Residential care for eating disorders allows people to focus on recovery in a comfortable, calm and supportive space away from everyday distractions. Not everyone with an eating disorder needs this level of care, but it can be life changing for those who do.
When is residential care for an eating disorder recommended? How does it work? And what’s it like to receive care for an eating disorder while living away from home?
Below, we answer these questions and others about residential treatment at Melrose Center St. Louis Park to help you understand how it could work for you and your family. Use the following links if you’d like to jump ahead to a specific section on residential eating disorder treatment at Melrose Center.
Who may be a good fit for residential eating disorder treatment at Melrose Center
Residential treatment is typically recommended for adults and children with eating disorders who could benefit from round-the-clock structure and support to stay medically and emotionally safe while beginning or continuing recovery. All eating disorder diagnoses can be treated in residential care.
Will I go into residential care right away?
Treatment recommendations are based on symptoms, physical health and the amount of support a person needs. Residential treatment may be recommended after the initial assessment, or it could come later in your recovery journey if you need more support than what’s provided in your current level of care.
It’s common for people to start with a less intensive approach (like outpatient care for eating disorders) that allows them to work on recovery while continuing to live at home and participate in normal activities. Some people with eating disorders find that outpatient treatment provides enough support for their recovery. But for others, the supportive, structured setting of residential care is invaluable on their journey toward healing.
Healing from an eating disorder is rarely linear and it’s common for people to move between levels of treatment. Whatever the journey is like for you or your loved one, we’ll support you at every step.
Does Melrose Center treat co-occurring conditions?
Yes. Melrose Center is known for providing expert care for people with eating disorders and co-occurring conditions. As part of the HealthPartners care system, we partner with specialists across more than 50 medical fields, allowing us to treat even the most complex symptoms.
- Compulsive or excessive exercise – When over-exercise is linked to an eating disorder, our care team works together to address both the emotional and physical impacts. We help people build healthier, more balanced relationships with exercise.
- Eating disorders with type 1 diabetes (diabulimia) – We provide specialized support to people managing both an eating disorder and type 1 diabetes. Care includes collaboration with endocrinologists, certified diabetes educators (CDEs), dietitians and mental health therapists.
- Substance use disorder – Up to half of people with eating disorders may also struggle with substance use involving alcohol or drugs. Our treatment programs provide tools and strategies to support recovery and build healthier coping mechanisms.
How long do people typically stay in residential treatment?
A typical stay in a residential treatment program is about two weeks, but some people stay shorter or longer depending on their medical needs and progress.
It’s also possible that a person may have more than one stay in residential care as they recover from an eating disorder. Eating disorders often require long-term management, and it’s common for people to return to residential care later in their recovery journey, especially if they experience a relapse or find that outpatient care for eating disorders isn’t providing enough support.
What a typical day in eating disorder residential treatment is like at Melrose Center
A typical day in residential eating disorder treatment follows a structured, supportive routine. The day starts with checking vitals and a supervised breakfast, then moves into therapy groups and individual sessions.
Meals and snacks are scheduled throughout the day, each supported by members of the care team to help reduce anxiety and interrupt disordered patterns.
Afternoons include skill-building groups or experience-based therapies supported by occupational therapists and physical therapists. Evenings usually offer calm free time to visit with family and friends, a final snack and a wind-down routine.
This consistent structure helps create safety, build coping skills and support sustained recovery.
Types of treatments and therapies used as part of residential treatment for eating disorders
Residential care for eating disorders uses a variety of treatments and therapies. Each treatment plan is personalized for the type of eating disorder and a person’s needs. Most people will receive one or more of the following:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy enhanced (CBT-E) – In CBT-E, patients meet with an eating disorder therapist to explore the thoughts and behaviors that influence their eating patterns, and work together to develop strategies for meaningful change.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy for avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (CBT-AR) – This is a specialized form of CBT used with people who struggle with ARFID. It focuses on helping people expand the variety and amount of food they eat, reduce fear around eating, and support growth and nutrition.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) – DBT combines cognitive behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices. It helps individuals manage emotions more effectively, improve communication and build healthy coping skills.
