels of Care (HLOC) other than the Outpatient level of care may need to be considered:

• Inpatient Hospital - if medically unstable due to very low heart rates, vital sign instability, blood abnormalities or refusal to eat.

• Residential Treatment Center (RTC) - staying 24/7 in a facility with the support of counselors, therapists, dietitians, nursing staff, physician and psychiatrist.  There is group and individual therapy. 

• Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) - day programs involving a therapist, dietitian, psychiatrist, group and individual therapy.  Usually these are 6 to 8 hours a day and the patient is at home when not in program.

• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) - day programs with shorter hours than PHP, generally for those stepping down from PHP.

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