Princeton Center for Eating Disorders offers acute inpatient treatment for adults, adolescents and children (ages 8+). The inpatient program is located in a hospital called Princeton Medical Center, so that medical needs and complications can all be addressed while on the therapeutic eating disorder inpatient unit.
One of their specialties is treating ED patients with Type-1 diabetes (also known as diabulimia). Princeton’s diabulimia protocol includes onsite access to medical specialists and endocrinologists at Princeton Medical Center, and a treatment tier system where, in addition to the normal inpatient course of eating disorder treatment, patients with diabetes slowly acquire skills and independence specific to managing their diabetes in eating disorder recovery.
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FULL REVIEW
-When were you there? December 2025- Jan 2026
-What level(s) of care did you do (e.g., inpatient, residential, PHP, IOP)? They only offer inpatient
-If applicable: Is it wheelchair accessible? Honestly, not as much as it should be. Sure it’s in a hospital, but many of the doorframes are too narrow for their wheelchairs, there’s furniture blocking entrances to the group room, the med window is completely inaccessible if you’re using a wheelchair, the dining room is also blocked by furniture and other people’s IV/feeding poles, and staff is rarely around to wheel patients around. I am an ambulatory wheelchair user, and I asked staff if there was a room with a more accessible shower/storage situation to accommodate a full-time user. They said they didn’t know. I was at Princeton in 2016 & 2017 as well, and I vaguely recall there being one accessible room. But as far as I know, that is not the case now. For the med room inaccessibility, I would just hit the call bell and most nurses brought the meds to me.
– How many patients are there on average? About 12 adults and 9 adolescents, I believe.
-What genders does it treat? All
– If applicable: Do they support the gender identities of transgender and nonbinary people? I think so. I’m cis, but I’ve used a nickname rather than my legal first name my whole life, and I never got called my legal name except by the lab people sometimes (not equating this to those experiences, just sharing in case it helps.) If unit staff slips, they apologize. Staff, in general, does not give me the vibe of being purposely disrespectful of these things, but individuals sometimes slip up and it’s valid AF to be upset about that if it happens.
-How often do you see a medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist (therapist), nutritionist, nurse, etc? Medical doc: Never. It takes forever to get a consult from another floor and they’ll literally tell you “good luck” getting in with a doctor, even if you’re diagnosed with something and it’s flaring up. Psychiatrist: Everyday for 5 mins. They cannot (by definition) replace a med doc even though they try to. Therapist: Daily for about 30-45ish mins. This program is pretty good on the therapy side of things. Dietician: 2x/week. In my experience, it was rushed, dismissive, and usually only for menu planning. Other dieticians may do things better than the one I had.
– What is the staff-to-patient ratio? Very low. This unit is severely short-staffed and it is a HUGE problem. I’ve waited over an hour for a med and 20mins just for the restroom.
– What sort of therapies are used (e.g., DBT, CBT, EMDR, ACT, exposure therapy, somatic experiencing, etc.)? In individual sessions: Mostly talk therapy. Groups: They had RO-DBT, ACT, and CBT-E but those didn’t all happen weekly.
Describe the average day:
-What were meals like? You sit at a table with one other person. Your time constraints for the meal depend on the level of meal plan you’re on, but you always get 15 minutes of “extended time.” Your tray is waiting at your spot, they check to make sure everything’s there, and once you’re done eating, you raise your hand and they check your tray and take it. If you’ve finished your meal, you can leave after 30 mins, sometimes sooner depending on the staff. Snacks are the same, but you can leave as soon as you’re done eating no matter the time. (Technically I think you’re expected to sit for 15mins, but this wasn’t enforced while I was there.)
– What sorts of food were available or served? Pretty much everything the older reviews said. Vegetarian meals were few and far between, but they had pasta with either marinara sauce or olive oil and garlic, veggie burger w/ cheese or mayo (must have one of these on it), lentil curry, veggie stir fry with rice, vegetable tikki masala (spicy), and there’s the option to add tofu to anything but it’s not really cooked, it’s just thrown in raw.
– Did they supplement? How did that system work? There are a couple supplement options (none of which are dairy-free), and supplements do not count as a completion, meaning you will lose your phone/media privileges even if you complete your supplement. They default to Ensure+. They had Ensure, Ensure Plus, and Ensure Clear. I believe they have Boost and Benecal as well. They also consider other things a “supplement” (like Clif bars, Naked smoothies, oreos, lorna doones, almonds, chocolate chip cookies), but you cannot use those as a classic post-meal-type supplement. “Supplement” in this case is just a word to describe a certain portion for meal plans. A bit confusing.
-What is the policy of not complying with meals? Do most people complete their meals/snacks? As mentioned, an incomplete (incl. supplement) means no media (phone, laptop, ipod, kindle, nothing). Water counts towards that. In my time there, most people were completing unless they were new, but of course things happen. Overall, there’s a decent culture of completion compared to every residential I’ve been to. You could also get bumped down a level for any incomplete, or if you use extended time to complete.
– If applicable: Do they treat ARFID? If so, do they have a separate approach to meals for ARFID? I have ARFID and I did not find that this program helped me with it much. They don’t have a separate approach to meals for this diagnosis. They do have occupational therapy which was a selling point for me. The OT was very kind. They also didn’t encourage variety for me, which was accessible but didn’t necessarily help me get through my food aversions. Groups are heavily catered towards anorexia and bulimia, and I found that their approach is extremely inaccessible for ARFID and neurodivergent patients like myself. I took it upon myself to write a whole ARFID journal, and my dietician waved it away and never once said the word ARFID to or around me until my last session. I kept noticing that I (or staff) had to explain what ARFID was to other patients too, which got exhausting to say the least. There’s very little education around it.
– Are you able to eat vegetarian? Vegan? Vegetarian, yes, though as I mentioned there are few options. Veganism is a HARD no. So is dairy-free due to lactose intolerance. I’ve been vegan for most of my life, and I’m very lactose intolerant. My first dietician here (I switched from her to the one I mentioned above) put dairy on my tray all 6 times a day and never even met with me to discuss anything. She was trying to “break” me of my veganism, but they didn’t even order me Lactaid, so I was set up for failure and was non-compliant as heck before I (kind of) got it sorted. I came in willing to bend in ways that were safe to my GI system, but they are very stern/stagnant and they wanted nothing to do with it. If you are vegan, this program will not let you continue to be, unfortunately.
– What privileges are allowed? None, really. No passes/outings. I wouldn’t call getting to use your own media a “privilege” in my opinion. If walks and stretching are a motivator for you, that’s something to work towards. But I never got to that level due to my chronic health issues (not saying you won’t! Everyone is different.)
Does it work on a level system? Yep. Level 1 is unit restriction, so you can’t leave the unit unless it’s for a medical test/procedure. Level 3 is the highest, and all you can really do here is the guided stretch and 15min walk downstairs and sometimes a meal exposure in the cafeteria. Level 2 is when you’re compliant and willing, but you’re not medically appropriate for Level 3, so they give you the privilege of going downstairs in a wheelchair with your therapist, but you still can’t join Level 3’s on the walk, even in the chair. Don’t finish one bite and you get your level 2 or 3 revoked right away, which is unfair imo.
– How do you earn privileges? Eating all your food and drinking all your water, and being willing/compliant. I imagine there’s a psych aspect to this too, but I came in already treated for my depression and other psych diagnoses, so I’m not sure what that entails. Probably contracting for safety at least.
– What sort of groups do they have? I mentioned a few above, so there are those plus: nutrition, food and feelings, psychoeducation, psychotherapy (process), goals, and karaoke. There’re very few art/creative groups. Groups sometimes did not happen on the weekends at all, but they were really trying to get these to happen by the time I left. I hope they’re still keeping up with running them for the sake of the milieu.
– What was your favorite group? Karaoke Fridays, by far, but I love a fun group. Psychotherapy was good at times, but like I said, the groups were not helpful for me with my ARFID/chronic illness issues.
– If applicable: Is the program trauma-informed? I’d say yes, at times. On my admit day, I told them that I did not ever want a male staff member doing my bathroom obs, and I never had to explain that to anyone. It seemed like they made sure all staff members were aware, which was refreshing. I also had some triggering situations that were handled so wonderfully by some of the nurses. The environment of being stuck on the unit was triggering in nature for me, but it was handled well for the most part.
-What did you like the most? Many of the nurses and MHAs were so lovely. There was one nurse in particular who was SO incredibly kind, affirming, and caring. I wish I could shout her out by name but I can’t lol. My therapist was also very helpful. Also, being able to stay in my room and not getting dragged to group all day everyday was a huge perk for me because many other programs don’t allow this. This was an important aspect for me because of chronic fatigue/pain.
– What did you like the least? The lack of medical attention in a literal hospital setting was alarming to say the least. I came here for the medical piece, but they only care about the psych stuff and the numbers (weights, vitals, labs). A doc literally told me verbatim, “we treat NUMBERS here.” I just wish I had known before I traveled for this program. Also, groups were unhelpful for me (due to ARFID, and the fact that I’ve been in treatment for a long time and have been there, done that). The dietary team, in my experience, was rude, unhelpful, unwilling to listen to what I needed, and dismissive. They pull out a calculator in all the sessions to calculate your meal plan calls, and they only talk numbers when it’s convenient for them. I’m a blind-weights girlie, and she threw numbers around all day anyway.
– Would you recommend this program? This is incredibly nuanced, so bare with me/read through it because it’s not the easiest to answer. At my core, I say not at all, and I hate to say it because this truly is one of the last hospital-level programs in the country for adults over age 25, especially for those with Medicare/Medicaid insurance. I came in with chronic illnesses that affected every single part of my body and my care, and they never addressed them. I was there FOR malnutrition related to my chronic GI issues, and they treated me like it was my fault and that “just eating” would fix it, even though all my doctors at home knew I needed medication (at least). Took 2 weeks just to get a GI consult put in. I had to literally beg for the bare minimum care, to no avail. I got patient relations involved, I talked to all the managers and higher-ups, I wrote letters, everything. That being said, I wouldn’t just write this place off. I came in incredibly sick and desperate for help. I called literally every program in the country and waited months, just to hear reasons why I couldn’t go to those places over and over (age limits, insurance, geographical reasons, clearance, etc). Once I got here and I got my *TW* feeding tube *TW over*, I noticed my energy come back and some related pain (muscle, joint) go away. I needed that stability desperately. I am not pleased by any means with how my chronic health issues were dismissed and ignored, but at least they took me and rehabilitated me a little bit. I also think that people COULD benefit from Princeton: Punitive measures like losing the phone don’t work for me, but that could motivate someone. The groups could be helpful for people dealing with the body image/psych piece. There’s physical and occupational therapy, and you don’t get that many other places. For someone without as many allergies/intolerances/GI things/veg needs as I have, the menu is decent. If you’re desperate like I was, don’t cross this off the list just because of the negatives. Easier said than done, I know I’m sorry!
– What level of activity or exercise was allowed? Just stretch and walk, as deemed appropriate.
-What did people do on weekends? There were some rec groups (ping pong, art, games, etc), but they didn’t always happen. I will warn you all that weekends are very boring and long. If your support system is local, however, it’s the best time to get visitors. You get your media at 1:30pm as opposed to 6:30, so that’s a plus, but it’s still based on completion no matter the day.
Do you get to know your weight? Idk the policy because I choose not to know my weight.
If applicable: How fast is the weight gain process? I don’t discuss numbers/weight stuff with fellow ED buddies, as a firm personal boundary of mine.
-What was the average length of stay? Extremely varied from 4 weeks-a couple months.
– What was the average age range? Not sure how young the adolescent side goes, but the milieu absolutely skews older here. I’m used to being on the older side in past treatment stays (early 30s), but we had multiple people in their 60-70s here.
– How do visits/phone calls work? Visiting hours daily, more on weekends/holidays. Phone time is 6:30-10pm (1:30-10 on weekends) if you get your media, and there are 2 unit phones you can use if you lose your media privs. But you have to use the unit phone out in the open by the nurses station with everyone listening (and they will), and it’s very sensory overwhelming (I’m neurodivergent and I couldn’t even use the phone because of all the beeps, people talking/shouting down the hall, the lights, etc).
What is the electronics policy (e.g., cell phones, iPods, Kindles, laptops, tablets)? Mentioned above, but I will add that they are way better at restricting your media than they are about caring for/treating your physical health needs/ answering your call light.
