McLean's Eating Disorders Center at Klarman

About the center

Founded with the generous support of the Klarman Family Foundation, the Klarman Eating Disorders Center (KEDC) provides world-class treatment for young adults, including cisgender women, transgender women, and non-binary individuals, ages 18 to 28.

Our residential and partial hospital program specializes in the treatment of anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).

The Klarman Eating Disorders Center is ideal for young people who:

• Have been diagnosed with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, or ARFID
• Are in need of 24-hour care in order to begin the path towards recovery
• Seek treatment for coexisting mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and addiction

The KEDC draws from all of the resources at McLean Hospital to comprehensively treat each patient individually for the best possible outcome.

Recognizing that each patient has a distinct set of issues that contribute to their eating disorder, we also understand that many also struggle with co-occurring mental health problems such as substance misuse, depression, mood and anxiety disorders, as well as trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The overarching goals of treatment are to improve symptom control, foster a sense of understanding of the patient’s emotional life and the issues underlying the eating disorder, enhance self-esteem, and build a greater sense of personal and family well-being. Our average length of stay varies based on the needs of the individual.

Part of Mental Health and Psychiatric Services

Treatment approach

Our individualized treatment plans are developed for patients at each level of care and are based on a therapeutic contract. The contracts are created with the patient, in their own words, focusing on treatment and life goals and are collaboratively shared with family and the program’s staff.

This approach is effective toward meeting the challenges of life after being discharged. Treatment plans are continually monitored, discussed, and renegotiated as progress is made.

Our patients are taught the skills to manage their physical and mental health and to change problematic behaviors by increasing their self-awareness. They develop healthy relationships with food and their bodies, paving the way to recovery.

Our comprehensive treatment includes:

• Medical, psychiatric, psychological, and nutritional evaluation
• Monitoring of labs, vital signs, bathroom use, weight, and physical health
• Nutrition education and counseling by a registered dietician
• Individual psychotherapy (three times per week)
• Family therapy (one to two times per week)
• Daily milieu and group therapy
• Expressive arts therapy
• Psychiatric consultation and medication management and evaluation
• Impulse control and anger management training
• Social and interpersonal relationship skill building
• Exploration of identity and multicultural factors
• Menu and meal planning, cooking, and kitchen preparation
• Self-esteem and body image development
• Evidence-based treatment including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and psychodynamic therapy
• Academic assistance with tutoring for high school students and separate assessments for transition to college/return to college
• Specialized consultations for trauma and substance use
• Transition and discharge planning including relapse prevention
• Restaurant outings
• Animal-assisted interventions, such as equine-assisted therapy group program
• Yoga

We believe that family involvement is crucial to understanding the impact of the illness on a patient’s and family’s life and is essential to supporting healthy recovery. We engage parents, siblings, and loved ones in therapy, education and close communication to help realize this common goal.

In addition to the residential component of the KEDC, we also offer partial hospital services. After completion of the residential program, the patient continues treatment during the day and through a supervised evening meal. Patients are then able to practice their newly acquired coping skills at home in the evening.

The emphasis is on providing a smooth transition to home by learning and practicing the necessary skills that help reduce the potential for relapse and provide a sufficient level of stability for the patient to succeed in outpatient treatment.