BALANCE Eating Disorder Treatment Center is located in New York City. BALANCE is an independently owned program that offers in-person and virtual PHP, IOP, and evening/weekend groups for individuals 16 years of age and older. It was previously called the Melanie Rogers Center for Balance, and was founded by someone who is in recovery from an eating disorder.
Any updates or current reviews? Please post in comments below. You can check out the FAQ and Guidelines for suggested questions. Thank you!
—
Anyone have experience with the program using in-network benefits? What is it like at Balance? Particularly IOP? Pros, Cons? Recent reviews of those who have attended would be great!!
Can someone provide overview of Php and iop esp how meals work
Can someone please do a review of Balance iop specifically night and the food situation. Aka what is served and how they portion etc
Any recent reviews from someone who attended PHP? Ty
2 massive red flags here:
-Vast majority of 5 star/positive reviews are by clinicians, not clients/patients. Not valid or appropriate in this context.
-You wouldn’t know this unless you asked or dug through pages of disclosures; you won’t be told this in your ($450 out of pocket) assessment, but if you’re using insurance here, **you must complete the entirety of the program or you may be financially responsible for ALL money owed** ($XX,XXX)
Other centers do not operate this way, and attempting to hide this info until I was to show up on day 1? Unacceptable, disturbing, and shocking to say the very least.
This is 10000% accurate
Omg. I’m supposed to admit soon. How is the program these days? Clientele? RDs? MPs? Emphasis on wt restoration?
I’ve done BALANCE 3 other times from 2017-2019, wondering how it has changed (other than from DTP to PHP)
Can you pls post a more extensive review?! Tyvm!
I did not admit due to these factors I wrote about
Wishing you love and wellness
DO NOT GO TO BALANCE under any circumstance. Profit driven with zero regard to ethics. -Signed, a former employee
i agree with this statement 100 percent. My daughter was in the program, and we had an awful experience. Good luck when you try and take your child out of the program.
Hi jackie, could you pls write a review about your experiences? I should be admitting there and I want to know if I’m making a big mistake. I can still opt out. Ty!
I’m looking into IOP programmes, and thought I’d share the information I found out about Balance. I was actually pleasantly surprised, although I’ve not attended this programme or had so much as an assessment, but so far it sounds like one of the better options in NYC.
They don’t accept medicaid outright, but do SCA’s and are willing to work with insurance. The representative I spoke to couldn’t give me any definitive answer on this, but said that medicaid coverage was possible.
They accommodate vegans, as well as any other dietary requirements or restrictions (e.g. kosher, vegetarian, etc.)
Programme hours are either 11-14 or 18-21, 3-6 days per week. The woman I spoke to said that they offer a lot of flexibility in terms of days and hours, so you can choose which days you attend based on your needs and other responsibilities.
They do not offer housing, but can make recommendations to patients who need it.
Meals are provided during programme hours, and are prepared by the dietician.
Providers on staff include a therapist, dietician, psychiatrist, and recovery coach. They don’t have any GP’s or dentists on staff, but can make referrals if need be. Patients meet individually with each provider on a weekly basis, but may meet twice weekly if needed/recommended by the team.
Support outside of programme includes a group over zoom and additional nutrition support. They also offer a weekly body image group which meets in person and over zoom, but this is an additional fee.
Stay is a 6 week minimum, and then patients are assessed from there as to whether they require additional time or are ready to step down to OP treatment.
They keep the programme small, with only 5-8 patients at a time.
Staff to patient ratio is currently 1:1
Typical length of the admissions process is 2 weeks. They require multiple assessment interviews (the first one is short, just to verify insurance, the second one is longer – more like a typical assessment), which can be scheduled back to back, or a week apart; this affects the timeline. I was also told that if working on a SCA, that can add a week to the process, but if paying out of pocket the process would be faster.
Thank you so much for sharing the information you’ve been finding! Please keep doing so, such an asset! One of my goals is to increase info and discussion about IOP and PHP programs, especially because in my personal experience IOP was ultimately where/how I found recovery.
It’s my pleasure. I always find so much value in any information others leave about programmes, and hope I can offer the same as I research for myself. I also think these mid-tier levels of care are beyond helpful, as they allow us to bridge the gap between “treatment world” and normal life. I think for most of us, jumping from a HLOC straight to OP can undo much of the progress we made, so I think a gradual progression is most effective.
