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A Guide to the Levels of Care in Eating Disorder Treatment in Westchester, NY
Updated: 2 days ago
In short: Eating disorder treatment comes in five main levels of care: outpatient, intensive outpatient (IOP), partial hospitalization (PHP), residential, and inpatient hospital care. The right level depends on medical stability, how often eating disorder behaviors happen, and how much support someone needs to eat and stay safe. (Updated October 2026)
For someone struggling with an eating disorder, outpatient treatment may not be enough. Over the years, a system has been put in place to help individuals struggling with eating disorders to overcome obstacles and fully recover. However, the levels of care in eating disorder treatment can be difficult to understand at times. My hope with this article is to better explain the different levels and why they are necessary.
Inpatient Hospital
There are hospitals with units dedicated to clients with eating disorders. Due to the toll an eating disorder can take on someone's body, the highest level of care may be medically necessary. Hospitals can better monitor and treat the medical issues that may arise from an eating disorder. The length of stay in an inpatient hospital varies from client to client.
Residential Level of Care
This level of care is when an individual will reside in a facility for several weeks at time. Residential facilities provide individual, family and group therapy, as well as, meal support and nutrition education. A client can receive more intensive therapy due to sessions occurring more often throughout the week and will also have group therapy several times a day. Meal support is an important piece of eating disorder treatment and the residential level of care provides both client and staff support for each meal and snack throughout the day, as well as, weekly sessions with a registered dietitian.
Residential facilities have medical staff as well, typically nurses and a psychiatrist for medication management and medical assessments.
Partial Hospitalization Program
Partial Hospitalization or PHP is a day program; which is usually several hours a day, several times a week. This is a step-down program where clients are able to live at home and continue to receive an amount of support that is appropriate for them.
A goal of PHP is to enhance a client's ability to rely on themselves and their support system to continue challenging their eating disorders on a daily basis and be able to share with their treatment team the struggles they are experiencing in the real world.
Intensive Outpatient Program
Intensive Outpatient or IOP is also a day program, however, the hours per day and times per week decrease. As a client gets further along in recovery, their dependence on a program decreases while their independence increases. The goal: to be able to combat their eating disorders more efficiently, live a life that aligns with their values and they need their treatment team less.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment can consist of weekly sessions with a therapist and/or a registered dietitian. This is how eating disorder treatment can look, either in the beginning of one's journey to recovery or at the end.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder or disordered eating, please reach out for help. You deserve it and you can overcome it!
Levels of Eating Disorder Treatment at a Glance
Inpatient hospital: 24/7 medical care for people who are medically unstable.
Residential: 24/7 live-in treatment for people who are medically stable but need round-the-clock structure and meal support.
Partial hospitalization (PHP): a day program, usually several hours a day, five or more days a week, with nights at home.
Intensive outpatient (IOP): a few hours a day, several days a week, often scheduled around school or work.
Outpatient: regular sessions with a therapist, dietitian, and medical provider.
How to Choose a Level of Eating Disorder Treatment
A treatment team will usually recommend a level of care after an assessment that looks at medical stability, weight and vital signs, how often behaviors are happening, whether someone can complete meals with support, safety concerns, motivation, and the support available at home.
Signs Someone Needs a Higher Level of Eating Disorder Treatment
Medical warning signs, such as a very low heart rate, fainting, or abnormal lab results
Rapid weight loss or ongoing weight loss despite outpatient care
Behaviors like restricting, bingeing, or purging that are not decreasing
Being unable to complete meals without more support
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Stepping Down and Staying Supported
Treatment is not one-way. Many people move from a higher level of care to a lower one as they gain stability, and some step back up for a period if symptoms return. A smooth transition, with an outpatient team ready before discharge, helps protect progress.
Before starting a program, call your insurance company and ask about coverage for each level of eating disorder care. Many programs will also verify benefits for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eating Disorder Treatment
What is the difference between PHP and IOP?
Both are day programs. PHP usually meets more hours per day and more days per week, while IOP is less intensive and easier to fit around school or work.
How long does residential eating disorder treatment last?
Stays vary widely, often from several weeks to a few months, depending on medical needs and progress.
Does insurance cover eating disorder treatment?
Many insurance plans cover eating disorder treatment at multiple levels of care. Coverage details vary, so verify benefits and any preauthorization requirements before admission.
Can someone move back up a level of care?
Yes. If symptoms increase, stepping back up to a higher level of care for a period is common and is not a sign of failure.
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