Eating Disorders Program at Somerset Campus
Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are psychiatric illnesses that affect more than 10 million children, adolescents and adults, most of whom are between the ages of 12 and 35.
Eating disorders are not just about weight – they are ways for people to cope with underlying emotional issues. The recovery process, therefore, involves much more than treatment for the physical illness.
These disabling and often long-term illnesses typically result in depression, shame and isolation. They disrupt families, interrupt schooling, damage careers and destroy relationships. For some, the medical complications of eating disorders may be deadly. However, with proper treatment, individuals with eating disorders can develop appropriate inner resources and look forward to once again living normal, productive and happy lives.
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset's nationally recognized Eating Disorders Program offers a multidisciplinary team approach to address the biological, psychiatric, psychological and social issues related to the disease.
Services We Provide
Our comprehensive services include:
- Individual, group and family therapy (including specialized group therapy sessions on topics such as body image, spirituality and women's issues)
- Medication management and education
- Nutrition education with registered dietitians
- Nursing education
- Self-help groups
- Occupational therapy
- Adjunct therapies such as music, drama, art, dance movement and recreation therapy
A Healing Environment
The Eating Disorders Program — one of only two inpatient eating disorder units in New Jersey — was recently renovated. Features include lighting that shifts to mimic natural daylight changes, acoustic buffering to reduce noise, soft pastel colors to lend a relaxing atmosphere and nature-based artwork to help induce calm.
Learn More
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset's Eating Disorder Program offers a continuum of services for the most common types of eating disorders: anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.
- Eating disorders treatment services
- Contributing factors
- Dealing with eating disorders - tips for family and friends
- What to bring to the Eating Disorders Unit
The program has gained national recognition for increasing the awareness of eating disorders.
In 1999, the staff participated in the White House Mental Health Conference. Since then, the program has been highlighted on nationally televised programs, including NBC's Later Today and CBS' 48 Hours.
We treat individuals ages 14 and up.