Eating Disorders Clinics in New York City
Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder are the three most common eating disorders treated in the U.S. and represent a spectrum of disease states that warrant professional support in both acute care and long-term management. With the incidence of eating disorders nearly doubling since the 1960s, it is now estimated that lifetime prevalence ranges from 0.5% to 5%.
Anorexia and Bulimia affect more young people, particularly girls, and mark a serious health threat to vulnerable adolescents. Binge Eating Disorder affects people of all ages and like Anorexia and Bulimia, may occur alongside other psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
Because of the complexity of these disorders and possible co-occurrence with other disorders, experts agree that treatment should integrate medical, psychosocial and nutritional support. Whether inpatient or outpatient care is needed, most specialized eating disorder clinics can offer health consumers a comprehensive plan with the goal to restore normal weight and life balance.
The New York City area offers some of the top clinics and resources the country has to offer, from private clinic settings to large research hospitals that offer affordable, and sometimes even free, comprehensive care. The level of care needed should be considered along with patient resources, including financial and emotional support from friends and family when deciding which type of clinic is best.
Following are three of the best rated eating disorder clinics in the New York Metropolitan area.
Eating Disorders Program at the New York Presbyterian Hospital, Westchester Division is one of the oldest eating disorders programs in the country. Dr. Katherine Halmi, Professor of Psychiatry at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University founded this program in 1979 in response to this growing problem. Treatment is determined by type and severity of illness and may include the following:
*Inpatient treatment for Anorexia or Bulimia
*Partial hospital program for Anorexia and Bulimia
*Outpatient treatment for Anorexia, Bulimia and Binge Eating Disorder
In addition to these services, this program conducts research in biological vulnerabilities, treatment studies, and long-term risk prevention.
For further information on treatment programs and research, contact:
The New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center
21 Bloomingdale Road
White Plains, NY 10605
914-997-5875
http://www.nycornell.org/eating.disorders/index.html
The New York State Psychiatric Institute’s Eating Disorders Clinic is recognized nationally as a leader in research and treatment for Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder. As part of the research facility at Columbia University Medical Center, eligible patients must be willing to participate in the institute’s research in order to qualify. Those eligible are admitted to this program free of charge. Treatment is determined by specific illness and may include the following:
*Anorexia Nervosa: inpatient, outpatient and day-patient treatment available for women ages 16 to 24; outpatient family treatment may be available to adolescents ages 12 to 17.
*Bulimia Nervosa: treatment for adolescents and adult women depends on eligibility for studies, but may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication and inpatient support when warranted.
*Binge Eating Disorder: treatment available to both men and women 18 and older, which may include medication or psychotherapy depending on research studies.
For more information, contact:
The New York State Psychiatric Institute
Eating Disorders Clinic, Unit 98
1051 Riverside Drive
New York, NY 10032
212-543-5739
EDRU@pi.cpmc.columbia.edu
The Renfrew Center of New York is one of nine Renfrew residential treatment centers on the East Coast. It offers different levels of treatment and intervention based on illness severity, including outpatient, intensive outpatient and day treatment. Residential programs as well as transitional living programs are available at campuses in Philadelphia and Coconut Creek Florida.
Renfrew Centers are affiliated with the Renfrew Center Foundation, whose mission is to support training, treatment, research and education for eating disorders. The Foundation also raises money for those who cannot afford private care or whose insurance cannot cover all costs.
For more information, contact:
The Renfrew Center of New York
11 East 36th Street
New York, NY 10016
1-800-RENFREW
Fax: (212) 686-1865
http://renfrewcenter.com/
General information about eating disorders and how to access treatment can be accessed at the following:
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Related Disorders
www.anad.org/site/anadweb/
National Eating Disorders Association
http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/
