Eating Disorders Program
Helping people regain control
As one of the most intractable mental health illnesses, Eating Disorders require an intensive, structured, and supervised approach to care. Homewood Health Centre’s Eating Disorders Program (EDP) fulfills a unique niche in Canada: not only are we the largest in Canada (21 beds), but also we are the treatment centre for those people whose eating disorder is severe enough that it cannot be managed on an outpatient basis, but not so severe that the patient requires medical management in a general hospital setting.
Dedicated to people 16 years and older who are diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia Nervosa (or both), we help patients increase their self-awareness, take responsibility for their recovery, and restore healthy attitudes and eating and exercise behaviour. Patients learn skills to regulate their emotions and to become more effective in their personal relationships. Co-occurring disorders such as addiction, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, and mood disorders are common in this population and are addressed clinically.
Helping patients help themselves
Our voluntary, group-based care encourages self-responsibility and healthy coping. Every patient receives an individualized collaborative recovery agreement and we incorporate opportunities to practice newly-acquired coping skills in “real life” contexts. The program provides a strong foundation patients can build on through outpatient, follow-up services in their own communities where—whenever possible—Homewood staff continue to provide support by working with community partners.
Admission Criteria
The EDP is for people who:
- are 16 years or older;
- have a body-mass index (BMI) of 15 or above;
- have a diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa and/or Bulimia Nervosa;
- are ready and willing to work in a group format;
- are motivated to come into program;
- are willing to gain weight if recommended by the treatment team;
- are willing and able to eat solid foods; and
- have normal bloodwork (Na, K, CI and EKG) within two weeks of admission or approval by a Homewood physician.
*Anorexia is characterized by drastic weight loss (15 per cent of body weight or more) from dieting which can lead to emaciation and compromised physical and psychological health. Bulimia presents as constant changes in weight with episodes of binge-eating followed by self-induced vomiting or purging and/or periods of fasting.
Learn More About EDP
Watch the video below for more information.
For more than two decades, we have specialized in the treatment of Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa.
The overall rating of quality of care, given by EDP patients who have received treatment
The percentage of patients who would recommend Homewood and the EDP to others
The percentage of patients who felt Homewood helped and treated their eating disorder challenges.
How to Get Help
To be admitted to the program, you require a referral from your doctor or other healthcare professional. We can help you with the patient referral and admissions process. Click below to learn more, or read on about additional Health Centre programs.
Addiction Medicine Service (AMS)
We provide services for adults suffering from addictions with a number of specialized tracks including healthcare professionals and those with concurrent psychiatric disorders.
Integrated Mood and Anxiety Program (IMAP)
This program specializes in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. This group-based program includes orientation and assessment periods followed by intensive treatment.
The Eating Disorders Friends & Family Weekend
Patients attending the Eating Disorders Program are able to invite their loved ones to attend our Friends and Family Weekend. This event occurs approximately every eight (8) weeks on a Friday (8:45am to 4pm) and Saturday (9am to 4pm).
Want to Learn More?
Contact the Program Coordinator at 519.824.1010, extension 2292.
If you're interested in other Homewood programs, click below.