For adolescents: Did they provide time to do schoolwork or offer academic support? Yes, there’s a classroom but IDK specifics bc I am not a teen.
– For inpatient/residential: Are you able to go on outings/passes? Nope, this got taken away after covid. (If you’ve been here pre-covid, A LOT has changed about this program.)
– What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an outpatient treatment team? They put in a referral for my PHP.
– Are there any resources for people who come from out of state/country? No. There’s a hotel across the street if you need it, but they don’t set up accommodations or help to pay for hotels/flights like some other places do. They also don’t pick up/drop off from the airport.
– Other? Just want to reiterate that, despite this program being in a medical hospital, this is indeed a psych-based program. If you are coming in with a lot of medical issues, be prepared to self-advocate endlessly, and potentially not get treated for those problems. Also, if you shave, be sure to bring an electronic shaver. Straight razors are not allowed. For mail: If you are local and have someone who can visit you, I recommend sending packages (and telling people to send letters) to your family/friends’ addresses and have them bring it to you instead of sending them straight to Princeton, because the mail room experiences delays. For clothing: Comfy is key. I regretted not bringing enough zip-up sweaters because *TW* with my tube, it was easier to add and remove a zip-up or cardigan rather than a pullover. *TW OVER*
I think that’s it! Ask any questions you may have in the comments, but be mindful that I won’t be answering any weight/really specific food questions as a boundary of mine, and I don’t really want those things discussed in my review’s comments so that I don’t get triggering discussion topics as an email. Thanks!!
admin note: replies to this review that mention anything related to weight or that contain specific food questions won’t be approved
FULL REVIEW
When were you there?
December 2023 and August 2024
What level(s) of care did you do (e.g., inpatient, residential, PHP, IOP)?
inpatient
If applicable: Is it wheelchair accessible?
they have wheelchairs and elevators and no stairs on the unit
How many patients are there on average?
it varied but usually 12 or so adults
What genders does it treat?
all genders
If applicable: Do they support the gender identities of transgender and nonbinary people?
yes, I am a trans man and there were several nonbinary, trans women and trans men
How often do you see a medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist (therapist), nutritionist, nurse, etc?
medical doctor/psychiatrist every day, psychologist every day but weekends, nutritionist about twice a week but it depends during the first week, a nurse or tech goes into your room for rounds and during every shift change
What is the staff-to-patient ratio?
2 or 3 techs for the whole wing (about 20 people total) and about 2 or 3 nurses too as well as therapists and dietitians and per diem group leaders during the day on weekdays
What sort of therapies are used (e.g., DBT, CBT, EMDR, ACT, exposure therapy, somatic experiencing, etc.)?
RODBT, DBT, ACT, process aka psychotherapy, and they used to have art therapy but that was replaced with creative expression and on Friday there was karaoke
What privileges are allowed?
you can go on a short walk on level 3 and do yoga
Does it work on a level system?
yes
How do you earn privileges?
weight gain (for me, someone who didn’t need to weight restore,I believe they based it on how much I lost during my behaviors not on bmi or whatever which I found interesting and very helpful) and not using behaviors they also took away privileges from level 2s and 3s if they lost weight which I thought was kinda weird
What sort of groups do they have?
mentioned above, typical group therapy groups
What was your favorite group?
RODBT and psychotherapy
If applicable: Is the program trauma-informed?
for the most part
What did you like the least?
on both of my stays I was one of the only person in a bigger body there and that made me feel isolated and annoyed and they never allowed me to talk about that even with my individual therapist
Would you recommend this program?
yes
What level of activity or exercise was allowed?
very little, only one walk on level 3 per day
What did people do on weekends?
nails
Do you get to know your weight?
yes but you can ask not to know
What was the average length of stay?
it definitely depended on the person, everyone’s recovery journey and insurance is different
How do visits/phone calls work?
if you complete for 24hours you get your phone from 6:30PM-10:00PM on weekdays and 2:00PM-10PM on weekends except during meals and snacks
What is the electronics policy (e.g., cell phones, iPods, Kindles, laptops, tablets)?
you can have 2 electronics on the adult wing
For inpatient/residential: Are you able to go on outings/passes?
no
What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an outpatient treatment team?
it depends on the person and what they need but yes they help you with step down unless you AMA
If applicable: How is the program responding to COVID? (Less patients, virtual programming, no visitors, masks, social distancing, etc)
we had to mask during at least the first stay I went but the second stay only until after your Covid test came back negativE
FULL REVIEW
• When were you there?
July 29 2024- Sept 7 2024. 6 weeks
• What level(s) of care did you do (e.g., inpatient, residential, PHP, IOP)
Inpatient is all they offer
• If applicable: Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes, they offered wheelchairs if you were fall risk, unstable or on bedrest
• How many patients are there on average?
When I was there, there was about 12 adults and 11 adolescents.
• Does it treat both males and females? If so, is treatment separate or combined?
Yes they combine all genders including non binary, trans etc. when I went there were mostly girls, two non binary (including myself) and one trans guy(:
• How often do you see a medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist (therapist), nutritionist, nurse, etc?
Nurse as needed, Therapist once a day except weekends, dietician 1-2 times a week, general doctor every morning for a check-in except weekends.
• What sort of therapies are used (e.g., DBT, CBT, EMDR, ACT, exposure therapy, somatic experiencing, etc.)?
DBT, RODBT, & CBT skills were taught.
Describe the average day:
• What were meals like?
Adolescents on one side of dining hall, adults at others. Sat alone at a table or with one person across from you. People come and go every week so it depends. We played a lot of verbal games during mealtime, read horoscopes, gave “peaches” (shoutouts) to people, said what we are thankful for etc, anything to distract from the meal. But I found this very distracting and repetitive and a lot of the adults agreed, it’s more so for the kids IMO. There are 2-3 MHA at the front of the dining hall watching you but they didn’t provide any help or support if they saw you struggling and if your time is up they kinda tell you you have to finish so it’s not as supportive as other people said it was last year.
• What sorts of food were available or served?
Breakfast: Bagels, muffins, toast w jam or butter, eggs, English muffins, hot cocoa, cereal or granola with milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, juice, tea.
Lunch: BLT, premade deli meat & cheese sandwiches, PBJs, veggie turkey or regular burgers with fries, regular or chicken quesadillas, chicken fingers, pizza. You had to have a fruit (strawberries, canteloupe, honeydew, apple, or orange), a vegetable (baby carrots, cooked carrots, broccoli, steamed veg), and a caloric drink (juice, milk, soda, or iced tea) with your meal.
Dinner: same as lunch regarding fruit veg and drinks. Dinner options included mac n cheese, vegetable curry, lentil curry, pasta with sauce n meatballs, grilled cheese, mashed potatoes, basmati rice, burgers, beef stir-frys, etc You had to have a protein and a carb as part of your meal.
Snacks: oreos, lorna doones, homemade cookies, fritos, doritos, almond cashews and trailmix, puddings, magic cups, all types of ice cream and ice cream bars and sandwiches, pretzels, yogurt, cottage cheese, fruit, etc.. you also had to have 3 8oz cups of water with lunch and dinner and two with snack which was ALOT for me, you’re literally using the bathroom all the time bc of how much water they give you lol.
• Did they supplement? How did that system work?
You had 30/40/55 minutes of meal time, then if you werent done by then you would get an extra 15 minutes of extended time. After that you are offered an ensure and get 15 minutes for that. The ensure does not count as complete and you don’t get privileges.
• What is the policy of not complying with meals?
You don’t get cell media time and you remain the same level which is level 1. You go up levels my completing for X amount of weeks and by level 3 you get to go on a walk outside the hospital with other patients and an MHA supervising you.
• Are you able to eat vegetarian? Vegan?
Vegetarian yes but vegan no because they have alot of dairy. I’m vegetarian and the veggie meals they had were nasty so I mostly stuck to like Mac n cheese with veggies cuz the veggie burger and lentil curry was so bad lol but some of the food was good!
• What privileges are allowed?
Level 3 walks which is where you go outside for a 15 min walk with an MHA which is at 3pm everyday and theraputic stretch (30mins of yoga) and you get cell media time if you complete which is from 6pm-10pm on weekdays and 1pm-10pm on weekends.
• Does it work on a level system?
Yes level 1 is no privilege, level 3 can go on walks.
• How do you earn privileges?
completing meals, finishing on time which is the 20 mins for snacks and 45 min for meals. If you go over the time and go into extended it doesn’t count as complete unfortunately.
• What sort of groups do they have?
RODBT, DBT, CBT, challenging perfectionism, art therapy, nutrition group, team building, there was also recreation groups like karaoke, painting your nails, painting, creating vision boards etc..
• What was your favorite group? I liked the recreation groups the most I felt like they were fun and crafty but the main groups didn’t help me personally.
• What did you like the most?
Very nice patients, the art groups were fun, you get your own room and get to shower on your own without supervision as long as your doctor approves it.
• What did you like the least?
Some of the girls were VERY superficial talking behind your back and one time there was a stress ball on the art table, my friend and I were coloring and chatting she came over and yelled at us thinking we stole her ball even tho it had been there for a week and she misplaced it so some girls are kinda mean, it was very clique based some girls would get into groups and completely ignore everyone else so if you didn’t fit in they wouldn’t include you but thankfully I made a friend there who didn’t care for that and her and I just spent time together the whole time.
• Would you recommend this program?
I don’t recommend this for ARFID they are mainly focused on Ana and nothing else so if you have any other ed I don’t recommend it bc they talk a lot about body weight and how you should just accept yourself and for arfid they need to get an occupational therapist to work with you and you also can’t really relate to a lot of the topics being talked about. Also it’s not very supportive in the dining hall they watch over you but there’s absolutely no meal support so if you’re struggling they don’t care. Everything is based off completion.
• What level of activity or exercise was allowed?
Walk and stretch at level 3
• What did people do on weekends?
It was very slow on weekends. Adults get extended media time from 1-10pm if you complete but if you don’t you’re just bored the whole day watching TV in the group room, reading or coloring.
• Do you get to know your weight?
If you ask your dietician to know your weight you can see it but I personally didn’t care to see mine.
• If applicable: How fast is the weight gain process?
I wouldn’t know. [redacted.] But for others the weight gain process seemed to be very slow there was a girl that was in there for 8 weeks and said she wasn’t getting out until November so some people are in there for months just to regain weight.
• What was the average length of stay?
3-9 weeks
• What was the average age range?
Youngest was 7 and oldest was 70 something. Varied widely.
• How do visits/phone calls work?
You get two phone calls a day in which you have to ask to borrow the nurses phone to call, and you can also do family therapy through telehealth with your therapist there and a loved one on a telehealth call for 30mins.
• What is the electronics policy (e.g., cell phones, iPods, Kindles, laptops, tablets)?
Adults had media time if they earned it. 6:30-10 on weekdays and 1:30-10pm on weekends.
• What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an outpatient treatment team?
they move you to PHP if your insurance covers it but if not you do IOP or regular outpatient.
Thank you for your review Viridian. I’m on the waiting list and have a few questions. Are there in person visits? This might sound weird but I’ve been places that make you remove the drawstrings from your clothes. Do they do that there? (I’m trying to pack.) Can you bring a blow dryer? Can you get off level one if you complete the first 24 hours?
Unless they have changed it in the past year (and it was the same for at least 3 years prior to that, so I don’t expect they did but you never know) you can have drawstrings. You can have a blow dryer but it will be locked up when not in use. Getting off level one generally takes longer than 24 hours. A few days at minimum, but could be much longer than that.
As for in person visitation, when I was last there they did have it but ONLY the same two people for your entire stay. However this was a covid restriction so I would think this may have changed. I first went there in 2020 and last left in early 2024 with multiple long stays and in person visitation would be brought back and taken away again a few times depending on covid cases in the area, so hopefully you can get an answer from Viridian or someone else who has been there more recently as to that.
Thank you for your reply. It’s very helpful. If you are brand new but complete for 24 hours, are you allowed to have your phone?
As of a year ago, you don’t even have to be complete for a full 24 hours your first day. If you complete everything from your first tray onward you get your phone that evening at 6:30.
That’s such great news! Thank you so much! I REALLY appreciate that you are still active on this site and take the time to answer questions as I’m sure so many others are too!