Balance dose not offer kosher food, they have no know about religious, if they have told you that they have kosher meals, it’s a lie… and people let me know
Yes, I was told that they offer kosher food by the representative I spoke to. I’m not kosher and was instead asking about vegan accommodations, but kosher ones were mentioned. I can’t speak from any sort of personal experience with this programme; just sharing what was relayed to me by someone who works there when I called to inquire.
I was at balance many times (Orthodox Jew) and they ordered everything for me from kosher restaurants/stores. That was at a time when they were ordering all the food.. not sure if they have a chef now which would be a different story. They were very familiar with Torah observance, it never was a problem for me. That being said, last I was in DTP/PhP was in 2020. Perhaps things have changed.
They ordered in kosher food for me all 4 times I attended from 2018-2019
I just got off the phone with Balance, hoping to admit to their programme, and was told that just the admissions process would be a fee of $410!! This is all before I’d even have any idea about whether the treatment would be covered by my insurance, as the first assessment is just to figure that out. They never mentioned this when I initially asked about the programme (I didn’t think to ask if there would be a fee because no one does this!). The explanation I was given was that the fee was due to the lengthy assessment process (60-90 min). I’ve done assessment interviews with other programmes, they all run about that length, and I’ve never been charged a fee. I gave the woman a piece of my mind and told her how unethical and abhorrent it was to charge for assessment. Just thought others would want to know before wasting time on this place. Clearly, their bottom line is financial gain.
Based on what other reviewers have shared, this seems consistent with their model of having clients self pay with minimal (if any) insurance reimbursement, and money always seems required up front with this place.
Anyone recently done the php? If so what was your experience?
Do you have specific concerns? My experience was harmful. I am grateful that money wasn’t a huge factor but it did feel transactional in how I was pressured to sign and stick to a contract even though my needs weren’t being met. If you have any financial constraints I don’t think Balance is a good option. When it comes to care, I was very disappointed by the groups and meal support programs.
Thanks for your response. Can you be more specific about what you found disappointing? Also how recent was your experience?
Experience was last year. I stepped down from residential. I was disappointed by the sessions (felt poorly managed and a waste of time). And with meal support the structure for pre and post meal processing felt over the top. I honestly felt like the most diligent attention I got was when it came to billing and advisement to extend my program.
I can attest to the financial greed. I never attended their programme, but was talking to them last year about possibly admitting. For various reasons, it didn’t meet the criteria I needed, so I asked them for some referrals. They said they’d give them to me for the low, low fee of $300 (I think it was slightly over that, actually). I was shocked. It’s very normal to ask for referrals from treatment programmes, and not at all acceptable to charge a fee for such a thing. I declined their offer after giving the woman a piece of my mind.
If only I would’ve listened to your warnings! Without going into details, this was an awful experience. Please, please do your due research before doing this insanely expensive program.
I did PHP about a year ago, stepped down to IOP and then discharged to outpatient. Almost none of the staff that were there then are there now.
Overall I felt the program was good in giving me structure and support which is what I really needed. I liked the groups that focused on topics like body image, nutrition skills, and the art and yoga therapy. I dreaded CBT and ACT skills groups – we spent a lot of time just reading from paper or taking turns reading paragraphs.
Sometimes the groups focused on one patient in the group needing to work through a personal issue. It was a good forum for support – but it did feel like it created this hierarchy of “who needs more support today”. Some clinicians were good at including the group in the discussion and getting everyone to speak, some were not.
Meal processing was super in-depth with pre and post ratings on hunger/fullness and anxiety. Snacks oddly had no processing at all, which I always thought was strange since they could bring on a lot of anxiety too. The actual food was brought in from local restaurants and generally you didn’t know what was coming that day – but you could sort of figure it out by process of elimination since you could have some say in your preferences by meal planning the week prior. I always thought it would have been nice to go off-site together for a change of scenery and to practice the spontaneity of eating out, but we never did this. Supplements were given if you didn’t finish.
If you have more specific questions I’d be happy to help.
Hi there!
I am highly considering starting my true recovery journey at either PHP Balance or a residential in California. Would love to chat if possible!
Thanks!
Kyra,
What residential program are you looking at in California?
Hi! How often did you meet individually with your therapist and dietitian? I’m considering trying to admit for the PHP but have just been really concerned about the financial costs and things I’ve heard about them regarding insurance but they may be the best option local to me so trying to get as much info as possible. Also would you say they are trauma informed or familiar with co morbid diagnoses?
Had a terrible experience with Balance. They went back on their word about billing and I ended up with a huge bill that was not covered, even though they assured me at various points in the treatment process that they would bill a certain way so that I would be covered. Now that I have put in hundreds of dollars they say that they cannot bill that way, and there is nothing they can do. Thank goodness I did not go further with them. Be careful about your money with this group.
