bulimia nervosa treatment
bulimia treatment programs for adults and adolescents
At Galen Hope, we believe in healing the relationship with food and body image with thorough, compassionate care. Our experienced clinicians and registered dieticians are here to help clients struggling with bulimia nervosa in order to live a healthy, happy life.
what is bulimia nervosa?
Bulimia nervosa is a serious eating disorder marked by uncontrollable cycles of binge eating and purging behaviors. Binge episodes involve consuming large amounts of food in a short time, often accompanied by a feeling of loss of control. Purging behaviors aim to get rid of the calories consumed and might include self-induced vomiting, laxative misuse, or excessive exercise. The fear of weight gain and a distorted body image often fuel this cycle. Bulimia can have severe consequences for physical and mental health. If you suspect you or someone you know struggles with bulimia, seeking professional help is crucial for recovery.
anorexia vs bulimia nervosa
It can be challenging to understand how anorexia and bulimia nervosa are different, as both include a high drive for thinness and a fear of weight gain. Bulimia, as explained above, involves binge eating, followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging through:
- Self-induced vomiting
- Use of diuretics
- Laxatives
- Misuse of insulin
- Restriction
- Excessive exercise
Anorexia nervosa, on the other hand, encompasses extreme food restriction, a preoccupation with thinness, and a distorted body image, as well as excessive exercise.
As a result, individuals with anorexia nervosa tend to be at a lower body weight than those with bulimia nervosa. This may be more evident just by appearance and result in others stepping in or confronting the person about being at such a low weight. Additionally, others may be aware of how little the person is eating on a daily basis, which may raise alarm bells. Although there are individuals with anorexia nervosa who purge, they tend to purge relatively small amounts of food.
When someone with anorexia nervosa says that they binge, it is often a subjective sense of losing control over food and objectively not a large amount of food. For example, an individual with anorexia nervosa may feel like they binged after eating a sandwich or a large bowl of cereal. While this may have been much more than the anorexia would have wanted them to eat, it is not objectively a true binge. They may feel great distress over this experience but it is important to differentiate between subjective and objective binges as a part of the diagnostic process.
As with anorexia, bulimia nervosa is also strongly associated with other types of mental health disorders. Anxiety, depression, mood disorders, substance use disorders, and personality disorders are the most common.
understanding the binge-purge cycle
A binge is defined as when a person eats an amount of food in a discrete period of time that is judged to be more than what is considered normal. For many people who binge, they can eat thousands of calories within a relatively short period of time. Individuals who binge often report feeling “checked out” or dissociated during the binge process and will often eat to the point of being so full that they experience pain. In bulimia nervosa, the binge is followed by some kind of compensatory behavior that allows them to “get rid of” or cancel out the excessive intake of food. This is most typically purging, but can also be intensive exercise, periods of fasting, or use of laxatives.
Just as being very low weight can have serious medical consequences, so can the binge-purge cycle. In both cases, the behaviors can be hard to stop on your own and often require professional support to help individuals end this destructive cycle. At Galen Hope, we have extensive expertise in the diagnosis and management of eating disorders and help clients do the deep work that will help them achieve a lasting and meaningful recovery.
our treatment approach
Bulimia can have extremely serious health risks, including risk of death, in part due to electrolyte imbalances related to compensatory behaviors. With treatment, individuals can fully recover from bulimia.
To help our clients free themselves from the cycle of binging and purging, it’s crucial to address distorted body image, stabilize nutrition and food intake to help clients reconnect to their natural hunger and fullness cues, and address co-occurring conditions that may drive the binge-purge cycle. Contact us today for a consultation and introduction to our programs focused on comprehensive eating disorder treatment.
what cluster c personality disorders treatment might look like at galen hope
1. connect
Connect with us: A compassionate care coordinator will listen and help you take the first step towards healing and moving forward with your life.
2. Collaborate
Collaborate on your treatment plan: Our expert clinical team will design a personalized roadmap based on your goals, needs, and life circumstances.
3. Engage
Engage in our healing community: Participate in a structured, supportive treatment program alongside peers and professionals who understand trauma.
