Defining an Eating Disorder Treatment Team at Thrive Wellness: Comprehensive, Collaborative Care
Thrive • July 27, 2022
By Thrive Wellness Reno’s Lead Case Manager Amanda Dudley
Based on the principle that mental, physical, and behavioral health are interconnected. Thrive Wellness takes an integrated approach to treating eating disorders as with all of our health care services . By appointing a unified eating disorder treatment team for every client, individuals struggling with eating disorders receive multi-faceted, personalized care that treats the root cause(s) of their conditions and all aspects of their well-being. Learn more about what an eating disorder treatment team is and how it works in the below Q&A with Thrive Wellness Reno’s lead case manager, Amanda Dudley.
*While all Thrive Wellness locations offer interdisciplinary eating disorder treatment and coordination of care, the following describes a treatment team at Thrive Wellness Reno specifically.
What is an eating disorder treatment team at Thrive Wellness?
At Thrive Wellness, each client has their own treatment team which involves clinical, medical, nutritional, therapeutic, and administrative specialists who work together to provide targeted, connected care that promotes entire well-being. By involving an interdisciplinary team of specialists, we target every aspect of an eating disorder collaboratively and comprehensively.
Who makes up a treatment team and what role does each specialist play?
At Thrive, a client’s clinical treatment team typically includes:
- Clinical lead: A licensed provider who interacts with clients daily, the clinical lead facilitates therapeutic groups throughout the week, hosts individual therapy sessions, provides psychoeducation sessions to families, and supports recovery coaches.
- Psychiatrist: Collaborating with the client’s therapist, the psychiatrist helps treat any mental health concerns possibly through medication and additional therapy.
- Individual therapist: During weekly sessions, the therapist guides the client in meeting their recovery goals. The therapist may also offer family-based sessions that involve the client’s support system.
- Internal medicine provider: By reviewing weekly nursing assessments and lab work, the internal medicine provider gains insight into potential malnutrition and monitors the client’s medical needs. Ultimately the internal medicine provider keeps the client medically safe as they recover from the physical harms brought on by the eating disorder.
- Nurses and medical assistants: Providing ongoing medical monitoring, nurses and medical assistants check the client’s weight, assess their vital signs, and observe the client during physical activity. Nurses and medical assistants also offer real-time information to the internal medical provider regarding the client’s medical status.
- Registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN): As they work with the client to understand their energy and nutrient needs, the dietitian guides them in re-nourishing their body and mind. The dietitian helps ensure that the client integrates a variety of foods from multiple food groups into their diet, while carefully offering physical activity recommendations to encourage a peaceful relationship with movement .
- Occupational therapist : The occupational therapist begins with an assessment of any physical, environmental, mental, and cognitive factors that may be limiting the client. Supporting the client in overcoming obstacles to daily living, the occupational therapist promotes recovery through engagement in activities such as self-care, grocery shopping, meal preparation, recreation, and participation in school or work.
- Case manager or behavioral healthcare manager (BHM): The client’s main point of contact, the case manager or BHM manages the flow of information between clients, families, and providers. The BHM relays any concerns the client or their family may have to their treatment team and vice versa. After the weekly treatment team meeting, the BHM updates the client on each facet of their treatment.
- Group leaders: These individuals host therapeutic groups that incorporate treatment modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) , as well as cover topics such as mindful movement , intuitive eating , recovery maintenance, family dynamics, and practical life skills.
- Recovery coaches : Recovery coaches help clients challenge eating disorder thoughts and behaviors in real-time. If they notice a client struggling during a meal, recovery coaches offer feedback, advice, and encouragement. The recovery coaches also aid in implementing the treatment plan the client develops with their therapist, dietitian, and psychiatrist.
- Business office director : The business office director ensures that the client understands the cost of treatment and how their insurance plan allocates funds for treatment.
- Utilization review director: By relaying clinical and medical information to the client’s insurance company, the utilization review director works to ensure the client’s insurance financially contributes to their treatment costs.
How does an eating disorder treatment team at Thrive Wellness facilitate a client’s treatment?
Once a week the client’s treatment team meets to discuss topics such as:
- Client progress: Such as whether they’re completing their meals and snacks, engaging in eating disorder behaviors, and participating in therapy groups.
- Where more care is necessary: Areas where the client may need continuing or additional support, such as increased psychiatric care or nutritional counseling.
- Client requests: Any direct feedback the client or their family offers.
- Medical information: The client’s medical information contained in their lab tests and nursing assessment.
- Mindful movement readiness: Whether the client is medically and clinically able to participate in mindful movement . A client must be medically healthy and clinically able to stay mindful and responsible with movement rather than using it as a way to “compensate” for food intake.