I would venture to say not just your money, but your care. Even when money is out of the picture I found the quality of care to be lacking and even harmful
Has anyone completed/is in treatment at Balance right now? An updated, detailed review would be appreciated (especially if you’ve done the Winter 12-day Intensive program).
For profit. Consider elsewhere
Does anyone have a recent review of Balance – either their IOP or PHP? What were meals like? Did they do a meal plan? Supplement? How strict were they? What were the staff like? Groups? Did the staff seem competent? Did the environment feel supportive? I’m considering this place and am hearing mixed reviews. The reviews on this site make it sound pretty awful, but a lot of providers I’ve seen have recommended this program. I’ve never talked to anyone who’s been a patient there, though.
Balance has been around for quite some time, so I’m not surprised to see others working in the field recommending them, as their network is undoubtedly large, and they market themselves well. However, speaking as a past patient, and speaking with other patients who were there at the time, I would recommend looking elsewhere before choosing them.
While there, I found them to be incredibly unorganized. Groups were pretty elementary feeling (i.e. clients taking turns reading from a book or listening to music and coloring). Currently, there are no program therapists working there that were there when I was a patient, it seems like turnover rate is pretty high. From their website, it looks like they currently employ only one program therapist (compared to 8 marketing employees). Dietitians were okay, but mine was pretty hands off and didn’t do much. My case manager wasn’t great, but she doesn’t work there anymore. Meals weren’t great considering cost of program. A lot of time is devoted to pre and post meal processing where each client has to talk about their meal anxiety/general anxiety before and after meals. It took up a lot of valuable time and wasn’t helpful to most. A lot of the skills groups turned into open processing groups where other clients would discuss a problem they had with their mom, etc., which is fine, but is unhelpful when the entire group is devoted to it. Therapists could have done a better job redirecting the conversation back to what the group was initially intended for.
If you don’t have to worry about finances, that’s a positive because they’re pretty hands off unless it comes to collecting a check from the patient. They’re quick to suggest extending and don’t seem to be super cognizant of the fact that their treatment is expensive ($6250/week). I wouldn’t expect to get much back from insurance despite what they tell you at the beginning. You can either submit claims yourself or have their billing company do it for you (for a cost).
Overall, I found Balance to be pretty disappointing and unprofessional, and I regret the money that I spent there. I have had better treatment elsewhere from in-network providers. I was chastised by the owner (in a call set up by her) for sharing an honest review of my experience there that has honestly left me a bit traumatized. That said, it’s always possible that they have changed and are working to improve, and it’s also possible that you will have a different experience than others.
I wish you all the best and am rooting for you and your recovery!
Thanks for this info. Have you been to any other NYC IOP programs to compare? I know there’s Monte Nido and Renfrew (went there and didn’t like it, but that was years ago). I think there also might be something through Mount Sinai. Would you recommend any of these as opposed to Balance?
I myself haven’t been to any other NYC programs to compare. I did PHP virtually at Balance in 2020 before stepping up to residential. It was a much better experience than I had in 2022, but at that time, the staff was significantly more experienced and on top of things. I did PHP at McCallum Place in St. Louis after completing residential. Right around a year ago, I was in residential at Monte Nido Western New York, which, overall, was a good experience. Because their PHP in NYC was still virtual at the time of my discharge (and because I had had a good experience in 2020), I opted for Balance’s in-person option. I felt that an in-person option would give me the best chance at recovery. Renfrew was the only other in-person available, but I hadn’t heard positive reviews.
