My Intake is Scheduled: What Do I Ask?

Questions to Ask When Starting an Eating Disorder Treatment Program

Congratulations on taking the courageous step toward recovery by starting an intake at an eating disorder treatment program! Known as higher levels of care, these programs provide wrap-around support and more intensive treatment to help speed up recovery compared to outpatient therapy.

If you’re new to this process, it can feel overwhelming. To help you prepare, here are some important questions to ask—and why having this information will be helpful.

1. Is this covered by insurance, and what will it cost me?

While the intake coordinator may not know this upfront, the billing department will usually check your benefits and inform you.

• Why it’s important: Different insurance plans cover higher levels of care differently. Some insurers have contracts with specific programs, which may limit your options.

• What to do: If the program doesn’t accept your insurance, contact your provider to find out which facilities are covered. Many treatment programs also list accepted insurance plans on their websites.

2. What does your treatment model look like?

Every program approaches treatment differently. Some focus on coping skills, while others prioritize connection or distress tolerance.

• Why it’s important: Understanding their model helps ensure it aligns with your needs. For example, if coping skills haven’t been enough for you in the past, a program emphasizing distress tolerance might be more beneficial.

• What to ask: Have the intake coordinator explain why their approach works and how it might differ from past treatment or outpatient therapy.

3. What does a typical schedule look like?

Schedules can vary significantly depending on the program and level of care.

• Why it’s important: Knowing the schedule helps you plan for work, school, childcare, and meals outside of treatment. It also gives you a clear idea of what to expect, including:

• Frequency of individual therapy, group therapy, and nutrition sessions.

• Number of meals provided in the program.

• Inclusion of psychiatry appointments.

4. How long will treatment take, and how will I know I’ve completed it?

Treatment length varies by individual, but the intake coordinator can provide a general estimate.

• Why it’s important: Understanding the timeline helps with logistical planning and gives you a sense of what progress looks like.

• What to ask: Inquire about specific benchmarks or goals that define successful completion of the program. Concrete examples can make abstract concepts of “progress” feel more tangible.

5. For parents, what is my role in the program?

Parents play a crucial role in the recovery process, especially for children and adolescents.

• Why it’s important: Family therapy is often a key component of treatment. Some programs follow family-based treatment (FBT) guidelines, which may require a significant commitment from parents, including:

• Weekly family therapy sessions.

• Participation in family meals or group therapy.

• Attending nutrition sessions to learn how to support your child’s meal plan.

Knowing these expectations upfront ensures you’re prepared to fully support your child’s recovery journey.

6. Can I still see my outpatient team while in treatment?

This depends on the level of care.

• Why it’s important: Maintaining a connection with your outpatient team (therapist, dietitian, psychiatrist) can be comforting for many clients.

• What to ask: For intensive outpatient programs (IOP), you may be able to continue seeing your team. For higher levels of care, you’ll likely work with therapists within the program. If this concerns you, share your worries and ask how they’ll ensure continuity of care.

Starting an eating disorder treatment program is a brave and significant step. By asking these questions, you’ll feel more informed and confident as you begin this next chapter of your recovery journey.