Cambridge Eating Disorder Center (CEDC) offers residential, PHP, IOP, and outpatient. They also offer transitional living.
Their residential program treats females aged 12 and up, on three units: adolescent, young adult, and adult.
CEDC has two locations:
- Massachusetts: Residential, Transitional Living, PHP, IOP (Cambridge)
- New Hampshire: IOP and PHP (Concord)
Any updated reviews? Please post in comments below! You can check out the FAQ and Guidelines for suggested questions. Thank you!
CEDC helped me save my own life.
I admitted to their residential treatment program in the early 2022 and was there until summer 2022. At the time, they had 18-24 combined with the 25+ floor due to COVID and staffing issues, the latter group of which I was a part.
Pros:
1) I lucked out with my case manager and dietician. They truly changed my life and were the key to my success at CEDC.
2) I met some of the coolest, most kind people during my time there. We may not talk everyday or every month, but I know they’re always there cheering me on. They deserve the whole world.
3) The pass system was pretty generous in my opinion.
4) Supplements were never forced and were offered and observed in a respectful manner, for the most part.
5) Menu planning / exchange based system makes sense once you do it a couple of times. The diet techs are awesome and are always happy to help you out with figuring it out. They emphasize freedom of choice. Note that if you’re lactose intolerant or vegan, you’ll run into some trouble.
6) My roommate was amazing.
7) Table games! Good distraction most of the time.
8) I had like 5 favorite RC’s during the duration of my stay and they were everything haha
9) Harvard Square is a really fun location and you can see it from the group room
window/balcony
10) Exploring on passes was cool, especially since I wasn’t from around Cambridge. Just keep your wits about you and have fun!
11) Movie nights!
12) Puzzles!
13) Weekend naps hit different
14) When I was there, the director of dietetics had a little dog that would come in and say hi a lot.
15) Goofing off during free time with other patients was the highlight of most days.
16) Packages and mail! Self explanatory. Getting snail mail was such a bright spot in my day.
17) The quirky floor traditions that get passed from one community to another
18) The inside jokes are impeccable
19) Pretty decent variety of food
20) The scones. 10000000/10 recommend.
Cons:
1) You gotta advocate for yourself and your fellow patient’s a lot.
2) Sometimes they have rules that they won’t give a good explanation for and you have to
learn to just tolerate it.
3) No access to clinical or dietetic staff on weekends
4) Short staffing was a huge problem while I was there, especially toward the end. Sometimes there wasn’t enough people to serve meals and snacks on time or to unlock the bathrooms.
5) Check-ins were mostly unhelpful unless you got a good RC. If your roommate
needs a lot of check-ins, you might be booted out of your room quite a bit.
6) So. much. comparison. For everything. Just be mindful of that going in. It’s to be expected at ED resi though
7) Groups became repetitive (specifically CBT/DBT) if you’re there for over a month.
8) Only 3 showers on the fourth floor so mornings were often a scramble. Med line would get backed up when there wasn’t enough staff to do vitals and meds.
9) The doctor held meetings with patients in the hallway near the RC window. Pretty sure that’s a blatant HIPAA violation.
10) If you get a bad case manger, it’s gonna be a rough time.
11) Staff turnover. It deserves two bullet points.
12) The 4th floor didn’t have much space
13) You couldn’t meet up with fellow patients on passes. I get it, but if you’re coming out of state with no one to visit, it’s kind of lonely.
14) The group room is either really hot or really cold. There is no in between. Bring a blanket if you can! And fuzzy socks or slippers!
15) The amount of things that go into contraband upon admission surprised me at first. You still have access to non-hazardous items, you just have to check them out at the RC office.Your case manager can approve things to be out of contraband, though.
16) The night shift RC’s leave a lot to be desired. Like, a lot. There were only two that I was ever happy to see.
17) Some people’s misbehavior never got addressed appropriately which was annoying when it impacts the whole floor’s mood.
18) Sometimes insurance sucks and they pull you before you’re ready to leave. It always made me so sad when someone’s insurance cut them off prematurely.
Other:
1) There is a lot of free time, especially on weekends.
2) Keep your head down and don’t feed into the gossip or drama. It’s easy to be sucked in but don’t do it.
3) Be respectful of the laundry schedule!
4) You have access to your phone and electronics whenever you’re not meeting with your
team, in a meal or snack, or in group. I kind of wish we only had access to them during set times, because I think it was actually a detriment to my recovery.
5) RC’s are hit or miss. There were some amazing ones and also some that made life way more difficult than it had to be.
6) If you’re not in the room right next to the 4th floor kitchen, have fun with the lack of natural sunlight and smaller spaces.
7) Standard three meals and three snacks per day
8) Some RC’s are really good at monitoring the tables during meals and snacks, and others weren’t.
9) At the time of my stay, the Director of CEDC’s son lived (?) in the penthouse attached to the fourth floor and used the same staircase/elevator as residents and staff. Sometimes you’ll see him so just be aware! It scared me at first before I figured out who he was.
10) Daily outings! (Have to earn those)
11) Diversity was lacking. I’ll leave it at that.