Yes, there are in person visits. I believe it’s only after 6PM to 8PM though. You can bring any pants you want including ones with drawstring, just nothing with food, vegetables or fruit related and no booty shorts or tank tops or flip flops. You can bring a blow dryer but they put it in the storage room and you need to complete your meals to request it from the storage room usually by going up to the desk and asking an MHA or nurse for it and they’ll gladly pull it out for you. No you usually need to complete for more than a week to level up they need to see that you’re improving and meeting your daily needs. Hope this helps!
**admin note: mild TW for some descriptions (of mealtime, ED thoughts, sensory experiences, and physical symptoms such as vom**ing) that are important to how ARFID is treated but which some may find triggering. (no numbers)
I also wanted to add on more things I disliked about the program for anyone who’s on the waiting list.
• Everything feels like a competition in there. There are always people who are finishing meals before you and then you get anxious because you are not finishing your meal. You’re also supposed to be on your electronics in your room, but there have been several times where people would take their phone in one of the group rooms and be on it right in front of you and just be on like YouTube or TikTok or something kinda like putting in your face that they have their electronic and you don’t and I really disliked that because I knew at that time I was nowhere close to completing to the point where I would get my electronics and also you’re not supposed to have them in another room, but they would sneak it in.
•the MHA’s do not provide any meal support like they once did. If they see you are struggling and you are close to the 30 minute mark, they will walk over to you and tell you to be quicker and you have to finish which is very anxiety inducing. I also didn’t like the peaches aka shoutouts or the daily horoscopes or how people would try to be distracting you from the meal bc me personally anything that will distract me will just make me not want to eat.
•one of the things they tell you you cannot bring are flip flops, crop tops or any clothing that has food on it. However, there was several girls who would be wearing crop tops, flip-flops, slippers that had no backs on them and pajamas that had fruits on them and they never got put away or anything like that. Also those who had allergies could bring their own food but those who didn’t could not.
•there were times where you would click the bell to get an MHA or nurse in your room. They would tell you they are coming several times but then they don’t come for like a half an hour later so if you’re not feeling good, you have to physically walk up to the desk to ask them for what you want or what you need help with I found this very frustrating. Also in there I unfortunately was throwing up the food made me very sick and have loose stools. They just ask you to not throw up and if you feel like it to sniff an alcohol pad which wasn’t helpful and I’ve puked on my room floor and even in the hallway of the place before due to their lack of understanding of the way I was feeling at the time. Eventually I got tube fed cuz I resisted to eat for a week due to the nausea and vomiting which was a reason I was in there anyways.
• if you have ARFID unfortunately none of these inpatient programs are for you because none of them are really educated about it or treat it. The whole entire time I was there I was supposed to see a occupational therapist to help me with textures, smells and the nausea and vomiting that I have gotten from eating foods that I can’t handle, but I only saw her twice in the entire two months that I saw her because apparently the nurses “forgot ” that she was supposed to be called in for the rest of the month which I found to be ridiculous. The groups focus on body positivity and not caring what society thinks and again I don’t struggle with those issues like everyone else there did. The groups truly weren’t helpful for me personally and they’d urge you to go to the groups btw like if they saw you in your room doing nothing they’d say hey come to group but at most only like 8-9 people would show up in each group sometimes as little as 4 people depending.
• the first week you are there you do not get to pick what you eat. The dietitian is out the first week so whatever they give you is what you were forced to eat meaning that you are very unlikely to finish your meals such as with me they were giving me a bunch of food that I do not eat and I did not like and if you do not finish, they ask you if you want an ensure or not. you are not forced to take it whereas other people who have posted on here said you are forced to take it. They actually give you an option whether you take it or not, but if you go longer than a week with refusing it they tube you. First few weeks are very difficult they start you out with small portions that then become extremely large. One time I ordered spaghetti with sauce and they piled the spaghetti on like it was made for 3 people and once I finished it I felt so sick to my stomach it was wayyy too much food more than I’m used to. They said this is normal but after that I took that item off my list so they don’t give it to me again.
• the place is very cliquey. There were all genders but the loudest girls would just sit together talking behind people’s backs and gossiping basically.if they saw someone they didn’t like walking by they’d give us a nasty stare like we don’t belong in their presence which is ridiculous. Sometimes it makes you feel isolated even tho you’re surrounded by people who are struggling just like you. Some people are sweet don’t get me wrong but most weren’t:/ I’ve had several arguments in there with some of the girls like one time I was first on the laundry list and another girl walked up to me and told me that she was before me, even though the paper literally said I was first on the list. She stormed off into her room and started crying and throwing things and basically blaming me for something that was out of my control since I was clearly first on the list she was just acting very childish and immature and a few days later she came up to me and apologized, but it was very clearly a fake apology. Like I said a lot of the girls in there are fake.
• there are cameras in your room but they don’t actually check the cameras. You could be throwing up purging and they will not walk in your room and tell you to stop. I would know this because I talked to a few people who told me they were doing that in there, and nobody caught them doing it, and even when I was nauseous and throwing up nobody came in my room to tell me not to do it. Also, there is something called bathroom observation when you are on level 1 you are observed usually with an MHA or nurse standing outside of your door with their foot in the door or it cracked, and you cannot close the door. They are not watching you but they are basically hearing for noises in case you’re doing something you’re not supposed to. It’s very uncomfortable having to use number two while you are being watched, especially if you take a while because the food causes loose stools if you have a weak stomach like I do. Sometimes if you’re in there for longer than 8 mins going dookie they will ask if you’re ok when clearly you are lol.
• if you’re sensitive to light you won’t like this place. Lights are on 24/7 even while you’re sleeping. There’s a clear window in each door and the light comes through it and you have to sleep through that. I didn’t mind since I sleep with my tv on at home anyways but for those who need to sleep in the dark this place isn’t for you. Thankfully you get your own room so there’s no one snoring next to you or waking up constantly so it’s pretty quiet at night. There was an elderly lady that joined 3 weeks after my stay and they kicked me out of my room and put me in the double room which are usually only used for newcomers and you’re only in there for a few days. I had to grab all my stuff and put it in the double room and the girl I was roommates with disliked me so it was a very uncomfortable situation..
• they mess up your medication’s a lot. If you talk to your doctor in there and change your medication, sometimes they will say that the dr didn’t even put the order in so you’re waiting days up to a week to get the new medication or if you’re taking medication before you come in sometimes they will say they don’t even have the order in so you’re literally going days without your medication which I thought was kind of messed up especially since you need it. Also if you’re nauseous, all they can order for you is Zofran. There’s nothing else they will give you even if you’re practically begging for it because you feel so sick. The Zofran doesn’t do anything for you, at least me.
•if you’re on wheelchair rest you have to call a nurse to push you or wheel yourself to the desk, again very frustrating what they should do is have a list of those wheelchair bound and come to them to push them to the dining hall when they say it’s time for lunch snack or dinner etc.. they kinda make you do everything yourself in there. The 3 meals and 3 snacks a day was wild Imo. They said thats how a typical person eats but I don’t believe this to be true. It was kinda strange how I lost weight in there instead of gaining when most people are in there to restore their weight.. I know some people had to be in there for months because their weight was so bad that they needed to be restored pretty badly. In my case I was a normal weight, but I somehow lost weight in there and they wouldn’t explain how it happened, I have no clue how.
There’s so much more I could say about this program. It’s not for the faint thats for sure.you’re put through a lot in this program and I would only go back if I absolutely needed to since they are the only place that accepts my insurance. It’s overall an ok place but I wouldn’t recommend it for everyone because I was put through the hardest time of my life when I was in here.
Kathy,
I am on the waitlist as well. Did you admit? I would love to hear how things are going, and what the community vibe is like. Thank you 🙂
I’m still here. It’s a good community right now. A lot of new admits but they are all very nice. There was a discharge today and I’ll probably be the next one. I’m hoping by March 7 or 10. I wish there was a way for me to share my phone number. I’d be happy to answer any questions through here if you want to know anything else.
Kathy,
Thank you!!! I am waiting for confirmation that I am officially on wait list ( medical clearance from OP providers). It was done so I imagine Monday. How fast do things move once on waitlist? One person said 3 weeks then another said a bed can open up anytime. I have adult life things to handle so need as much notice ahead of time as I can.
I’m quite nervous though. I have only been to Columbia recently ( last year).. Years ago I did IP at a few other places that no longer take adults. I am older so I hope there will be a good age mix but more important is the vibe! It sounds pro recovery! Which is really important for me.
Hi. There’s a mix of ages although the most recent admissions have been younger. There is actually 2 empty beds right now so depending on where you are on the waitlist, you might be admitting soon.
Anonymous,
Thank you! I am not sure where I am at on the wait list. At first I was told it was 3 weeks, then was told a bed could be available really fast. I probably should pack!
hi is there visitors, level 5 and passes? Also do you have to wear masks?
We have to wear masks because the flu is going around but you don’t have to wear them in your room. Visitors are allowed. There is no level 4 or 5 anymore which also means no passes. They never brought that back after Covid.
Is it still only 2 visitors and have they changed the menu or any rules etc
Only 2 visitors at a time but they can be different people each time. I’m not sure what the menu or rules used to be so I can’t answer that. I’m sorry.
Kathy,
Are you still there? I likely am admitting soon and very nervous!
Yes I am. You are probably getting my bed. I’m discharging Friday. It’s a wonderful group of women of various ages. You are admitting at a good time. If you have any questions, let me know.
I am not sure when I am admitting yet. They said I should hear this week.
I’m happy to know that it’s a good group. Anyone over 50? 🙂 Not a big deal, just curious!
I would love to hear what you found the most helpful during your stay. Any suggestions are warmly welcomed!
Hi, I was just there five months ago and yes, there were some people who were over the age of 50. When I was there, there was a 43 year old and a 76 year old, then the rest on the adult side were usually ranging 18-30 which was more common but They have all age ranges there.
were you on the adult or adolescent side?
I was on the adult side! I was 23 when I went in and I also wrote some of the cons of being there aswell If you scroll a bit. It’s definitely not meant for everyone and wait time varies person to person aswell. They have all ages ranging from 7-17 on adolescent side and 18-70 on adult side. Hope this helps.
What’s the bathroom policy
The bathroom policy is that if you’re on level 1 a nurse or MHA always has to have a foot in the door when you’re using the bathroom you need to either go up to the nursing station to tell them to unlock your bathroom or you can call using the nursing button in your room, which I found a lot more convenient Sometimes they take a while to get to your room and sometimes they will do it within a few minutes, but basically they won’t watch you, but they will keep the door cracked while they are on the outside or with a foot in the door turned away from you. There is no toilet paper holder too, It’s kind of like a psychward where you have to keep the toilet paper on the Counter and use it that way. Occasionally some of the night nurses if you’re taking too long in the bathroom will ask if you’re okay when you’re literally just taking a #2 or brushing your teeth or whatever the case may be lol so I found that annoying. As for showering, you get unsupervised showering after the first week of being there they need to build trust that you’re not going to do anything you’re not supposed to be doing in the bathroom or shower, unsupervised means that you get one hour to shower alone with the door shut and nobody watching over you. After that hour is over and you’re still in the shower a nurse or mha will knock on the door and open the door to ask if you’re ok because you can’t be in there longer than that. I highly recommend you keep a wedge of a washcloth (they provide towels) in between the door and leave it cracked because a lot of the moisture and condensation will build up in the bathroom all over the mirrors and all over the counter so all your clothes and towels are wet because they don’t have an exhaust fan in the bathrooms and all the condensation from the warm shower builds up. So you need to put something to wedge the door open when you’re showering. Legally none of the patients are aloud to walk into your room because we wore a bracelet that would set an alarm off if we did so or if we went on the other side of the EDU, so don’t worry about that happening thats never happened to me only the nurses and MHA are aloud to walk into your bedroom and bathroom. There have been times where girls would be having a conversation out of another person’s door and if they stepped a foot in their bedroom they would get in huge trouble or their band alarm would start going off. They definitely did not follow the rules because you’re not allowed to go into another patient’s bedroom.
Hope this helps!
Thanks!! It definitely helps, so is it like a psych ward or specifically only ed patients?
