Dual Diagnosis Mental Health and Eating Disorder Treatment Center for Teens in Texas
Research indicates that eating disorders and mental health issues in adolescence may increase the risk of various physical and psychological challenges in early adulthood. BasePoint Academy’s teen mental health services in Dallas, Texas, address a broad range of psychiatric issues, including anxiety and eating disorders. Our eating disorder recovery programs provide comprehensive mental health treatment.
On this page, learn how our dual diagnosis eating disorder treatment centers support the emotional health and eating habits of Texas youth. As experts in adolescent psychology, we’re fully equipped to treat mental health and eating disorders effectively. Call us to learn more.
What Is an Eating Disorder?
An eating disorder is a severe mental health condition characterized by unhealthy and often dangerous behaviors around food, body image, and weight. While people of all ages can develop an eating disorder, these conditions usually appear during adolescence and can interfere with daily life and emotional well-being.
Adolescents with an eating disorder may experience intense fears about food, body weight, or shape. They may engage in harmful eating behaviors like extreme dieting, binge eating, purging, or excessive exercise. If left untreated, these conditions can have long-lasting impacts on physical and mental health. They often arise from a complex mix of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors, including teenage peer pressure, low self-esteem, and co-occurring mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
Insurance Coverage for Teen Eating Disorder
Our complimentary assessment with a licensed clinician will recommend the appropriate level of care for your teen struggling with mental health and eating disorder. We can also check your insurance coverage levels.
Call us today to schedule a complimentary same-day assessment at (972) 357-1749 or complete our inquiry form.
Teenage Eating Disorder
Treatment Admissions
Different Types of Eating Disorders
Understanding the different types of eating disorders can shed light on the challenges faced by teenagers who struggle with them. If you’re concerned about your child’s relationship with food, it’s helpful to be familiar with some of the more common eating disorders. Though this isn’t an exhaustive list, each disorder presents its unique characteristics and challenges.
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight. The related body image issues in teens lead them to restrict their food intake to dangerously low levels. If your teen is struggling with anorexia, you may notice significant weight loss, a distorted body image, and signs of malnutrition. This disorder affects physical and mental health. Anorexia nervosa treatment requires a comprehensive approach that includes medical care, adolescent therapy, and nutritional support.
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder where individuals cycle between episodes of binge eating and purging, which can involve vomiting, excessive exercise, or laxative use to manage their weight. If your teen is experiencing bulimia, they may show signs of secrecy around food, fluctuations in weight, and a heightened focus on body image. Bulimia and mental health care are closely linked, as effective treatment involves addressing the physical behaviors and underlying emotional struggles.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) involves limiting food intake. It’s not due to concerns about weight but often because of sensory sensitivities, a lack of interest in eating, or fears of adverse reactions to certain foods. If your teen shows extreme picky eating, significant weight loss, or struggles with proper nutrition, ARFID may be a factor. Seeking support can make a real difference, as treatment for ARFID focuses on improving nutritional intake and addressing the underlying causes.
Pica
Pica involves consuming non-food items, such as dirt, chalk, or paper. If your teen is displaying unusual eating behaviors like these, it may be a sign of pica, which can sometimes stem from nutritional deficiencies or be linked to mental health conditions. Eating non-food items can lead to health complications, including digestive issues and toxic exposure.
Rumination Disorder
Rumination disorder involves the repeated regurgitation of food, where individuals chew, swallow, or spit out the regurgitated food without the influence of a medical condition. For teenagers, this can lead to discomfort, social withdrawal, and health problems like weight loss or nutrient deficiencies. If you notice these behaviors in your teen, it’s essential to approach them with care and seek support like behavioral therapy.
Orthorexia
Orthorexia is an obsession with eating only “pure” or “healthy” foods, which can lead to extreme dietary restrictions and, ironically, poor health. If your teen is overly focused on food quality, avoiding foods they deem “unhealthy” to the point of impacting their nutrition or social life, they may be struggling with orthorexia. While not officially recognized as an eating disorder, orthorexia can have severe physical and psychological effects.
Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health and Eating Disorder in Teens
When teens struggle with mental health issues and eating disorders, the signs can be complex and may vary from one adolescent to another. Recognizing these warning signs early on is crucial for getting the proper support. Here are some common symptoms to watch for that could signal an eating disorder and mental health issues.
Dramatic weight loss or gain: Sudden and noticeable changes in body weight that don’t match up with your teen’s usual diet or activity levels
Preoccupation with food, calories, and dieting: Constantly thinking about food, counting calories obsessively, or being overly strict about meal portions
Excessive exercise or obsession with body image: Engaging in extreme exercise routines or expressing dissatisfaction with their body, even when they appear healthy
Skipping meals or restricting food intake: Avoiding meals, eating tiny portions, or eliminating entire food groups without any medical reason
Frequent binge eating episodes: Eating large amounts of food in a short time and often feeling out of control or regretful afterward
Purging behaviors: Engaging in behaviors like vomiting or misusing laxatives or diuretics to “get rid of” food
Withdrawal from friends and family: Avoiding social gatherings, especially those involving food, and showing less interest in activities they once enjoyed
Severe mood swings or irritability: Having rapid emotional changes, increased irritability, or difficulty managing emotions
Anxiety or depression: Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or worry, which often co-occur with eating disorders – studies have found strong correlations between anxiety and depression and disordered eating
Distorted body image: Seeing their body differently than it truly is, such as feeling overweight despite being underweight or at a healthy weight
If you notice several of these symptoms, it may indicate that your teen is struggling with mental health and disordered eating. Early intervention can profoundly impact recovery and well-being, instilling teenage resilience. Each sign represents a different aspect of what your teen is experiencing. Working with healthcare providers can provide teens with mental health resources to develop healthier habits, coping skills, and a more positive self-image.
What Is a Dual Diagnosis Mental Health and Eating Disorder?
Dual diagnosis refers to the simultaneous occurrence of an eating disorder and a mental health condition, such as depression, anxiety, or trauma, in an individual. When teens struggle with dual diagnosis eating disorders, they face unique challenges because both conditions impact each other and create a complex cycle that can be difficult to manage by oneself.
Eating disorders and mental health issues often share underlying factors, like low self-esteem or unprocessed emotional pain, that fuel both conditions. Issues with mental health and disordered eating in adolescents are fairly common, and it’s essential to understand that each issue may reinforce the other. Recognizing these connections can help you find integrated mental health care and nutrition therapy that addresses both conditions holistically. Supporting teens’ mental health in a dual-diagnosis scenario is crucial for teenage well-being and resilience. Teens need comprehensive support that treats their eating disorder and addresses their mental health, equipping them with tools to handle life’s stresses without resorting to harmful behaviors.
Types of Treatment Programs for Teen Mental Health and Eating Disorder
Different treatment programs offer specialized care to address mental and physical health, helping teens build a stronger foundation for well-being. Adolescent eating disorder treatment programs are designed with this demographic’s unique needs in mind. They provide a supportive environment where they can begin to heal and develop healthier coping strategies.
Treatment options range from residential eating disorder treatment where teens receive round-the-clock support in a structured, therapeutic setting—to intensive outpatient programs and partial hospitalization options that provide intensive care while allowing them to stay at home. Each program typically involves psychological treatment for eating disorders. This may include therapies like dialectical behavior therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy for eating disorders. These methods help teenagers address underlying emotions, body image concerns, and self-esteem issues. Contact us to determine the proper support for your teen to work through eating disorder and mental health challenges with the tools for long-term recovery.
Partial Hospitalization Program for Teen MH and ED
A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) for teen mental health and eating disorders provides intensive support while allowing your teen to return home at the end of each day. They offer a balanced approach to comprehensive care while addressing the unique challenges of adolescent development. A PHP focuses on the crucial emotional and psychological needs during this transformative stage.
In a PHP, your teen will receive structured therapy targeting teenage emotions, helping them process their feelings safely. This approach allows them to engage with peers facing similar challenges, fostering a sense of community and understanding. By participating in a PHP, your teen can build coping strategies, enhance their emotional resilience, and work toward recovery in a supportive setting tailored to their developmental needs.
