Outpatient Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa in Tempe, Arizona
SMHWI provides evidence-based outpatient anorexia treatment at our Tempe clinic. Our IOP combines CBT-E, nutritional rehabilitation, body image therapy, and medical monitoring in a structured program that supports lasting recovery.
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No obligation. Insurance verification included.
Insurance We Work With
Coverage varies by plan. The Mental Health Parity Act requires insurers to cover anorexia treatment on equal terms with other medical conditions. We verify your benefits before treatment begins.
Outpatient Anorexia Treatment at SMHWI
Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder characterized by restrictive eating, intense fear of weight gain, and distorted body image. It carries significant medical risks and requires treatment from clinicians who specialize in eating disorder recovery.
Our outpatient treatment for anorexia nervosa provides structured, intensive care for individuals who are medically stable and ready to engage in IOP-level treatment. For patients stepping down from residential, inpatient, or partial hospitalization (PHP) programs, our Tempe IOP offers continuity of care in a supportive outpatient setting.
Treatment is delivered by a multidisciplinary team that includes licensed therapists specializing in eating disorders, registered dietitians, and psychiatric providers who collaborate on each patient's individualized recovery plan.
Our approach integrates multiple evidence-based methods within a structured IOP framework that meets three days per week. The goal is to address both the behavioral patterns of anorexia and the underlying psychological factors that maintain the disorder.
Signs Anorexia Treatment May Be Needed
Severe food restriction — significantly limiting caloric intake, avoiding entire food groups, or following rigid food rules that cannot be broken
Intense fear of weight gain — persistent, overwhelming anxiety about gaining weight even when at a low or medically concerning weight
Distorted body image — seeing the body as much larger than it is, overvaluing shape and weight in self-evaluation
Medical symptoms — fatigue, dizziness, hair loss, cold intolerance, irregular heartbeat, or loss of menstrual cycle linked to restricted eating
Withdrawal and secrecy — avoiding meals with others, lying about eating, excessive exercise, or rituals around food preparation and eating
Weekly therapy has not been enough — symptoms continue or worsen despite outpatient therapy, signaling a need for a more intensive level of care
Core Components of Our Anorexia IOP
Our Tempe anorexia outpatient program uses a multidisciplinary team approach addressing the cognitive, nutritional, physical, and emotional dimensions of anorexia nervosa recovery.
CBT-E
The leading evidence-based therapy for eating disorders. CBT-E addresses the cognitive distortions, dietary rules, and behaviors that maintain anorexia, including body checking, food avoidance, and excessive exercise.
Nutritional Rehabilitation
Registered dietitians work with each patient to restore regular eating patterns, address food fears, develop meal plans, and rebuild a healthy relationship with nutrition at a clinically appropriate pace.
Body Image Therapy
Specialized interventions targeting body image distortion, body avoidance, and the overvaluation of shape and weight that characterizes anorexia nervosa, helping patients develop a more realistic relationship with their body.
Medical Monitoring
Ongoing coordination with your medical team to monitor vital signs, lab values, and physical health markers throughout treatment, ensuring medical safety during anorexia nervosa recovery.
Group & Individual Therapy
Peer-supported group sessions and one-on-one therapy addressing personal triggers, emotional regulation, perfectionism, and the interpersonal factors that contribute to anorexia nervosa.
Family Involvement
With the patient's consent, family education and therapy sessions help loved ones understand anorexia nervosa and learn how to provide effective, recovery-supportive communication at home.
Where IOP Fits in Anorexia Treatment
Anorexia treatment occurs across a continuum of care. IOP provides a structured yet flexible option for patients who are medically stable and ready to practice recovery skills in their daily environment.
Residential / Inpatient / PHP
24-hour supervised care for inpatient and residential; structured full-day treatment for PHP. All are designed for individuals who require intensive daily support. Patients step down to IOP as they stabilize.
Intensive Outpatient (IOP)
Structured treatment three days per week for medically stable patients. Provides intensive clinical support while allowing patients to live at home and practice recovery skills in real daily life.
Standard Outpatient
Weekly therapy and nutritional counseling for patients who have progressed through IOP and need ongoing maintenance and support in their anorexia nervosa recovery.
Anorexia Outpatient Treatment Schedule — Tempe
Our anorexia nervosa IOP meets three mornings per week, allowing patients to maintain work, school, or family responsibilities while receiving structured clinical support.