From there, the team makes recommendations to share with the client. Team recommendations may include:
- Level of care change: Depending on a client’s progress, the team may suggest moving a client to a partial hospitalization program (PHP), intensive outpatient program (IOP) , or outpatient program.
- Family therapy sessions: The team may recommend therapy sessions that involve the client and their support system as needed.
- Medical testing: The team may order assessments to monitor client health such as an electrocardiogram (EKG) to check for heart conditions .
- Mindful movement therapy groups: When the client is ready, mindful movement therapy groups that offer expertly-guided gentle movement may be implemented into their treatment programming.
- Self-portioning of food: When a client begins treatment, the staff typically plates their food to help the client learn appropriate portion sizes for their energy needs. As the client progresses, they’re able and encouraged to plate their own meals.
- Parent coaching sessions: Held by the clinical lead, parent coaching sessions provide a client’s support system with psychoeducation around eating disorders and strategies they can implement to promote their loved one’s recovery. The client isn’t usually present for these sessions in order to broach sensitive topics pertinent to the client’s support system but that may be confusing, distressing, or triggering to the newly in-recovery individual.
How does integrating an interdisciplinary team into eating disorder treatment benefit clients’ recovery?
Eating disorders are complex. A team of specialists from different fields with an array of skill sets allows for a synergistic approach to treating eating disorders. Together, team members can apply the latest evidence-based treatment strategies while conceptualizing efficient and effective paths to the client’s recovery.
INTEGRATED EATING DISORDER TREATMENT AT THRIVE WELLNESS
Thrive Wellness offers part-time and full-time treatment options to individuals struggling with eating disorders including anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder . Emphasizing clinically proven treatment modalities, gentle nutrition , intuitive eating , mindful movement , and comprehensive wellness, our treatment programs guide clients to deeply rooted healing that empowers them to flourish. To learn more about eating disorder treatment at Thrive Wellness, reach out .
About the Author
Thrive Wellness Reno’s Lead Case Manager Amanda Dudley
Amanda Dudley received her undergraduate degree in human development and family studies and her master’s level early childhood special education endorsement from the University of Nevada, Reno. For over ten years, Amanda worked with children and their families, providing educational and advocacy services both within family homes and in the classroom.
Upon joining Thrive Wellness Reno amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Amanda developed and managed an educational wellness program that provided educational and emotional support to children and their families while navigating the nuances of virtual schooling during the 2020/2021 school year. Next, she built and led the case management program and provided case management services for clients in Thrive’s eating disorder and perinatal mental health day treatment programs for over two years before becoming the chief of staff.
When she isn’t working hard to support Thrive Reno’s clients and staff, Amanda enjoys reading, watching reruns of “Friends” and “New Girl,” sipping iced lattes in local coffee shops, and exploring the outdoors with her husband, son, and their two sweet golden retrievers.
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Coming out is a deeply personal, courageous, and in many cases, life-changing act. Whether you're sharing your sexual orientation or gender identity, coming out is about embracing authenticity and sharing an essential part of who you are. During the process of coming out, prioritizing your mental health at every stage is crucial. In this blog, we'll discuss insights and strategies to support your mental health before, during, and after coming out. Wherever you are in your journey, know that your experience is valid and you are not alone. Understanding the Mental Impact of Coming Out Coming out can bring about a lot of big feelings, including fear, relief, joy, anxiety, grief, and hope, sometimes all at once. Know that heightened emotions during this time are completely normal. Sharing such an integral part of yourself with the world can feel intense, but even with the ups and downs, being authentically you is worth it. Because LGBTQIA+ individuals face added mental health burdens due to stigma and discrimination, taking care of yourself during this time is more important than ever. You might experience increased anxiety, mental exhaustion, or avoidance ahead of coming out, so don’t be afraid to reach out for support. At its core, coming out is about authentic self-expression and showing your truest self, which can feel both exciting and scary at the same time . The self-acceptance and community gained from coming out is a vital part of finding long-term strength and joy. Still, it’s okay if you feel uncertain or conflicted, and these feelings are just part of the process. Before Coming Out: Emotional Preparation Coming out starts with reflection. Remember that there’s no rush when it comes to figuring out who you are. It’s okay to take time to understand your identity and what coming out might mean for you. Here are a few questions to consider: What do I hope to gain by coming out? Who feels emotionally safe to talk to? What are my fears, and how can I manage them? Mental wellness tips before coming out: Journaling can help you better understand your feelings and fears and explore different ways to share your truth. Talking through your feelings and different scenarios with a therapist , especially one who is LGBTQIA+ affirming, can help you to feel more supported and ready to come out. Practice grounding techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or visualization to ease anxiety ahead of sharing your identity. Helpful resources for coming out include: Trevor Project Lifeline (1-866-488-7386) TrevorSpace (an online community for LGBTQIA+ youth) OurCenter (a local community center for the LGBTQIA+ community in Reno) During the Coming Out Process: Staying Grounded The act of coming out can feel intimidating, as you’re sharing such a vital part of who you are. You might experience fear, panic, or doubt. While these feelings are real, know that you don’t have to navigate them alone. Tips for emotional resilience: Practice conversations ahead of time with a therapist or supportive friend so you feel ready when the time comes to share. Choose a time and place where you feel safe and in control. Use affirming statements, like, “I deserve to be loved for who I am.” Coping with negative responses: Set emotional boundaries with people who aren’t supportive. Create an emotional safety plan: know who you can call, where you can go, and what can help soothe you in moments of distress. After Coming Out: Processing and Healing Coming out, no matter how it went, deserves to be celebrated. An act of strength and authenticity like coming out is no small feat, so be proud of yourself for sharing who you are. Even so, the emotional aftermath can be complicated. You might feel joy and empowerment or loss and grief, especially if relationships shift. Healing strategies: Acknowledge your courage . Even difficult conversations are acts of strength. Rebuild your safety if you've experienced rejection. This might mean changing your environment or seeking new support systems. Release guilt or shame. Being who you are is never something you should feel ashamed or guilty for. Support networks can make a huge difference. Seek out different forms of support like: LGBTQIA+ support groups (in-person or online) Peer mentors or community leaders Allies, friends, or family who affirm and respect your identity Therapeutic options to deal with stress, grief, or isolation associated with coming out: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can help process trauma. Narrative therapy helps you rewrite your story in your own empowering voice. Coming Out More Than Once: Navigating the Long Game Coming out isn’t just a single milestone, it’s a recurring process. You might come out again and again: to a healthcare provider, a neighbor, a partner, or a friend. It can feel exhausting or unfair to have to come out more than once, but each time, you’ll continue to find more strength, confidence, and understanding for yourself. Other tips for coming out: Focus on cultivating a strong inner identity that doesn’t rely on external validation. You know who you are, and you don’t need to prove yourself to anyone. Create a personal toolkit of coping and grounding strategies to deal with stress or burn-out associated with coming out. Thrive Wellness offers a free breathing exercise guide to help relieve anxiety and calm the nervous system. Download it here . Find affirmation and support through community. This can look like finding a chosen family, looking up to queer role models, attending events that celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and its history, and working on embracing authenticity and having pride in who you are. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to coming out, and it’s never too late to share who you are. Whether you're preparing to come out, in the midst of sharing your truth, or processing what came after, know that you are worthy of love, safety, and joy. Your truth is worth celebrating, today and everyday! For support during the coming out process and beyond, reach out to our team of affirming, inclusive, and compassionate mental and physical health care providers. We're here for you.
Taking steps to protect and maintain good mental health is key to living your best life. Whether it's managing stress, building emotional resilience, or simply finding a moment of peace during your busy day, developing a set of strategies to protect your mental health is essential. This Mental Health Awareness Month is all about turning action into awareness, so why not take action today to care for yourself and improve your mental health? This guide outlines ten impactful activities you can incorporate into your daily routine to boost your mental health starting today. By incorporating these activities into your days, you can take control of your mental health journey, grow personally, and improve your relationship with yourself and others. Why is Taking Action for Your Mental Health Important? Understanding the significance of proactive mental health care can change how we treat ourselves and move through our everyday lives. Taking action for yourself not only improves your overall well-being but also helps prevent existing or potential issues from becoming more severe. When you prioritize your mental health, you’ll feel a greater sense of happiness and productivity, paving the way for stronger relationships and a fuller, more enjoyable life. Focusing on your mental health is not just about problem-solving, but about living in a balanced and fulfilling way that supports your overall well-being and ability to thrive. 10 Effective Activities for Improving Your Mental Health It’s essential to have a repertoire of activities on hand that can boost your mental health. Simple activities like sleeping enough, meditating, spending time with a friend, or seeing a therapist can have huge impacts on your overall mental wellness. Prioritizing your mental health doesn’t have to be complicated or difficult, it’s just about doing activities that make you feel joyful, relaxed, or energized, fueling a better outlook on life overall. Here are 10 activities you can do today to help your brain and body to feel their best: 1. Mindful Practices Practicing mindfulness is a simple yet impactful step you can take in improving and protecting your mental health. Mindfulness practices include activities like meditating and mindful breathing to calm the mind and reconnect with the body. Meditation and breathing exercises are shown to reduce stress, improve focus, and grow your self-awareness. For more breathing exercises for anxiety relief, download our free guide “Breathe Easy” . 