The continuum of the UCLA Eating Disorders Program ranges from comprehensive, full-time, hospital-based treatment (first inpatient care, then partial hospitalization), to outpatient groups and outpatient pharmacologic management. We can also provide referrals for outpatient individual psychotherapy.
All aspects of the UCLA Eating Disorders Program are directed and supervised by Dr. Michael Strober. Given that the decision to undertake treatment is a difficult one, Dr. Strober extends to any interested individual or family the opportunity for an extended consultation to address such questions and concerns. Dr. Strober can be reached at (310)825-5730 or via email at mstrober@mednet.ucla.edu.
Inpatient Treatment
The first phase of UCLA's comprehensive Eating Disorders Program is inpatient treatment. Children and teenagers admitted to the inpatient eating disorders program typically are struggling with a variety of dysfunctional eating behaviors and weight-altering behaviors, as well as a range of related psychological symptoms.
The inpatient phase of the program is organized to create a highly structured, intense therapeutic milieu and a high level of supervision. Treatment components include the eating program, individual and group psychotherapy, family therapy, activity groups, and medication therapy if needed. Each patient receives multidisciplinary assessments and interventions, and each patient's treatment is overseen by a care coordinator who also provides the patient's individual psychotherapy. When needed, medical consultation is arranged through the appropriate department in the UCLA Medical Center. Assistance with discharge planning is also provided for each patient by the treatment team.
With parents' permission, patients are enrolled in a hospital-based school, which is provided by the Los Angeles Unified School District. Academic assessment and remedial services are available.
Learn more about the structured eating program implemented during the inpatient stay.
Learn more about the therapy modalities utilized during the inpatient stay.
Partial Hospitalization
The second phase of our comprehensive Eating Disorders Program is partial hospitalization. Decisions to "step down" inpatients in the eating disorders program to less intense intervention are made by the interdisciplinary treatment team. The partial hospitalization program provides services seven days a week, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Patients in the program are initially expected to attend the program on a daily basis, and then may decrease their attendance as determined by the treatment team. The partial hospitalization therapeutic milieu is designed to help patients continue the work started during the inpatient stay, with an increased emphasis on strengthening relapse prevention skills and strategies. Patients gradually take on increased responsibility for self-care, and are supported as they transition back to their home and school environments.
Learn more about the structured eating program implemented during partial hospitalization.
Learn more about the therapy modalities utilized during partial hospitalization.
Outpatient Eating Disorder Services
Outpatient services are available to patients who have completed the inpatient and partial hospitalization programs as well as to individuals living in the Los Angeles area who have not been previously treated at UCLA. These services include a weekly adolescent eating disorders psychotherapy group and medication management for patients with eating disorders. We can also provide referrals for outpatient individual psychotherapy.
The UCLA Adolescent Outpatient Eating Disorders Psychotherapy Group provides treatment for teenagers (ages 13-17) with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. Treatment goals include helping group members make and sustain long-term changes in their eating behaviors, and improve their emotional and physical health and well-being. We also address a range of other issues, including self-esteem, school stressors, friendships, dating and family relationships. Emphasis is also placed on helping group members develop adaptive strategies for coping with stressors and preventing relapse. A concurrent parent group is held monthly to provide psychoeducation and support for the parents of the teens in the group.
The program is designed to be an adjunct to outpatient individual therapy. Group members are expected to be motivated for treatment and willing to make a serious commitment to the program for a minimum of 3 months in order to make significant changes in their symptoms. The length of treatment is open-ended; many people continue in the program for 6-12 months or longer.
The group meets once a week, on Mondays from 4:30-6 p.m.
