Eating disorder levels of care: What specialized treatment actually looks like

Clincially reviewed and written by BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™. Published February 16, 2026.

Eating disorders affect people of all ages, genders, and stages of life. When someone is struggling, early treatment can be an important step toward recovery. Many individuals are unfamiliar with what eating disorder treatment actually looks like or how clinicians determine the appropriate eating disorder levels of care.

What are the eating disorder levels of care?

Depending on a person’s behavioral, emotional, and physical symptoms, support may begin with an outpatient therapist, dietitian, physician, psychiatrist, or another medical provider. Others may benefit from more structured care, such as an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), residential treatment, or inpatient hospitalization. Hearing this language for the first time can feel confusing or intimidating, which may make reaching out for help feel even harder.

Explaining the eating disorder levels of care

Below, we walk through the different levels of eating disorder treatment a person may experience during recovery. Based on recommendations from trained professionals, some individuals may begin treatment at one level of care, while others may start at a different point depending on their needs at the time. While the levels of care mentioned are generalized, please note that every recommendation for someone struggling with be based on their individual needs. Every eating disorder and recovery journey looks different. No matter what level of care someone is in, or whether they step up, step down, or return to treatment, their eating disorder is real, valid, and deserving of understanding, care, and support.

Inpatient eating disorder treatment

Inpatient eating disorder treatment is the highest of the eating disorder levels of care and is typically provided in a hospital setting. This level of care focuses on medical stabilization and provides 24/7 monitoring and support for individuals experiencing acute medical complications, such as fainting, irregular heart rate, unstable blood pressure, or significant weight loss. Following inpatient treatment, individuals often continue their recovery at a lower level of care, such as residential treatment or another appropriate treatment setting, depending on clinical recommendations.

Residential eating disorder treatment

Residential eating disorder treatment is one of the eating disorder levels of care designed for individuals who need 24/7 support but do not require medical stabilization. Clients live at the treatment center and receive round-the-clock care in a setting that is typically more comfortable and home-like than a hospital environment. While in residential treatment, clients have all meals and snacks there and participate in individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy.

Residential programs often include outings, such as trips to restaurants, stores, or other activities, so clients can practice navigating real-world situations with guidance from staff before transitioning to a lower level of care. This level of care may serve as a starting point for treatment, a step up from outpatient therapy, or a step down following inpatient hospitalization, depending on clinical needs.

Partial hospitalization program (PHP)

The partial hospitalization level of eating disorder care is still highly structured, but clients spend the day (typically 5-8 hours a day for 5-7 days a week) at treatment, but return home afterwards. Similar to residential treatment, clients engage in different therapies, meet with their treatment team, and have meals and snacks at the treatment treatment, but also have meals and practice skills at home.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) treatment is one of the eating disorder levels of care that provides a high level of structure and support while allowing clients to return home each day. Clients typically spend 5–8 hours per day in treatment, five to seven days per week. Similar to residential treatment, individuals participate in individual and group therapy, meet regularly with their multidisciplinary treatment team, and receive meals and snacks during programming. Clients also practice eating and applying recovery skills at home, helping bridge treatment with everyday life. Many PHPs are in-person but are also offered via tele-health.

Intensive outpatient program (IOP)

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is one of the eating disorder levels of care that often serves as a step down from a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) or as additional support for individuals who need more structure than weekly outpatient sessions provide. Similar to PHP, clients in IOP participate in individual and group therapy and receive meals and snacks during treatment. However, IOP typically involves fewer days per week and fewer hours per day than PHP.

IOP continues to offer structure and support while allowing for greater flexibility. This level of care can help individuals continue their recovery while returning to school, work, or other daily responsibilities, all while still focusing on their recovery. Like PHP, many IOPs are in-person but are also offered via tele-health.

Outpatient therapy

Outpatient therapy is the least intensive of the eating disorder levels of care and is often appropriate for individuals who are medically stable and able to maintain recovery with lower levels of structure. Outpatient treatment typically involves meeting weekly or biweekly with a therapist, depending on what feels most supportive for the individual, while also staying connected with other providers such as a dietitian or psychiatrist. Many people find that participating in group therapy alongside individual therapy can be helpful for building community and support.Like IOP and PHP, outpatient therapy may be offered in person or virtually, depending on the provider’s availability.

What eating disorder levels of care are offered at BALANCE?

BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™ provides in-person outpatient eating disorder treatment in New York City, offering Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) levels of care, as well as 2-week seasonal intensive programs that follow our PHP schedule, seven days a week. Our PHP program runs from 8:00 AM–2:15 PM, and our IOP programs are available in the morning, afternoon, and evening to accommodate school, work, and other responsibilities. All BALANCE programs are outpatient, allowing clients to return home at the end of each day and apply the skills they’re building in treatment.

BALANCE can serve as both a step-up from outpatient therapy for clients who need more structured support and a step-down for those transitioning from residential treatment. Our multidisciplinary team collaborates closely with clients’ existing outpatient providers and can also assist individuals in building a comprehensive treatment team when needed. BALANCE is in-network with UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, and Oscar, with Aetna coming soon. If you or a loved one may be struggling with an eating disorder, you can schedule a complimentary consultation with our admissions team at balancedtx.com/get-started.