It has some similarities to a psych ward, such as the hard blue chairs and the clear windows on each bedroom and no toilet paper roll, but you’re allowed to go in your room whenever you want, you can shower when you want and you can go in the group room to color, watch TV, conversate, make bracelets, etc. anytime you want. It’s just the group room closes at 11PM daily so you have to be in bed by that time and you’re also woken up v early they do standing, sitting and laying down blood pressure at 6am daily *** and they’d make you get up right out of bed for bp and weight checks, so you don’t really get a lot of sleep in there unless you go straight to bed after the last snack which is at 9pm but most ppl stayed up until 11. It’s also a lot larger than a typical psych ward imo. Princeton Center for ED is only for those who struggle with EDS. It is not just a typical psych ward for those who are in a mental health crisis or need to be 5150, because it is an eating disorder unit so it is a lot different in many ways. They track your progress when it comes to eating, and there are a lot of eating rules in there where as a typical psych ward They don’t really care what you eat and there’s no like dietitian or anything tracking everything that’s going on with you and your progress.
There’s no dietitian there?
There’s a dietitian at Princeton Center for eating disorders what I’m saying there’s no dietitian at a regular psych ward, which is why they are different in a lot of ways. I pointed out what makes them similar, but the key difference is at this EDU you’re seeing a dietitian once a week, a psychiatrist five times a week, and a therapist five times a week vs in a regular psych ward You’re only seeing a psychiatrist one time the whole entire time you’re there it’s not consistent.
I think they were saying that a typical psych ward doesn’t care what you eat or have a dietitian there
Yes thats absolutely what I was saying thank you!
I’ve been to both and it looks very much like a psych ward with the furniture, cage around the TV, etc. However they don’t treat you like you’re in a psych ward, they are a lot nicer and you can have a lot more things (pens, shoelaces, etc) as long as you don’t give them a reason not to let you.
Hi Nonnie Mouse! I was wondering do you know if Princeton is a good fit for someone in a larger body who struggles with BN? Or is it really only geared towards restrictive ED’s? Thank you!
Well, it depends on the person. If you are really prone to comparison and being surrounded by people in very small bodies would be triggering, maybe not. At least when I was there the majority had anorexia, a few with ARFID and were in the UW bmi category. However, I was also there with multiple people with BN and/or in larger bodies who got a lot out of the program and felt it was better than other places they had been for treatment. If you need a lot of bathroom supervision to prevent BN behaviors they are more equipped for that than some residentials. If you need an IV for medical complications they can do that on the unit. Most residentials are going to usually have more people with BN and/or in larger bodies than Princeton usually does (but it just depends on who happens to need treatment at that time so it varies). If residential is an option with your insurance and medical situation then it might be better, but it depends. If electronics are important to you Princeton offers more access than many residentials/other IPs. If outside time is important to you Princeton offers less than many residentials. Some people with BN did a short stay (1-2 weeks) at Princeton for medical complications or to wait for a spot then stepped down to residential or PHP, others stayed a bit longer (usually 2-3 weeks) and went to PHP/IOP/outpatient
Thanks!
I would agree somewhat. When I was there majority were underweight and it made me feel a bit like an outsider since I’m on the thicker side and don’t have ana, but there was one person who was on the larger side who actually never went to groups bc the groups are geared toward ana specifically which didn’t help me one bit either and they didn’t join cuz they said there was no point, so there’s a lot of EDs seen in the unit but it’s not the best treatment for those with arfid or b!nging in my opinion bc the groups talk about comparison to body weight of others and wanting to be small and how unhealthy of a mindset it is but those who have arfid or other disorders dont struggle with any body image issues and those with other disorders it didn’t seem to help and I had two friends I met in there leave prematurely unfortunately bc it was doing more harm than good to them..but that was my experience and not much has changed cuz I was there august 2024 and met my friend in there who recently went back to the unit in march and said nothing changed.
Thanks for letting me know! I’ll keep that in mind! Have you been to any other ED programs that you were felt were better for people in larger bodies who don’t have AN-R?
You’re welcome. And no, this was the only treatment center that would accept my insurance. I contacted about 15 other places when I was really struggling, and I felt like I was running out of options and Princeton was the only place to accept me and keep me for the entire duration I was supposed to be there. I just feel like they don’t really focus on other EDS like you will definitely create some friendships and people are supportive not all are of course, like there are definitely cliques which I didn’t like but if I had other treatment options, I probably would’ve went with those. The person with a larger body only stayed for two weeks bc they completed all their meals from day one so it didn’t seem helpful for them and they told me that too, but I know they make the meal treatment plans different for each individual. Most patients stay for 1-4 months again depending on if they need weight restoration and their specific ED and if they are finishing meals in the timeframe or are getting worse it all depends, so to see only one person my entire time being there leave so soon was kinda not helpful in my eyes. And I know 4 months sounds insane but I went in July 2024 and came out September I was there for two months and one of the girls was there since June and said she wasn’t getting out until October so there’s def some who have to stay for extended periods of time. They tell you on intake to only pack for one week do not listen to this! You’re never there for one week literally me and so many others were wearing the same clothes everyday cus we were told to pack only for a week but pls if you do go overpack for an entire month cuz they never keep anyone for only a week unless they bail out. Hope this helps!
Thanks!
Any updated review for an adult?
My review is from a year ago (for stays in 2020 and 2021) but I am here now and it is largely still accurate apart from the part about cookie-cutter goals. They have gotten a lot better about individualizing things. Skimming to see what else is different… they fixed the alarms so they don’t go off quite as much, although there are still occasional loud alarms. They had to remove more things from the menu (I believe due to supply chain), it’s like half of what it was in 2020. However it’s still more choice than you get most places. A lot of the groups they have are different, but the structure of the schedule is the same. The post below this was also mine, the stuff about the masks and such is still accurate as of today. I can try to do a new full review once I’ve discharged but it may be pretty redundant with the other one? Hence never doing another full review after discharging last year. If you have any specific questions let me know!
What was removed from the menu? Are the adults and adolescents eating together?
Adults and adolescents are eating together. I put some of the things that were removed in the update to my full review which I believe is pinned. What they’ve removed more recently seems to be mostly flavors of things? Like they now only have 2 kinds of fruit ice as opposed to 3, one kind of muffin instead of 2, etc. Also no more brown rice and grapes for some reason.
Hi, I am happy to hear they are less cookie-cutter than they used to be. Does it feel more HAES-informed now?
Also, are visitors allowed now?
Visitors are allowed. It’s supposed to be the same 2 people throughout your whole stay. I feel like they are around as HAES informed as they ever were, YMMV depending on the specific staff.
Also, how are the techs at supporting people through hard meals?
It’s often not much until most people have left the dining hall because they are running around getting people things or filling out the paperwork they have to do, which is hard if you’re on the 30 min meal plan and your extended time ends when 45 min people finish their regular time. But they will come stand beside you and just generally talk to you and encourage you. If something specific does/does not help you you could ask your therapist to make a note of it. I believe they print it on the meal board so whatever staff is in the meal will see it.
Are you still there Nonnie? I did an assessment today and I’m curious about the general review or some more info.
I left in February. My review posted in 2022 was mostly still accurate apart from the updates as of Feb. A hospital program like Princeton generally does not have the whole staff turn over and everything about the program change in a month like something like a Monte Nido location can. It changes slowly. Anything’s possible, for example there was once a crackdown on things like cords from hospital higher ups, it’s but not likely. The general structure was much the same as it was my first time there in 2020 as of Feb, and even from what a friend described from being there in 2016. Now, their approach has changed more, for the better imo, which I’ve written about a little bit. I do want to write more in depth about my experience but I haven’t gotten a chance yet. I don’t post my email on this site anymore, but if you have any specific questions that can be posted on the site feel free to ask!
I have some very specific questions about this program. Is there a way to pm you?
That is great that you are looking at treatment here! Just so you know, Nonnie Mouse is only able to respond to questions that are asked here on the site – it is a firm boundary of theirs that they don’t message/email folks offsite. Can you post your questions on here?
Thanks for letting them know, I had meant to tell them but got the email about the comment when I was in the middle of something and forgot to come back
do you get your own room or do you have to have a roomate?!
Here is the answer they just gave to this on another post (I think their reply may have overlapped with your posting so you may not have seen it ❤️)
https://edtreatmentreview.com/princeton-edu/#comment-30418
Nonnie,
I hope it is ok for me to ask, but have you been to other IP places? If so, how does Princeton compare? I have only sought HLOC at IP facilities, and I am scared to go ( on the wait list). I do appreciate you!
No I have only been to Princeton for IP
Hi. I’m here now. It’s a very good program. They give you time to acclimate but the expectation is that you complete most of your meal plan. Do you have any other specific questions?
Kathy,
This is great to hear! I do have a question.
Are there opportunities to plate our own food? Cooking group or likewise?
My last program was mainly trays with the occasional cooking group. It was helpful!
No. They don’t do that at this level of care. No cooking and no plating. That’s more of a residential thing.
Hi Kathy- I’m on the waitlist right now, and I was there in 2018, so it was a pretty long time ago. I know it varies a lot, but have you gotten a feel for what the average length of stay seems to be? When I was there, they had a specific %IBW they wanted you to get to before discharge (obviously I won’t say the specific number). Thank you!
LS,
Did you get an admission date?
No, I called again today and was told there still hadn’t been any movement on the waitlist. They wouldn’t tell me any more than that :/
FULL REVIEW
• When were you there?
Beginning of October 2023 to end of November. 50 days
• What level(s) of care did you do (e.g., inpatient, residential, PHP, IOP)
Inpatient is all they offer
• If applicable: Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes, they offered wheelchairs too if you were unstable/ had fall risks
• How many patients are there on average?
When i stayed there were 4-8 children and 10-14 adults
• Does it treat both males and females? If so, is treatment separate or combined?
Yes, there were boys and girls there.
• How often do you see a medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist (therapist), nutritionist, nurse, etc?
Nurse as needed, but they check on you every 15 minutes to half hour. Therapist once a day, dietician 1-2 times a week, general doctor every morning for a check-in
• What sort of therapies are used (e.g., DBT, CBT, EMDR, ACT, exposure therapy, somatic experiencing, etc.)?
DBT & CBT skills were taught. They are big on family-based treatment especially for adolescents
Describe the average day:
• What were meals like?
Adolescents on one side of room, adults at others. Sat alone at a table or with one person across from you. Nobody ate the same thing, dietitians would make menu for kids and adults had menu planning themself. We played a lot of verbal games during mealtime, read horoscopes, gave “peaches” (shoutouts) to people, said what we are thankful for etc, anything to distract from the meal. There were 2/3 MHAs watching you who gave some support if you were struggling.
• What sorts of food were available or served?
Breakfast: Bagels, muffins, toast w jam or butter scrambled or hard boiled eggs, hot cocoa, cereal or granola with milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, sausage, bacon, juice. Kids could ask for tea with breakfast and adults were allowed a cup of coffee.
Lunch: BLT, premade deli meat & cheese sandwiches, PBJs, veggie turkey or regular burgers with fries, regular or chicken quesadillas, chicken fingers, pizza. You had to have a fruit (strawberries, canteloupe, honeydew, apple, or orange), a vegetable (baby carrots, cooked carrots, broccoli, steamed veg), and a caloric drink (juice, milk, soda, or iced tea) with your meal.
Dinner: same as lunch regarding fruit veg and drinks. Dinner options included mac n cheese, vegetable curry, lentil curry, pasta with sauce n meatballs, pesto tortellini, grilled chicken, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, basmati rice, burgers, beef stir-frys, chicken legs, stuffing, pork loins, meatloaf, etc. You had to have a protein and a carb as part of your meal, and had side snacks depending on your meal plan.
Snacks: Adults had saves, where they are offered snacks with brekky lunch and dinner, and can choose to save them for snacktime. Snacks included milk, choc milk, naked smoothie, oreos, lorna doones, homemade cookies, fritos, doritos, grain crisps, almond cashews and trailmix, puddings, magic cups, all types of ice cream and ice cream bars and sandwiches, pretzels, yogurt, cottage cheese, fruit, etc. Everyone was allowed one cup of lipton or chamomile tea with snacks.
• Did they supplement? How did that system work?
You had 30/40/55 minutes of meal time, then if u werent done by then you would get an extra 15 minutes of extended time. After that you are offered an ensure, (regular for snack and plus for meals) and get 15 minutes for that. The ensure does not count as complete and you can be put on a tube if you only take them.
• What is the policy of not complying with meals?
Loss of privileges including walks and cell media time. They do tube you there if you dont complete for like x days.
• Are you able to eat vegetarian? Vegan?
vegetarian yes, but they are big on dairy there so i dont think they would allow you to eat vegan.
