Due to the current Covid-19 surge in the state of California, Torrance
Memorial is experiencing a high volume of patients. For these reasons,
we are unable to accept eating disorders patients coming from out of state.
The Torrance Memorial Eating Disorders medical unit provides acute care
services for adolescents and young adults (ages 13-30) who are experiencing
medical complications as a result of a severe eating disorder. Our program
is designed for individuals who are too medically unstable to enter treatment
at an outpatient or residential treatment program.
The goal of our program is to stabilize each patient and treat any medical
conditions they are experiencing so they can safely move onto the next
phase of their treatment. This includes supervising and managing the
refeeding process to avoid or minimize the harmful effects of
refeeding syndrome.
Expertise and Experience
Our
multidisciplinary medical team is led by our Medical Director, Dr. Linda Schack, one of the few physicians
in the United States with expertise in the medical stabilization of patients
with eating disorders. The team also includes specially trained physicians,
therapists, nurses and nutritionists who understand the unique physical,
emotional and behavioral needs and challenges facing patients with eating
disorders.
When necessary, our team can access the expertise of other medical specialists
at Torrance Memorial, such as cardiologists, gastroenterologists and on-site
intensive care physicians, to address complications arising from your
eating disorder or the refeeding process.
Private, Personal and Compassionate Care
Eating disorders are complex and difficult to diagnose and treat. Your
assigned team of professionals will evaluate your physical and emotional
health and determine whether you have an eating disorder, a medical illness
or a combination. Based upon our diagnosis, we will create a treatment
plan completely customized to your individual needs.
Your individualized treatment program will include the following:
- Daily monitoring and evaluation by a physician expert in the treatment
of eating disorders
- Laboratory testing and cardiorespiratory monitoring
- Round-the-clock care and support from experienced nursing staff
- Personalized nutrition plans created by our master's level dietitian
- Treatment for stomach and intestinal conditions that may be interfering
with eating
- Individual psychotherapy sessions
- A psychiatric assessment and medication recommendation if needed
- Weekly family therapy and educational sessions
- Vitamin and mineral supplements as necessary
- Complementary medicine when indicated
- On-site emergency and intensive care if needed
- Comprehensive discharge planning
Your care will be provided at Torrance Memorial Medical Center, recently
named among the top six percent of California hospitals by U.S. News and
World Report.
All of our patients have private rooms with TV, Wi-Fi and their own bathroom.
Outpatient Services
Dr. Schack and our professional staff are available to provide ongoing
support for patients who have completed their rehabilitation program and
been discharged from either an inpatient or outpatient program.
For More Information
Eating Disorders Program