Groups:
Psychotherapy
CBT
DBT/Interpersonal Effectiveness
Art and expression (Art therapy)
Body and self
Coping skills
Food positivity (aka baking)
Cooking with *Staff member Name* (aka cooking lunch with the food services director who is amazing)
Goal setting
Nutrition
Yoga (you have to earn it though)
Community meeting
Goal setting (am) /Wrap up (pm)
Motivation for recovery
I feel like I’m missing one or two but idk
Would I recommend this place: YES. With the caveat that this was my personal experience with a specific set of people during a specific time period. I am not sure the state of things at CEDC now, but when I was there, the pros outweighed the cons in the grand scheme of things. I am currently doing very well for myself and am seeing lasting change that can be tied directly to my work at CEDC.
I have so many mixed feelings about this place that are either extremely positive or extremely negative…
Negative –
Steer clear of the young adult floor for the next 2 months or so, especially if you have issues with “mean girls”. The community is beyond toxic and is the reason I (and others) left. The girls will take offense to everything you say and do, even if you just sit in the group room and color by yourself. They find anything and everything triggering and *will* hold it over your head until the next community meeting where they’ll attack you for everything, even breathing. They’re more focused on drama and hating new people instead of their own recovery. Overall, the “mean girls” in the community make it impossible to recover, and it’s so sad. There are a couple great girls that are there at the moment, but there’s this little clique of nasty, nasty girls that make everyone’s life a living hell. The staff also do *nothing* about their attitudes/rudeness. The girls have driven away 3 different girls, and the only “punishment” they got was a slap on the wrist of a talking to. The RC in charge of community meetings lets these girls attack and bash you without saying anything to help either side at all. These girls gave me more trauma than what I came in with.
You aren’t allowed to participate in yoga until you’re 2-3 weeks in and meet all the criteria for a pass, which are extremely hard to meet. The same goes for outings and even getting a whiff of fresh air. I didn’t feel the sun hit my skin from the day I entered until I signed out and left the facility altogether.
Positive –
Other than those nasty girls, I had a great experience at CEDC! I got an incredible treatment team that helped more than I could’ve imagined. There were some RCs who kind of stunk at doing check-ins, but there were more that were amazing at them than weren’t. I had 2 RCs that I absolutely adored and who definitely made my life there a lot better!
Groups were usually hit or miss, but were generally pretty good. DBT and CBT got repetitive, and one of the case managers doesn’t check the videos he shows for triggers, but I loved everything else! Narrative, expressive, food positivity, and coping skills were my four favorite groups.
The food was good! I found it hard to complete my menus, but the diet techs were amazing at easing my anxieties and helping me fill them out. They have a lot of cool meals I would’ve never been able to try at home, and if they’re serving something you don’t enjoy, you can substitute it for something else like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. A quick heads up that they don’t cater well to lactose intolerance or veganism at all, you have to have cheese so so much. Other than that, they have a wide selection and variety on the exchange list to choose from, so you’re sure to find somethings you like!
You get electronics on the young adult and adult floors. You can use your phone, laptop, and other gaming devices anytime you want except in groups and meals. It was amazing to be able to keep in touch with my friends and family from home and be able to FaceTime whenever I wanted to see them. On meal passes, you can even have a therapy room downstairs reserved to FaceTime and eat with whoever you want.
I would recommend this program, but again, I would steer clear of the young adult floor for a few months so the toxic girls get the heck out of there!!
tl;dr – don’t go here!!
When were you there? 3 months in 2020
How many patients on average? I don’t remember the exact number, but something like 12-15 beds on each floor, there are 3 floors. 2 patients per room, but this was because of COVID. I think people have said that pre-COVID it was 3 people per room, which is… a lot of people.
Does it treat both males and females? Females only.
How often do you see a medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist (therapist), nutritionist, etc? Medical doctor/psychiatrist (same person) once a week, therapist twice a week, dietitian once or twice a week depending on your dietitian
What is the staff ratio to patients? Really good. There are usually 3 RCs per floor, sometimes more.
What sort of therapies are used? (DBT, CBT, EMDR) etc? CBT, DBT… that’s pretty much it. A LOT of DBT, you get it EVERY DAY. It gets old, fast.
Describe the average day: Other people have done a good job of explaining.
What were meals like? Frustrating, tbh. There was a chef and she was great for lunches/dinners, but for breakfast (RCs cook) and snacks (RCs prep), it’s all processed food from packages. Most recently, they have been cutting corners and messing up menus a LOT. Like, I get that we need to be more flexible, but giving a lactose intolerant patient chocolate milk and then telling her “that’s what your menu says” when she cries is NOT okay. There is a lot of comparing at the table and this place is the worst when it comes to meal time. It really does feel like everyone is struggling alone and RCs are just there to tell you to eat. Oh, the RCs do not eat with patients, which um, way to be triggering. I have never seen an RC eat lunch. Literally every other center has RCs eating with the patients to model good eating behaviors, so why not here? Oh right, they’re trying to cut costs and not give meals to the RCs. More on this later.
Did they supplement? How did that system work? Yes. I never had to supp so I don’t really remember. That’s not a humblebrag, I was really white knuckling it to get the hell out of there.
What is the policy of not complying with meals? No outing, passes and privileges might be pulled.