• What privileges are allowed?
Level 3 walks (15 minutes in the morning and another 15 with therapists) and theraputic stretch (30mins of yoga). Im not sure but i think adults had to earn media time
• Does it work on a level system?
Yes, level 1 is no priveledge, level 3 can go on walks, and level 2 can go outside in a wheelchair.
• How do you earn privileges?
completing meals, finishing on time, meeting weight gain expectations. Levels fluctuated and you could be bumped down to level 1 if you didnt meet their goals, even if you did nothing wrong.
• What sort of groups do they have?
RODBT, DBT, CBT, challenging perfectionism, art therapy, nutrition group, team building. Adults has relapse prevention, psychotherapy, and more. Everyone had recreation therapies like nail painting, art, karaoke, cornhole.
• What was your favorite group? Challenging perfectionism and nutrition group helped me the most.
• What did you like the most?
Supportive patients, friendly staff, you get your own room.
• What did you like the least?
We were often short staffed. I almost peed myself multiple times waiting for my bathroom to be opened. Nurses with no MHA or meal experience had to supervise meals which caused a lot of anxiety.
• Would you recommend this program?
Only if you are very self-motivated. In my opinion there is not a ton of support at all times and the program is very dependent on your completion.
• What level of activity or exercise was allowed?
Walk and stretch at level 3
• What did people do on weekends?
SOO slow. We can watch disney+ and youtube on the kids side. there were 3 45-minute rec therapy groups. adults had extended media time from 1:30 to 9 instead of 6:30 to 9.
• Do you get to know your weight?
Yes, there were “weight exposure Wednesday’s”
• If applicable: How fast is the weight gain process?
Ur not really allowed to know
• What was the average length of stay?
4-9 weeks
• What was the average age range?
Youngest while i was there was 10, oldest was 70 something. Varied widely
• How do visits/phone calls work?
You got 3 phone calls a day and one blue jeans (facetime). Visits had to be scheduled and you could also do family meals.
• What is the electronics policy (e.g., cell phones, iPods, Kindles, laptops, tablets)?
Adults had media time if they earned it. 6:30-10 on weekdays and 1:30-11 on weekends
• For inpatient/residential:Are you able to go on outings/passes?
Not at the moment due to covid.
• What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an outpatient treatment team?
They move you down to PHP if your insurance covers it and FBT programs if they dont.
thank you so much for taking the time to write this!
Hey, thanks so much for this review! Wondering if we could get an update on covid policies? Do they still make you test before admitting and then test once you get there, and if so is it repeated? Do you still have to wear a mask? Assuming it’s no longer required, but were any patients and/or staff still wearing them? If I’m interpreting your post correctly there is in person visitation now? Is it still limited to only 2 people for your entire stay? Do you know what they do now if someone gets covid while there?
Yes, you still have to test at your admission. And as for masks they only make you wear them if you were exposed, and room quarantine if you test positive, but some staff still wore. Visitation is allowed and im not sure of a limit. Not sure about covid, but someone had lice and they just sent them home and deep cleaned the room.
Hi and thanks so much for detailed review. I had intake last week and waiting to see if accepted, [**TW TW TW**] I need to lose weight or maintain, in your experience did anyone need to lose or stay same at weight or did everyone need to gain. [**END TW**] I need and want this program only, I only have Medicare. I pray they will accept me at my weight, I 100% have an eating disorder. Thanks in advance
Hi, were you told if there is a current waitlist when you did your intake? And did they give you an estimate for how long it would take for a decision to be made on your admission status?
Hi, I was told 2 week waiting list. Intake was on the day I called for first time, Friday March 1st and they told me I’d have decision by today. Will let you know, praying I get in.
Okay thank you! I’d love an update on what the outcome is. Hoping it goes in your favor!
Thanks, will keep you posted.
I was told the wait list goes off of acuity of care needed.
Not everyone had to weight restore. IDK if anyone was losing or if everyone who was not weight restoring was on a maintenance meal plan. Probably the latter but I genuinely don’t know.
Great thank you for response. I’m waiting on decision whether I am accepted or not to inpatient.
FYI, no decent ED facility will put you on a meal plan to lose weight, but yes, maintenance is totally a normal thing at many places. They will look at the person’s individual needs.
Yeah that makes sense, although I’ve been told by my doctors that I need to lose weight. I’ll be happy just to be rid of my disordered eating behaviors. Thanks
Did you ever end up getting a decision from them? I’m also worried about their admission criteria and weight
Yes I was admitted and stayed 2 weeks, was very helpful and a positive experience. Have intake for php at Monte Nido next week, hopefully waiting on scholarship decision e Project Heal. Wish you the best,
how are rules now, are they open to new patient
what is the bathrrom policy for the SEED protocol for adults and the electronic policy??
I’m not sure about SEED Prootocl I wasn’t in that, electronic policy 6:30-10 weekdays and weekends 1:30-10 providing you complete all your meals
DId you end up going and participating in the SEED program?
im seed patient what are rules
Are you locked out of your rooms all day? Do you have to go to groups or can you just hang out in your room? Is there like a little community area or is it all hospital like ACUte?
Nope you can go to your room at any time. It is frowned upon to leave meals or group therapies for your room, but you are fully allowed. The “community” area would be the group room. Group room contained Monitored TV with Disney+ and some coloring books for adolescents, and (from what I heard) an XBox and tv and library for adults.
No, you can stay in your room all day if you wanted to, but encouraged to go to group. The adult group room has a sliding door, but if group was on one side, they would ask you to leave or go to group. There also a small table where you could chill if not in group but again going to group is highly encouraged by everyone.
Are there TVs in your bedroom?
No, there is a shared TV in the group room and you can watch things on your devices during media time
?Full Review from the Past Year?
i was here about a year ago. although i had some horrible experiences, i have to say i felt safe. the other patients there were absolutely amazing and so kind and are going to be lifelong friends. there was a handful of nurses/mhas that were truly some of the best people i’ve ever met and miss so so much. however there was a couple that were absolutely awful and made me feel horrible. it’s also really intense and they kindof dissect your every move. you also are woken up at about 5am or earlier for vitals which is not ideal but i understandable. for adolescents, children do not get screen time and only have visiting hours for an hour and a half a day after dinner, which is pretty brutal for young kids being away from there parents and having little contact with them. though i was in it pretty bad and was taken over by my ed, i feel like i suffered a lot of brutal consequences as a person because of it. i have to say i do very much miss some of the staff and were truly unforgettable and the most kind souls (again, not all of them ?), as well as the patients. another thing to note was my dietican was AWFUL! my physician/therapist were good but my dietican was clearly not able to feel for me at all and didn’t have a lot of experience especially working with younger people. i do think they could do better on focusing on more of the mental peice of the ed because it’s VERY weight focused. overall it depends how severe your situation is but if your on the fence i would say try a less strict program unless your severely medically unwell.
anyone know if any beds are available or currently there?
I have heard from someone who works there that Princeton is starting a PHP soon. Here is all the info I have:
I have no info besides this.
Mask mandate has been lifted as of last Monday
Asking a question specifically for those who have been there in the past few months. I have heard they ended their SEED/harm reduction program, is this true? Is anything that was previously associated with that program completely off the table like it was before they started it, or are they still willing to consider some individualized approaches for those who may be considered SEED or have been there multiple times and still keep winding up back?
I have been to Princeton many, many times. I was in their SEED program when it was running. It is not running anymore, but ever since then I have been able to work with my team in similar protocols that I had done previously in SEED. I think they are much more willing to work on an individualized approach. As soon as you see the doctor on your admissions date, I would definitely emphasize that you were looking for an individualized/harm reduction approach.. Come with ideas on how that would look for you. I think you will be definitely be taken seriously there. Especially if you get the female doctor.
That’s really good to know. Thank you so much for the info. I’m not getting my hopes up too high I’ll be allowed to do the specific protocol I did in the past but it helped me so much more than their standard programming and I’ve managed to stay outpatient for longer than I ever have so I really hope they’ll be willing to hear me out on it. The specific sensory/neurodivergence accommodations I had kept my anxiety a zillion times lower while in treatment so I’ve been hoping they’ll at least be willing to do that
Nonnie Mouse,
I’m here right now and I will say they have NOT been accommodating for anything I’ve needed, whether it’s for my medical needs, neurodivergence, SEED/harm reduction approaches…nothing. I don’t wanna scare you, I just wanna give you a heads up
Hey, nonnie would you mind doing a full review since you were there right now?
I’m gonna post a full review within the next few days! Do you have any questions in the meantime?
I am here now but don’t plan to post a full review until I discharge in case they change anything, although I’m already working on it and want to get it posted in a more timely manner this time. I was here with Mandy and I am sure her review is going to be very illuminating. If you have any questions I can try to answer.
Hi Nonnie Mouse! I just wondered if you know anything about what another poster said regarding Princeton possibly reinstating the use of SEED protocol in certain cases? Also, how would you say your overall experience has been?
The SEED program has technically ended, but it seems like SOMETIMES they are willing to be more flexible/work with people in ways that they may have in the SEED program. Like for me they were basically in agreement with the plan I came in with which is similar to what I did my last admission. It’s no longer the very cookie cutter protocol they used in 2020 where they calculate everyone’s target weight with the same formula and weight restore everyone the same amount per week and that determines your length of stay. They calculate target weights in a more individualized way now. But I think it’s not quite a flexible/negotiable as it was with the SEED program. I don’t know exactly what other people’s SEED protocols entailed and what would be on the table vs what wouldn’t. As for my experience, so far it has been good. Difficult of course, but I feel I’m making progress.
Thank you! I’m on the waitlist and really hoping a spot opens soon.
Nonnie Mouse, if you’re still there, can you tell me anything about if there are open beds and/or planned discharges coming up? I know a lot can change, but I’m just wondering because I’d love to be able to get in next week (not sure where I am on the waitlist though).
There are currently 5 open beds (2 people left this morning, 2 over the weekend, and one Friday), but I’ve been told there are 3 admissions tomorrow and 2 on Wednesday. One person is discharging at the end of the week and 2 people have a week-ish left but don’t have a confirmed date yet. I can’t imagine you are much behind the 5 people about to admit, they close the waiting list if there’s a ton of people on it. It’s been running around a month for most people as of late. How long have you been on it?
Well I’ve only been on the list for a week, but at the time, they said the wait was about 2 weeks. I wonder if maybe I could end up being offered the one at the end of the week.
How long did you wait to hear back from them after your assessment?
You have to send them an EKG, labs, and a travel clearance letter after the phone assessment. Once they get that, it takes about a day.
I’m coming Wednesday!
Let me know how it goes! I am doing an assessment with them soon!
My therapist confirmed to me that the SEED track was just a research study, and there are no plans to bring it back officially unfortunately.
i tried posting my review, but it looks like it isn’t pending anymore?
@Rachel, did my review go through to get approved? I didn’t put anything bad or triggering in there, so it wouldn’t have gotten denied or anything. I wonder if it was too long or something.
I am about to approve it! Occasionally a post will go to the spam folder instead of the regular one – when it does, the post doesn’t show up as pending on the frontend of the site anymore. I have no idea why it does this, it’s completely random and really anxiety provoking for the writer. Especially because for me it still will show up as pending approval, just like every other post. But that’s what happened and why your review wasn’t showing up as pending or posted. So sorry for the stress! You didn’t do anything wrong, the internet is just stupid. Hah.
Oh you’re all good, thank you for explaining!!
Rachel, so I can’t find it.
Is this posted?
Mandy’s review is posted. I’m not sure if this will work but I’ll try to leave a direct link
https://edtreatmentreview.com/princeton-edu/#comment-36360
Rachel, could you potentially pin Mandy’s review and unpin some of the reviews that are no longer from the past year?
Yep! I hadn’t pinned it yet because the site messes up the review’s formatting when I pin it, and sometimes all the line breaks go away and it becomes hard to read. I have to redo the formatting when I pin them, and I haven’t had the chance to do it yet. I’ll go ahead and pin it now though, and unpin some older ones.
Kk maybe try this link? https://edtreatmentreview.com/princeton-edu/#comment-36360
Hi Nonnie Mouse, were you able to post your review for the program? I am considering this place a lot as an older adult (43F) seeking HLOC. Are you still there? Are you an adult? What was your overall feeling while there and the general demographic?
How much do you interact with other patients? Are groups with PHP folks as well or only with the small inpatient cohort? Thanks for any help!