Looking back, I definitely wish I had opted for Monte Nido’s virtual program, especially since they ended up going in-person shortly after I started Balance (Balance makes you pre-pay and generally won’t let you transfer programs, unless you are stepping up in level of care, and even then you don’t get your money back, they just “hold” it for you until the next time you start one of their programs). I knew a few people who were in PHP/IOP at Monte Nido in Manhattan, and they had wonderful experiences. They had nothing but positive things to say about the therapists and dietitians and overall level of support. To me, it seems like Balance is not really a PHP program at all, and it’s sad that they are able to advertise themselves as such. There is essentially no medical oversight; the only marker of physical health they use is twice weekly weights (which is problematic). After discharging from residential, my “team” there never asked me to get labs, despite the fact that I continued to struggle with behaviors and be open about those struggles. I saw the psychiatrist at Balance upon admission, where he diagnosed me with depression and anxiety, and then I never heard from him again. Balance makes you fill out a daily questionnaire where you can share meal plan completion, behaviors, etc. while outside of program hours. In my experience, no one ever spoke to me about anything I wrote about. I would suggest that you read Google reviews of Balance. Most current-ish client reviews are not great. After I had my phone call with the director, a bunch of reviews suddenly popped up from other ED professionals, some of whom have been employed by Balance as either current employees/interns or former. I don’t want to speculate, but it seems as though they are trying to “boost” their online rating. Replies from Balance back to clients who did not have a good experience only appeared after my phone call, as well. Again, I don’t know if it’s related, but it seems off to me. I also read reviews on Glass Door of former Balance employees, and they are not favorable, unfortunately. All in all, you’re the one that has to make the ultimate decision, and I’m proud of you for putting thought and effort into choosing the right program! Treatment experiences always differ between clients, the cohort they are with, employees at the time, etc. but overall, it seems like Balance is missing the mark for a lot of people right now. Some form of treatment is obviously better than no treatment, but personally, I really regret choosing Balance. Had I chosen a different program, especially one in-network with my insurance, I know I wouldn’t still be dealing with (or probably even thinking about) my PHP experience. Almost a year later, and I am still submitting appeals to my insurance for Balance. My insurance has requested for me to submit corrected claims, and Balance/Balance’s billing company (Aspen Ridge) refuses to give them to me. When I asked, they stated that providing corrected claims would be “giving a patient special treatment and could land Balance in hot water.” Balance told me that claims were submitted correctly and that I should take it up with the attorney general. I don’t know, but it rubs me the wrong way. Anyway!
Have you looked into CFD at all? I know there are a couple of locations in NJ. Haven’t heard much about them, but they are also another option. I have also heard really good things about Within. It’s a purely virtual program and out of network, but I’ve heard they’re pretty good about getting single case agreements with insurance companies.
Thanks for this detailed answer! When I previously looked into IOP, there weren’t any options due to a variety of factors, but I’m hoping some of that’s changed by now. I’m specifically looking for an IOP in NYC so that I can continue to live at home, work, and have my support network nearby. It’s also just nicer being at hime than in a strange new place where you don’t know anyone. If I need a HLOC than IOP I’ll consider going away from home, but I think it would be really helpful to combine treatment and real life if possible. Virtual treatment is not a good option for me, so I’m only considering in-person programs. Much of this may in the end be decided by insurance, because I have NYS medicaid. Renfrew does accept medicaid, and last I spoke to Balance admissions, I was led to believe that they can also work with medicaid. Last I talked to Monte Nido, they were not accepting my insurance, and also their IOP was still virtual only. Still looking into Mount Sinai, as I only recently heard about it from my therapist. At the end of the day, you’re right, substandard treatment is often better than nothing, but I’d like to know my options and choose the best of what’s available.
Every treatment center is flawed because everyone’s needs are so different. When it comes to choosing Balance, my strong opinion is that if you cannot pay at cost it might cause more harm than good. They are trying to go downmarket and claim they can work with insurance but from what I have heard personally and via reviews it is not playing out in the client’s favor.
The way they are using their network to boost their reviews feels criminal.
Forgot to mention…at Balance, you don’t really get any sort of therapy (aside from groups). You instead have a “case manager” who you are supposed to meet with weekly for 30 min (those sessions don’t always happen, however). They encourage you to meet with an outpatient therapist instead (which is obviously another added cost and time commitment that many cannot do).
Not OP, but I went to Renfrew a couple years ago and didn’t find it very helpful. I’ve also been to balance but that was ages ago, sad to hear what it is like now. It might be worth it to look into Within Health for IOP! They are great. I’m in NYC and was able to get a single case agreement.
I wholeheartedly agree with everything you wrote. I also did Balance PHP.
Balance’s PHP was detrimental to my recovery. As a woman in her 30s attempting to advocate for her treatment, I felt dehumanized and ultimately taken advantage of at a time when I felt most vulnerable.
The dietetics approach was more regimented than I was led to believe though I asserted that I was interested in an intuitive eating model. The emphasis on food categories for all meals and snacks was more akin to an exchange system and supplements were required if meals weren’t completed. Additionally, clients were not allowed water between meals and snacks. After successfully completing a residential program where I was given more trust and agency over my intake and behavior, the Balance PHP made me feel like I had taken several steps back (e.g., being required to count aloud while in the bathroom).