Three sessions per week, 4 hours each. The extended session length allows for dedicated nutritional counseling and medical monitoring alongside group and individual therapy.
(623) 288-3656 Request a Confidential AssessmentAnorexia nervosa treatment is available exclusively at our Tempe location, 1492 S Mill Ave Suite 206 and 214. Our clinic is accessible from Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, and across the East Valley. Free parking available.
Virtual anorexia treatment is also available for medically stable patients who prefer remote access or live outside the Tempe area. Our virtual IOP uses the same clinical team and evidence-based protocols.
What Happens in Each Anorexia Treatment Session
Each session addresses three integrated dimensions of anorexia recovery: rebuilding a healthy relationship with eating, challenging the psychological drivers of restriction, and building the skills needed for lasting change.
- A structured, clinically guided path to restoring regular eating without the rigid rules, fear, or guilt that maintain restriction
- Practical nutritional knowledge from a registered dietitian, tailored to your recovery goals and clinical needs
- Growing confidence in eating a wider variety of foods as your relationship with nutrition becomes more flexible
- A deeper understanding of how distorted body image and the overvaluation of shape and weight maintain anorexia nervosa
- Tools to challenge the cognitive distortions and dietary rules that have governed your eating for so long
- A sense of identity and self-worth that exists independently of your body, weight, or eating behaviors
- Practical skills for managing the anxiety, perfectionism, and emotional distress that anorexia nervosa often serves to suppress
- An understanding of how relationships, trauma, and life stressors connect to the onset and maintenance of your eating disorder
- A personalized relapse prevention plan for sustaining recovery from anorexia nervosa after IOP ends
How to Start Anorexia Outpatient Treatment at SMHWI
Our admissions process is designed to be supportive and straightforward. From your first call to your first session, our team handles insurance verification, clinical assessment, and scheduling.
The Anorexia IOP Enrollment Process
Most patients begin treatment within days of initial contact. Here is what to expect.
Initial Contact
Same DayCall our Tempe admissions team or submit the online form. We gather basic information and answer your questions about our anorexia outpatient treatment program.
Insurance Verification
Within 24 HoursWe verify your coverage for anorexia IOP, including benefits, deductibles, and any out-of-pocket costs, before treatment begins.
Clinical & Medical Assessment
1 to 2 DaysA licensed clinician conducts a confidential evaluation to assess anorexia nervosa presentation, medical stability, and the appropriate level of care.
Begin Treatment
Within DaysStart attending anorexia IOP sessions at our Tempe location or via our virtual program. Your individualized treatment plan is ready from day one.
What to Expect in Your First Week
Connect with your eating disorder therapist, dietitian, and group members. Review your individualized treatment plan and recovery goals.
Your registered dietitian conducts a comprehensive assessment of current eating patterns, food fears, and medical nutrition needs to build your rehabilitation plan.
Begin attending anorexia-specific group therapy and individual therapy as part of your structured Monday, Wednesday, Friday schedule.
We initiate communication with your medical provider to establish baseline monitoring and ensure your physical health is supported throughout treatment.
Common Admissions Questions
How quickly can I start anorexia outpatient treatment?
Do I need a referral to start anorexia treatment?
What do I need to bring to my intake appointment?
Does insurance cover anorexia outpatient treatment?
Is virtual anorexia treatment available?
Anorexia Treatment in Tempe, AZ
Our specialized anorexia nervosa IOP is located in the heart of Tempe, accessible from Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, and the greater East Valley. Free parking available. Virtual anorexia treatment available throughout Arizona.
SMHWI Tempe
1492 S Mill Ave, Suite 206 & 214Tempe, AZ 85281
Mon / Wed / Fri • 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Free parking available (623) 288-3656
Communities We Serve
Our Tempe anorexia nervosa IOP serves adults throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area. In-person sessions are at our Tempe clinic. Virtual anorexia treatment extends access to all of Arizona.
Anorexia Treatment Questions
Do I need to be medically stable for outpatient anorexia treatment?
What if I am stepping down from residential anorexia treatment?
How is outpatient anorexia treatment different from inpatient?
Does your program address exercise compulsion?
Can family members participate in treatment?
Does insurance cover outpatient anorexia treatment?
More Ways SMHWI Can Help
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
Our specialized anorexia treatment team is here to help. Contact us for a confidential assessment and insurance verification.
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