I will post my review when I discharge. I am still here. I’m in my 30s. The demographic usually skews a bit older at Princeton than most ED treatment in the past few years. Generally 1/4-1/3 over 40 but of course is kind of random depending on who needs treatment at the time you go. There is no PHP, Princeton is inpatient only. They haven’t had PHP in years. You interact with other patients as much as you want to really, at a minimum you’d see people at meals (unless you were eating in the small kitchen or your room which is a case by case thing and usually temporary) and in the hallway for meds and such. You can then also go to all the groups and socialize outside of them which is encouraged but not required.
I think it’s case by case. I was previously in the Seed study and during my recent admission they ultimately allowed me to *possible TW* leave at a lower BMI *end TW* than they initially recommended.
-Does anyone know of any notable changes to the program since early 2024?
-Are the psychiatrists the same 3 who have been there since ~2020 or have there been changes (without using names)?
-Do they allow alcohol markers for coloring? I would think no since they don’t allow toiletries with it but I thought I’d ask…
Hi Nonnie,
I was there earlier this year and the 3 psychiatrists ( two male and one female ( an additional 3 on call psychiatrists that covered weekends) have been there a while. The female might be a later addition, but I am almost certain the males have been there for years!
For the markers, you should bring them. They’ll probably take them away from you when they unpack you, but you just have to ask your therapist for them back and you’ll likely get them as long as there’s not a glaring reason why you shouldn’t have them. They took EVERYTHING from me my first day, and my therapist was so shocked and annoyed she had to clear so much obviously clearable stuff.
Anyone here now that could share their experience ? I’m terrified and admitting as soon as someone is discharged and don’t know how to get myself to go and not bail
Hello- quick question about the packing list (do’s and don’ts). When does admissions provide that? And is there any, in either direction, that I should make sure to/not to pack? Thank you!!
Hi!
I am currently trying to re-admit to Princeton, but apparently the waiting list is so long it’s closed. I’ve tried calling for the past week and it’s still been closed. Does anyone have any idea on when it may open? Just curious as I’ve never seen the waiting list this long…
Very odd bc there are open beds
Hi Meme. It has been closed for several weeks unfortunately.
I don’t know if anyone else has posted this, but the waitlist is back open now.
Hey there! Admitting Monday, coming from half the country away, and curious about the current adult patient population. If anyone is currently inpatient or discharged recently, are there adults in 40s? Moms? I’ve run the gamut of treatment facilities and this will be my first time here. I’m very anxious about an environment I can’t picture.
Hi I have been there many times and likely coming soon I’m 39 and a few months ago there was over half the milieu over 40
I discharged in May, and traveled from Calif. Well worth the trip. As an older adult, I never felt “old” even with the younger patients. Everyone is respectful! Good for you for taking this step toward recovery!
First time posting and trying to see how this email list works. They told me I am in the short waiting list and they would contact me again in one more week. I am coming from KS because they take Medicare. I have lots of questions for another post but right now I would like to know is the common room comfortable? What size are the beds? Thank you.
The beds are hospital beds so maybe a little larger than twin? In the common rooms, the furniture is basic/hospital like. I wouldn’t say they were comfortable but were not horrible.
I honestly found the common room and dining room furniture rather uncomfortable. I’d suggest an extra pillow/cushion from home. I think the beds are closest to twin, maybe twin xl? If you’re asking in order to bring your own bedding. I always used their sheets but a twin comforter fit fine.
Hi Susu,
Are you there now? I am currently on the same waiting list…Its so hard waiting so I was just wondering how to handle it best? Thanks!
just spoke to someone in their admissions department and they are currently not able to treat diabetic patients!
Has anyone been here recently? I’m a mom, are kids allowed to visit? I’m not even sure I’ll go anywhere but trying to look locally in NJ or PA.
thanks
I discharged in May. I do believe kids are allowed to visit. I’m not a parent so not 100% sure but really don’t think it’s an issue!
I’m pretty sure the rule is that visitors have to be 18+.
I would call them to be sure.
How many patients are there at a time and do you get your own room or roommate?
Would this be a good facility for someone with ARFID due to IBS pain? I’m a bit more complex in terms of medical because most of my food intolerances/restrictions started after I had Covid. I recently did 6 weeks residential but ended up losing weight and now at a pretty low bmi but decided to leave. I struggle eating because of the amount of pain/discomfort I become in and already follow a gluten free and lactose free diet. I never fully completed once while in residential and here that would worry me because that is the only way to have phone access and I just don’t see that happening for me. At my previous program we had access to our phones at all times (besides meal room and groups). There were not many others with ARFID where I was and most people just don’t understand.
Up to 13 patients on the adult side. There is one double, the rest are singles. When I was there if the unit was full they would put new people in the double until a single opened up. Honestly, I don’t think they’re very good with non-ED medical issues. However, I don’t know if the other options are going to be any better except maybe something like ACUTE that also takes purely medical cases. I think I saw a good review of Sanford from someone with non-ED medical issues that affected/caused ED? ED treatment tends to think everything is ED even if it isn’t. For food intolerances I’ve made a couple comments about it recently, YMMV if they are willing to work with it. As for ARFID, some people found it helpful and some didn’t.
What is the packing list like (items allowed)? My insurance covers UNC but it’s extremely restrictive and they do not offer medical care within the ED unit. You’d have to be transferred out. Also would they gluten free and lactose intolerant?
Here’s a copy and paste of the packing list circa 2022 (they sent the same one in late 2023, it may have changed but this is the most recent I have:
What to Bring to the Hospital
We encourage you to bring certain personal items with you to make your stay more comfortable. Please review our list of acceptable items and also our list of things to leave at home. Please limit yourself to two small luggage bags (no more than 24 inches).
What to bring:
Appropriate clothing (No tank tops, sleeveless tops, midriff, short skirts and pants)
Loungewear for nighttime, including a robe
Appropriate shoes for walking outside. Please be advised of the need to bring only sturdy closed-toe shoes (i.e. sneakers, loafers). Shoes should have no heels and no open backs or toes. All footwear should have non-skid soles. Other shoes will be sent home.
Flip Flops are not permitted on the unit
Slippers (also require closed backs and non-skid soles)
Money – no more than $40
Alarm clock – battery-operated (corded clocks are not allowed)
Appropriate reading materials (books, magazines–nothing pertaining to food or exercise)
Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, and any other items needed for oral hygiene (all mouth wash must be alcohol free)
Electric toothbrush must be battery operated – cords/wires will not be permitted
Electric razor (No straight razors allowed).
Deodorant, soap, shampoo/conditioner, hairbrush and other toiletries (aerosol cans are not permitted on the unit)
School books (if applicable)
Journals- without spiral ring or coils- bound journals only
Your favorite bed linens, such as a comforter and pillows (all are optional, however, as sheets, blankets, and bathroom towels will be provided to you)
Hairdryer (see below – flat irons and curling irons are not allowed)
A list of your current medications
Please limit stuffed animals to two
Adults: Maximum of two electronic devices (cellphone, laptop, e-reader, tablet, etc)
Adolescents: May bring a DVD player and 1 laptop (for school use only)- no other electronic devices with internet access
What to leave at Home:
Valuables- Cameras, Smart watches, Fitbits, Fitness trackers of any kind are not permitted on the unit)
Hand held electronic games are restricted for patients 18 and younger r/t cell and media policies
Flat irons, curling irons, Two-in-one blow-dryer/straightener devices
Compact makeup with any type of mirror (glass or acrylic/plastic)
Mirrors
Glass items of any kind
Aerosol items
Cigarettes and nicotine products, e-cigarettes and vaporizers included. (This is a non-smoking healthcare facility and campus)
Cannabidiol (CBD) items of any kind
Scissors, straight blade razors, pencil sharpeners, tweezers (We do allow electric razors for hygiene)
Play-doh, silly putty, slime
Laundry Detergent (detergent is available on the unit.)
Spiral notebooks & sketch pads with metal bindings
Food of any kind, including gum, candy, and water bottles
Weights/exercise equipment
White-out, glue, tape, pencil sharpeners, eye liner / lip liner sharpeners
Clothing or items containing inappropriate language and topics (drugs, alcohol, violence, food related topics/brands)
Safety pins, needles, knitting needles including cross stitching needles
Hand sanitizers or any items containing alcohol
Candles and incense- including battery operated devices
Personal electric heaters
Personal electric fans
Radio or devices with antennae
As for whether they accommodate gluten free and lactose intolerance, in theory yes. I was told the gluten free menu has quite limited options, but they did have one. They tried to get people to use lactaid pills or drink lactaid milk, but they did have soy milk for those who absolutely couldn’t have milk. I know that some people who are mildly lactose intolerant can have yogurt and they did have yogurt as an option as well. I know there were some people who received pushback on having gluten or lactose intolerance accommodated, but I don’t know what the medical reason those people were intolerant was, what the reaction was, or what sort of medical documentation they had and I also saw many people be accommodated so it may depend on the situation.
When i was there, soy milk was only for those who had a true dairy allergy, not lactose intolerance. and unfortunately they enforce dairy pretty strong
I saw someone be approved for it for intolerance, but they had to have a severe reaction that was obvious from an outside perspective first
S,
just an FYI. They also do transfer to the main hospital if unstable. When I was there, 3 people were sent to another floor.
Absolutely! The difference is UNC’s ED unit can not do IVs or deal with anything medical, like GI, etc. Can do NG tube only. Obviously if someone is unstable I would expect them to go to a more critical unit.
i’m looking into princeton right now but have a few questions if anyone can help!
Do they allow you to have water breaks during the day
Yes you can ask the nurse for water whenever if you are not on fluid restriction
thank you. And do they keep people on fluid restrictions. What’s the deal there?
For medical reasons. Like low sodium or something like that
Do they allow caffeinated coffee coffee in morning
Yes, it’s hospital coffee though, so don’t expect too much in the way of flavor
As of a year ago, yes for adults and I *think* adolescents over 14 with parental permission. You could order caffeinated coffee for breakfast, decaf at lunch and dinner (or breakfast if you didn’t want caffeine). Decaf tea at any meal or snack. Only one hot beverage per meal/snack. Caffeinated Pepsi mini cans could also be ordered up to 2x a day
Forgot to add that your dietician made your menus for the first week or so. If any of the above is important to you, if you told them they would put it on. Make sure to mention sugar/creamer if you use it.
Thank you for the reply
Yes and MOST of the time it is hot ( they reheat for us! – well most of the time they did)! 😛
Quick questions on Princeton: If anyone is currently there, is the unit full? Anyone on the waitlist? And how long has the wait the been? Thank you!
Unit was not full for adults but it’s filling up fast
Does anyone know if they make you step down to a residential after princeton? Or do they allow you to go to IOP/PHP after discharge?
Hi Hailey,
I just left and was discharged to Equip (not residential). It was recommended that I do step down into residential but not required.
I can never go to residential because of insurance and it was never a problem. For people whose insurance covers it they generally encouraged residential or PHP, but didn’t require anything. Many people went straight to outpatient and not only due to insurance reasons. At least in 2020-2022 (don’t recall this specifically for anyone my most recent time there) more strict about reaching XX% for non-AMA discharge the lower the level of care you are stepping down to is. Like cancelling someone who was going to outpatient’s discharge day before and making them change their booked flight because they were a small amount away strict.
is anyone currently here and willing to connect or has been here in the past 2-3 months
HI, I just discharged. Was there for 6 weeks. Do you have specific questions?
Hi. Do you know if they are doing the SEED protocol for patients?
Hi,
From what I understand, they are not doing the SEED protocol anymore.
Hi! Does Princeton treat Bulimia in people who are overweight? Or is this program only for people who are thinner with Anorexia?
I may be admitting next week and wondered if anyone has suggestions on the best way to get to Princeton from the airport? The only options I can fly into are Newark or Philadelphia, which are both about an hour away and a $150-200 uber ride. Admissions couldn’t help me at all :/
There are trains that can get you here from Newark. Uber cost me $200.00 from Newark.
I’m am wondering if anyone has been to Princeton for short term stabilization and “reset” in terms of stopping behaviors and getting back on the right track. I would like to be forthcoming with them about my intentions before my stay to make the most of it. Unfortunately work/life circumstances don’t allow me to take more than 2/3 weeks away.
I’m curious about this too. Did you ever get any answers by chance?
