Expanding Hope: Why EDCare’s Adolescent Program is Essential in the Fight Against Youth Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are emerging as one of the most pressing and complex challenges faced by young people today. Nationally, nearly 10% of the population (28.8 million Americans) will experience an eating disorder at some point in their lives, and the prevalence among adolescents is particularly alarming. Social pressures, the impact of social media, and the normalization of disordered eating behaviors have contributed to a surge in cases, making early intervention more crucial than ever.
The issue is especially acute in Colorado, where a significant gap in care exists for adolescents from underserved communities. These young individuals often find themselves without access to specialized care, particularly those with Medicaid, with limited resources in the state. This lack of access to care has fueled EDCare’s commitment to expanding its adolescent program and access for patients with Medicaid, ensuring adolescents struggling with eating disorders have the opportunity for recovery.
EDCare’s Adolescent Program Expansion: A Response to Growing Demand
EDCare’s recent expansion of its adolescent program is not just a response to demand; it’s a testament to the urgency of addressing the mental health crisis among youth. Thanks to a multi-million dollar investment, EDCare has been able to double its capacity. This expansion allows us to better meet the overwhelming need for adolescent services, providing critical interventions at a time when they are most needed and enabling us to admit them right away.
This growth is particularly significant in light of the severe shortage of resources for adolescents with eating disorders, especially those who rely on state-funded insurance. The expanded program not only increases our capacity but also enhances the comprehensiveness of the care we provide, offering a lifeline to families who might otherwise have nowhere to turn.
Understanding the Current State: The Complexities Facing Youth
Today’s adolescents are navigating a world where the pressures to conform to certain body standards are relentless and omnipresent. Social media platforms, while offering spaces for connection, also serve as breeding grounds for harmful behaviors and unrealistic body expectations. These pressures contribute to the development of eating disorders, which are further exacerbated by the lack of accessible, specialized care.
For many adolescents, an eating disorder is not just a physical health issue but a complex condition intertwined with mental health challenges, family dynamics, and social influences. The stigma surrounding eating disorders often prevents young people from seeking help, while those who do seek help are met with long wait times and limited resources. At EDCare, we understand that addressing these complexities requires a holistic approach that goes beyond just treating the symptoms.
A Day in the Life of an Adolescent at EDCare
Our expanded program is designed to provide a safe, supportive, and structured environment that fosters both recovery and personal growth. A typical day for an adolescent at EDCare includes comprehensive meal support, individual therapy, group sessions, and family support. Each patient is supported by a dedicated care team, which includes a primary therapist, dietitian, psychiatrist, and medical provider, ensuring that every aspect of their health is addressed.
EDCare’s approach to treatment is rooted in empowerment. In addition to family-based interventions, we emphasize the importance of independence. Adolescents are encouraged to take an active role in their recovery, learning to advocate for their needs, understand their treatment plans, and make informed decisions that support their long-term health.
This empowerment is critical to their success, both in our program and in their lives beyond treatment.
The Essential Role of Family Involvement in Adolescent Recovery
Family involvement is a cornerstone of the recovery process at EDCare, and it’s crucial for parents and caregivers to understand the importance of timely intervention. There is no “perfect” time to start eating disorder treatment—waiting for a vacation to pass or the school year to end can allow the disorder to deepen its hold. Eating disorders are complex and require immediate action, which is why our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is designed to integrate treatment into daily life with minimal disruption.
At EDCare, we explain to parents that our PHP and IOP offers the least restrictive treatment while still allowing adolescents to participate in life activities. This approach means that while the commitment to treatment is significant, it doesn’t necessitate stepping away from all aspects of life. Instead, our model is built to provide intensive care without completely removing the child from their familiar environment. This balance helps adolescents stay connected to their lives outside of treatment, making the recovery process more sustainable and less overwhelming for both the patient and their family.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Adolescent Eating Disorder Recovery
As we look to the future, EDCare remains committed to leading the way in adolescent eating disorder treatment. The challenges facing today’s youth are more severe and complex than ever before, with factors like social media and the growing prevalence of disordered eating behaviors making early intervention essential. Our expanded adolescent program is a proactive step towards shaping the future of eating disorder recovery, ensuring that all young people have access to the care they need.
At EDCare, we believe that education is key—not just for our patients but for the broader community. We are dedicated to raising awareness about the seriousness of eating disorders and the importance of early intervention. By continuing to evolve and adapt our programs, we are committed to providing individualized care that meets the unique needs of each adolescent and their family.
With the support of our dedicated team, we are building a brighter future for young people across Colorado. We’re not just expanding our program; we’re expanding hope, giving adolescents the tools they need to achieve lasting recovery and reclaim their lives.
EDCare offers FREE, confidential assessments and family housing accommodations, to those who do no reside near our facility. Our gender-inclusive center is open to teens ages 13 and older.
To learn more about our program or speak with a member of our compassionate team, please contact the center near you.
Author: Courtney Anderson, MA, LPC – Adolescent Program Manager at EDCare