Intensive Outpatient Program for Teen MH and ED
An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides a structured schedule of therapy sessions while allowing your teen to live at home, making it easier to balance their treatment with daily responsibilities. IOPs often include teenage support groups, where your child can connect with peers who understand their struggles and be encouraged by open dialogue about their emotions and challenges.
Through participation in an IOP, your teen will engage in various therapeutic activities, such as individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy for eating disorders. Your child will gain valuable insights, helping them feel less isolated and more empowered on their quest for recovery.
Crisis Stabilization Services for Teen MH and ED
Crisis stabilization services guarantee immediate support during critical moments of distress. These services are designed to address teenage challenges such as overwhelming emotions, sudden changes in behavior, or harmful thoughts. By offering a safe, supportive environment, crisis stabilization services offer stability and coping strategies to manage intense emotions and teenage stress.
Navigating the complexities of parenting teenagers with eating disorders and mental health challenges can be daunting, especially when your child is facing a crisis. Crisis stabilization services focus on the teen’s immediate needs and involve family support. This ensures you have the tools to help your child through this challenging time.
Types of Therapy and Counseling for Mental Health and Eating Disorder in Teens
When it comes to supporting teens’ mental health and addressing eating disorders, various types of adolescent therapy and youth counseling can assist recovery. Each approach is designed to cater to the unique challenges associated with adolescent mental health issues, helping to build teenage resilience and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
The following examples represent some of the therapeutic options available but are not an exhaustive list. By exploring these therapies, you can find the best fit for your teen’s specific needs, ultimately fostering a supportive environment where they can thrive and heal.
Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment (IDDT)
Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment (IDDT) is a practical approach for teens facing mental health and eating disorder challenges and substance use disorders. Recognizing that these issues often coexist, IDDT integrates services to address both simultaneously. With a collaborative team of professionals, your teen will receive a personalized treatment plan that includes therapy, education, and family support.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Teen Dual Diagnosis
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a powerful treatment option for teens dealing with dual diagnosis, particularly when it comes to eating disorders and mental health. This evidence-based therapy identifies and changes negative thought patterns and behaviors. Cognitive behavioral therapy for eating disorders establishes the profound connection between thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Teen Dual Diagnosis
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) addresses eating disorders and mental health issues simultaneously. This therapy focuses on balancing acceptance and change and is particularly beneficial for managing adolescent behavior. Through DBT, your teen will learn skills in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, enhancing their self-awareness and coping mechanisms.
Nutritional Counseling
Nutritional counseling is essential for teens facing eating disorders. It offers support for developing healthier eating habits. Through nutritional counseling, your teen learns to nourish their body while addressing misconceptions about food. This approach is part of integrated mental health care and nutrition therapy, focusing on psychological and physical health.
Individual, Group, and Family Therapy for Teens
Individual, group, and family therapy are all crucial components of effective treatment for teens facing mental health challenges and eating disorders. Family therapy for eating disorders and mental health involves working together as a unit to address the dynamics that may contribute to teenage challenges, fostering understanding and support within the family.
Individual therapy provides your teen with a safe space to explore personal feelings and develop coping strategies, while group therapy allows them to connect with peers facing similar challenges. By combining these therapeutic approaches, your teen can benefit from comprehensive support that promotes healing and resilience.
Medical and Psychiatric Management
Medical and psychiatric management is a crucial aspect of treating teens with eating disorders and mental health challenges. This approach involves a comprehensive evaluation by healthcare professionals who can assess your teen’s physical and psychological needs. Through ongoing medical monitoring and appropriate medication management, healthcare providers can help stabilize symptoms and address underlying health issues.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a valuable therapeutic approach for teens struggling with a range of eating disorders and mental health issues. It encourages your teen to embrace their thoughts and feelings without judgment, fostering a sense of acceptance and mindfulness, which is particularly helpful for recognizing the impact of trauma and eating disorders.
ACT empowers your teen to focus on their values and take committed actions toward recovery. This process aids in healing from past experiences and supports the development of healthier coping strategies, guiding your teen toward a more fulfilling life.