Unfortunately, I did not get any answers about this. I feel uncomfortable calling because I don’t want to “ruin” my chances of them letting me come if they know my intention is to keep it short term. If that makes sense?
It definitely makes sense. I doubt that it would affect you getting in, but I think all they would say is something like “the team will evaluate you when you get here.” Admissions typically won’t give answers like that unfortunately.
I don’t think they would refuse to let you admit over asking about something like that. I do know that what you are describing is something that they have done in the past. If you don’t need to weight restore or are near enough to the %IBW they discharge people at that’s generally around how long stays tend to be anyway.
Hi Nonnie Mouse- since you mentioned the %IBW thing, it reminded me that I wanted to ask if in your experience they generally made people discharge AMA and/or cert-ed them if they tried to leave before getting to that number? That’s one of my biggest reservations about going.
you generally do have to discharge AMA if you leave prior to that number. They very rarely cert people but they can under some circumstances
Princeton will commit someone if they feel that they need to :/.
I get that if it’s extreme and they can prove you’re a danger to yourself, but I had no idea they would simply for trying to leave before you hit their target weight.
Generally no, I saw many people AMA simply because they felt like they had gotten what they could from the program before reaching that weight. The percentage-based approach for determining length of stay frustrates me because there is only so much work you can do at that level of care, a lot of people mentally don’t need to be there 6 or 8 weeks even if that’s the length of stay Princeton determines for them by formula. Then others definitely need more than 2 weeks but that’s what they get based on percentage… I do think a lot of it is determined by insurance though. I don’t know exactly what circumstances they would cert someone. I will say the situations that I saw it either be threatened or happen (I spent a lot of time there and it was very rare, the vast majority of people who wanted to AMA were allowed to do so) were what I would think of as “extreme”. *TW* Like the person was a very very low BMI or they were on a tube *end TW*
Thank you! I agree about the percentage-based approach. Did you mean “generally no” to the question of will they cert someone for leaving before they reach the target?
The vast majority of the time they let people AMA without pursuing a cert. I would think there would probably be multiple factors involved for someone to get certed, not just not being at the target weight (but I’m sure it’s situational and I’m not aware of other people’s specific circumstances)
Thank you so much for your help, Nonnie Mouse. Unfortunately I turned down the bed and have now been told I’m off the waitlist and can’t even reapply for 30 days. I’m so discouraged, as this was last remaining option.
LS, I say this with love: do you think being on here while waiting for a spot contributed to you turning down a bed again once one opened up? You’ve been looking for treatment for so long. I hate to think that ultimately the ED won and you won’t get treatment at all, and it could be due to spending so much time on EDTR worrying about being forced to stay in treatment once you actually got there. That fear can get so stoked on here, and you’ve posted a lot over the months (years?) about being scared of being compelled to stay in treatment. I don’t know if that’s what happened here. I don’t doubt that each time treatment is researched and then not attended, there are genuine reasons to not go. But you’ve said that Princeton is now your only option, and now you have to wait even longer to reapply for a spot on the waitlist than you would have spent there in treatment in the first place. What I do know is that if you spend much more time avoiding treatment, you’ll die before you get there. Please don’t turn down a bed again. Especially considering this is your only remaining option. If nothing else, think about how great it will feel to get to answer other people’s questions about Princeton on EDTR based on your experience. 🙂 I know getting to answer others’ questions was a motivation for me at least, when I was grasping!
You can do this, friend. But you have to actually DO it.
Yeah, I definitely get what you’re saying, Rachel. Unfortunately I already have a lot of experience being the one answering questions because I’ve been to tons of places over the last 25 years too :/
That part wasn’t really the point of anything I wrote. Maybe I shouldn’t have included that at the end, because while it is something that does help motivate people and one of the many unique things that makes this community special, frankly it wasn’t relevant whatsoever to anything else I wrote. I only spent a couple minutes on that sentence, but I genuinely spent over an hour and a lot of energy on writing the rest of my reply to you. I know too many people who have died because they decided going to treatment right then could wait – including my best friend. I really care about you, but that sentence seems to have turned into the takeaway. I’ll just leave the conversation, since I’m not helping anything.
Rachel, I’m really sorry. You were/are totally right that my researching, talking to people, etc, about treatment places contributes to me putting it off and being so indecisive that I either decide not to go anywhere or it takes me way too long to actually go. It’s a pattern I’ve been aware of for years and that drives everyone around me crazy (I drive myself crazy too), so I’m sure this just hit a nerve.
I have the opportunity to go somewhere else next week (I won’t say where because I’ve probably put too many identifying details about myself on the site already)…I know I have to take the leap and go, and I hope I actually will when it comes right down to time to do it.
Again, I’m sorry. Thank you for taking the time to write and reflect on this. I know you care very much, and for what it’s worth, I care about you too and am thankful for everything you do to make this site what it is and to help others <3
princeton is a voluntary program only. if you want to AMA, you can! but that’s not to say they might transfer you and have the other unit commit
Princeton does commit people now
Can you please say more about this?
Someone at the unit was involuntary recently, and I was told if I tried to sign myself out, I could also be held. This was told to me yesterday
If you are trying to leave AMA or are noncompliant and in medical danger they will commit you and put you under guardianship.
Does anyone have a copy of the schedule they would be willing to email me? Admitting soon.
I don’t do emails but here is a link to a picture of one from Jan 2024. Hopefully you can read it if you zoom in? If not I can try to find and scan one and I have clearer photos of some 2021 schedules assuming links are allowed
https://i.imgur.com/BwbTE00.jpeg
Thank you! It is not large enough. I admit tomorrow though so I will just have to wait 🙂 I appreciate you!!!!
Sorry! By the time I have time to find and scan a more recent one you’ll already be there. I could post a 2021 one but I actually am not sure if I’m allowed to because there are staff first names on it and again by the time I have time to redact it you’ll already be there
If you have a chance, could you still scan a more recent one? I’m going soon (been on the waitlist about a month). Thank you!
well, by more recent I mean over a year ago. but sure I can do so when I get a chance not 100% sure when that’ll be because my treatment folders are buried in a tote in my closet (although I’ve been meaning to go thru all that stuff and either shred or file them). The general structure of the schedule stayed the same from 2020-2024 so I would think it is probably still quite similar
LS,
I am here right now and the schedule changes weekly. Not every group is offered each week ( they alternate weeks). I am only on my second week, but so far the groups are varied and good ( TBH, some like CBT, DBT are very familiar to ones I have been in before). I hope this helps!
Hi have there been any changes to the rules/levels/menu/privleges lately
Hi,
This is my first admission so I am not sure what has changed with the rules, menus etc.
Thanks Anon1! I just finally got offered a spot but am really scared to actually make the commitment to go :/ It sounds like your experience is good so far?
LS,
It is a great program. Not easy of course, and not perfect, but no place is. If one is motivated and willing to do the work, this is a supportive environment in which to do so.
I am sure you are scared, but you waited a long time and deserve the spot. Please give it a great deal of consideration before you turn it down. You are worth recovery and this place will help you!!!!
It is a great group of women right now, so just another reason on top of so many to admit now that they have a spot. 🙂
I’m so glad to hear that! Unfortunately I had to turn down the spot because I couldn’t get travel arrangements in time, so I’m back on the waitlist :/ Have you gotten a feel for how long the average length of stay is? (I know it varies a lot though)
LS,
The length of stay does vary quite a bit. I would say average is likely 4-6 weeks. As you know, insurance plays a big part in this.
We do have a discharge tomorrow! Maybe you waitlist time wont be as long.
Where are you traveling from?
Yeah, that’s the spot I was supposed to get 🙁 Do you know of any others coming up? I don’t want to give any more specifics on here, but I’m putting my email address up if you want to email me, and Rachel can redact it later. (redacted – email admin@edtreatmentreview.com for address )
Thank you!
Anon1, I can vouch for LS as someone safe to email. 🙂
(Also apologies for the delay in my emailing, I’m dealing with a “fun” insurance standoff currently that is taking up most of my time outside of EDTR and work! Gotta “love” the insurance delay tactic…If you want to go ahead and email me, my email is admin@edtreatmentreview.com and I can respond directly to it as soon as I can. <3 )
Thanks, Rachel! And please don’t apologize <3
Do you mind going ahead and redacting my email address and maybe Anon1 can get it from you if she wants it?
Done!
Sorry, also- were you allowed access to your electronics right away?
If you complete the first day ( all meals and snacks) then yes, you get access the same day!
If you are unable to complete,(on any given day), you will not have media until you do for a full 24 hours.
https://imgur.com/a/bEO93T6
Here’s a couple example schedules from when I was there a little over a year ago. It’s different every week and what groups they offer changed over time but the rough structure of it had been the same since I first went there in 2020
Thank you!
I am admitting next week. SCARED.
Can anyone tell me what the therapy is like? Good therapists?
I would love some last minute suggestions on what to bring.
Thank you for being HERE!!!!!
I thought the therapy was good. Some people liked their therapist and some didn’t. If you didn’t like them you could usually switch (depending on the various therapists caseloads, admissions/discharges, and how long was left on your stay). The quantity of therapy is certainly better than most programs. It’s talk therapy, 5 sessions a week, though if they’re short staffed some of the sessions might be short. They really prioritized getting people’s individual sessions in over groups if it came down to it though. If your therapist was out for any reason someone else would cover them. Some therapists were more into DBT, some ACT or CBT, etc but if you knew something specific does/does not help you if you told them I’m sure they’d take that into account.
As for what to bring, I’d suggest a non-smart, non-fitness watch and an alarm clock if your watch doesn’t have an alarm. That was the thing people were most likely to order if they didn’t bring one. Something non-electronic to pass the time like coloring, crossword puzzles, books or whatever activity like that you like to do.
Thank you so much Nonnie!!!! This is really helpful.
What is the food piece like do you get to pick your own meals and [*TW*] do they make you get to a certain BMI [*END TW*]?
After the first week or so you could do your own menus. Yes the vast majority of the time barring special circumstances. They don’t usually talk about weights or BMIs though, they call it a percentage but it does correspond to a certain weight
Does anyone know what the current wait list time frame is?
I don’t know exactly, but I’ve been on the wait list for about 3 weeks and still nothing.
I would encourage you to call to check in with them!
Yeah I have been, and they keep saying it “shouldn’t be much longer.”
Hi,
This question is for anyone that is currently in the program or was recently.
How are the therapists that are there right now? Do you have a say in who you get to work with, ie- male or female etc?
How often do you see your therapist?
I am on wait list!
Thank you!!!
I was last there a year ago but my request for female primary team members was always honored. When I was there there were only female therapists. You saw your therapist every weekday. If you really didn’t like your therapist it was usually possible to switch but they couldn’t always make it work (depending on how many clients each therapist had, admissions and discharges, etc)
I am on the waiting list and told it will move really fast. I am scared! It’s a new place for me and it’s a bit overwhelming.
TW I am going through the “ maybe I dont need to go”, “ I’m not sick enough “ and all the other mind games my ED plays.
I would love some words of wisdom!
I really do not want to turn down a spot.
If you did not need to go, insurance would not be covering it. Those penny pinching money grubbers do not pay for ANYTHING that is not medically necessary (hell, half the time they won’t even pay for things that ARE medically necessary, including treatment!), so if Princeton’s admissions team has gotten the okay from them, it means you need to be there and are indeed “sick enough”. Take this at face value and don’t try to talk yourself out of it <3
Thank you for this! I needed it. 🙂 <3 <3
What’s the best airport to fly into? Would also love a recommend for a nearby hotel.
If waitlisted, how much time do they give you to arrive? A day or so? Hoping I am able to get a little notice as I am coming from California.
My mom always drove me so I can’t help with flying, but I always stayed at the Homewood Suites. It’s right across the street from the hospital, you can actually see it from the unit. It’s always been perfectly fine. I was only on a waitlist once (they used to usually have none or a short one until the past year) but I was generally given an admit date a few days to a week out. They once offered me Friday on a Wednesday but when I said I could not make travel arrangements that quickly they offered me the next Wednesday instead, but I think it was technically tentative until the Monday.
Definitely ask whoever you talk to in admissions about hotels. Sometimes hospitals have deals with certain hotels for discounted rates for patients.
Does anyone know which Medicare Advantage plans they take?
Hi,
I am in the process of admitting (on waitlist). I am nervous and my ED is trying to talk me out of it because I am not at a TW* low BMI.