4. Healing
Begin your journey toward lasting healing: As symptoms ease, you will develop skills, insight, and a renewed sense of self to carry with you long after treatment ends.
typical bulimia clients we work with
Galen Hope serves clients from across the United States and beyond, offering compassionate, expert care to individuals from states like: Florida, New York, Texas, California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Illinois, Wisconsin, Montana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Arizona, Tennessee, Washington, Maryland, Virginia, and more. Many clients travel nationally and internationally to receive personalized treatment in our welcoming, supportive environment. Our programs are designed to meet the diverse needs of those seeking deeper healing—no matter where they’re coming from.
At Galen Hope, we provide compassionate, personalized care for individuals from a wide range of backgrounds who are struggling with bulimia. Our clients include adolescents, teens, college students, and adults—each navigating their unique challenges related to body image, emotional health, and co-occurring conditions.
We proudly serve members of the LGBTQ+ community, Jewish clients, neurodivergent individuals, and high-net-worth professionals who seek discreet, expert support. Many of the bulimia clients we work with are athletes and ballerinas, as well as survivors of trauma, grief, and loss.
We are deeply committed to serving BIPOC and Latinx communities, offering bilingual care to ensure accessibility and cultural sensitivity. Families of adolescents also find guidance and partnership with us as they support their loved ones’ journeys to recovery. Our clients find a welcoming, inclusive space at Galen Hope where your story is honored and your healing prioritized.
we invite you here to heal in your own very special way
At Galen Hope, every client is immediately acknowledged as an individual whose story may not be represented by traditional diagnostic criteria. We seek to fully understand their life experience and to provide them with an affirming environment where they feel accepted and supported.
For someone struggling with an eating disorder or mental illness, finding a place in the world, forming connections, developing meaning and purpose in life, and having day-to-day support is vital to better outcomes, long-term health, and well-being. We create a sense of community inside our doors, where we facilitate a commitment to recovery. We find tremendous meaning in bringing someone into our circle and helping them recognize the importance they play in it. It is through these relationships that healing takes place and clients begin to develop the skills to live both independently and in relation to others.
bulimia faqs
what are the signs and symptoms of bulimia?
Bulimia is characterized by a cycle of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors like:
- self-induced vomiting
- excessive exercise
- misuse of laxatives
Individuals often feel a lack of control during binges and experience intense shame, guilt, or secrecy around eating behaviors. Other signs may include frequent trips to the bathroom after meals, obsession with body image, and fluctuations in weight. Many people with bulimia maintain an average body weight, making it harder to detect without deeper awareness.
what are the physical effects of bulimia on the body?
Bulimia can take a serious toll on the body, especially with repeated purging behaviors. Common physical effects include:
- electrolyte imbalances
- dehydration
- gastrointestinal issues
- dental erosion
- damage to the esophagus
Over time, it may also affect heart rhythm, kidney function, and hormonal balance. These complications can become life-threatening if left untreated.
how is bulimia diagnosed?
Bulimia is diagnosed by a mental health or medical professional using criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Diagnosis involves assessing the frequency of binge/purge behaviors, the emotional and psychological impact, and any physical health concerns. A thorough evaluation may include medical tests, interviews, and a review of eating patterns and emotional wellbeing. Early diagnosis is key to preventing long-term complications.
what health risks are associated with bulimia?
Bulimia poses both physical and psychological risks. These may include electrolyte imbalances, cardiac issues, gastrointestinal damage, and severe dental problems. Individuals are also at higher risk for anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. With timely treatment, many of these risks can be reduced or reversed.
what treatments are effective for bulimia?
Effective treatment for bulimia typically includes a combination of evidence-based psychotherapy, medical monitoring, and nutritional support. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often the gold standard, helping individuals identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors.
Nutritional counseling and family-based interventions can also be valuable. At Galen Hope, we offer integrative, individualized care that treats the whole person—not just the symptoms.
can bulimia be cured?
Yes, many people fully recover from bulimia with the right support and treatment. Recovery involves healing both the physical symptoms and the underlying emotional, psychological, or relational factors that drive disordered eating. While the path isn’t always linear, with time and compassionate care, long-term recovery is absolutely possible. Ongoing support can help individuals maintain progress and prevent relapse.
what’s the difference between an inpatient vs outpatient treatment center?
Inpatient treatment provides 24/7 care in a highly structured environment, ideal for individuals with severe medical needs or acute symptoms. Outpatient treatment offers more flexibility, allowing individuals to live at home while attending scheduled therapy, medical, and nutritional sessions.