- Family-based treatment (FBT) – This treatment is used for children and adolescents living at home with their families. FBT involves parents or caregivers taking an active role in supporting their child’s recovery, including helping them re-establish regular eating habits.
- Family therapy – Family therapy is used to uncover factors that may contribute to eating disorder behaviors, giving parents and caregivers the knowledge and tools to support their child as they recover from an eating disorder.
- Medical support – Medical care is used to manage medical conditions caused by the eating disorder and treat co-occurring mental health diagnoses like depression or anxiety.
- Nutrition support – A registered dietitian will help you or your loved one understand nutritional needs and build confidence in planning balanced meals and snacks.
Who will be part of my residential treatment team?
As part of residential treatment, you or your loved one will be surrounded by a caring team of eating disorder specialists who will help address the emotional, behavioral and physical impacts of the eating disorder. They will also have 24/7 access to support from nurses, doctors and other staff. The care team may include the following:
- Mental health therapists (licensed psychologists)– Help people understand their thoughts and behaviors, build effective coping skills and work through the emotions that come with eating disorder recovery.
- Registered dietitians– Deliver personalized nutritional guidance to promote balanced eating and overall wellness.
- Clinician– Regularly checks a person’s physical health and treats medical issues related to eating disorders.
- Psychiatrists – Manage and prescribe medications for co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
- Occupational therapists– Help people develop or regain life skills for everyday life.
- Physical therapists– Support safe movement and activity by gradually building strength and stamina for everyday life.
How often will I have individual therapy vs. group therapy?
You or your loved one will have a mix of group therapy and individual sessions while in residential care. Both types of therapy are important, and we’ll make sure you get the right balance based on your needs.
- Group therapy – Group therapy happens daily and includes different types of sessions that focus on goals, skills and processing. These group sessions are an invaluable way to connect with others, share experiences and practice skills together.
- Individual therapy – You or your loved one will have one-on-one sessions with a therapist twice a week. This is dedicated time to explore personal challenges and build coping strategies.
- Family therapy – Is part of an adolescent’s treatment plan, but also an option for adults to increase their support system
What happens if I experience a medical complication during treatment?
The residential care team at Melrose Center is prepared to quickly respond to medical concerns – no matter when they happen. Our program includes 24/7 nursing care and access to medical experts and therapists.
In many cases, we’re able to provide all the necessary medical care on-site. As mentioned above, you or your loved one will have regular checkups with a clinician while in residential care at Melrose Center, so we can catch issues early. But if a situation calls for additional support, we’re ready for that too. As part of the HealthPartners care system, we have strong partnerships with doctors and hospitals who can provide additional care.
How food and meals are approached in a residential eating disorder program
Meals are an important part of the recovery process since they give people a chance to practice new coping skills and expand food choices. In the Melrose Center residential eating disorder program, meals and snacks are approached with structure, support and compassion.
The care team provides coaching before, during and after meals, helping residents build coping skills and reduce distress. The goal isn’t just to complete meals, it’s to rebuild a healthier relationship with food.
How is meal planning handled?
Menus are designed by dietitians to support nutritional rehabilitation while gradually introducing variety and flexibility. Our registered dietitians work closely with each resident (and their family, if they’re an adolescent) to develop personalized eating guidance based on their medical and nutritional needs. These meal plans are adjusted during treatment, based on a person’s progress, challenges and feedback.
What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?
Melrose Center can accommodate allergies and dietary preferences (such as vegetarian, gluten-free and nut-free options). We’ll also do our best to honor your cultural and religious values.
We always consider food preferences, dislikes and any nutritional concerns mentioned by you or your loved one. However, eating disorders can sometimes lead patients to restrict their food choices. If it’s possible that food restrictions are a symptom of the eating disorder, the dietitian will help you nourish your body in a balanced way.