2. Eating Intuitively Eating intuitively is a powerful way to boost your energy and mood and reduce stress around food, helping to improve your overall mental health. This approach encourages a healthy relationship with food by promoting balance, variety, and pleasure without guilt. Intuitive eating helps you recognize and respond to your body's signals, leading to more mindful and satisfying eating experiences. By focusing on how foods make you feel, both physically and emotionally, you can make healthier choices that nourish your body and mind. Adequate nutrition has been shown to support brain function, improve mood, and reduce the risk of mental health conditions. 3. Sleep Hygiene Practicing good sleep hygiene is essential for maintaining overall health and wellbeing. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine helps regulate your sleep patterns, ensuring you get the deep sleep your body needs. Aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day if possible. Quality sleep is vital for cognitive function, emotional stability, and physical health, making good sleep hygiene a key component of wellness. 4. Mindful Movement Doing movement that you enjoy can have massive impacts on your mental health. Exercise reduces stress by triggering the release of endorphins, which have mood-lifting and pain-relieving effects. It also helps regulate hormones like cortisol, improving the body's ability to handle stress. By simply incorporating enjoyable movement into your routine a few times a week, you’ll see improvements in both your mental and physical health. 5. Go Outside Spending time outside can support physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It allows you to disconnect from everyday stressors, reconnect with the natural world, and experience a sense of tranquility and peace. Spending time in nature has been linked to reduced anxiety, improved mood, and increased mindfulness. Make time to explore outdoor environments such as parks, forests, beaches, or gardens. Practice mindfulness while in nature, focusing on the scenery and sounds that surround you. Incorporating nature into your daily routine can provide a refreshing break from everyday life, improving your mental health. 6. Make Time for Creative Pursuits Creative activities can be a great outlet for self-expression and reducing stress. Creativity allows you to explore new ideas, solve problems, and connect with your inner self. Even dedicating just 10 minutes a day to creative pursuits can have a positive impact on your mental health. Activities like drawing, painting, journaling, or crafting can help you unwind and stimulate your mind. Creative expression can also improve mood, enhance cognitive function, and foster a sense of accomplishment. 7. Practice Positive Self-talk Positive self-talk is a powerful habit that involves speaking to yourself in a kind, supportive, and encouraging manner. It's about cultivating a positive mindset and nurturing self-compassion. By shifting negative thoughts and beliefs to positive affirmations, you can boost your self-esteem and overall well-being. Practice acknowledging your strengths, accomplishments, and perseverance, even in challenging situations. 8. Practice Social Wellness Social wellness is about nurturing meaningful connections with others and fostering a supportive network of relationships. It involves engaging in positive interactions, building trust, and offering and receiving support. Cultivating social wellness contributes to emotional resilience, reduces feelings of isolation, and promotes overall happiness. Take time to connect with friends and family members regularly, whether through phone calls, video chats, or in-person gatherings. 9. Do Something for You Making time for yourself is crucial for maintaining life balance and preventing burnout. This involves setting boundaries, practicing self-care, and prioritizing activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Taking time for yourself allows you to recharge, reflect, and reconnect with your inner needs and desires. Self-care can take many forms, from indulging in a hobby to simply enjoying a quiet moment alone. Regularly dedicating time to yourself helps reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and enhance overall well-being. 10. Visit a Mental Health Professional Sometimes, we need professional support for our mental health, and that’s okay! Knowing when it’s time to see a therapist shows strength and self-awareness. No matter where you are in your mental health journey, getting guidance from a therapist can be a helpful tool in living your best life. Our team of mental health professionals are ready to support you now, don’t be afraid to reach out and open up. When Should I Seek Professional Help for My Mental Health? It's important to know when it's time to reach out to a mental health professional. Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or emotional distress that interfere with your daily life are clear indicators for seeking professional help. If your coping mechanisms and self-care activities fail to alleviate your mental health concerns, reaching out can offer valuable support and interventions. Nurturing Your Mental Well-being Through Action Investing time and effort in your mental health can make positive differences in your everyday life. By understanding the importance of mental health practices and incorporating proactive strategies, you lay the groundwork for feeling better and staying mentally strong over time. Whether through improved sleep hygiene, mindful practices, or seeking professional help when needed, these efforts can bring more joy, emotional stability, and peace into your life. Make these activities a regular part of your day with a focus on self-growth, and you'll be on your way to a healthier mind and a fuller life.
