Princeton Center for Eating Disorders

Princeton Center for Eating Disorders Review

Located just north of Trenton, New Jersey in the town of Plainsboro, Princeton Center for Eating Disorders is an inpatient treatment program for eating disorders including anorexia, bulimia and binge eating. Founded in 1996, it provides individualized care programs for children, adolescents and adults. Programming integrates nutrition, psycho-education, holistic practices and evidence-based therapies. Joint-Commission accredited, the facility offers comprehensive dual diagnosis support that includes medical services and medication management. The 12-step recovery model is not a component of the programming.

Accommodations and Food

The Princeton Center for Eating Disorders is in a private unit of the Princeton Medical Center hospital. Residents enjoy a serene environment ideal for recovery. The facility has upscale private and shared bedrooms that are spacious, well-lit, nicely furnished and equipped with a large closet and an ensuite bathroom. The staff encourages clients to make their room as comfortable as possible by bringing their own linens and decorations.

There is an outdoor patio and several comfortable common areas where clients can socialize and watch TV. Residents can have visitors during specified weekday and weekend hours. There is around-the-clock medical oversight by physicians and a nursing team. The facility allows adult clients to use their laptop or cell phone during designated times

Residents enjoy a nutritious and tasty menu that an on-site executive chef designs. A culinary team provides the food. It can accommodate clients with dietary needs. Residents receive hands-on support during meal and snack times, and enjoy take-out on occasion.

Treatment and Staff

Before beginning treatment, clients go through an orientation of the facility. This gives individuals the chance to talk to their new peers during mealtime and get accustomed to the accommodations. The facility seeks to heal the “whole person” rather than simply treating symptoms. As such, individuals undergo a comprehensive intake assessment. The Princeton Center team uses the results to develop a personalized treatment plan that it customizes to address the unique needs and goals of the individual client. Residents immediately set goals and develop a plan for continued support following completion of the program.

The program promotes a multifaceted care model that integrates an array of therapeutic methods including nutrition, evidence-based therapies, medical services and holistic measures. Clients see a psychiatrist daily and also participate in individual sessions with a therapist five times a week. PhD and Master’s-level therapists utilize both CBT and ACT.

Psychoeducation and wellness groups focus on a range of relevant topics including meal planning, nutrition counseling, food rituals, body image and the consequences of poor eating habits. Clients participate in menu planning and cooking skills groups.

The multidisciplinary Princeton Center team is made up of therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, dietitians, nutritionists, teachers and physicians. Residents with co-occurring disorders are offered thorough medical care that includes medication management.

Extras

Participants of the program here can also anticipate holistic practices like yoga, meditation, relaxation training, pet therapy, art therapy and expressive writing.

Princeton Center for Eating Disorders sees family involvement as a key component to the success of a sustainable, long-term recovery. Consequently, the program offers day and evening therapy for clients and their families. There are also multi-family sessions on Saturdays.

Finally, adolescents and children work with certified teachers while in treatment in order to not fall behind in their schoolwork.

In Summary

The Princeton Center for Eating Disorders provides specialized programming for adults, adolescents and children over the age of eight struggling with eating disorders as well as co-occurring mental and physical health conditions. It’s a comprehensive curriculum because it uses both a range of therapies and a comprehensive medical curriculum. For anyone seeking expert care for eating disorders, the Princeton Center for Eating Disorders is a world-class option.