Galen Hope provides a comprehensive treatment model that combines clinical excellence with community-based, relationship-driven support—ideal for those needing intensive care without full hospitalization.
how can I help a loved one with bulimia?
Support starts with compassion—avoid judgment or trying to control their eating, and instead offer a listening ear and emotional encouragement. Encourage your loved one to seek professional help and remind them that recovery is possible. Be patient, educate yourself about bulimia, and create a non-pressuring environment around food and body image. Your consistent support and belief in their ability to heal can make a meaningful difference.
does galen hope take insurance?
Yes. Galen Hope accepts insurance for mental health and eating disorder treatment. We are in-network with ComPsych, Claritev (formerly called Multiplan), Aetna, and Optum/UnitedHealthcare plans. We also work with many out-of-network insurance providers and offer benefit verification to help you understand your options.
What insurance plans does Galen Hope accept for eating disorder and mental health treatment?
Galen Hope is currently in-network with ComPsych, Multiplan, Aetna, and select Optum/UnitedHealthcare plans. Through our Optum contract, we may also be able to work with commercial plans such as UnitedHealthcare, AvMed, and Oscar. We also support many clients through out-of-network benefits with providers like Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Cigna, First Health, and others. To determine how your specific plan may apply to treatment, please contact us for a complimentary insurance verification.
Can I use out-of-network insurance to pay for treatment at Galen Hope?
In some instances, we can accept out-of-network (OON) as full payment while in others, we provide a scaled partial payment. This may also be connected with your out or pocket max, as well as co-pays and co-insurance. The degree to which out of network benefits cover the full cost of treatment varies greatly from policy to policy. In some instances it can serve as full payment, while others may cover a portion. In all cases, individuals using out of network benefits will be subject to paying their out-of-network deductible and other fees such as the out of pocket max, co-insurance or co-pays as dictated by your insurance policy.
Does Galen Hope help verify insurance benefits for treatment?
Absolutely. We offer free insurance benefit verification to help you understand what your policy may cover before you begin treatment. We aim to provide full transparency around coverage and any potential out-of-pocket costs.
Can I get a Single Case Agreement (SCA) for treatment at Galen Hope?
When clinically indicated and appropriate, we pursue Single Case Agreements (SCAs) to help families access in-network-level coverage with an out-of-network provider. Our team advocates on your behalf and provides clinical documentation to support the request. We encourage you to call us so that we can determine if a SCA is warranted.
What happens if my insurance stops covering treatment early?
If your insurance coverage ends unexpectedly and we believe the denial of care is not in your best clinical interest, our team will work directly with your insurance carrier to appeal the decision. You will receive timely notification of any changes in authorizations for care in order to explore financial options and clinical recommendations to help minimize any disruption in care.
How can I find out what my insurance covers for eating disorder or mental health treatment?
Our admissions team will assess your insurance policy, the recommended level of care, and your treatment location to give you a clear understanding of what your plan is likely to cover. We’ll guide you every step of the way.
Are insurance benefits different depending on where I live?
Yes. Insurance coverage may vary by state and plan type. We consider your plan’s regional requirements when evaluating your benefits.
Will I know my treatment costs before starting at Galen Hope?
Yes. Before admission, we’ll walk you through all anticipated costs, including what insurance is likely to cover and any out-of-pocket expenses, so there are no surprises.
Can Galen Hope help me understand my insurance coverage?
Yes. Our experienced admissions team will break down your policy, explain your mental health or eating disorder benefits, and help you make the most informed decision possible.
our bulimia treatment centers in florida
With two state-of-the-art bulimia treatment centers in Florida, Galen Hope is committed to transforming the lives of individuals living with bulimia and co-occurring mental health challenges. Our integrative, personalized approach goes far beyond symptom management, addressing the emotional, physical, and psychological roots of disordered eating.
Our expert team provides compassionate care tailored to each individual’s unique needs, supporting lasting recovery and resilience. Whether you are local to Florida or traveling from out of state, our welcoming programs offer a safe and empowering environment where healing, hope, and sustained progress are possible.
coral gables
Address: 806 Douglas Road, Suite 625
Coral Gables, FL 33445
delray beach
Address: 4600 Linton Blvd.
Delray Beach, FL 33445