Ryther’s Eating Disorder Intensive Outpatient Program (ED IOP) provides individualized treatment for youth diagnosed with an eating disorder. This program is designed for youth stepping down from a higher level of care or for those whose symptoms have not significantly improved with traditional outpatient therapy. Utilizing components of Family-Based Therapy (FBT) and Enhanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT-E), the program offers a structured and supportive environment to address disordered eating behaviors and underlying psychological challenges.

 

 

Who We Serve

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• Youth 13-18 diagnosed with an eating disorder.

• Individuals stepping down from a higher level of care such as Partial Hospitalization (PHP) or Residential Treatment (RTC).

• Youth for whom outpatient therapy has not led to significant symptom improvement.

 

 

Program Features

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• Structured Group Sessions: Three 3-hour group sessions per week, including dinner-time meal support.

• Parental Involvement: Parents attend one group session per week to learn meal support techniques and gain a better understanding of their child’s eating patterns.

• Individual and Family Therapy: Weekly sessions tailored to the needs of each youth and family.

• Integrated Care: Access to psychiatric and dietitian services on an as-needed basis.

 

 

CBT-E Domains

CBT-E, the cornerstone of Ryther’s ED IOP, addresses four key stages:

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• Stage 1: Youth evaluate and understand their eating disorder through psychoeducation, including the impact of social media on mental health and body image.

• Stage 2: Review patterns of disordered eating behavior and develop plans to change specific behaviors.

• Stage 3: Address maintaining factors such as body image concerns, dietary restraint, and the impact of mood on eating behaviors.

• Stage 4: Focus on future-oriented skills and generalizing progress beyond the therapy setting. Parents play a critical role by attending sessions and learning to monitor and manage food intake effectively.

 

 

Program Requirements

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• Youth must be weight-restored (within 15% of their expected body weight based on growth charts) and able to eat independently to participate in the ED IOP.

• Youth who are significantly underweight or require a feeding tube are encouraged to pursue a higher level of care, such as Ryther’s PHP or RTC programs, which focus on intensive Family-Based Therapy with parents managing food intake.

 

 

Program Schedule

The ED IOP meets three times per week for 3-hour group sessions, including meal support. Weekly individual and/or family therapy sessions are scheduled based on the youth’s needs. For scheduling details, please contact Ryther.

 

 

Program Goals

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• Support youth in understanding and managing their eating disorders.

• Equip families with tools to provide effective meal support and promote recovery.

• Address and modify behaviors and processes that maintain disordered eating.

• Facilitate long-term recovery and the development of adaptive skills.

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Insurance Accepted

 

• First Choice, Premera, Regence, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Kaiser Permanente, LifeWise, Optum United Behavioral Health, United Healthcare Community Plan of Washington, Medicaid MCOs: Molina, United Health Care, Wellpoint, Community Health Plan of Washington, and Coordinated Care.

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More About Our Program:

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• We are grounded in the ARC model (Attachment, Regulation, Competency). The ARC Model is a trauma-centered lens that informs how we approach our clients and families and how we communicate with our team and our external colleagues. 

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• Culturally responsive: Our team centers our clients and their parents and caregivers. We are especially aware that some of the families we serve come from communities that have traditionally been marginalized and even harmed by the mental health system. We are mission-driven to be responsive to each person’s identity and experience and to deliver treatment that fits their needs.

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• Continuum of care: With IOP and PHP options and ongoing therapy, parent/caregiver coaching, and group opportunities at Ryther, we provide appropriate levels of intervention support to fit clients’ needs as they progress through their treatment process. We coordinate closely with existing providers and support systems to offer the ongoing aftercare support our clients deserve.