As parents, the most terrifying thing we can feel is that our child might be in danger.
You’re here, facing that fear. That your child may have an eating disorder.
And we’re here, having successfully treated hundreds of cases, to tell you from experience:
Your teen can overcome this and get back to the person they were meant to be.
Whole. Healthy. Happy. Again.
It can be subtle, sometimes. Your child might pick at their food. Or their body, making critical comments. Maybe they say they’re eating, with friends or at school…but you never actually see them touch food yourself.
Other times, the signs are louder. They’re deep into a “healthy diet.” They won’t eat dinner, but binge on ice cream. Your dining table is a battleground. Your pantry is a landmine. “Food is scary,” they say, and you’re scared for them.
Whatever is making you suspect your child is struggling with an eating disorder, you’re in the right place now.
Our Teen Recovery Program brings teens back into healthy harmony. We address eating disorders from multiple angles, working from several proven frameworks toward recovery.
A weekly session with an eating-disorder specialized therapist is the heart of this healing process. Many of our therapists have overcome eating disorders themselves, so they understand firsthand what your teen is going—and growing—through.
In these sessions, teens build awareness, learn to manage their reactions, and get in deeper touch with their feelings, relating to themselves, others, and life in healthier ways.
While we’ll alert parents to any life-threatening matters, all sessions are confidential. This is a private, safe space for teens to share their struggles and triumphs.
A weekly session with a dietitian ensures your child gets the nutrition they need, with sensitivity to the struggles of recovery. Our dietitians work carefully with teen clients to set goals, find reasonable substitutions, teach them about nutritional health and flexibility, and take brave steps towards more sustainable ways of eating.
Here’s where you come in, both to support your child and to receive support yourself. Over the course of four weeks, you’ll meet virtually two evenings per week to learn about eating disorders, deepen your support of your child, and lean on other parents navigating an eating disorder.
This program is required for at least one parent or caregiver because it’s such a critical part of our teen patients’ success.
For teen patients, a referral from a Primary Care Provider or Pediatrician is required- including growth charts, recent labs, and past two visit notes. If your teen doesn’t have a doctor, we can help you establish care with an eating disorder knowledgeable doctor outside our clinic. We’ll partner with your teen’s doctor to track growth charts, monitor labs, and make sure your teen is on a healthy track.
When your teen has an eating disorder, the whole family reels, copes, and heals together.
With empathetic, evidence-based care, your child can heal—and so can your family.
Soon, your child will have new tools, knowledge, and confidence to face the world. You will, too.
Because we’ve seen it so many times before, we envision you living vibrant, true-to-you-own-colors lives once again.
If you can’t see that today, that’s okay. We hold that hope for you, and will walk you towards the place where you can see it with us.
No one chooses to develop an eating disorder. The causes of an eating disorder are varied, but often it’s a maladaptive survival strategy. Deep in an eating disorder, your teen is already working very hard…just not in a healthy way. Treatment helps channel the innate motivation, intelligence, and courage your child already has into healthier habits while addressing systemic stressors.
This is what our expertise is for—to get to the root of the issue. There’s a reason you’ve been concerned. Depending on what it is, we’ll either connect you to the right resources, or simply applaud you for being an aware parent. There is never a charge to talk to our Director of Admissions, nor an obligation to undergo treatment with us.
Eating disorders take all shapes and sizes. Patients might start treatment at low, normal, or heavier weights. While we can’t say what’s right for your child’s unique case, patients tend to settle into the weight that’s healthiest for their bodies and minds after treatment.
Eating disorder treatment is a commitment, but in the long run, treated children thrive. When kids thrive, we see grades improve and extracurricular participation grow, all of which helps with scholarships. When teens go untreated, however, we see worse outcomes across the board.
Your health insurance likely covers most if not all of treatment. We accept most major insurances and can help you submit claims to out-of-network providers. (More info on insurance here.)
We treat teens from 12-18, regardless of gender, in our Teen Recovery Program. (Please see our adult programs for ages 18+.) It’s a myth that eating disorders only affect women, and we’re experienced with dealing with all expressions of gender.
We treat in person for those who can travel to Bozeman or Missoula, or virtually across the state of Montana.
While we’re well-versed in treating established disorders, it’s always best to treat as soon as we can.
Please don’t hesitate. If you think your teen may be struggling with an eating disorder, let’s find out right away and start treating if needed.
Hi! I’m Laurie. I know how difficult it can feel to reach out, and I salute your courage. Please don’t feel silly if you aren’t sure your teen has an eating disorder—that’s why I’m here to help. My life’s work is getting to know people, connecting them to the right resources, and supporting them as they grow and evolve. Ask me anything—no question is too small, too silly, or too direct. I’m honored to help however I can.
© 2021 Eating Disorder Center of Montana (EDCMT)