Are you able to be a vegetarian? Yes
What privileges are allowed? If you are an adult, computer/phone/tablet at all times. Adolescents get theirs locked up until tech time. Passes with therapist approval.
Does it work on a level system? No. You have bathroom levels (on, taper, and off) but that’s it.
How do you earn privileges? It REALLY depends on your therapist. There is no standardization. On one hand it’s cool because you can really customize your treatment. On the other hand, good luck if you get a shitty therapist.
What sort of groups do they have? CBT, DBT (again, ONCE A DAY), art, relationship dynamics, body image, healthy anger, community, psychotherapy (process).
What was your favorite group? Psychotherapy
What did you like the most? Lots of ways to individualize your treatment
What did you like the least? A lot of people here are SICK. Like, should be in inpatient sick. The entire place is really disorganized – groups and meals run late all the time because staff can’t figure out who should be doing it, or people are calling out all the time, or schedules change. It seems like once a week there’s a “crisis” going on. Also, the director is way out of touch with what goes on on the floors. Literally. I think I’ve seen her once since I was there. The rest of the day she sits up in her penthouse (yes, she literally has a penthouse on the top floor of the facility, I’m not lying) and does… idk really. A lot of complaints that patients brought up (cutting corners at meals, menu issues, med issues, COVID concerns) were largely ignored. We asked multiple times for the couches to be steam cleaned, and after my 3 months were up the couches were STILL not steam cleaned. Even after a patient hid food in one. Ew.
Would you recommend this program? Nope.
What level of activity or exercise was allowed? None
What did people do on weekends? There aren’t really many groups on weekends so there was just a lot of chilling in the group room. A lot of people went on passes.
Do you get to know your weight? Nope
How fast is the weight gain process? No idea, to be honest
What was the average length of stay? 2-4 months
What was the average age range? adolescents are 12-17, young adults are 18-24-ish, and adults ranged anywhere from 25 up to 70. I’d say average was probably in the late 20’s for the adults.
How do visits/phone calls work? Adults can have phone calls anytime, adolescents have them during tech time. No visits due to COVID so I have no idea.
What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an outpatient treatment team? They have their own PHP and IOP which are virtual right now and suck even worse than res, if you can imagine that. No help with setting up outpatient team.
I am possibly going to residental at CEDC in a few weeks, can someone give me an overview of what their experience was like?
I discharged from CEDC res a couple months ago. It’s an OK program. The staff is a mixed bag and many therapists and dietitians are young and inexperienced. As someone with a long treatment history and a less-than-straightforward case, I didn’t feel like my therapist was capable of really helping me effectively, and my dietitian didn’t seem to care about working with me beyond a five-minute check-in every week. My team also pretty much stopped meeting me when I made it clear that I was going to be discharging earlier than they wanted me to, so that left me with a bad taste in my mouth. The program as a whole is also super inconsistent with enforcing rules, so whether you’ll get to go on passes, what percentage of meal plan compliance is expected, which privileges you’ll get etc. entirely depends on your team, which can be good or bad.
The positives: you get to have your phone, computer, kindle, etc. If you get a good team, they’ll really individualize your treatment. I liked that they separate young adults (18-25) from adults (25+), although sometimes they move the more “difficult” young adults up to the adult floor which was frustrating. There are some helpful exposures around takeout, challenging rigidity of exchanges, and incorporating variety (i.e. dessert night and candy snacks).
If you have any more specific questions I would be happy to answer!
I am admitting here next week. I was a patient here years ago so I remember some things, but I am sure most things have changed. I would love to connect with someone who has been there more recently.
Did you end up admitting? Any info you can share to help others would be great – but only if/when you are up for it.
Has anyone been to the adult res recently that can provide a thorough review
Does anyone have an updated review of this center? We are choosing between this and Equip for my 15yr old who needs HLOC than outpatient. It would be their first time in residential.
If the option is between residential or FBT (which is what Equip offers), I would highly recommend trying FBT first. FBT is evidence based and has a really high success rate for lasting recovery. Residential has its place, but it’s definitely not as effective for most people as FBT.
I politely disagree with doing FBT, especially when it comes to older adolescents 15+. Equip is still outpatient, and is all virtual so there really aren’t any consequences for noncompliance. If they’re recommending a HLOC than outpatient, I would maybe consider a PHP program
It really depends why they are recommending a higher level of care than outpatient. If it’s due to medical or acute psychiatric issues, of course FBT would not be enough. However, FBT is essentially the same level of supervision and care, if not more, than PHP.
Thank you for all the helpful replies. It’s for weight restoration after a loss. Their vital signs are fine and mental health is pretty good. They had been outpatient and intuitive eating for over a year.
My concern with FBT is compliance -whether or not my child will be able to switch gears to that mode of care after being largely independent for a while. We have done FBT before (after the first diagnosis and inpatient stay a few years ago) and it was ok, but it was all new and they were scared so more compliant.
My concern about residential is that when they did PHP before (after a full on relapse) it was profoundly NOT ok, and I pulled them after they lost even more weight in the first two weeks. The other patients had more significant symptoms that were scary and my child is anxious and viscerally hates group therapy work so it was a bad combination. They did better when they were inpatient in a hospital because the meal support and therapies were all one on one.
Having no experience with residential it’s hard to know which direction to go. It’s compounded by the fact that school starts up again soon.