After two weeks of treatment with Balance, I determined that the program was not a fit for the above reasons and asked to be released from my contract so that I could move to another treatment program and my request was met with significant opposition. In a vulnerable attempt to advocate for my treatment, I was accused of not making a recovery-oriented decision. I felt obligated to complete the remainder of my contract so that I could be reimbursed by my insurance company. The cost of the program was $6,250 per week and unfortunately I was not in a position to pay out of pocket with no potential for reimbursement.
While I do believe the team at Balance had great intentions, my treatment felt like a profit-driven one size fits all approach and I regret signing on to their program.
It sounds like the residential you stepped down from allowed more agency than this PHP, perhaps even supporting intuitive eating.
Do you mind sharing what program you were at that felt helpful?
PS: There are some FB support groups for people in their 30’s and 40+’s!
Best of luck to you!
Yes, the res I went to was an intuitive eating model. I won’t share which one but it was a well know facility. I was assured that would be a fit with Balance. I feel like they told me whatever I needed to hear in my intake. They also said they were the only in-person PHP in the tri-state at the time but really they had some clients come to the facility and others on zoom. Some of us traveled to their facility to communicate with the rest of the cohort via zoom which really hurt the quality of treatment for me.
Completely agree w/ the profit-driven comment. When I was there, my team assumed that I would extend my treatment rather than discussing it with me. On the day before what was supposed to my discharge date, I was made to feel like I was making the worst mistake of my life and that not extending would be letting the ED win, rather taking into account the fact that they require treatment up-front and out of pocket. They do not take patient’s very real financial concerns into account and when concerns arise blame the eating disorder instead of reality. I felt that I was bullied into extending a further week to come up with a stepdown into IOP plan; my case manager used the session before my initial discharge date to message my dietitian and then proceeded to laugh when my dietitian responded and said, “Haha, yeah, she doesn’t think discharge is a good idea either.” After ultimately deciding to extend, a stepdown plan was never even created. In fact, no one from my treatment “team” met with me again until two days prior to my discharge. Balance advertises a lot more than what they actually provide. While they may look pretty on Instagram, their services are a joke. As a client who was there in 2020, I can honestly say that they have declined significantly in the quality of care provided to clients. Groups were a joke. I did not receive weekly dietitian sessions or case management sessions. The only time Balance provided me with any level of urgency and concern towards my care was when money was involved.
Stepped down to Balance after discharging from residential. If you have thousands and thousands of dollars to spend on sub-par treatment, I wholly recommend Balance. Terribly understaffed, disorganized, and underqualified staff. They advertise themselves as a premier treatment center, on both their website and their Instagram, but I would have been better off having done no treatment.
Does anyone know if the IOP in NYC is in person now? I’ve heard good things about Balance, but online treatment is a deal breaker for me (I just find it useless, a waste of money at best, and triggering at worst).
If you’ve been to the NYC IOP (in person), would you mind answering some of my questions? Specifically:
-Do they cater to vegans? (assuming that this is the patient’s lifestyle – not related to the disorder – rooted in her ethical and moral values)
-Do they take insurance – medicaid/HealthFirst?
-What kinds of treatment professionals are on the team (GP, dentist, therapist, dietician, psychiatrist, coach, etc.)?
-Do patients have individual sessions, and with whom (therapist, dietician, psychiatrist, etc.)?
-Were the therapists able to do trauma work?
-What kinds of groups are provided, and how valuable did you find them?
-Were the dieticians good at creating plant based meal plans?
-How did meals work? Did the dieticians incorporate intuitive eating, use the exchange system, or was another system used entirely?
-What’s the schedule, on a typical day, and how many days/week did you have programme?
-Do patients have to wear masks?
-Do they discriminate against unvaccinated applicants?
-What (if any) support is offered outside of programme if a patient is struggling?
Hi Anon!
– To my understanding, they currently offer both in person and virtual options for IOP.
– They also can accommodate vegans, although expect to discuss and process the veganism while being accommodated.
– I doubt you won’t have to wear a mask if you are unvaccinated, but I don’t know why people who decided not to be vaccinated wouldn’t desire to wear a mask there anyway — it is a small group program in an intimate space where you spend hours with many who are immunocompromised or who are at high risk of Long Covid due to ED complications should they catch it. Given that being unvaccinated is a choice, but having an eating disorder and ending up with health issues isn’t, it would just be putting the other people in unnecessary peril while also expecting them to talk a lot and bond with you and support your recovery. Especially since treatment is only a few weeks, while disability is often permanent, and death always is.
– They take insurance on an out-of-network basis, but have special licensing by NY that allows insurance to cover up to 80% even when it is out of network.
– As far as schedule, there are daytime options, evening options, and Saturday options.
