Family Support Eating Disorder: The team at Hidden River is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for those with eating disorders. Parents receive advice on dealing with emotional and practical issues when sending a child to residential treatment. This includes calls from the Charge Nurse, Registered Dietitian, and Primary Therapist daily and once a week, as well as a weekly “check-in” led by the Clinical Director.
Parents tour the facility when child moves in. This includes living areas, group rooms, and therapists’ offices. They are informed about safety measures such as security cams, alarms, and key fobs. This builds trust and gives parents peace of mind about their child’s supervision.
The counseling method at Hidden River’s treatment program is based on evidence-based therapies like CBT, DBT, Communications Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, and ERP. Parents receive an overview of the patient’s clinical handbook, daily routine, group sessions, therapy sessions, and the 5-Phase Program for patient improvement.
When placing a child with an eating disorder in residential treatment, parents often experience stress, including worry, fear, or anger. They must reconcile conflicting beliefs, such as their child’s ability to overcome disordered eating, while acknowledging past unsuccessful attempts. Parents often have difficult conversations with their kids in the initial weeks of treatment, who may plead to come home. Hidden River assists parents in managing emotional swings, bargaining, and anger to achieve family healing goals.
Eating disorders are difficult for parents to grasp as eating is a basic skill kids learn early on. Parents may argue and feel overwhelmed by the situation. The child’s eating problem history often indicates the need for facility living.
Hidden River provides a comprehensive care plan to ease parents’ concerns about their children with eating disorders. The facility uses a multidisciplinary approach, has safety measures, and uses proven therapies. Parents receive the tools and support needed during this emotional time, ensuring their child receives optimal care on campus.