If your child does not do well with group therapy, residential is probably not a good fit. Most of the day is spent in group therapy. Many residential programs do not allow clients access to bedrooms during the day, so patients are confined to the group room and dining room from before breakfast until after night snack. As a young adult, those were the hardest parts of residential for me. I needed some personal space and quiet during the day, even one hour would have helped.
Hi! You raise valid questions about everything.
I can say that, in my life, doing FBT as an adult ruined my relationship with my parents for many years. It took legions of therapy to undo the harm it caused for us. The older a child is, the harder I think it can be to create a relationship that works.
For inpatient/res, I think the program matters a lot. Some programs allow a lot of behaviors, others don’t. For my money, Monte Nido is good at keeping a positive community and really just banning all behaviors and creating an environment of recovery. Maybe that might help?
FBT which is what equip does has the statistically the best chance at recovery out of all treatments for teenagers , I would say if you are willing and able, to give FBT a try.
Depends on your kid, at that age, kids want to be away from parents, and in many cases (my case included) kids don’t have that kind of relationship with their parents where they want to be working so closely together. My parents are the last people I would ever tell about anything in my life that’s emotional (they are great with the highs.) and I’m in my 40’s, but absolutely would be better able to work better with non-family member adults for guidance. Of course, if you are open to understanding mental health it may be better for you. But many people are set in their ways and would not be able to deviate from their regular style of parenting.
Any recent reviews of CEDC’s adult residential program? Thanks
I have a few silly questions. Are patients allowed to smoke? What are the coffee rules? Has anyone been largely? Is there still yoga?
Has anyone been to the adult res recently
Yes and it’s a complete shit show. There are no staff and everyone quit so they are not taking any new patients for the foreseeable future until they can get new hires. Ive frequently been told to “just eat. Every group is extremely repetitive. Weekends you do literally nothing.
hi! i’m on the priority list for cedc and was wondering if anyone had anything to say about it
hey! i’d really appreciate if anyone had a review for here, i’m going in a couple weeks
Hi there!
I am thinking of attending their adult residential program after transitioning from an inpatient unit. I spoke with the director and have seen other positive reviews but any recent individuals who have attended the program and center – I would love to hear your thoughts on structure, if you felt like your days had a good balance of groups and down time, meals, etc. I am looking for a place where you can get a lot out of it based on what you put into it. Any thoughts or feedback would be great!
I am most likely going to the residential program next week. Can someone who was there this week give me an overview and maybe I could ask some questions too? Thanks!!
I went to CEDC in 2013-2014. I was in their residential, PHP & IOP levels of care throughout my 10 months there. I continued with my therapist, Ilana, who is also the director of the PHP and IOP programs following my discharge from the program. During my treatment with Ilana Licht, I felt the relationship progress into an uncomfortable and very unethical situation. As a previous reviewer stated, X would spend hours with me after program and in therapy sessions and she would request that I journal to h r via email. This created a very unhealthy, dependent relationship, which lacked any boundaries. A therapist is trained in the subject of boundaries in their scholastic studies, especially when they have their PhD, however X disregarded her professional responsibility to uphold any boundaries in our therapeutic relationship what so ever. The situation caused me to be extremely emotionally dis regulated. The owner, X, is well aware of X’s practices and yet she continues to fail to uphold her duty as the center’s owner and CEO. I feel that my treatment at CEDC was subpar at best and I would recommend anyone considering seeking treatment there steer clear, especially from their PHP and IOP programs.
R. Silvan,
I’m also interested in your experience. It’s exactly what I experienced there. The medical care is awful-I don’t even think it’s safe there. It seems like the doctors change a lot. Who’s there now?
This place is horrible. I went into the Resi as a “patient,” however was a researcher in a regional study examining the treatment quality across ED levels of care in New England. This was the WORST.(EDITED FOR NAMES) “The director” is a careless entrepreneur. Programs are developed to make her money, without regard to quality. Of note, they cannot keep a child-trained physician for more than 6-9 months – they always quit for some reason. The last doctor I encountered was virtually useless and would wake me up at 9-10pm to “see me” for the day. The place really should be closed.
Hi R Silvan, I would be really interested in speaking with you directly about your experience at CEDC as a researcher. I am a past patient, not a rep from the center. What you wrote reflects a lot of what I experienced there, including the part about the child-trained psychiatrists. I am also interested in hearing more about your work, at least what you are able to discuss at this stage. Is there a way I can get in contact with you off of this site.
Best
R Silvan, I am also very interested in emailing with you about your research experience at CEDC. I have not been a patient there, nor worked there. One of my friends received treatment there. I received treatment at another facility in Boston. Is there a way the admin could help us get in contact off this site?
Thank you.
I can if you both agree. There may be a few day delay as I currently have limited access to the internet, and I do apologize but am trying to keep up as best as possible.
I am also interested in connecting with R Silvan about their experience at CEDC. I was a patient there on more than one occasion (mostly residential but also have experience with their IOP, PHP programs). I’ve also been a patient at a couple other ED treatment centers. As I’ve been a patient at CEDC more than once as well as at other treatment centers, I’m especially interested in your experience. And I’m happy to share my experiences with you and others if you might find it helpful. I see admin was working on connecting a few other folks here. If you can place put me in contact with R Silvan and anyone else whose had a similar experience and wants to talk I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you in advance!
do you have actual questions? or want to write a review?