BasePoint Academy Accepts health Insurance
We accept most major health insurance providers in Texas and can check your treatment coverage levels on your behalf.
How to Find a Mental Health and Eating Disorder Treatment Center for Teens Near Me
At BasePoint Academy, our profound understanding and experience in adolescent psychology focuses on holistic mental health care, considering the physical, emotional, and social aspects of teenage well-being. Our treatment for eating disorders and mental health highlights our commitment to Texas youth and is reflected in numerous positive patient outcomes. To learn more, contact us today.
- BasePoint Academy – Arlington, Texas: 3900 Arlington Highlands Blvd, Suite 237, Arlington, TX 76018, United States
- BasePoint Academy – Forney, Texas: 713 W Broad St, Suite 200, Forney, TX 75126, United States
- BasePoint Academy – McKinney, Texas: 4733 Medical Center Drive, McKinney, TX 75069, United States
Ways to Find a Mental Health and Eating Disorder Treatment Facility
Finding a mental health and eating disorder treatment center is vital for supporting teens’ mental health. The following outlines a few steps to identify a treatment facility that aligns with your teen’s and family’s needs. For further guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to BasePoint Academy:
- Research Online: Use search engines to discover nearby dual diagnosis eating disorder treatment centers. Search for terms like “mental health and eating disorder treatment for teens near me” to return relevant results.
- Check Reviews and Testimonials: Look for reviews from other families to assess the effectiveness of each treatment center. Testimonials can offer valuable insights into others’ experiences and the quality of care they received.
- Ask for Recommendations: Ask your pediatrician, school counselor, or other parents. They can often refer you to comprehensive mental health treatment programs that offer adolescent eating disorder treatment.
- Explore Teenage Support Groups: Engage in teenage or parent-focused group therapy sessions. These gatherings can build a sense of community and provide firsthand recommendations for effective eating disorder recovery programs for adolescents.
- Visit Facilities: Whenever you can, schedule visits to potential treatment centers. Meeting the staff and observing the environment will help determine if it fits your teen.
What Is the BasePoint Difference?
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Does Insurance Cover Mental Health and Eating Disorder Treatment for Teens?
Yes, many insurance plans do cover mental health and eating disorder treatment for teens, but coverage can vary significantly based on your specific policy. It’s essential to check your insurance details to understand what services are included and any limitations or requirements for coverage. For example, many insurers require prior authorization before covering eating disorder recovery programs.
Contact your insurance provider or BasePoint Academy for detailed information about your mental health benefits to ensure your teen receives the necessary support. We can help clarify what types of treatments are covered, including therapy sessions, medication management, and outpatient or residential eating disorder treatment. We’re available to provide insights into the financial aspects of care, ensuring your teen gets the required support.
Which Health Insurance Providers Cover MH and ED for Teenagers?
Major health insurance brands such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna Healthcare, UnitedHealthcare, and Magellan commonly include mental health services in their insurance plans. These companies typically provide access to a range of treatments, including binge eating disorder therapy, nutritional counseling for eating disorders, and inpatient care.
Many health insurance providers offer coverage for mental health and eating disorder treatment for teenagers, but it’s crucial to verify the specifics of your policy. Each insurer may have different requirements, such as prior authorization or specific in-network providers. By contacting your insurance company and the treatment facility, you can better understand your benefits and any potential out-of-pocket costs. Call (972) 357-1749 to ensure your teen receives the support they need.
What Is the Adolescent Mental Health and Eating Disorder Treatment Program Admissions Process?
Understanding the admissions process for an adolescent mental health and eating disorder treatment program ensures your teen receives the necessary support addressing psychiatric challenges. While specifics may vary between treatment centers, here’s a condensed overview of what you and your teen can expect:
- Initial Contact: Start by contacting the treatment center by phone, email, or the contact page on their website. This allows you to ask questions about the eating disorder recovery program and teen mental health services offered.
- Information Gathering: The facility will collect information regarding your teen’s mental health history and eating habits to understand their needs better.
- Intake Assessment: An intake assessment will evaluate your teen’s mental health and history through questionnaires and interviews.
