As a parent, it can be difficult to recognize when typical adolescent behavior crosses the line into an eating disorder. Is your teen’s picky eating actually avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)? Could your daughter be purging after meals? Why has your son suddenly lost his appetite?
While some behaviors may stem from anxiety or depression, signs like severe food restriction, compulsive exercise, purging, binge eating or obsessive thoughts about weight could indicate an eating disorder. Early intervention is key to preventing long-term health complications.
At Seeds of Hope, our adolescent partial hospitalization program (PHP) provides structured, intensive support to help teens develop healthy eating habits, build coping skills and restore emotional well-being.
Is PHP Right for Your Teen?
Our adolescent PHP is designed for teens ages 14 to 18 (with admissions for ages 12-13 on a case-by-case basis) who:
- Are medically stable
- Have appropriate support at home
- Are motivated to engage in recovery
If you are unsure whether your child needs PHP or a different level of care, our trained clinicians can conduct an eating disorder evaluation to determine the best treatment plan.
Program Overview
Our PHP for adolescents is a full-day program, running Monday through Friday for six hours each day at our Paoli, PA office. This structured schedule provides intensive support during the day, while allowing teens to return home in the evenings and maintain a connection with family.
What to Expect in Treatment
Our program includes a combination of therapeutic, nutritional and medical support tailored to meet the unique needs of teens:
- Individual & group therapy – Clinician-led sessions using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to address disordered eating patterns and develop coping strategies
- Nutrition support & meal practice – Twice-daily supervised meals with guidance from registered dietitians to help teens rebuild a healthy relationship with food
- Family involvement – Weekly family therapy sessions & support groups to educate and empower parents in the recovery process
- Psychoeducation & life skills – Helping teens understand how eating disorders affect the mind and body, and providing skills for long-term success
- Medication management – Supervised by medical professionals to ensure mental and physical stability
- Creative & expressive therapies – Art therapy, music therapy, yoga and mindfulness practices to promote emotional healing and self-expression
How to Get Started
If you suspect your teen has an eating disorder, seeking professional support as soon as possible can make a critical difference in their recovery.
Your pediatrician or family doctor can help assess your child’s medical needs, or you can contact Seeds of Hope directly for an evaluation. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
