We are pleased to announce the launch of a new intensive outpatient program (IOP) at Seattle Children’s for patients with eating disorders. The Eating Disorders IOP is designed for children and youth with high-acuity eating disorders who don’t require inpatient care but need more than typical outpatient care can provide.
Eligible patients
Because this program is funded by special state funds, at this time it is available only to Washington families who are covered by Apple Health (Medicaid) and Medicaid Managed Care Plans. It serves children and teens ages 10 to 17. We may also accept 18-year-olds who are living at home.
Patients may be eligible if they have been diagnosed with:
- Anorexia nervosa
- Bulimia nervosa
- Other specified feeding or eating disorders
- Unspecified eating disorder
- Binge eating disorder
Program details
Children/teens participate in all aspects of care along with their caregivers. The program is intensive and requires a commitment of five hours a day, four days per week for three weeks. Youth and caregivers are expected to attend every session.
The program includes:
- Two family meal support sessions per day
- One individual family therapy session each week
- One individual child therapy session each week
- Youth skills and education group sessions to talk about emotions, tolerating distress and addressing body image concerns
- Caregiver group sessions that provide education, skills and support for helping your child recover
- Skill-building group sessions on mindful movement and expressive arts
- Family advocacy and case management services to help families with their next steps after they complete the program
At this time all sessions are via telemedicine. Children/teens and families participate through an online video platform.
Team leadership
- Cynthia Ann Flynn, PhD, Eating Disorders Program director in Psychiatry
- Laura Richardson, MD, IOP medical director in Adolescent Medicine
- Heather Rosen, PhD, primary clinical psychologist
Team leaders work closely together to support IOP patients and caregivers. The full IOP staff includes medical providers, psychologists, mental health therapists, social service specialists, a parent partner and a family advocate case manager.
Referrals
To refer your eligible patient, please specify “eating disorders IOP” clearly on your referral form (PDF or DOC). For questions, contact the Outpatient Psychiatry Triage line at 206-987-2164, option 2, or email us at [email protected]. See how to refer a patient for more information.
