Ascension’s new inpatient eating disorder unit is located at Ascension Saint Joseph Hospital in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago, IL. It offers inpatient eating disorder treatment for adults ages 18+. The Ascension Saint Joseph Chicago Eating Disorder Unit is a highly-specialized, 12 private-bed inpatient psychiatric unit for the care of adult patients 18 years and older struggling with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), and other specified feeding and eating disorders (OSFED). All patients have private rooms, and the program has the capacity to treat medical complications as well as co-occurring psychiatric concerns such as SI, SH, complex trauma, and substance use disorders. It opened Fall 2024.
Ascension St. Joseph is associated with Ascension’s (formerly Amita’s) longtime eating disorder unit located at Alexian Brothers Behavioral Hospital in Hoffman Estates, IL. However the St. Joseph’s EDU only treats adults, while Alexian treats both adolescents and adults. In addition, St. Joseph’s is located in a medical hospital rather than a psychiatric hospital like the Alexian Brothers EDU.
Any reviews, updates, or details about the program? Please post in comments below. You can check out the FAQ and Guidelines for suggested questions. Thank you!
When were you there?
December 2024-September 2025 (5 separate visits, 1 month each time)
What level(s) of care did you do (e.g., inpatient, residential, PHP, IOP)?
Inpatient
If applicable: Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes
How many patients are there on average?
3-11 patients during my stay
What genders does it treat?
All
If applicable: Do they support the gender identities of transgender and nonbinary people?
Yes
How often do you see a medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist (therapist), nutritionist, nurse, etc?
Psychiatrist- 5-7 days a week, a psych NP on weekends, social worker- usually 1 day, dietitian- 2 days, MD as needed, 2-3 nurses available 24/7
What is the staff-to-patient ratio?
when I was there for 6 patients, it was 2-3 nurses, 1-2 techs, and a social worker
What sort of therapies are used (e.g., DBT, CBT, EMDR, ACT, exposure therapy, somatic experiencing, etc.)?
Lots of DBT & CBT, exposures on hold currently, some ACT.
Describe the average day:
What were meals like?
You sit at one-two tables together in the milieu, sometimes a nurse or tech will sit and eat with you but sometimes they are just monitoring/charting. Not much encouragement or support unless you ask for it (like going to eat with a staff member if available)
What sorts of food were available or served?
Always the grill options of chicken tenders, veggie/meat burger, deli sandwich, ect and meals varied
Did they supplement? How did that system work?
yes for less than 95% completion. Ensure plus with clear options, and magic cup, as well as some other options depending on what you need
What is the policy of not complying with meals?
supplementation for 10 minutes but they tube a well, not very quickly though, the team gives you time
Are you able to eat vegetarian? Vegan?
yes vegetarian
What privileges are allowed?
not really, no phones/electronics or leaving unit
Does it work on a level system?
no
How do you earn privileges?
n/a
What sort of groups do they have?
process group every day, supposed to have exposure Mon-Fri, self-care group where you can color, journal, play games while listening to music, general CBT/DBT type groups, spirituality 1x/week
What was your favorite group?
Process was good if the milieu was cooparative/smaller
If applicable: Is the program trauma-informed?
yes very
What did you like the most?
Psychiatrist is very informed and gentle hearted but stern with the ED, individual rooms, lots of medical support necessary (like IV support), main staff are very supportive and informed/take you seriously
What did you like the least?
therapeutic support very limited except from psychiatrist
Would you recommend this program?
yes, 1000%
What level of activity or exercise was allowed?
seated stretching in the morning, PT if needed
What did people do on weekends?
groups as normal on weekend minus one for visiting slot
Do you get to know your weight?
No
If applicable: How fast is the weight gain process?
Very dependent
What was the average length of stay?
Dependent, 1 week to 1 month
What was the average age range?
