Provincial Specialized Eating Disorders Program for Children & Adolescents
Providing compassionate, evidence-based care for young people and families affected by eating disorders across our province.
About Our Program
The Provincial Specialized Eating Disorders Program for Children & Adolescents is dedicated to providing comprehensive assessment and treatment services for young people ages 6-18 experiencing various eating disorders. As a provincial program, we serve children and adolescents from across the region who require specialized care that goes beyond what may be available in their local communities.
Our program operates from a multidisciplinary, family-centered approach that recognizes eating disorders as complex conditions requiring treatment from various perspectives. We involve families as essential partners in the treatment process and offer interventions that address the medical, nutritional, psychological, and social aspects of eating disorders.
Research shows that early intervention leads to better outcomes for young people with eating disorders. Our program is committed to providing timely access to evidence-based treatments while supporting families through what can be a challenging journey towards recovery.
Our Services
Comprehensive Assessment
Our multidisciplinary team conducts thorough evaluations to assess medical status, nutritional needs, psychological functioning, and family dynamics. This assessment forms the foundation for developing an individualized treatment plan tailored to each young person's unique needs and circumstances.
Medical Management
Our medical team monitors physical health, manages medical complications, and works to restore medical stability when needed. For those requiring more intensive medical care, we coordinate with inpatient facilities while maintaining a continuity of care.
Nutritional Counseling
Registered dietitians provide nutritional education, meal planning support, and guidance to help normalize eating patterns and establish a healthy relationship with food. Family involvement in nutritional rehabilitation is a cornerstone of our approach.
Family-Based Treatment
Based on the evidence-supported Maudsley approach, Family-Based Treatment (FBT) empowers parents to take an active role in their child's recovery. We provide guidance and support as families work toward restoring healthy eating behaviors and resolving eating disorder symptoms.
Individual Therapy
Our psychologists and therapists offer evidence-based therapeutic approaches tailored to the developmental stage and specific needs of each young person. Options may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and other specialized interventions.
Family Therapy
In addition to Family-Based Treatment, we offer family therapy sessions that address communication patterns, relationship dynamics, and other family factors that may impact or be affected by the eating disorder.
Group Therapy
We provide age-appropriate therapeutic groups that offer young people the opportunity to share experiences, develop coping skills, and build peer support in a structured, supportive environment.
School Support
With consent, our team collaborates with schools to ensure appropriate accommodations and support are in place to help students stay engaged in their education while prioritizing their recovery.
Our Multidisciplinary Team
Our team includes professionals from various disciplines who work together to provide comprehensive care:
Dr. Maria Rodriguez
Medical Director
Board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist with 15 years of experience in eating disorders treatment.
Dr. James Chen
Pediatric Medical Lead
Pediatrician specializing in the medical management of eating disorders in children and adolescents.
Sarah Thompson
Program Manager
Registered nurse with expertise in program development and coordination of eating disorder services.
Dr. Emily Foster
Clinical Psychologist
Specialist in evidence-based treatment approaches for eating disorders in youth.
In addition to these core team members, our multidisciplinary staff includes registered dietitians, family therapists, social workers, occupational therapists, and other specialists as needed for comprehensive care.
Referral Process
Our program accepts referrals from healthcare providers, community services, schools, and in some cases, self-referrals from families:
Referral Submission
Referrals can be submitted using our standardized referral form available online or through our intake office. For urgent medical situations, please contact our emergency line.
Initial Review
Our intake team reviews each referral within 5 business days to determine appropriateness for our program and assess urgency.
Intake Assessment
Appropriate referrals proceed to an in-depth intake assessment, typically scheduled within 2-4 weeks depending on urgency and waitlist status.
Treatment Planning
Following assessment, our team develops an individualized treatment plan in collaboration with the young person and their family.
Treatment Initiation
Treatment begins according to the developed plan, with ongoing evaluation to ensure appropriate progress and adjust interventions as needed.
Resources for Families
- National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC)
Provides information, resources, and support for individuals affected by eating disorders. Visit: www.nedic.ca
- F.E.A.S.T. (Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment)
An international organization of parents supporting parents of children with eating disorders. Visit: www.feast-ed.org
- National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)
Offers support, resources, and information about treatment options. Visit: www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
- Body Empowerment Project
Local support groups and educational programs for youth and families focusing on body acceptance and healthy relationships with food.
- Recommended Reading
Help Your Teenager Beat an Eating Disorder by James Lock and Daniel Le Grange
- School Liaison Services
Our team can provide guidance to schools on supporting students with eating disorders, including appropriate accommodations and return-to-school planning.
Contact Us
General Inquiries
For general questions about our program, services, or resources:
Intake and Referrals
To make a referral or inquire about the intake process:
Location
Children's Medical Center, 3rd Floor
456 Health Avenue
Provincial City, State A1B 2C3
Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Evening appointments available by arrangement
Provincial Specialized Eating Disorders Program For Children & Adolescents and Reference F...
Assessment And Treatment Of Children And Adolescents With Eating Disorders and Reference F...
WA Eating Disorders Outreach & Consultation Service (WAEDOCS) Eating Disorders: The Manage...
Based On The Provided Data, Here Are The Prompt Results: **1. Savings As A Result Of Commu...
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy For Anxiety Disorders In Children And Adolescents and Refere...