Eating Disorder Leader Warns Against One Size Fits All Treatment, Urges Matching Treatment to Diagnosis

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ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 30, 2025--

The Emily Program, a nationally recognized leader in eating disorder treatment, affirms its commitment to individualized and collaborative care by endorsing the new informative guidebook, “Choosing Eating Disorder Treatment in the Age of Hybrid Care: A Guide for Loved Ones, Patients, & Providers,” co-branded by the REDC Consortium and the National Alliance for Eating Disorders. This guidebook was developed in response to growing concerns from individuals and families about one-size-fits-all messaging when seeking care for themselves or their loved ones. It is a tool for navigating multiple care options, so loved ones, individuals, and providers can make thoughtful, informed decisions about how to select the appropriate level of care for eating disorder treatment.

“Recovery requires a personalized plan based on each individual’s unique diagnosis and circumstances, said Jillian Lampert, Vice President of Strategy and Public Affairs at The Emily Program and Board President of the REDC Consortium. “Believing that one size fits all, is very dangerous. Eating disorders have the second highest mortality rate of any mental illness. People deserve clear, honest guidance when choosing treatment, which should be based on all available care options, from virtual to 24/7 care and applied according to the severity of a patient’s illness and their individual needs."

While telemedicine has gained popularity and increased access to care, it has also confused families, making it seem like virtual care is interchangeable with all levels of care, when it is not. Adding virtual care to the wide spectrum of evidence-based care options is positive and can expand access to care, but it is not the answer for all levels of severity of an eating disorder. The guide offers clarity on what responsible care looks like and includes a family-friendly Q&A on when to travel, what progress should look like and when to escalate care.

Supporting a loved one with an eating disorder can be overwhelming, which is why The Emily Program also offers free Friends & Family Sessions —virtual support groups held twice monthly on the first and third Thursday of the month for those providing care and encouragement to someone in recovery. Led by experienced professionals, these sessions provide guidance, compassion, and community for family members and friends navigating the recovery journey.

“An eating disorder diagnosis is not the end of the story. It’s the beginning of determining the right treatment plan so that the end of the story is lasting recovery,” said Dr. Brad Smith, Chief Medical Officer at The Emily Program. “Matching the level of care to a person’s medical and psychological needs is critical to both safety and success in recovery. When the treatment is right, we see lives transformed.”

While virtual treatment can seem like the least disruptive option for school, work, or family life, it is not always the right choice. For many people, recovery requires the intensity and structure of in-person care to address both medical and psychological needs. “You can always catch up on life, but you can’t always catch up on treatment,” added Smith. “Delaying the appropriate level of care in favor of convenience can put recovery — and lives — at risk.”

The Emily Program provides multidisciplinary, integrative eating disorder treatment for people with all backgrounds who struggle with food issues, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, compulsive overeating, Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED), Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and related mental health and body image issues.

The Emily Program adapts their eating disorder treatment programs to fit the individual needs of every client, providing inpatient treatment to individuals requiring medical stabilization and close monitoring, residential treatment for clients to engage in therapy while practicing healthy daily living, partial hospitalization (PHP) program and intensive outpatient program (IOP) for clients transitioning from other care levels or those just beginning their recovery journey, and outpatient treatment to clients transitioning from higher levels of care or seeking non-intensive treatment as part of their recovery journey. Virtual treatment is also offered within a secure video environment for PHP, IOP, and outpatient.

About The Emily Program
The Emily Program is nationally recognized for its compassionate and evidence-based approach to eating disorder treatment. With locations across the country and robust virtual care options, The Emily Program provides accessible, expert care that addresses the physical, emotional, and social aspects of recovery. For more information about The Emily Program’s services, visit www.emilyprogram.com or call 1-888-272-0845.

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KEYWORD: MINNESOTA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: MENTAL HEALTH FITNESS & NUTRITION HEALTH TECHNOLOGY TELEMEDICINE/VIRTUAL MEDICINE OTHER HEALTH FAMILY OTHER EDUCATION CONSUMER HEALTH EDUCATION

SOURCE: The Emily Program

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PUB: 09/30/2025 09:00 AM/DISC: 09/30/2025 08:59 AM

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