18+ only, but a variety of ages, up to 60s
How do visits/phone calls work?
phone every evening 8:15-9, visits 4x week if census is low, but normally twice a week on specific days
What is the electronics policy (e.g., cell phones, iPods, Kindles, laptops, tablets)?
no electronics, could get phone for bills, get numbers out, ect
For adolescents: Did they provide time to do schoolwork or offer academic support?
n/a
For inpatient/residential: Are you able to go on outings/passes?
no
For PHP/IOP: What support do they provide outside of programming hours?
n/a
What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an outpatient treatment team?
The case worker will refer you to a treatment center, or set up appts with your OP team, depending on your needs
Are there any resources for people who come from out of state/country?
Not sure
If applicable: How is the program responding to COVID? (Less patients, virtual programming, no visitors, masks, social distancing, etc)
Not sure
Just left inpatient here and wanted to update others that there currently is no therapist on staff. The other providers are wonderful and I received excellent care overall, but if you require a lot of emotional support be aware that they may not be able to meet this need. If all you want to focus on is medical stabilization/safety, then this is an amazing unit for you. Nurses are competent and kind, techs are caring and try their best, the psychiatrist/MD is probably the best eating disorder provider I have ever had, the dietitian is fine but you only get like 15 mins with her twice a week, and it’s just unfortunate that they haven’t hired a therapist to replace those that quit a few months back.
Out of all the treatment centers I have been to, I can say this one is the least trauma inducing one I have been to. If you have to go inpatient somewhere, this is a good option, and I encourage you to go in with an open mind. I can try to answer more specific questions if anyone has them!
It’s great to hear that you had an overall pleasant experience! Are you able to share what a typical day looked like and if this is more room-based/if you had a roommate?
You have your own room and I think someone’s posted a schedule which is still the same.
Thank you for this review! If there are no therapists on staff do they still have group therapy on the unit? Are you assigned a caseworker for aftercare? Thanks.
They have hired a therapist who runs process group and is also a case worker. She has a lot on her plate and does well if you ask to check in with her. There is another therapist who comes down from another unit but he is not educated in eating disorders and tends to overshare about his personal life where it made other people very uncomfortable and led to multiple complaints about him.
Are you allowed to have coffee in the morning?
You are but you have to complete 75% otherwise they won’t give it to you. Same goes for tea
Thank you for sharing. Would they allow a vegan? I know you said yes to vegetarian but I’m vegan and it’s separate from my eating disorder. It’s hard for me to find places that will take me.
I know there have been past patients who were vegan, they will ask you about it and try to accommodate you.
• When were you there? – March 2025
• What level(s) of care did you do (e.g., inpatient, residential, PHP, IOP)? – Inpatient
• If applicable: Is it wheelchair accessible? -Yes
• How many patients are there on average? – I was there and we only got to 5 people including me but towards the end there were only 2 of us
• What genders does it treat? – all
• If applicable: Do they support the gender identities of transgender and nonbinary people? – Yes, I am nonbinary and thought they did well with that
• How often do you see a medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist (therapist), nutritionist, nurse, etc? You see Dr. S and she is the only psychiatrist but she sees her patients every day on the unit except on weekend where her nurse practitioner comes unless she’s on call that weekend and you see her over zoom
• What is the staff-to-patient ratio? there were 2 or 3 nurses for the 5 of us
• What sort of therapies are used (e.g., DBT, CBT, EMDR, ACT, exposure therapy, somatic experiencing, etc.)? They do exposure therapy, CBT, DBT
• Describe the average day:
You have to be up by 8AM and in the dayroom
8AM breakfast
Group at 8:45/9
Snack at 10:15ish
Group at 11
Lunch at 12
Group at 1
Break at 2-3
Snack at 3:30
Group at 4
Dinner at 5
Free time after that
Snack at 8
You can get in your rooms at 8:30PM
• What were meals like? – You order from a menu that you do with the dietician
• What sorts of food were available or served? Burgers, chicken tenders, salad, they also have a rotating menu
• Did they supplement? How did that system work? Yes, they supplement all meals and snacks.
