We know how challenging it can be when your child is diagnosed with an eating disorder. The Eating Disorder Assessment and Treatment Program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) offers families three levels of outpatient treatment. The Partial Hospitalization Program is our highest level of outpatient care. Youth are in treatment five days a week 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

We believe people can fully recover from eating disorders by focusing on integrating physical and mental health. When youth make behavioral changes related to eating, it accelerates change in thoughts and feelings that promote recovery. Each youth in the program is seen by an adolescent medicine specialist and a psychiatrist to support this dual recovery path.

What to expect in the PHP

Youth in the PHP will attend a variety of group therapy sessions each day. This may include dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance-based skills, cognitive remediation therapy and creative arts therapy.  One hour a day is set aside for schoolwork. The day also includes supervised snack and lunch.

The PHP is held at CHOP’s Center for Advanced Behavioral Healthcare.

Families are key to treatment

Families are integral to treatment. Family members participate in family therapy sessions once a week, for individualized support and guidance using the evidence-based model of Family-Based Treatment.

Parents or caregivers also attend the full Family Day each Friday, when they will participate in parent-only psychoeducation and support groups, have family meals with their child, and join multifamily group sessions with other PHP families.

When your child is ready, they may “step-down” to our Intensive Outpatient Program.

Meet the team

CHOP’s Eating Disorders Programs are a joint effort of the Craig-Dalsimer Division of Adolescent Medicine and the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Science. Youth in the program receive care from an adolescent medicine physician, a psychiatrist, psychologists, therapists and a nutritionist.