I am also interested in connecting with R Silvan about their experience at CEDC. I was a patient there on more than one occasion (mostly residential but also have experience with their IOP, PHP programs). I’ve also been a patient at a couple other ED treatment centers. As I’ve been a patient at CEDC more than once as well as at other treatment centers, I’m especially interested in your experience. And I’m happy to share my experiences with you and others if you might find it helpful. I see admin was working on connecting a few other folks here. If you can place put me in contact with R Silvan and anyone else whose had a similar experience and wants to talk I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you in advance!
does anyone know if they have a minimum bmi requirement for residential adult? as in, very low bmi patient but who is medically stable?
If I recall, though this was a long time ago and I know CEDC has grown incredibly and made a lot of changes, as long as you are medically stable they are fairly liberal. There is a big hospital near by if any concerns arise. However, once again, that might not be the most updated information. Hopefully someone who has had a more recent experience with their expansion will be able to answer. Boston is BEAUTIFUL!
I would recommend
When was I there: March-April 2015
Describe the average day: wake up at 7 for weights/vitals/shower. Breakfast is at 830 but is ALWAYS LATE (845 on a good day..) after breakfast we do mood monitors which is where you fill out a paper with your urges and your goals on it. Morning check in next where we review the paper but we never really follow up on it so it’s kinda pointless but my friends and i would make jokes out of the questions and write sarcastic things like “how are you feeling? JUBILANT!” After that we have snack which feels horribly close to breakfast because BREAKFAST IS ALWAYS LATE. Then we have group, 15 minute break, another group, 15 minute break then lunch and then another meal mood monitor. Then group, 330 snack, group, 445 group outing (if Scott deems you medically stable), then dinner, tech time for people under 18 and also visiting hours/free time. Snack at 9, wrap up group (which is always drama filled), then free time until 11 but most people went to bed at like 10.
What were meals like? VERY REPETITIVE. Breakfast was English muffin/toast/cereal for the grains, yogurt/eggs/pb for protein, pb/nuts/butter/Nutella for fats, and soy/skim/whole milk or calcium added OJ for milks.
Snacks were lots of processed things like teddy Graham’s, wheat thins, graham crackers, pb, fruit, sorbet, nuts, yogurt..
Lunch was A LOT of wraps, sandwiches, pitas, and salads with veggies and fruit and juice or milk.
Dinner was a lot of challenges and we had a bolocco night, bertuccis pizza night, and Chinese night rotating every Sunday which was NOT fun.
They would supplement with ensure plus if you didn’t finish. No tube feeds though.
Privleges are 18 and up can have their cell and computer at all times and under 18 had tech time 7-9 and more time on the weekends. Outings are a privlege based on medical status and compliance.
Groups were cbt, dbt, healthy anger, mindfulness, psychotherapy, media literacy, body image, baking, cooking, community meeting and more..
Best one was media literacy =).
What did I like the most? Forming relationships with my co patients because there was a lot of down time. I also liked being able to have my phone because I was FAR from home and it made me feel really comfortable to be able to talk to friends and family at their convenience too.
What did I like the least? The “teams” do things really slowly, a lot of the RC are mean, the units kinda germy.
Would I recommend this program? Yes. If you want to get better it is really amazing.
What level of activity was allowed? Very little. And if you are noncompliant then you can’t do any.
Did you get to know your weight? No. And it’s 2-3 pounds a week for the people who need to gain.
Average length of stay? Like 6 weeks. I was there for 5.
Hi,
I am looking at the residential program, but I don’t have a good feeling about it. Since you were there recently would you mind if I asked you some questions about it?
Thanks
Can they accommodate patients with G tubes? Or would they have to remove it?
I doubt it… They don’t even take patients with NG tubes so it seems very unlikely.
They don’t do any kinds of tubes there and they don’t have full time medical staff.
has anyone done the transitional living component that could give a review? Thanks!
When were you there: January – February 2014 on the adult floor
Describe the average day: Weights/vitals/meds/hygiene, breakfast, check in group, snack, group, lunch, 2 groups, snack, another group, free time/outing, dinner, free time/visiting hours, snack, wrap up. There are less groups on weekends and also a longer outing.
What were meals like? Breakfast and lunch are 30 minutes, dinner is 35 and snacks are 15. There are two tables and an RC at each one, they redirect if behaviors are being used, but it can be a little inconsistent depending on who’s working. I found the environment more relaxed during meals than other treatment centers, although still stressful of course. Usually there are a lot of games being played, sometimes just conversation. Once a week there is either dinner or breakfast outing where you go to a local restaurant…everyone dreads them but they aren’t as bad as they say and can be helpful to expose you to dining out while still supported.
What sorts of food were available or served? Nothing too out of the ordinary, it is all prepared there so it’s better than if it was made by a food service. Breakfast was a grain option that changed and then different proteins. Lunch was a lot of wraps, sandwiches and salads. Dinners had more variety. Once or occasionally twice a week was dessert night, you get extra time for that. Snacks were typical things like fruits, crackers, cookies, etc. Every so often the dinner is from either Bertucci’s, a local Chinese place or Boloco.