• What is the policy of not complying with meals? Do most people complete their meals/snacks? They supplement you and if you don’t they tube you. Most people are struggling to complete meals and almost everyone was tubed while I was there.
• If applicable: Do they treat ARFID? If so, do they have a separate approach to meals for ARFID? – Yes but I don’t know the details
• Are you able to eat vegetarian? Vegan? Yes you can eat vegetarian and I don’t know about vegan
• What privileges are allowed? None
• Does it work on a level system? No
• How do you earn privileges? you can’t
• What was your favorite group? I liked when we had the break
• If applicable: Is the program trauma-informed? Yes
• What did you like the most? I liked my psychiatrist she is very compassionate and understanding but firm when she needs to be. She’s VERY knowledgeable.
• What did you like the least? A couple of the night shift nurses were awful
• Would you recommend this program? YES
• What level of activity or exercise was allowed? none
• What did people do on weekends? Groups and a lot of resting
• Do you get to know your weight? NO
• If applicable: How fast is the weight gain process? N/A
• What was the average length of stay? I only stayed 10 days but I know some were there for a month
• What was the average age range? 18+ there were people of all ages
• How do visits/phone calls work? you can call on the nurse’s phone but it was after 8PM
• What is the electronics policy (e.g., cell phones, iPods, Kindles, laptops, tablets)? you can access your phone but you have to ask your therapist
• 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? They are really good with setting you up for Res or PHP, they find a program and have you do an intake and send information over so when you discharge you go straight into that program.
Do they offer short term medical stabilization? I know you mentioned you were there 10 days. A few other questions as I am finding the website not super helpful with inpatient information. Do you have your own room? What is the bathroom policy?
I just discharged a couple days ago after an 11 day stay and was there for short term medical stabilization and behavior interruption. You do get your own room, but doors are locked from 8am to 9pm. Each room also has a bathroom which is also locked except for during morning/night hygiene. Bathroom breaks are scheduled throughout the day, but you can usually ask a staff member to open if need to go outside of those times. They can be a little strict if it’s immediately after a meal or snack. They also do output checks for everyone and door has to be cracked slightly. I was on line of sight in the bathroom at all times, so during hygiene (brushing teeth/shower/toilet), usually a nurse would have to be standing by the door able to see me. They try to give you as much privacy as they can though
Thank you so much for this information!
How was your experience? How often are therapy sessions?
I saw that you have a MCAS diagnosis (I have a pretty severe case), how did they handle the food allergy portion? and MCAS in general? I am really afraid of going to a ED program because I am not sure they will accommodate my most of food allergies because they are not “official” IGE allergies. Have you had other experiences with treatment and having the MCAS diagnosis? Thanks
They are actually pretty okay with it. I am gluten free/dairy free and others but they discussed reactions and was able to accommodate me really well. I know Rosewood was actually the place that helped me find the MCAS diagnosis and then my allergist officially diagnosed me with it. Rosewood in AZ did a wonderful job accommodating me as well as they are both IP and Res
When were you there?
Winter 2024
What level(s) of care did you do (e.g., inpatient, residential, PHP, IOP)?
Residential
If applicable: Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes
How many patients are there on average?
3-6 patients during my stay
What genders does it treat?
All
If applicable: Do they support the gender identities of transgender and nonbinary people?
Yes
How often do you see a medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist (therapist), nutritionist, nurse, etc?
Psychiatrist- 5 days, therapist- usually 2 days, dietitian- 2 days, MD as needed, 2 nurses available 24/7
What is the staff-to-patient ratio?
when I was there for 6 patients, it was 2 nurses, 1-2 techs, and 2 therapists/case manager
What sort of therapies are used (e.g., DBT, CBT, EMDR, ACT, exposure therapy, somatic experiencing, etc.)?
