Continued Care Options After Medical Stabilization
The goal of the Torrance Memorial Eating Disorders program is to prepare
each of our patients to safely and successfully move on to the next phase
of their treatment. In addition to providing medical and psychological
services, we also work closely with each patient and their family to develop
the discharge plan most appropriate for their individual condition and needs.
When do patients get discharged?
Most patients are medically stable within 10 days of being admitted to
the hospital. This means their vital signs are normalizing, and they are
no longer at risk for refeeding syndrome. However, because eating disorders
are complex conditions, it may take several weeks for a patient to reach
key milestones required for discharge.
What are the treatment options after discharge?
Our physicians, therapists and family counselors work with the patient
and his or her family to create an appropriate treatment plan for after
discharge. Since our patients are using medical coverage rather than behavioral
health coverage for their care in the Medical Stabilization Program, their
next phase of treatment is generally covered by insurance.
Based on each patient’s individual needs and condition, our physicians
will develop a personalized plan that connects that patient with the most
appropriate program and level of care. Most of our patients enter a residential
facility after discharge from Torrance Memorial.
The full range of options for care after discharge, from most to least
intensive, are:
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Inpatient Eating Disorders Unit. For patients who need special support with ongoing medical and psychiatric
conditions tied to their eating disorder.
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Residential Eating Disorders Program. 24-hour supervision with structured programs throughout the day that teach
coping skills, body awareness, psychotherapy and psychoeducation, and
nutrition.
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Partial Hospital Program (PHP). Three to six days per week, with hours ranging from five to twelve per
day. Typically includes individual, family and group counseling, medication
management, nutritional counseling and meal supervision provided by a
dietitian, psychiatrists and counselors.
-
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). A step down from PHP, these programs are usually two to three days per
week for two to three hours per day, with a gradual tapering back to once
weekly outpatient counseling.
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Outpatient Office Visits. Ongoing support visits and check-ups with your physician, dietitian and
psychotherapist.
Once we have created a personalized discharge plan, our staff will make
referrals and help arrange the transition to the next level of care.
Outpatient Care at Torrance Memorial
Our physicians and therapists are available for ongoing outpatient care.
Outpatient office visits provide continuing medical care for patients
who have successfully completed treatment in a residential, partial hospital
program or intensive outpatient setting.