- Initial Evaluation: A clinical team will conduct an evaluation to identify your teen’s challenges and strengths, helping to shape their treatment needs.
- Treatment Plan Development: Based on the assessments, a tailored treatment plan will be created, outlining specific goals and therapeutic approaches.
- Insurance Verification: The facility will verify insurance coverage and discuss potential out-of-pocket costs with financial counselors available to explore payment options.
- Admission Approval: Once the treatment plan is finalized and insurance is confirmed, the facility will approve your teen’s admission.
- Family Orientation: Many centers offer sessions to explain the program structure and how to support your teen during recovery.
- Admittance to the Program: After these steps, your teen will officially be admitted and begin participating in their treatment plan.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Staff will monitor your teen’s progress throughout treatment, making adjustments to the plan as needed to ensure they receive adequate support.
Mental Health and Eating Disorder Testing and Assessment for Teen Boys and Girls
Testing and assessment for mental health and eating disorders in teen boys and girls is a critical first step in providing adequate support. These evaluations comprehensively review your teen’s emotional, psychological, and physical well-being. Trained professionals utilize various tools, including questionnaires and interviews, to gain insight into your teen’s experiences and behaviors.
If you suspect that your teen may be struggling with mental health and eating disorder issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at BasePoint Academy. Our team provides thorough complimentary assessments as an integral component of our admissions process. We’re here to guide you through the next steps in securing the appropriate holistic mental health care for your child. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and take the first step toward supporting your teen’s well-being.
How Much Does Mental Health and Eating Disorder Treatment for Teens Cost in Dallas, Texas?
The cost of mental health and eating disorder treatment for teens in Dallas, TX, can vary widely based on factors like the type of program, duration of treatment, and whether insurance is involved. Treatment can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per month. According to Simple Practice, a single therapy session in Texas averages $125.
Exploring your options and understanding the costs associated with different programs is essential. Many facilities, including BasePoint Academy, offer financial counseling to help families navigate expenses and find potential payment solutions. If you’re considering adolescent eating disorder treatment for your teen, call BasePoint Academy at (972) 357-1749 for more information on costs and available resources to support your family’s needs.
Contact The BasePoint Academy Today!
Does your teenager have mental health and eating disorder symptoms? Contact BasePoint Academy to discuss a treatment plan for your teen.
Sources
- World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental health of adolescents. World Health Organization. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health on July 11, 2023
- Horowitz, J. M. (2019, February 20). Most U.S. teens see anxiety and depression as a major problem among their peers. Pew Research Center’s Social & Demographic Trends Project. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2019/02/20/most-u-s-teens-see-anxiety-and-depression-as-a-major-problem-among-their-peers/ on July 11, 2023
Statistics on Mental Health and Eating Disorders in Teen Boys and Girls for Texas Families
- A strong connection exists between eating disorders and substance use disorders (SUDs) during adolescence. The most common co-occurring disorders are bulimia nervosa and alcohol use disorder (AUD).
- In Texas, obesity is the most prevalent outcome of unhealthy eating habits among children and adolescents. According to the Cleveland Clinic, while most individuals with obesity do not have an eating disorder, eating disorders are more frequently observed in those living with obesity, highlighting a significant overlap between the two conditions.
- A 2019 study revealed that Hispanic/Latina/o, Black/African American, and Asian American individuals are more likely to exhibit disordered eating behaviors compared to their white counterparts.
- PBS reports that eating disorders are increasingly impacting adolescent boys. It’s estimated that one in three individuals with these conditions is male, with around 10 million American boys and men expected to face this struggle at some point in their lives.
- Food insecurity is linked to 1.67 times higher odds of binge eating disorder or subclinical binge eating disorder and 1.31 times higher odds of binge eating symptoms during early adolescence.
- According to The Trevor Project, LGBTQ youth who have been diagnosed with an eating disorder are nearly four times more likely to have attempted suicide in the past year compared to those who have never suspected or received an eating disorder diagnosis.
- Harvard School of Public Health reports that every 52 minutes, someone dies as a direct result of an eating disorder.