Lots of DBT & CBT, exposures Mon-Fri but the therapist leaves right after exposure so it felt rushed/not a lot of support if the exposure was tough
Describe the average day:
What were meals like?
a couple main options, lots of side optiosn, you can always order chicken tenders/hamburger/veg burger/grilled cheese etc if you don’t like options
What sorts of food were available or served?
variety
Did they supplement? How did that system work?
yes- ensure or you can get approved for clear/magic cup etc, supplemented for 25%,50% etc
What is the policy of not complying with meals?
supplemented. they do have feeding tubes, but not first option/used punitively
Are you able to eat vegetarian? Vegan?
yes
What privileges are allowed?
not many- you can wear your own shoes which is nice?, no phones/electronics, leaving unit etc
Does it work on a level system?
no
How do you earn privileges?
n/a
What sort of groups do they have?
process group every day, exposure Mon-Fri, self-care group (do whatever you want basically), general CBT/DBT type groups, spirituality 1x/week
What was your favorite group?
uhhhh did not love the groups
If applicable: Is the program trauma-informed?
yes
What did you like the most?
Psychiatrist is AMAZING, individual rooms, lots of medical support necessary (I needed an NJ and they got it in stat/didn’t have to ambulance anywhere), staff are generally very nice/supportive, didn’t feel jaded like some tx places, dietitian wasn’t super aggressive with MP
What did you like the least?
therapeutic support very limited, limited access to electronics (can get phone/computer to pay bills etc w/ staff supervision), dietitian wasn’t super aggressive with MP (pro/con becuase it elongated weight restoration)
Would you recommend this program?
yes, esp. if you are struggling with severe concurrent mood disorder, need to get back on track. do not recommend if you are looking for a lot of therapeutic support
What level of activity or exercise was allowed?
seated stretching in the morning, PT if needed
What did people do on weekends?
groups as normal on weekend but not led by therapists, watch a lot of TV, visiting hours, coloring, etc
Do you get to know your weight?
no
If applicable: How fast is the weight gain process?
obviously very dependent, but dietitian wasn’t super aggressive with mine
What was the average length of stay?
uhh not sure like 2-4 weeks?
What was the average age range?
18+, when I was there it was 1 18 YO, 1 20 something, 2 30 somethings, and a 70 year old
How do visits/phone calls work?
phone every evening 8:15-9, visits 2x week (limited to 1 person at a time but they were flexible with this)
What is the electronics policy (e.g., cell phones, iPods, Kindles, laptops, tablets)?
no electronics, could get phone for emergency situations/to get numbers/pay bills, etc
For adolescents: Did they provide time to do schoolwork or offer academic support?
n/a
For inpatient/residential: Are you able to go on outings/passes?
no
For PHP/IOP: What support do they provide outside of programming hours?
n/a
What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an outpatient treatment team?
no related PHP/IOP- people usually go to Alexian if they need PHP. case manager/therapist help with team setup before discharge
Are there any resources for people who come from out of state/country?
not sure
If applicable: How is the program responding to COVID? (Less patients, virtual programming, no visitors, masks, social distancing, etc)
visits limited to 1 person at a time/patient
Will they allow writing utensils. i.e. pens/pencils for writing letters/journaling/crosswords/sudoku-type stuff?
Has anyone else run into an issue like this? My PCP has been trying to coordinate with them but hasn’t gotten any feedback or a response with the three attempts that she’s made. I’m now wondering (honestly worried) if I need to be admitted to my local hospital (she’s aware of this) to help facilitate being transferred there later on.
HI!
I was admitted to my local hospital for a week while being there they reached out multiple times to St. Joes and heard back with vague answers and never got anywhere. It was very frustrating to me because I was getting worse in another hospital because they didn’t reach out. When they finally did they told me I could have gone through their ER so maybe try that way. I ended up not going there and went to inpatient else where but just be aware that they take forever when transferring patients.
Thanks for the in depth info and the heads up. I’ll definitely pass this onto my primary. Hope you’re in a better place now in regards to the ED.
Hi. Does anyone have any recent reviews? The reviews posted are so thorough. Thank you all for posting those.
Specifically I am looking for 2026 stays with the review listed that they had lost the lead psychiatrist.
How is staffing all around?
Thanks all.