How are meals and snacks structured in residential care?
Every resident eats three meals and three snacks, unless a different recommendation is made by the dietitians. People are typically allowed 30 minutes to complete a meal and 15 minutes to complete a snack.
Each meal and snack is supervised by members of the care team who will offer gentle guidance to help manage anxiety, challenge habits and practice balanced eating.
What type of support is provided after meals?
After meals, we’re here to help you or your loved one process any emotions that pop up, whether it’s anxiety, guilt or just the need to talk. We’re always happy to offer grounding techniques, lead post-meal groups or talk about anything and everything. This time is meant to help build emotional tolerance and learn to sit with uncomfortable feelings instead of acting on them.
What it’s like to stay at Melrose Center
Melrose Center offers a calm, comfortable and supportive setting where patients can focus on recovery. The location features inviting spaces both inside and outside.
Our outdoor spaces are designed to help you unwind and connect with nature. Our healing garden features gentle walking paths, a calming fountain and plenty of seating, including areas where therapy sessions can take place in the fresh air. Just steps away, our deck overlooks the serene Bass Lake Preserve, providing a beautiful spot to relax and take in the natural surroundings.
What are the living arrangements like?
In most cases, you’ll have your own room for sleeping and resting. While your room offers a quiet space to rest, most of your day will be spent in structured programming and engaging in activities in common areas throughout the center.
What do I need to bring?
To make it easier for you to focus on recovery, we provide many essentials, such as towels, bedding (including pillows) and laundry detergent. We also have a selection of games and movies.
You only need to bring clothes, personal care items and any prescription medications you take, including birth control, inhalers or insulin. This packing list for residential treatment (PDF) provides more details about what to bring.
Are personal belongings or comfort items allowed?
Absolutely! We want everyone to feel as comfortable as possible during their stay. We encourage people to find ways to make their room feel more like home and bring items to use during their downtime. So, feel free to bring:
- A freshly washed blanket
- Photos or artwork to decorate your space
- Books, journals or sketchbooks for downtime
- Other small items that bring comfort or help you relax
Are phones, laptops or other devices allowed?
It depends. To help create a calm, focused space where healing can truly take place, we’ve set some boundaries around personal device use.
Adults are welcome to bring cellphones and laptops, but we ask that they be turned off during programming hours so everyone can stay present and engaged. If a device starts to interfere with treatment, we may temporarily store it or help arrange for it to be sent home with a family member, always with the goal of supporting your recovery.
For children and teens in intensive residential care, we’ve found that stepping away from cellphones helps them connect more deeply with their treatment and each other. Laptops are available during school hours (1 to 4 p.m. during the school year) to support learning, but we pause laptop use during the summer months to keep the focus on therapeutic growth. These guidelines are all about creating the best possible environment for healing, learning and personal progress.
Can children attend school when in residential treatment?
While our primary focus is on helping people heal from eating disorders, we understand that staying on track with school is important to many. That’s why we offer access to an on-site schoolroom and have a teacher available for 90 minutes a day to assist with assignments and provide academic support.
Our schoolroom is affiliated with the St. Louis Park school district. Once your child enrolls in this school system they can earn academic credit during their stay. We can provide letters to help transition your child’s school enrollment before and after residential care. These communications can be kept confidential.
If you prefer your child to stay enrolled in their current district, please note they will not have access to the on-site teacher or devices for completing schoolwork.
Are residents allowed to leave the facility?
Once a person starts residential care, they’re expected to stay at the Melrose Center facility. Residential care provides the structure and support that’s proven to help people recover from an eating disorder. Leaving this environment before they’re ready can slow the recovery progress.
As people progress through treatment, there may be supervised activities to leave the facility to practice new skills and behaviors in real-world settings (for example, going out to eat at a restaurant or shopping for groceries). When recommended, you or your loved one will receive a pass to leave the campus and practice new skills and behaviors.
Can people in residential treatment have visitors?
