Outpatient Eating Disorder Clinic

Our team strives to keep patients and their families informed about the different levels of care offered, in addition to what to expect with each member. As the caregiver, when you bring your child or adolescent to the clinic, you are providing essential support in their recovery. From a family-based treatment approach, this often includes preparing, portioning, and supervising meals, and participating in ongoing mental health treatment. During your child’s visit, they may be seen by one, or more, of the following team members:

Medical Physician

Your doctor evaluates for medical complications related to your eating difficulties and/or eating disorder. Your doctor will review blood pressures, heart rates, lab results, and physical symptoms during the appointment. The entire team will evaluate medical, nutritional, and mental health concerns (needs) to determine if it is safe enough to continue care at home. Sometimes overall risk may require a higher level of care such as an intensive outpatient program (IOP), PHP (partial hospitalization), or Residential treatment. Sometimes complications impact ability to participate in PE, sports or exercise. At times, your doctor will prescribe medications to treat certain symptoms. Sometimes medical complications make it necessary for treatment in the hospital.

Psychiatrist

For patients who may be having mental health concerns along with an eating disorder, Psychiatry can be a part of your treatment team and provide a mental health evaluation. Psychiatry will provide education about mental health conditions and their interaction with eating disorders. In appropriate cases, Psychiatry can provide psychiatric medication treatment while the patient is in treatment at BAN Clinic.  Psychiatry may also recommend and refer for non-medication treatments, such as psychotherapy or intensive treatment programs outside of CHOC.

Psychologist

Your psychology team completes an assessment to clarify the eating disorder diagnosis and any other relevant mental health conditions, provides psychoeducation on family-based treatment, gives recommendations to help support your child’s or adolescent’s eating, and provides information on appropriate treatment and referrals.

Dietician

Your dietitian will work with you and your child to support overall health. Your dietitian will evaluate for possible malnutrition, nutrient deficiencies, and disordered eating behaviors. They will also work with you and your child to create a nutrition plan to support nutrition rehabilitation and promote balance, variety, and flexibility with all foods. Our team supports the “all foods fit” concept and a return to intuitive eating. There are general nutrition goals, with a focus on the specific needs for your child or adolescent.

Care Manager

The care manager communicates team recommendations with schools, coaches, therapists and other health care providers to ensure your entire team is coordinated in providing your care. The care manager also helps you communicate concerns to your care team, helps manage appointments, and can assist with referrals.