*TW: low bmi*
Does anyone know if you need to meet a certain IBW% criteria in order to be admitted? Trying to figure out if I need to be medically stabilized first (waiting for a doctors appointment, in the next few days) before pursuing admission as I don’t think they’d be able to handle it.
Best to call and find out.
I do want to say that the current psychiatrist Dr. S*** will not be continuing to work on the unit after Dec 31st as she will be working somewhere else. Due to this I was told that they will be having doctors from ERC who will be getting approval to work there instead.
Out of curiosity, you wouldn’t by chance know where Dr. S. would be going do you? I’ll keep my eyes peeled after the date but wanted to see just in case. I’ve never been here, though had hoped to be admitted because of her expertise in the field but if she’s leaving then I’m seriously reconsidering.
I don’t feel comfortable saying as she was keeping it pretty quiet.
Hey unfortunately I don’t feel comfortable saying where she’s going because she kept that information under wraps. I’m so sorry
I totally understand.
Information about how to get treatment at Ascension St. Joseph’s Eating Disorder Unit
I spoke with someone in the admissions department at Ascension St. Joseph’s Eating Disorder Unit, and here is all the information I got about how the admissions process works. Sorry for how long this is, the admissions person I spoke to was extemely helpful and answered every question I had, and I want to make sure I share all of it with you!
There are four (4) different ways to admit to the Ascension St. Joseph’s Eating Disorder Unit: (1) “Coming from another facility” – this is when an outpatient provider or your treatment team submits a “bed request” for you; (2) “Coming from home” – this is when you call the program directly and request an evaluation for the ED Unit, rather than going through a provider; (3) “Coming through the ER” – this is when you go straight to the St. Joseph’s Emergency Room and ask them for an evaluation for the ED Unit; and, (4) “Coming from another hospital” – this is when you are already in a hospital but not at St. Joseph’s, and you are transferred to St. Joseph’s.
I’ll give more details below.
Extra note for patients coming from out-of-state:
I think that is all!
URGENT & LOST!!!
I’ve been looking into this facility for awhile now before things had gotten out of hand but now that I’m going downhill with Anorexia for someone of my height (I’m pretty tall); I was wondering if they have a certain criteria that you have to meet in order to be admitted??
I’m currently w/out a treatment team/primary care doctor as I recently moved to the state so if they would need to do it, that’s out of the question!! Or would I need to go through the ER and be admitted through there somehow?
I have another medical condition that might expedite my admission as it effects my electrolytes (Gitelman Syndrome) but I don’t know if they’d be equipped to handle it.
If anyone has the answer, can you please explain it like you would to a child (I’m 39 but these days nothing is making sense because of the ED).
Thanks!
I just talked to them! I will post what they said later today when I get home, but I wanted to let you know so that you have some peace of mind.
Rachel, I’m interested to hear too!
I got a ton of info from the admissions person, and it took me longer than I expected to write it all out, sorry! I just put all of the info into a new comment so that it is easier for everyone to find, but here are the admissions options that apply to you: (1) You can admit “from home” – this is when you call 833-455-2331 and request an evaluation for the ED Unit, rather than going through a provider; or (2) You can admit through the ER – this is when you go straight to the St. Joseph’s Emergency Room and ask them for an evaluation for the ED Unit.
Here is more detailed information about each of them. 🙂
Thank you SO much for taking time out of your busy schedule to do this, I greatly appreciate it especially the detailed description!!
I’m middle-aged and use my kindle to read because I’m presbyopic. My near vision is too poor to read normal books (or do most things that involve close work). Would they really refuse to let me read? I’m only looking short-term stabilization and symptom interruption, do not intend to follow-up with residential or anything.
They will not let you have it but you could always ask the psychiatrist!
Does anyone know if they make you go through the step down process after inpatient? Like residential, php, iop?
