Philosophy of care

At Melrose Institute, we understand the complexities of eating disorders, and know it is not a disease someone chooses to have. Eating disorders affect the mind, body and spirit, and require a multidisciplinary team for successful care. Our specialized team of more than 160 experts, including medical doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, dietitians, exercise specialists, chaplains, occupational therapists, nurses and care managers, guide patients and their families through the healing process. We will be there every step of the way, providing consistent, comprehensive and compassionate care.

Eating disorders affect everyone. Our family based treatment includes all loved ones in the recovery process. Families need time to share their experiences, fears and hopes while getting the necessary education to support their loved one. We provide family based therapy, a friends and family support group, an on-site resource center for self-guided research and space for private meetings.

We test our work with outcomes research to evaluate and improve care. This research ultimately allows us to discover what approaches work and how we can improve care to make it innovative and patient-responsive. Through our extensive research, we developed the Melrose Institute treatment model, which is revolutionizing the way care is given to patients.

A personalized approach is important to healing. Our Melrose Institute treatment model is individualized, holistic and integrated treatment that includes medical care, psychiatric services, psychotherapy and nutrition counseling. Depending on personal needs, treatment also may include individual and group education in supervised exercise (physical therapy), life skills therapy (occupational therapy), spiritual care and complementary therapies. We have several unique specialty areas not currently found elsewhere in the country. We treat very young children, people who have an eating disorder and diabetes, athletes and those struggling with compulsive exercise and patients with eating disorders after bariatric surgery. Together with a care team and support system, patients can select the program that will help them heal best.

Treatment does not end when patients leave Melrose Institute. As part of healing together, loved ones will be well equipped to help patients deal with real-life challenges of eating disorder recovery. We also partner with other treatment providers, educators, coaches and community members to provide strong, consistent support for continued recovery. Our treatment model also offers four outpatient program levels to help patients transition at a pace that ensures health and sustainable success.