Some people have medical and/or religious reasons for not being vaccinated. Some people also have medical and/or psychological reasons for not wearing a mask. These aren’t choices any more than having an eating disorder is a choice.
Being vaccinated is a choice, wearing a mask is a choice. I don’t think that is arguable. Someone who doesn’t want to make those choices to protect the people around them should probably choose a virtual program if the program they seek has other requirements.
The only medical reasons for not being vaccinated against coronaviruses with an mRNA vaccine are short term deferral due to having recently received monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID, contraindications with some medications, recent organ transplantation, and previous allergic reaction to either this or a similar vaccine. However it is still is a choice to not be vaccinated, even if it is not a choice to be afflicted with one of those medical reasons.
Religious reasons – for example someone whose religious text or history requires believers not to receive medicine that pierces the epidermis, or to not receive intramuscular medical treatment, or not to bodily/medically interfere (or at least to not do so via Western medicine) with when G*d or the universe might have predestined their suffering or death – those may for some not be a choice, as some people have no choice in religion and thus no choice in what their religion tells them they must do.
However, to my knowledge (and please correct me if I am wrong) there is no religion that requires people to also intentionally give an illness to non-believers, and no religion that mandates a cognitive dissonance between the first requirement of not medically intervening on oneself and the second requirement of infecting someone else. So while you could have a religious exemption to being vaccinated, when there is no religious mandate to infect non-believers who aren’t given the option to avoid you (because they do not know in advance that your religion requires you to infect them), it is a choice.
And even if there are religions that require both and also require them simultaneously, it is a false equivalency to say that one’s sincerely held beliefs due to their religion is akin to an eating disorder.
For those who have psychological or medical issues that make wearing a mask dangerous — or psychological reasons that give them no choice but to stand or sit near people who have no choice to not be near them because they don’t know you are on your way — unless they also have one of the above medical reasons for not being vaccinated, or both of the above religious reasons not to be vaccinated, while they may have no choice but to not wear a mask, it is still their choice not to be vaccinated.
For people who have both no choice but to not receive a vaccination for one of the above reasons AND no choice but to not wear a mask for one of the above reasons, them not being able to receive eating disorder treatment would be discrimination. However I still agree with the above poster that being open to virtual treatment is better than not receiving treatment at all, even if they are being discriminated against.
If you read the most recent CDC reports even they are admitting the vaccine is not very effective and can result in many types of long term damage including death. Unless you are wearing a high tech mask or an N95 the masks aren’t effective either because the virus particulate are far smaller than the holes that allow air to pass through in a mask. I would say that going to treatment is a choice, and if someone does not want to risk mixing with the un vaccinated. maybe they should consider virtual programming.
L, your response is highly interesting to me as it seems to be cognitively dissonant. Unless your sources are solely from misinterpreted Alex Jones sources, I’m very interested to read these CDC reports if you can please link: (1) where ANY vaccine is “not effective” and the vaccines can lead to any long term damage–including death–outside of .001% percent of cases? (2) where all masks that aren’t “N95” or “high tech” have no effect on preventing other people from catching this coronavirus from you because all of “its” virus particulate matter “are far smaller than the holes that allow air to pass through in a mask.”
I do agree with you that going to treatment (and frankly, going out in public at all) is absolutely a choice in terms of assessing the risk of mixing with the un-vaccinated, but it shouldn’t be one colored by misinformation.
Hi Everyone,
Looking for some rather urgent information or recommendations. Has anyone been to BALANCE day treatment program in NYC? I have a parent with medical guardianship over me who is attempting to put me back in ACUTE for the third time. In a desperate try to avoid this, I am hoping BALANCE may work with individuals who have been struggling long term and are at lower weights?
My other option is Stanford in CA. I have been to many inpatients and levels of care and just need to find something ASAP. I have very negative inpatient treatment experiences and would prefer BALANCE but there are no current reviews.
Thank you in advance!
Um this is probably really weird and chances are you’re a different C but your situation sounds familiar and I think you may be someone I was in treatment with Aug-Sep 2021? Could it be possible, if so are you open to talking privately to figure out if you’re the same C? Or I could say the name of the treatment center? And I and everyone else there was really worried and wondering what happened to you but we didn’t even know your last name to look up your social media. I’m sorry but I don’t know about BALANCE and I’m really sorry this is happening to you whether or not you’re the person I know 🙁
Hi MP! I was in treatment last year and left AMA in July. I had been to ACUTE for two months and then was in residential. You’re welcome to privately email me if you want, just let me know. The treatment center I went to after ACUTE was in MI, does this sound familiar?