I doubt it – Ascension as a whole doesn’t have a residential eating disorder treatment program, and to my knowledge Ascension St. Joseph doesn’t have ED PHP or IOP on-site yet. They certainly might recommend stepdown to residential and/or PHP at a different treatment center, or to PHP at their Alexian Brother’s campus in Hoffman Estates, but they won’t (and can’t) make you. They’ll absolutely make sure you have appointments scheduled for all outpatient care providers and help connect you to providers if you need them, and will coordinate if you do decide to do residential or PHP elsewhere after discharge, but it’s up to you.
Does anyone know how admission works here? Their website is super vague
Admission is through the emergency department or referral to the facility pending approval of the attending physician.
Thank you! Do you know if you can do an intake at the 24/7 behavioral health walk-in assessment center in Hoffman Estates like you can for Alexian?
You can also be transferred to the unit from other hospitals in the Chicagoland area, like Northwestern and Rush once you’ve been admitted to their hospital’s ER, if beds are available at St. Joseph.
Rachel (or anyone)- so is there an admissions number I can call and do an assessment like with regular treatment centers?
Unfortunately I think you need to go to their ER to be put on a waitlist I believe ? If you’re not referred from residential or PHP.
Does this unit allow Peg Tubes? I’ve had a peg tube for years and I’m not allowed to remove it
Yes, this is a full medical/psychiatric unit
is there anyone I can talk to/email to ask more questions about their experience and the program! Please!
Hi Paulie! Can you post your questions here rather than offsite, so that everyone who visits the page (including people come here a few days from now, weeks from now, months from now, even years from now!) can benefit from the answers and no one is excluded? Most people also prefer to answer questions online and don’t feel comfortable emailing/talking, so you’ll be more likely to receive answers. Thank you!
Can anyone do a full review with the template?
Has anyone been here recently for medical stabilization and could write a full review? Would be much-appreciated!
does anyone have any information on this place
I was at Alexian recently and there was a patient that was recently on their ED unit. Compared to Alexian, it looks like they are less strict when it comes to phone times, hygiene items that you are allowed to use (locked up of course), and items that you are allowed. They do still have a set phone time but since it’s an adult only unit they seem to be flexible if you need to make a call/pay a bill. The patient said that they were allowed to wear makeup and shoes there (no laces of course) which definitely seems like a culture shock. They are also very ERP driven so they have exposure groups and individual exposure time to work on your subjective units of distress (SUDS) related to your ED/other mental health stuff. We were also told that since the unit is a lot bigger (12 individual rooms rather than 6 rooms with 2 beds) the milieu is a lot more engaged to where you will see the therapists hanging out in the day room and checking in on everyone. I believe it is the same number of sessions: 5x/week with MD, 2-3x/week with therapist, and 2-3x/week with dietitian. Since it is a medical hospital vs a psychiatric hospital, they are definitely more equipped to handle different tests and procedures if you need it and if you need a tube, they can insert it in house.
Some of the, “downsides,” is that they don’t have expressive therapy like Alexian, but they do have a spirituality group 1x/week. I hear that their programming schedule is a lot more organized to where you actually get more group therapy than Alexian rather than a lot of free time. The psychiatrist who runs the unit used to work at Alexian and she is very sweet compared to some of the other psychiatrists from there. Patients are also not allowed to go off unit outside or to the chapel in the hospital unfortunately. Another downside is that they don’t have ED PHP like they do at Alexian so if you have Medicaid/Medicare and live in the city, you will have to travel all the way to Alexian in Hoffman Estates which is 1.5 hours+ with traffic.
Other than that, it sounds like a great program and since it’s been only running for a couple months it sounds like they are still getting things in order. Like any hospital, it seems that there have been concerns at times of the unit being understaffed to where you don’t feel supported at meals, but I know that they have been attempting to address this.
I recently did two weeks inpatient here and would be willing to write a review if you have specific questions!
yeah just like the typical template besides the ones that dont apply in this type of setting
Hey I would love a review!
Hi!
This would be amazing! Would you still be willing to write a full review or even answer some questions about this program?
I am looking into admission here for bulimia and have a lot of medical concerns. Will I get to go to the new one?