TW * I am afraid I will be the only one there that has minimal weight restoration to do. Has anyone been in a similar situation?
There’s no guarantees on exactly who will be there with you, it just depends on who needs care at the time. I will say that it is common for people to admit a week or two away from their weight goal for discharge, and far from unheard of for people who do not need weight restoration to go there
Is there any recent reviews.. Called for an intake. My friend went here and said they are very collaborative and accommodating here.. Work with you and take things slow.. Is that true? I have a lot of trauma from prior force hospitalizations and treatment centers that were all about just *TW* huge meal plans and fast weight gain.. *END TW*.. but I truly want help that will be safe and treat me like an adult and autonomy work with me. Is there anyone that can share their recent honest experience and answer some personal questions?
Does anyone know if the waitlist is open/how long it currently is (how many weeks to admit)?
Can someone please do a full review for seed in the past year and does anyone know what age they take up to?
No upper age limit, been there with people in their 70s in the past. I think the lower age limit may be 8?
What inpatient treatment program is better Princeton or Waldens?
Has anyone been in the past month that can answer some questions?
Does anyone have any insight on the way they are approaching the waitlist/new admissions at this time? I know it has been very full over the past year with them closing the waitlist in the past. Any info is greatly appreciated!
Yes, I talked with them last week and they are doing assessments again now and only have about 1-2 week wait.
Were you there recently? If so do you know visitor or mask policy and if they are allowing passes and level 5 privledges
No, sorry, I haven’t been there in a really long time.
I was there around 4 months ago and they had taken away the mask policy and was allowing visitors. They were not allowing however any of the privileges above level 3 meaning no passes.
They also told me a 1-2 week waiting period and it ended up being 5 weeks total. The level of severity wouldn’t make things move quicker either. There were some patients that had not been improving therefore had been there for a long time and didn’t leave for a long time and tied up beds.
How long did the typical length of stay tend to be when you were there?
Has anyone done their SEED program recently? I am wondering how long the typical stay is.
Is it hard to get onto the waitlist? What criteria needs to be met? Do they accept most people?
the waitlist was quite long when i was there in the summer and then again in the fall they weren’t taking anyone. criteria is really individualized, and they will only take people they believe they can help. its mostly based on acuity so i only waited for 2-3 days while others on the unit with me had to wait 6+ weeks but i came from another program
Hi,
I have been trying to call to get an assessment for Princeton inpatient but the number of the website doesn’t work? Can anyone assist?
wondering if anyone from another state has been able to get an SCA. particularly NY
Would love an updated review.
Has anyone older been to this program? I am over 50.
I find in general Princeton skews older than other programs because they are one of the few places that takes Medicare and now they have a SEED program. Last couple times I was there I think there was pretty much always at least 2 people over 45, but it’s kinda random who you end up with so no guarantees.
Nonnie,
Thank you! I called today and was told that the wait list is closed now :/.
I can try again next week maybe.
Would you be willing to share your experience there?
Hi I updated my experience there I just got out in September so hope this helps you! My review is pending.
I agree, the program can skew older. I have been there multiple times and I am 44. Generally, I am never the oldest on the floor. I’ve been there with people up to their 70s.
If anyone who recently discharge or is currently there can update on how the program is that would be so helpful. I’m on the waitlist but the most recent reviews on Google make me nervous. I would be attending for binge eating (I have gained a lot of weight because of it and am currently overweight) and they said they could help with that condition. The intake person actually had to put me on hold and talk to someone else cause she wasn’t sure if they treated binge eating cause she said most people are there for anorexia. But she said she spoke to the team and they approved me to be on the waitlist. Do you feel like the therapy is enough/helpful. Are the staff nice? Is it currently really strict? Do you know if anyone else is there for binge eating/is overweight in the program? I’m also debating on attending center for change in UT as I was recommended for Residential there by the CFC intake team but I don’t want to travel out of state and so far from my loved ones. Also CFC seems very strict and their privileges seem more restrictive especially in the beginning. Part of me thinks residential would be better for me than inpatient but again I don’t want to be far from home and I guess I fit the criteria for inpatient if Princeton put me on the waitlist? This whole process is so confusing and overwhelming. Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated.
I have not been there recently so hopefully someone who has will see this. However I have spent a substantial amount of time there over the past several years. It is true that most people are there for anorexia and are underweight, while a minority are there for “atypical” AN or bulimia and are normal or higher weight, or ARFID at any weight. I don’t know if I ever met anyone there who told me had BED but not everyone is comfortable with discussing their ED or what their diagnosis may be. Unless it has changed in the past 8 months (and it was the same for many years prior so I don’t see that as likely unless it’s a temporary staffing shortage), therapy is every weekday which is vastly more than most programs. I did find both individual and group therapy helpful. I do think that residential may be more likely to more people with a similar struggle, but it’s a toss up regardless and people with other EDs often have binging as one of their behaviors and would understand it, even if they also struggle with other behaviors. CFC is a highly rated program in the past few years with bad reviews about very restrictive practices from years ago, is your info current? I do think they are more restrictive than Princeton on technology but I’m not sure. I don’t know of an adult residential in NJ, most people who were local and didn’t have another place in mind stepped down to CFD or Monte Nido locations in neighboring states. So there’s options for res that are closer than Utah, but may be less highly rated on the therapeutic aspect or have more restrictive tech policies.
Thank you so much! Yeah CFC has some bad reviews with how strict they are which scared me a little bit. But maybe I need a super strict regime to help me.
For what it’s worth, Princeton does not tell people they can treat them unless they believe they can competently treat them, and they certainly don’t put people on the waitlist unless they genuinely believe they can help them. Princeton doesn’t hesitate to turn people down or to refer them elsewhere. If they accepted you, it is because they are worried about you and scared you might not make it. BED has a very high morbidity rate and also a high mortality rate. Based on what they said, Princeton believes that the frequency, seriousness, and danger of your current eating disorder symptoms is severe enough that you need 24/7 symptom interruption, medical observation, and behavioral monitoring in order to safely and successfully get into recovery. Same goes for the assessment by Center for Change (CFC). Both Princeton and CFC get very good reviews on EDTR and the last couple years have been two of the most highly recommended programs on here. No matter where you go to treatment, it’s going to be hard and you’re going to disagree with or dislike things. But people who write good reviews on here tend to be much more pro-recovery and much more serious about treatment than those who do so on Google. You got this. ❤️
Thank you for the information and the kind words! I really appreciate it! ❤️
CFC is definitely a strict program, but not a punitive one. They’re incredibly compassionate and work to individualize your care to meet your specific needs. I’m admitting there again next week and I’m on the other side of the country — it’s worth the distance, I promise. I had stable recovery for over 2 years after leaving CFC. If you have any additional specific questions about Center for Change, feel free to leave them on the center’s page and I can answer them there.
I’m proud of you for reaching out for help! Best of luck.
Thank for you for the feedback! I completed the online admission today for CFC. I’m still trying to decide where to go but I think it might come down to where I can get in the soonest. Will definitely post any questions i have specifically for CFC on their page on this site if I have any. Thank you for the support! I’m glad you’re getting support and help as well!
I just wanted to give an update. I’m being admitted tomorrow! It’s been about 4 or 5 weeks I think since I got on their waitlist. Thank you all so much for the support and detailed answers on this forum!
There might be some triggers so trigger warning!
So wanted to provide another update. I was only there for 2 weeks. I don’t think they were really equipped to help with my ED as I felt like things were more focused towards anorexia and specifically weight restoration which I didn’t need (they made sure I maintained the weight I came in with even though I’m overweight medically-literally over 200lbs) which is also why I think I was only there for two weeks cause my insurance didn’t run out. The meals were pretty good. I was in a double the whole time because no singles were available during my time there. I really liked my therapist and dietitian. The groups were not that great. The only one I liked was psychotherapy and I usually only liked it with specific therapists running it. The MHA’s were all super nice and the nurses are great too. I was with the adults but during meals in the dinning hall there was conversations between the adults and adolescents. Usually short conversations or due to us playing a game like contact and wordle and everyone being involved. Also sometimes the two groups spoke to each other in positive support.
I was allowed to hug my fellow adult patients during my entire time there and I hugged some of the staff the day I left. But I did ask permission first before I touched anyone!
They are very strict with finishing your meals. I lost my media privileges twice while there because I couldn’t finish my meal (I literally physically got sick and threw up and that counted as an incomplete so no media and going back to level 1 even though I didn’t do it on purpose so that was annoying and they knew I was sick and accommodated me the following day with my meal).
Some days they were obviously under staffed and those days would be kind of difficult for everyone because the nurses and MHA’s would be stretched so thin and the patients on both sides would have to wait a long time for things like getting their bathrooms unlocked and or having bathroom observations and getting medications.
The pharmacy there kind of sucks. They routinely would not send up more than one dosage of one of my meds so we had to order it every single day and wait for them to fill it and the nurses were all getting frustrated with the pharmacy. Towards the end of my stay the pharmacy finally sent a bunch of my medication up because I’m pretty sure they got annoyed with multiple nurses reaching out to them multiple times throughout the day for my medication lol.
I think being there over all helped me with getting into a routine and relearning my hunger cues. Didn’t get much work done with therapy since I was only there for 2 weeks. I definitely made friends while I was there and everyone was so supportive of each other. I might have got lucky with the milieu when I was there but all the adults were amazing and even though I was in a double the whole time I got along really well with my roommate.
I don’t know if this will help anyone but I wanted to share my experience in case it might!
Okay after 10ish weeks, I’m being admitted Wednesday. wish me luck. send any questions, and I’ll answer when I get to use my laptop.
i wish this page was in chronological order. It makes responding and seeing responses so difficult haha
Hey do you know if there is still a long waitlist or any discharges coming up?
I just called yesterday and their waitlist is finally open again! I was able to do an intake and get on the list that same day. I’m not sure how long the list is because they told me it’s somewhat based on acuity so it’s not exactly who calls when.
Do they let children meal plan and also is the meal planning like you get a few options and get to choose which ones you want or something different? Thank you!
I THINK (not 100% sure as adults and adolescents are absolutely forbidden from interacting outside of supervised word games during meals, so this is based on what staff or adults who did the adolescent program in the past mentioned in passing) for younger children their parents and/or dietician do the meal planning and for older adolescents it may be case by case. The meal planning for adults is picking pretty much anything out of a 4-5 page packet, but for adolescents it may be simplified, couldn’t tell you. I THINK they mostly have parents doing it because many will be doing FBT when they go home
Thank you so much, this helped a lot! I’m going to be sent here pretty soon (as soon as a bed opens) and I’m really nervous so thank you! Would you say older adolescents is 13+ or even older?
I honestly have no idea, sorry
okay, thanks anyway!
Just as an FYI, I spoke to Princeton this morning and they said the waitlist has been closed for about 2 weeks and they don’t know when it will reopen. They are not even doing assessments/intake call right now.
I had called months back and the same thing happened. I managed to get on the list, but it’s been almost 6 weeks now. so even when you get on, keep in mind that you will still be waiting a while. 🙁
That’s so weird, it was pretty consistently relatively short for years and years. I wonder what changed. It might be staffing issues, sometimes they don’t fill the unit if they’re short staffed
they said theyre operating at max capacity, but yeah it’s been wild. I’m finally going this wednesday after 10 weeks. wish me luck yall
How long did they initially tell you that you’d have to wait?
i haven’t been able to get through to anyone when i call… anyone know if they’re accepting to their waitlist yet? it just rings everytime i try to call :/
they are
They’re not. I just spoke with them this morning.
Are you only allowed to have the same two visitors your entire stay? And I can’t have my phone until I complete 100?! I can’t physically do that rn.
I haven’t been there in a while. I’m so worried.
Nvm. I see this was answered two months ago. Probably hasn’t changed since then
Being that Princeton has both a hospital and a separate ED inpatient program, is it possible to show up to the hospital and get admitted to the ED unit? Or would they make you go through the typical admissions process done via phone call?
They prefer that you go through the standard admission process. They do triage and admit based on severity, even if they don’t say that. You can go through the ER but you might be stuck there for days prior to getting moved upstairs.
No they will not take someone from the ER
Question!!!! What airport do people fly into?? Is there one in New Jersey or do you use Newark???
Newark airport is in New Jersey. It’s about an hour away.
Newark is in New Jersey and the closest international airport to Princeton. Philadelphia and Trenton airports are also pretty close by.