Did they supplement? How did that system work? You are offered (but never forced) ensure if you don’t finish. A whole one for less than half completed, half if you did more than 50%. Some of the higher meal plans include ensure as well.
What privelages are allowed? A good amount. You can go on daily outings after being there 24 hours, if you are compliant. There is a longer outing on the weekend. The system for passes is really great, you can go on a lot of them, but there are contingencies that your case manager puts in place like weight gain/maintenance, meal plan compliance, etc. On the adult floor, phones, laptops, tablets, etc. are all allowed. If you have a history of self-harm, even if not recently, you might be on sharps restriction, depending on your case manager.
Does it work on a level system? Only for bathrooms. Everyone starts totally on (count or flush) and then you can progress to taper (on 1 hr after meals and snacks) and then off totally.
What sort of groups do they have? CBT and DBT, coping skills, expressive, addictions, family issues, nutrition, body image, psychotherapy, health and wellness, yoga & meditation, mindfulness, healthy anger, community meeting…there are a lot
What was your favorite group? Psychotherapy was pretty good, depending on the other residents. It’s an open discussion about whatever patients are struggling with.
What did you like the most? The majority of the RCs, I actually had a good case manager, the pass system, all the outings and opportunities to practice in the real world.
What did you like the least? Private pay clients can get away with more than everyone else, they keep patients who belong in IP there I’m assuming for business as resi is their highest level of care, this can leave some really triggering members in the community. Also, there is no private space to check in with RCs on the adult floor.
Would you recommend this program? Yes if you are motivated…you can get away with more than other units, and some people took advantage of this. Compared to Walden’s resi, it is amazing. If you might need a higher level of care than resi, do not go here expecting to be moved up. I never saw it happen.
What level of activity or exercise was allowed? You can walk a little on the outings, there is yoga once or twice a week. They will ask you to sit if you stand for too long and you can only take the elevator between floors.
What did people do on weekends? There’s a lot of down time, but lots of people go on passes, have visitors or go on long outing.
Do you get to know your weight? Under no circumstances.
How fast is the weight gain process? My treatment wasn’t focused on this, but I’d say about average.
What was the average length of stay? 3 weeks to 3 months.
What was the average age range? On the adult floor it averaged 19 – mid twenties. There were a few older patients, but not many.
What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an OP treatment team? They have PHP and IOP, as for getting an outpatient team, they were not super helpful and the names they gave me didn’t work out, so I pretty much had to do it myself.
How many IP beds? How many patients in PHP or IOP?
13 adolescent beds, 12 adult.
Hi all-
I am looking into the Daytime IOP program (11a-2p) at CEDC. I was in residential years ago and am thinking of attending now because i’m feeling like I’m at the beginning of a nose-dive. So somewhat of a pre-emptive strike kinda thing in hopes to avoid a php or resi situation. Does anyone here have a recent experience of that program?
Thanks!
Has anyone been in the transitional living program at CEDC that would be willing to give a review?
When were you there: 2013 Spring/Summer (res, php, iop)
How many patients on average? for the adult floor in res up to 12 but I’ve been there when there was as few as 5, for PHP and IOP it was a pretty wide range
Does it treat both males and females? If so, is treatment separate or combined. Res is female only
How often do you see a medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist (therapist), nutritionist, etc? You see your case manager (basically your therapist) twice a week and I think another time for a family meeting maybe? and everyone else is more of an as-needed, they might get you or you can request to meet with them
What is the staff ratio to patients? They tried to have 4 RCs on the floor at a time
What sort of therapies are used? (DBT, CBT, EMDR) etc? DBT, CBT
Describe the average day:
Vitals between 7-7:45, then showers.
8:30 – Breakfast
9:15/30(I forget) – Check-in group. You fill out a sheet about behaviors, urges, goals for the day, etc
10:30 – AM Snack
11 – Group
12:30 – Lunch
1:30ish – two groups
3:15 – PM Snack
3:45 – Group
4:30ish – Outing (30 min)
6 – Dinner
7-9 – visiting hours/free time
9 – Eve snack
9:30/10ish – Wrap up
You had to take your meds by 2AM I think but there wasn’t any ‘set’ time you needed to be in bed, just anytime after wrap-up. On the weekends there’s an additional visiting hour from 1:30-3pm and on Saturdays long outing which is I think 1 hr instead of 30 minutes and you usually go somewhere further away that needs a cab like Michaels, Buffalo Exchange (consignment shop), Garment District, made by me (pottery painting), bowling, etc
PHP is 9-3:30 (4 groups, 2 snacks, Lunch, plus check-in and evening planning), IOP is 5:30-8:30 (2 groups, Dinner, Check-in)
What were meals like? They could be tense, it depended on the group a lot. It varied while I was there from really supportive to some people really, really struggling and making it hard to be around (ie them not even trying, which was frustrating). Your table has up to 6 other girls and 1 RC, you show them your cups/plates/bowls by tipping them before you can stack them. 30 minutes for Breakfast and Lunch, 35 minutes for Dinner, 15 minutes for snacks and once your meal plan got high enough you could get an extra five at all meals/snacks
What sorts of food were available or served? Lunches was lots of burgers, sandwiches, etc. You could be vegetarian. There were a lot of side salads which got pretty old imo. “C” is amazing though and the nicest person. For breakfast it was usually cereal/granola, toast, english muffins, bagels, etc, and you could have yogurt/pb/eggs for your protein too. Snacks were lots of crackers, fruits, etc. They order from Peapod and Cisco. Things ALWAYS run out…you’ve been warned. It’s a two week rotating schedule I think so things get old really quickly and repeat a lot. Once a month on Sunday night you get Boloco for dinner (orig burrito/bowl and a small smoothie) it was ridiculous. And I think also once a month 2 slices of Bertucci’s pizza, and every now and then there was take-out Chinese too. Every other Monday dinner you have cooking project where you get to make the dinner as a group with the diet tech.
