Upstate New York Eating Disorder Service FAQ

Yes, we participate with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Empire Blue Cross, NYSHIP, Aetna, Optum, United Behavioral Health, and MVP.

Our treatment philosophy is based on research suggesting that people with eating disorders continue their disordered eating if they remain either socially isolated or in a non-supportive setting. They also continue behaviors if they have limited knowledge of how their eating patterns impact their health, currently and long term, or are unable to integrate this knowledge into their daily lives. We believe that there needs to be a shift to an internal locus of control where individuals choose the behaviors and actions necessary for recovery. We provide a structured and supportive environment to help facilitate this change.

Yes. You will be evaluated by our psychiatrist upon admission and then be seen individually once a week. 

An average length of stay is 5-8 weeks.

Patients may be transitioned gradually. We recognize that individuals need to slowly experience gaining more independence and practice their new skills while still in a supportive environment. This gradual step down is critical to success. We have four regional Intensive Outpatient Programs, located in Elmira, Ithaca, and Binghamton.  Ideally, step down includes transitioning to an IOP level of care.

We strongly encourage the involvement of  family and/or support individuals.  If families are out of the area, then we do phone sessions or Skype.

We do provide vegan and vegetarian food options. We are also able to accommodate food allergies such as gluten-free.

We do offer overnight housing at a very reasonable cost for individuals in our program.

Our facility in Elmira is a Victorian house built in 1851. Clients often comment it is a welcoming, comfortable, non-clinical setting.

We participate with many insurance companies.  We are also often able to set up single case agreement with companies we don't participate with. Prior to admission, our program manager will contact your insurance company and determine coverage. They will review all out-of-pocket costs and set up a payment plan with you or your family. Throughout the course of treatment, we will be in contact with your insurance company for utilization purposes. We will discuss any change in coverage with you. We provide partial scholarships to help individuals afford treatment. We pride ourselves in making treatment affordable.

We are approved for 12 individuals, ages 18 years and older. We treat all genders.

Yes, a very reasonable fee is charged.

It depends on how many residents are there. We try to match roommates that would be compatible.

After the day's program ends, everyone is expected to check in.  There is a 10 p.m. curfew, but you are welcome to go out prior to curfew.

Yes, there are activities. There are numerous board games, puzzles, arts and crafts, television, and wifi.

Yes, if needed, the house is open on weekends.

All linens and towels are furnished.  If you have special things you would like for your room, you are welcome to bring these items.  Please remember the space is limited, so limit your belongings to what would fit in a regular dresser.

Yes, there is a washer and dryer on the premises.

During program hours, the food is provided.  On Fridays, as part of the weekend planning, our dietitian will take you to the grocery store to get your groceries for the weekend and help you menu plan.  This is a very important part of your transition.  Being able to plan, shop and prepare your own food for the weekend is key to your recovery.

The IOP program is for individuals needing more support than outpatient treatment, but are trying to avoid higher level of care.  It is also a transition program for individuals who have been in higher level of care and are stepping down from inpatient, residential, or partial hospitalization.

For individuals stepping down from higher level of care typically 4-6 weeks, for individuals needing more support than outpatient treatment 6-10 weeks.

Our program includes art therapy, yoga, DBT, and group psychotherapy. The last hour of the group clients eat dinner together and set goals for the following few days.

Before you start treatment, our program manager will go over insurance benefits in order to determine if you will have any out-of-pocket costs.  Partial scholarships are available for an individual whose insurance doesn’t provide coverage or who can’t afford care.  You will also be able to participate in a payment plan if necessary.

Our dietitian will do a comprehensive nutritional assessment, review the results of the metabolic test, body composition analysis, and develop an individualized meal plan. They will also provide additional referrals if needed. 

No, you do not have to have a physician referral, you can be self-referred. 

Metabolic testing and body composition analysis take the guesswork out of nutritional guidance.  Metabolic testing measures how many calories someone is burning at rest and enables us to see if they are burning less than what they should be which is often how bodies respond to being underfed. It also tells us if they are using an excessive amount of protein stores to fuel the body. The test is non-invasive and is done by having the individual sit in a reclining chair and breath under a lightweight canopy hood for approximately 20-30 minutes. The testing is done by indirect calorimetry.

Body Composition Analysis is done by bioelectrical impedance analysis. It is also a non-invasive test that measures the amount and proportion of fat and lean mass, total body water, and phase angle. A low phase angle indicates a breakdown of the cell membrane and the inability of cells to store energy. The higher a phase angle is, correlates to the healthier an individual is, the lower phase angle indicates compromised cell integrity. The test is done by attaching electrodes to the wrist and foot and passing a small current through the body.

We treat all ages and all genders. 

We do not bill insurances directly but provide you with a superbill for you to submit to your insurance. 

The initial assessment includes metabolic testing, body composition analysis, and a comprehensive nutritional assessment done by the dietitian, this fee is $240. Follow-up appointments include body composition analysis and an appointment with the dietitian, this fee is $60.