Nope, it sounds like you’re a different person. This treatment center was in NJ. Thanks for responding though! I hope you find a place that can help you while letting you retain your autonomy, best of luck with everything!
I can’t answer on Balance, but I’ve heard great things about Within. Have you looked into that program?
Hi AJ, thanks for your reply! Unfortunately I would need something in person. My mother has medical guardianship over me and is trying to put me in inpatient care at the moment which is why I am trying to find a PHP that will also take clients who meet criteria for ACUTE. I know this is extremely hard but I have heard of some cases doing this. Within does look like a good option for some people and I’m glad its out there!
I know that this doesn’t entirely answer your question but Sol Stone accepts clients with critically low BMIs. It’s a PHP in Elmira, NY. It’s difficult to determine if this place has been very helpful because I’ve only been here a week but there are clients here with very low BMIs.
That’s funny because I was going to suggest Sol Stone too! But I wasn’t sure if they still take very low BMIs. Do you get the impression that it is because they have more of a harm reduction approach, more just that there isn’t as many treatment options in that area so they have more flexible admissions standards, or more just something like either that they don’t pay as much attention to the medical side/have less stringent criteria for medical stability or that they want the extra clients to get the extra insurance money?
C – Sol Stone is a PHP with optional housing for clients (called the Hoffman house). They have a couple locations in Upper New York, although I’m not sure if they all offer housing. Last I heard, it was a rather unrestricted and more go-with-the-flow program that works best for people who are very motivated for recovery and can stay focused on their treatment rather than the treatment of other clients there. Because it offers quite a bit of freedom and flexibility, depending on what you need in treatment can be either good or bad. Those who are less motivated, or unable to self-direct are likely to either be there for a long time without making progress, or to end up at a different program with inpatient. So for SEED patients, it can provide a change of pace from the stricter or more contained treatment settings, which again – you need to do an honest self evaluation about what you TRULY need to get to stabilize and make progress.
Ari – I’d love to know more about the program once you’ve been there a little bit longer. Random question, but do they still do a lot of journaling/writing groups? I had looked into them in the past because of their writing groups.
They definitely pay quite a bit of attention to the medical side. They do body compositions everyday and metabolic testing as soon as you arrive. they require you to be ~mostly~ medically stable. I think they take such low BMIs because there is v limited treatment in the area. I wouldn’t know first hand tho bc I am not at a low BMI. I have a friend here whose BMI is critical and they required she stay at the Hoffman house for at least a couple of weeks so they ensure she is not using behaviors (she lives in the area). I have another friend here who came in at a very low BMI and they sent her to the local hospital when it was clear she was not a good fit for the program. She came back when she was doing better. It seems like a mixed bag. You have to be motivated and you have to be able to hold yourself accountable, especially if you’re at risk for hospitalization.
They have 2 PHP locations—one in Elmira and one in Syracuse. I’m currently staying at the Hoffman house at the Elmira location. You definitely need to be motivated while you’re here. It is a program very much based on self-advocacy. The Hoffman house has an RA which will hold individuals accountable at night.
They do still do a lot of writing/ journaling groups. However, more so they focus quite a bit on art therapy. It’s like their main focus. Also!! Im answering this so quickly bc you are allowed to have your phones during the programming day which I think is a major plus. I’ll send in the schedule soon
Would you be willing to provide a full review of sol stone?
Hi Ari!
Thank you so much for the suggestion and the information you provided! Considering I do have SEED it sounds like this would be a better program overall. BALANCE did get back to me and will only treat clients if they are at a higher % of IBW.
Thankfully I have been able to establish a contract with my outpatient team that if I’m able to achieve a specific weight gain goal by my birthday I can continue my current plan of care. I appreciate the help from both you and Rachel! I would look into Sol Stone in the future for sure though.
What about EDcare in Denver? I hear they are great
– sorry I’m not too up to date on your conversation.
I’ve been to Stanford twice and have also been to ACUTE.
Hi C! Just now seeing this, and not sure if you’ve already made a decision. But if not, I’ve been to Balance a few times, and it’s been a while but I’m happy to tell you what I know (I don’t however remember enough to do a full review).
I’m not sure what their policy on lower weights is, but typically you have to be medically stable to go there. Their PHP is M-F 8-2 if I’m remembering correctly. What I liked about it was that the groups were smaller and more intimate than most other places I’ve been, and most of the groups were pretty good! Meals are usually ordered in from area restaurants, with some outings/challenge meals. They take a more intuitive approach (so, no exchanges) which for me was helpful to normalize eating.
