Eating disorders are complex, potentially life-threatening mental health disorders that require the assistance of specialized eating disorder treatment professionals and personalized treatment interventions. Among other treatment modalities, case management and individual therapy are commonly used in the recovery process. At BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™, our team utilizes both treatment approaches in our outpatient programs.
By: Rebekah Paster
One highlight of BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™’s programs is case management. Clients in our Day Treatment Program, Weeknight Program, Saturday Program, and Adolescent Program are assigned an individual case manager with whom they check-in with regularly throughout the course of their time at BALANCE. Being able to learn what case management is, what a typical case management session looks like, and what differentiates case management from individual therapy allows for more coping strategies and support for recovery.
What is Case Management?
Case management is meant to set clients up for success as they move through BALANCE’s programs. In addition to meeting frequently with clients to check in on their progress, case managers also communicate with clients’ treatment teams outside of BALANCE to ensure the best possible quality of care. If needed, they also provide referrals for other eating disorder-informed treatment providers, such as primary care physicians or psychiatrists. As treatment progresses, case managers also work with clients to extend their treatment program and/or step into a different level of care.
What Does a Typical Case Management Session Look Like?
Case management typically starts with a general check-in of how the last week had been going. You and your case manager will discuss what you have been working on in the program and how you’ve been applying the skills you’re learning during the less-structured times between program days. In addition to reviewing the previous week, you and your case manager will also plan for the week ahead. You will work together to set goals for the upcoming week, as well as create a “cope-ahead” plan for any challenging moments that might come up. Finally, your case manager might assign homework for you to do between case management sessions. The homework each week might consist of a journaling prompt, a worksheet, or another activity that will help you progress towards recovery.
What is the difference between case management and therapy?
Case management sessions tend to be more structured than individual therapy sessions. Unlike traditional psychotherapy, case management sessions tend to focus on the same themes each week. Case management sessions also have more of a focus on problem-solving than individual therapy sessions do. While you and your therapist might explore a topic that occurs outside of program, you and your case manager are more likely to focus on issues that are directly impacting your eating disorder recovery.
BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™’s clinical treatment team has extensive experience with case management. Our admissions team is happy to answer any questions you may have about BALANCE’s programs. Read more about our philosophy here or book a free consultation call with our admissions team below to discuss the next steps.
Looking for eating disorder treatment programs or services in the New York City area? Learn more about our options at BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™ here or contact us here.
This post was written by BALANCE Social Work Intern, Rebekah Paster (she/her).
Rebekah is a second-year MSW student at the Columbia School of Social Work, where she specializes in Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice. She is passionate about eating disorder recovery and plans to pursue a career in eating disorder treatment after graduation. Outside of school, Rebekah enjoys cooking and mindful movement.