Romantic relationships can be one of the most joyful parts of life, but they can also stir up deep fears, especially for those living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). When OCD takes shape around your relationship, it’s known as Relationship OCD (ROCD), a lesser-known but deeply distressing form of OCD that centers on obsessive fears and doubts about your partner or the relationship itself. Have you ever found yourself spending hours analyzing how you feel, seeking reassurance that your partner is “the one,” or constantly second-guessing whether you’re truly in love? If so, you’re not alone. ROCD is real, and with the right tools and support, healing is possible. Let’s break down what Relationship OCD really looks like, how it affects interactions, and how to find more peace, connection, and presence in your relationship. What is Relationship OCD? Relationship OCD is a subset of obsessive-compulsive disorder that fixates on doubts, fears, or perceived flaws within romantic relationships. Unlike the normal ups and downs that every couple experiences, ROCD involves a preoccupation with intrusive thoughts that feel impossible to stop thinking about, like whether you’re really attracted to your partner, or if they’re “good enough” for you. These thoughts can feel distressing, uncontrollable, and all-consuming. What sets ROCD apart is the compulsive mental checking that follows. You might replay interactions, examine your partner’s every word, or repeatedly ask friends or family members, “Do you think we’re good together?” These rituals, designed to bring relief, often do the opposite. They intensify the anxiety and begin to erode the connection you’re trying to protect. Relationship OCD Examples: What It Can Look Like in Real Life ROCD doesn’t always look the same for everyone. For some, it shows up as intense anxiety about having children with their partner: “What if they’re not going to be a good parent?” For others, it might revolve around analyzing every interaction or feeling jealous of a past relationship their partner had. Here are a few common presentations of ROCD: “Do I love them enough? ” spirals, even when nothing’s wrong. Feeling distressed if your partner doesn’t respond the “right” way during a conversation. Constantly seeking reassurance from others about your relationship. Comparing your partner to idealized versions of relationships you see online. Avoiding important conversations or decisions (like parent-child planning) because of underlying doubts. The key thing to remember? These thoughts are symptoms of OCD, not reflections of reality. How OCD Affects Relationships ROCD can strain even the strongest partnerships. When someone is stuck in a cycle of obsessions and compulsions, it often leads to emotional distance, communication breakdowns, and frustration on both sides. A partner might feel like they’re walking on eggshells or like they’re being constantly evaluated. Meanwhile, the person experiencing ROCD may feel ashamed, misunderstood, or exhausted by their own mind. Many individuals report feeling like they can’t be fully present during time with their partner because their mind is so busy analyzing, comparing, or worrying. And over time, these patterns can impact the health of the relationship itself. That’s why relationship-centered, mental health-informed approaches are so vital. How to Treat Relationship OCD Thankfully, ROCD is treatable. But the most effective treatments don’t just focus on the relationship, they focus on the OCD. At Thrive, our therapists often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and a specialized approach called Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP) . These modalities help people face their fears without performing compulsions. Over time, this rewires the brain’s response to uncertainty. Therapists may also incorporate experiential techniques like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, which engage both the body and mind to help clients process intrusive thoughts and emotional pain. For some, prescription medication like SSRIs may be helpful as part of a treatment plan. For couples navigating ROCD together, couples counseling can support healthy communication and connection without reinforcing compulsions. How to Support a Partner with Relationship OCD If your partner is experiencing ROCD, your role is crucial. It's not about "fixing" them though, it’s about being a safe, steady presence. Here are a few ways to support your partner with ROCD: Educate yourself about OCD and ROCD so you can identify symptoms versus your partner’s true feelings. Avoid reassurance loops . It’s tempting to soothe their fears, but constant reassurance can reinforce the cycle. Encourage professional support with a therapist or psychologist experienced in OCD. Focus on building a relationship where uncertainty is tolerated, not feared. Practice empathy. Remember that these thoughts are distressing and involuntary. With the right tools and support, both of you can learn how to thrive even in the midst of mental health challenges. Final Thoughts: Healing Together ROCD can feel isolating and confusing, but you don’t have to face it alone. Whether you’re the one struggling or the one supporting, healing happens through community, compassion, and the right care. At Thrive Wellness, we believe in compassionate, holistic care, and we’re here to walk alongside you. Whether you need individual therapy, couples counseling, or a dedicated treatment plan, we’re here to help you find your way back to connection, peace, and presence. Need support? Reach out today and begin your journey toward healing together. For tools to help you cope with anxious thoughts, download our free breathing exercises guide "Breathe Easy" .