They are private pay however, but can work with you for out of network benefits.
When were you there?
Jan- Feb 2018
What level(s) of care did you do (e.g., inpatient, residential, PHP, IOP)?
PHP
How many patients are there on average?
Not sure. I think 4-8?
Does it treat both males and females? If so, is treatment separate or combined?
If applicable: Do they support the gender identities of transgender and nonbinary people?
Yes, both genders together.
How often do you see a medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist (therapist), nutritionist, etc?
So I was there before they were licensed as a php and I had my own outpatient team. You did have a therapist and dietician then who you met with weekly. It may be more often now.
What is the staff-to-patient ratio?
What sort of therapies are used (e.g., DBT, CBT, EMDR, etc.)?
Yoga , drama therapy, art therapy, dbt skills and I don’t remember what else. I was not a fan of the groups other than drama and art. I was bored out of my mind but it could have been the dynamics.
They were much better with meal exposures. Every Tuesday was family breakfast, one day a week you went out for a meal , sometimes you had odd challenges for snack – like buy your snack at a CVS/ Walgreens, grab snack food at a supermarket, Starbucks snack
Describe the average day:
8-815 check in
815-845 breakfast
845-9 meal processing
9- 1025 group
Break
1030-11 experiential snack
11-1130 dbt skills/ sessions
1130-1230 group
1230-1245 break
1245-145 lunch and processing
145-215 dbt skills/ after program planning
Get there at 8 am on the dot. Leave your phone in the waiting room. If you are late then you don’t get your phone for the day. If you are more than 5 or 10 minutes late ( don’t remember ) then you wait in the waiting room until check in is over .
What were meals like?
Ordered food from different local places. You did menu planning early in week where you picked from I think 3 options per component. They were big on eye ball portioning. No measuring- using handfuls over cups . They had ( I think a surprise meal once a week). You got to pick a take our place weekly as a challenge ,
What sorts of food were available or served?
See above . They really tried to normalize flexible and intuitive eating with reasonable boundaries. Like one time, we made açaí bowls for lunch. Even though it’s not a typical lunch, they made sure to get all the components in .
They had a miserable water policy. No water bottles allowed and you only could drink cup water at meal and snack . Can’t get second cup unless you finish meal. I was 8-9 months pregnant and needed a doctor letter to justify being able to drink water during group .
Did they supplement? How did that system work?
They did supplement. Don’t remember the system.
What is the policy of not complying with meals?
Supplement
Are you able to eat vegetarian?
Yes
What privileges are allowed?
It’s php so not really.
Does it work on a level system?
How do you earn privileges?
What sort of groups do they have?
See above
What was your favorite group?
Art therapy, meal exposures. If they have RO-DBT then that is super interesting and helpful .
What did you like the most?
Flexibility ( only place willing to take me at 8 months pregnant) AND allow me to do 4-5 days instead of 5-6.
What did you like the least?
I was so bored in group. Again, could have been the other clients were not happy to be there.
Would you recommend this program?
Yes- ish. The founder is a dietician and you can really tell because they try to expose you to a lot. I also sort of appreciate their very strict rules on certain things. It sort of taught you to deal with things sometimes feeling unfair or arbitrary,
I just hated the groups and was so so so so bored ( again, could have been the clients) .
What level of activity or exercise was allowed?
Php
What did people do on weekends?
They had a Saturday option
Do you get to know your weight?
Not sure. I didn’t.
How fast is the weight gain process?
Don’t know. I was pregnant.
What was the average length of stay?
You had to commit to at least 4 weeks . I was there from 8 months until the day before I gave birth and didn’t do IOP so not sure.
What was the average age range?
It was sort of young feeling but I think it varies.
How do visits/phone calls work?
Every Tuesday they had family/ friend breakfast and you were supposed to bring someone .
What is the electronics policy (e.g., cell phones, iPods, Kindles, laptops, tablets)?
Hand in electronics when you got there. Got them back at break times. If you were even 1 minute late then no phone for the day. If people needed to get in touch with you during non break times they needed to call the facility.
For inpatient/residential: Are you able to go out on passes?
For PHP/IOP: What support do they provide outside of programming hours?
Big proponents of meal support coaching
What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an outpatient treatment team?
Are there any resources for people who come from out of state/country?
If applicable: How is the program responding to COVID? (Less patients, virtual programming, no visitors, masks, social distancing, etc)
Other?P
Has anyone been here recently and done the day program? If so, could you possibly do a review?