Life-Changing Eating Disorder Treatment

Based on our successful experience, the Timberline Knolls team takes an individualized, holistic look at each woman’s history, symptoms, and obstacles to recovery. Each resident is encouraged to take ownership of her recovery from her first day on campus and participates in an individualized treatment program that is uniquely her own. We carefully listen to our residents and seek their input about the elective elements of their therapy. Most treatment for anorexia, bulimia, or substance abuse places residents on an assigned track based on their primary symptoms, and follows a prescribed program that covers most of their stay in treatment. Our team does not subscribe to this approach to address either the complex reality of eating disorders and addiction, or the unique challenges created by co-occurring disorders for any given woman. Instead, we practice an individualized approach designed to help each woman who chooses Timberline Knolls succeed in her recovery.

How Do I Recognize Symptoms of An Eating Disorder?

The signs and symptoms of eating disorders vary with the specific disease and its stage of progression. A brief overview of the common eating disorders is included below. For more complete descriptions see the detailed information section on each.

The most common eating disorders have different symptoms, but share common emotional triggers:

• Anorexia (anorexia nervosa): a disease where the sufferer starves themselves because of the desire to maintain an unrealistic and unhealthy body image
• Bulimia (bulimia nervosa): a disease that triggers the sufferer to consume very large amounts of food (binge), and then to rid themselves of excess calories (purge)
• Binge-eating disorder (eating disorder not otherwise specified): a disease where the sufferer compulsively overeats, often thousands of calories in a short period, and frequently in secret

There are several critical steps to the admissions process. We realize this can seem overwhelming. Our experienced staff is prepared to respond to women and families who may be in crisis and in need of immediate help.

When you call, one of our licensed admissions counselors will ask you some questions about your situation to start assessing whether Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center might help. We then will schedule a more in depth phone screening, that typically takes about 30 minutes and is scheduled within 24 hours of your initial call. We can arrange to speak with you at a time when you can have this conversation in a safe and private location, sometimes that means rescheduling to talk at night or over the weekend.

During the screening, the admissions counselor will ask about current symptoms and challenges, as well as past treatment history. We also inquire about the prospective resident’s environment and social support system – her family, friends and situation at school or work.

At times, an admissions counselor may determine that a woman or her loved ones are in immediate danger and recommend that they seek inpatient treatment, or call 9-1-1. This is done for the safety of the woman first and foremost, and does not preclude us from later reviewing her for admission to Timberline Knolls.

Additionally, we will request a release form to allow us to speak with a woman’s outpatient treatment providers, and to receive copies of medical and psychiatric records. At times, if a woman is not currently receiving treatment for anorexia, bulimia nervosa, alcoholism or drug addiction, we may require results of medical tests to assess our ability to safely meet her needs.

Women and families who are interested in using insurance benefits can request a quote of benefits. This can typically be provided within 48 hours.