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. Patients admitted to the adult 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 or couples therapy if appropriate, activity groups, and pharmacotherapy 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.
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 five days a week for 8-10 hours per day (Monday and Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.). Patients in the program are expected to attend the program on a daily basis. 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, school and/or work 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
We would be glad to provide referrals for outpatient individual psychotherapy or medication management for patients with eating disorders; please contact our intake coordinator, JoAnn Noonan, R.N., at (310) 206-4376 to request referrals. Dr. Michael Strober is also available to provide an outpatient evaluation and treatment recommendations. Dr. Strober can be reached at (310) 825-5730 or via email at mstrober@mednet.ucla.edu.