Did they supplement? How did that system work? In res, it was 1 ensure (I think they’ve switched to Ensure plus now) if you did less than 50%, half an ensure if you did at least 50%. You had 15 minutes to do your ensure and it was always afterward with an RC, but you didn’t have to do it, it was just offered to you.
In PHP it’s 2 ensure pluses if you don’t do at least half and 1 ensure plus if you do at least half. You have to do them or else you get sent home for the day.
What is the policy of not complying with meals? In res if you don’t you’re marked non-compliant and you can’t go on outing for 24hrs, depending on your contingencies for passes you might not be able to go either (usually 48hrs but sometimes you didn’t have compliance contingencies on your passes)
Are you able to be a vegetarian? Yes
What privelages are allowed? You can always have your cell phone and laptop on the adult floor, just don’t use them during groups. There’s a 30 minute outing around Harvard Square everyday where you get to go to a store like Urban. Also long outing once you’ve been there a week. After you’ve been there 2 weeks you’re eligible for passes, which are supposed to only be up to 4 hours.
Also when you first get there you’re ‘on’ bathroom supervision (count or flush), then you can be taper (count or flush an hour after meals/snacks), then off. The bathrooms are always locked. When you get switched depends individually. Everyone is ‘on’ before vitals.
Does it work on a level system? No
How do you earn privelages? Be compliant, basically they occur as time goes on. I think you have to be at least 75% IBW to leave the unit. You also have to be stable in order go to on outing, but I think for passes you can sign a waver
What sort of groups do they have? CBT, DBT, family issues, expressive, nutrition, relationship issues, meds/group with the nurse, there’s also yoga once a week if you’re stable.
What was your favorite group? CBT
What did you like the most? The other girls I was there with, we got pretty close and there was a lot of encouragement if you were struggling. Most of the RCs were good too and I loved my case manager
What did you like the least? Sometimes it didn’t feel like there was enough time to be heard, the rules were often stretched and felt pretty lax for a lot of people, ie getting passes/longer passes, etc. It felt pretty unfair.
Would you recommend this program? Yes but I haven’t had experience in much else
What level of activity or exercise was allowed? Yoga once a week. You couldn’t even go up/down the stairs in the building – even to get labs done you had to take the elevator down one floor.
What did people do on weekends? Knitted, crocheted, made bracelets, colored (lol), watched TV, computer. There was nearly nothing to do on the weekends and the only people there are the RCs (so no case managers, nutritionists, etc) – you have check-in, coping skills and wrap-up everyday but that’s it. More visiting hours, yoga on Sunday and long outing on Saturday.
I always looked forward to the weekend but once it came I looked forward to Monday.
Do you get to know your weight? No
How fast is the weight gain process? I think 1-3lbs a week
What was the average length of stay? I think 3-6 weeks, I knew people there for 2 weeks and other girls there for 10 weeks. It just depends on what you need and your insurance company.
What was the average age range? the adult floor is 18+, adolescent floor is up to 21. I’d say when I was there there were a lot of people in their 20s, plus some older women 40s/50s.
How do visits/phone calls work? There’s a pay phone if you don’t have your cell but you’re allowed to have smartphones, etc. Visiting hours 7-9pm everyday and also 1:30-3 on the weekends.
Are you able to go out on passes? Yes. After 2 weeks you’re eligible. There’s also a daily outing. Passes are supposed to be up to 4 hours but I’ve seen people get 10 hour passes so who knows.
What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an OP treatment team? Yeah they have step down to PHP, IOP and they have lists with phone numbers of providers but it’s up to you to do the calling.
Are there any resources for people who come from out of state/country? If you’re in PHP they have a new transitional living house ($3000-3500 a month, not covered by insurance) that is staffed during the day and right near CEDC.
Other? You need to be motivated yourself if you want this to work. People can get away with a lot and there doesn’t seem to be many consequences for it. The atmosphere really depends on the group you’re there with, it can be really positive and motivating but also down and whiney. Let me know if you have questions.
emma- did you do the transitional living? do you need to be in partial or are there girls in iop/outpatient as well?
I think you just need 30 hours of structure/week in order to live at transitional (partial is 6 hours x5 days a week so it fits perfectly). So as long as you have those hours and are working toward recovery I’d think you would meet the requirements regardless of level of care
No inpatient, just residential, day program, and internsive outpatient. There are 13 beds on the adolescent floor and 12 on the adult floor. Floors are small, not much space. Motivation totally varies. There are rules, but not a lot of consequences if you don’t follow them, kind of disorganized. The staff change around a lot. The director will pretty much let you do what you want if you’re priavte pay.