Yes! Friends and family can provide invaluable support to people recovering from an eating disorder. While we love visitors, there may be some visitor restrictions based on the residents’ diagnosis or age.
We welcome visitors from 6 to 8 p.m. on weekdays, and 4 to 8 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Parents and caregivers who have a child in residential care are welcome at any time.
What happens after residential treatment at Melrose Center has ended
For most people, residential care is only one step in their recovery journey. After completing residential treatment, patients typically transition to another level of care for continued support.
How is discharge planning handled?
Discharge planning starts early, often on the day treatment starts. The goal is to make sure that you or your loved one has a strong support system in place when it’s time to leave.
The eating disorder care team works closely with residents, their families and any outside providers to create a personalized plan that includes follow-up appointments, referrals to outpatient or step-down programs, and strategies to prevent relapse.
We’ll also help connect you or your loved one with community resources and support groups, and make sure your family knows how to support the recovery process at home. The goal is to help you or your loved one continue healing safely and confidently outside of residential care.
What are my step-down care options?
A typical transition plan for a residential patient may include partial hospitalization or intensive outpatient, and then outpatient care.
- Partial hospitalization (day treatment) – People in this program spend five full days every week at Melrose Center working with our eating disorder care team, but return home in the evenings.
- Intensive outpatient program – This program includes group programming twice a week for three hours a day. Plus, people have regular individual appointments with members of their care team.
- Outpatient care – Outpatient treatment includes regular appointments with therapists, dietitians and medical experts.
Support for families during residential treatment
People struggling with eating disorders need the support of the entire family as they heal, gain confidence and learn new skills around food and exercise. Melrose Center is committed to providing support for the entire family as your child recovers from an eating disorder.
Do you have support groups for families?
Yes. The Parent and Supportive Others Group is a weekly support group for adults who care about people with eating disorders. While it’s incredibly rewarding to care for someone in recovery, it can also be overwhelming at times. This group is a great way to give and receive support as you care for your loved one in recovery.
Insurance coverage for residential eating disorder care
Most insurance companies have plans that cover some or all of the costs of residential eating disorder care. However, insurance plans differ on the types and amount of residential care they cover. These differences may relate to the specific diagnosis and whether a provider is in-network.
We accept most health insurance plans, including Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, CIGNA, HealthPartners, Medica, Medicare, PreferredOne, United Healthcare and many others.
The best way to find out what your insurance covers is to call the number on the back of your insurance card. To make it easier to get the information you need, we have insurance benefit verification forms that include questions you can ask.
How to start residential treatment for an eating disorder at Melrose Center
Everyone’s journey toward eating disorder recovery is different. For some, the path includes a stop in residential care. At Melrose Center we always carefully consider a person’s diagnosis, symptoms, age and preferences before recommending a treatment approach.
If you or a loved one needs help with an eating disorder, call 952-993-4100 and we’ll walk you through the next steps. If you’re new to Melrose Center, we always start with an eating disorder assessment. This is true whether you’re looking into treatment programs for the first time or wondering if you or your loved one could benefit from a higher level of care.
This assessment helps makes sure that you or your loved one receives a personalized treatment plan and can start treatment as soon as possible.
What happens at the initial assessment?
During the eating disorder assessment, we’ll talk with you (or your loved one) about symptoms and medical history, listen closely to your concerns and answer any questions you may have. As part of this visit, we’ll identify the best treatment approach.
What’s the admission process like?
If residential care is recommended, either during the initial assessment or as a step-up in care, you’ll work with a care manager to coordinate admission into residential care for you or your loved one. The care manager will answer questions about how to prepare for residential treatment, what it’s like and review insurance coverage.
When you arrive at Melrose Center, you’ll meet with the members of the eating disorder care team. We’ll help you or your loved one get comfortable with new routines that will support the recovery journey.
Do I need a referral to Melrose Center?
No. You can contact us directly if you or a loved one have symptoms of an eating disorder.
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