Eating Disorders Program

The continuum of the UCLA Eating Disorders Program ranges from comprehensive, full-time, hospital-based treatment, to outpatient groups and outpatient pharmacologic management. We can also provide referrals for outpatient individual psychotherapy. 

Eating Disorder Treatments we Offer

Treatment varies based on each patient’s needs, but care plans may include:

Medical Stabilization Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient eating disorder treatment includes:

• Physical exam and lab tests
• Nutritional assessment and meal plan from a registered dietitian
• Fully supervised meals
• Psychosocial support including psychological assessment, family education and anxiety management techniques

During medical stabilization inpatient treatment, we also:

• Address electrolyte, vitamin and mineral deficiencies caused by malnutrition
• Monitor heart, lungs, and other body systems
• Evaluate growth and development

Please have a provider call the Adolescent Medicine Doctor on call to make a referral.  For more information click here.

Nourish for Life Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient eating disorder treatment may include:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): A type of therapy that involves talking with an eating disorder therapist to identify and change negative or irrational thoughts.

Enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-E): Combines talk therapy with specific practices, such as limiting weigh-ins or introducing “forbidden” foods into a person’s diet.

Family-based treatment (FBT): A treatment method that centers around family meals, during which the entire family works to help the child change behaviors and gain nutrition.

To contact Nourish for Life Outpatient Treatment please call 424-259-8570 to make an appointment. 

Neuropsychiatric Eating Disorders Inpatient Treatment

The first phase of UCLA's comprehensive Eating Disorders Program is inpatient treatment.  Children and teenagers admitted to the inpatient eating disorders program typically are struggling with a variety of dysfunctional eating behaviors and weight-altering behaviors, as well as a range of related psychological symptoms.  

The inpatient phase of the program is organized to create a highly structured, intense therapeutic milieu and a high level of supervision.  Treatment components include the eating program, individual and group psychotherapy, family therapy, activity groups, and medication therapy if needed.  Each patient receives multidisciplinary assessments and interventions, and each patient's treatment is overseen by a care coordinator who also provides the patient's individual psychotherapy.  When needed, medical consultation is arranged through the appropriate department in the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.  Assistance with discharge planning is also provided for each patient by the treatment team. 

With parents' permission, patients are enrolled in a hospital-based school, which is provided by the Los Angeles Unified School District.  Academic assessment and remedial services are available.

Learn more about the modalities utilized during the inpatient stay:

• Structured eating program
• Therapy program  

Please contact our coordinator of admissions for information about the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Eating Disorders Inpatient Program, Brandy Saccacio MSOTR/L at 310-948-8170 or email [email protected].