Disordered Eating/Eating Disorder Services at Duke
Nutrition services are available to all Duke students who are enrolled in classes. The health fee, which is required when enrolled, covers the cost of nutrition consultations. At this time there is no limit to the number of visits, however most students require no more than two to three visits to address their nutritional concerns. A student can see a dietitian for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to: following a vegan or vegetarian meal plan and concerns about nutritional adequacy, elevated triglycerides or cholesterol, sports nutrition and performance, food obsessions or unhealthy eating practices.The first visit is one hour and the following visits can range from 15 to 30 minutes. Students may see a dietitian at Student Health, the East Campus Wellness Clinic or in The Wilson Recreation Center. Appointments may be made by calling 681-WELL. Please expect to wait anywhere from one to no more than two weeks for an appointment.
If a student is assessed as having a more complex nutrition problem, such as an eating disorder, other/additional treatment options will be recommended including, but not limited to; an assessment with a medical provider and/or therapist and group engagements. Students presenting with more complex issues cannot receive adequate care by electing to only see a dietitian.
Eating Disorder Treatment
Students who are returning from day treatment or residential treatment for an eating disorder should be aware that the demands of college will increase the likelihood of relapse. It is essential that students consider their health and recovery as priority over their academic demands.
After an initial visit, with either a Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provider, a medical provider at Student Health, or a Student Health dietitian, where disordered eating is assessed, the student will be encouraged to meet with the other two providers that they have not seen. After all three providers have assessed the student, one of three recommendations may be made: Service 1 is covered by the Student Health Fee.
- When severity level and eating disorder history indicates that outpatient care through a multi-disciplinary team approach is required, the student is referred to short-term comprehensive treatment on campus that will include nutrition, medical, and psychotherapy services through the Eating and Body Image Concerns Team (EBIC). The student will meet weekly or bi-weekly with team members and may also be encouraged to participate in various group therapy services through Student Health and CAPS. Services are provided in a short-term model which is typically one to two semesters.
- When severity level and eating disorder history indicates that intensive services or long-term care is required, the student is referred to the Duke and Durham community for the appropriate level of comprehensive care. Duke Hospital, Intensive Outpatient Program offers individual, group, and family treatment for all types of disordered eating. Services are not covered through Student Health fees. Students and families are encouraged to visit the website or call for additional information and payment options. See their website for information: http://eatingdisorders.mc.duke.edu/.
CAPS and/or Student Health will provide information on health care providers in the Durham community who specialize in eating disorder treatment.
- When severity level and eating disorder history indicates that residential services are required, the student is referred to various programs that offer in-patient care for severe eating disorders. The following is a list of commonly referred programs:
Carolina House: http://www.carolinaeatingdisorders.com/
Renfrew: http://www.renfrewcenter.com/ for information on Renfrew, including their two new sites in Charlotte, N.C. and Tennessee.
Remuda: http://www.remudaranch.com/
Monte Nido: www.montenido.com
Or visit: www.edreferral.com for information on providers and programs in the student’s city of residence.