Amy,
Thanks for for your post of your experience….much appreciated…..Sorry it ws to better for you.
I had that sense but this Dr./ therapist I’ve seen a few times somehow always seems to make it that I’m being defensive or not open to places if she brings one up (when I’m not there to see her/ gather help on a treatment facility anyway…(so know she is only trying to be helpful….)
But it gets frustrating when I’ve looked into places recently and she suggests it and the she “argues” with me about what i say i was told by the admissions people????
but since my experience with cambridge was old,,,,thought id recheck….
But you conform what other past posts have said and what i had felt after i visited ……so thank you.
b/c when she told me they had inpt…..i really was wondering if i was loosing my mind,,,,so thank you 😉
And goes to show how important this site is so people can have current info/ feedback from people who have actually been there….b/c i was looking at a review of another facility and the person who gave their experience on a very specific and important topic……and practically fell off my chair! B/c it was sooo totally different than what would have happen at the time i was there. She was very positive abut how they handled this issue and when i was there it was as is if the facility was in denial that this co-occurring issue is highly prevalent amount people with ed’s …..and to even bringing it up to get help was like asking to get thrown out!
They just had no rational or clear protocol that helped in anyway shape or form at time i was there for this..….so maybe they learned and adjusted….=)
So good to have recent info…and a site like this to find it !
Thanks amy……now can save myself another set of phone calls (don’t know where this dr/ therapist gets her info on places? =)
Has anyone who has been there recently tell me about how its set up (don’t need whole review re food etc) and their philosophy as of now?
Had gone to see it in dec 2007 and now being told by Dr. i consulted with its structured very differently…but she was a bit unclear herself….so i can call….but is there anyone who had been been there recently who can tell me
1. what levels of care so they have now(for an adult)
2, do you still feel you have to be VERY motivated for it to help?
3. could to go even if wanted to before b/c they had residential (and my insurance won not do any single case agreement ) so i have inpt and php an day benefits….they have t approve of if no contract with facility…
This Dr./ therapist here told me she thought they now head inpt level???
4. if so what is not like
5. per above…..if i went some plea else fist …..how much therapy (group and individual ) in php…and where do you live?
6. and per above…how large and do you still ned to be highly motivated ….i.e. may people there just either going through there motions to leave or too many chances to not follow rules of one wants …..?(also asking b/c when inpt in 2007 at another facility …person was transferred from there and she didn’t even get talking abut food or therapy issues at meals was a bit uncomfortable for some people b/c (and actually to allowed at where i was…) but this is all from long tome ago….
But at that time it appeared to me from what learned from person who had been there said and what i saw when i visited so relaxed to the pt of not being g helpful …and the facility/ building to me seemed very claustrophobic…..and not enough space for therapy rooms etc…so awesome location …..but very cramped .
any comments from recent stay?
***(b/c also info i got last time from speaking to director on phone….back when i looked.., made m del it dud be a good match at the time…..And she seems great and have hear great thing abut her….
so put side what pt had said but my own visit was very odd….new , very young therapist to met me and show me facility didnt even know answers to some of my general questions…..and felt it was a bit disorganized after the visit and …….then saw past posts that kind of confimed that…but wiling to re look if its changed.
thanks
Hi, I was at residential at CEDC in December and January 2012-2013 and PHP briefly at the end of January 2013.
1. They have residential, partial hospitalization (day program), and intensive outpatient (evening program).
2. Yes, I would say a good amount of personal motivation is needed to succeed at CEDC. It is easy to get away with behaviors (both sneakily and outright).
3. They are not an inpatient unit because they do not have the medical personnel necessary. So they are still classified as residential. Not sure if that was your question.
4. I don’t understand the question (if there was one)
5. If you are in PHP you have commute from wherever you’re staying since you will just be in the facility from 9-3:30 on weekdays. Group therapy is pretty much all day, except meals and snacks obviously. In PHP you are expected to have (or at least be in the process of acquiring) your own individual therapist, because during PHP you only meet with your case manager once a week for maybe 20 minutes.
6. You’re correct, the residential adult floor is VERY cramped. There are literally no private spaces if you need to check in with a counselor. People just sit in the chairs in the hallway which is not exactly the ideal space to be talking about some very personal things, as there are constantly people walking by, and also since you don’t want to trigger anyone you have to censor yourself a lot, which is not helpful when you’re checking in privately. However when you meet with your case manager you go down to one of the offices on the first floor so there is some privacy. And like I said above, you do need to have a good amount of personal motivation as it is easy to get away with having behaviors.
Hope this was at least a little bit helpful. I can try to help with any other questions you have 🙂
what foods are served/ what is the meal plan like? Are they flexible in terms of whether you need to have all snacks, etc.? Can you have your cell phone and laptop with you all the time?
Hi Q,
Meal plans are individual. If you need to restore weight, your meal plan will go up slightly every 3 days for as long as the nutritionist sees fit. And yes, you do need to have 3 snacks a day. The food is pretty run-of-the-mill – sandwiches, salads, baked potatoes, chicken, rice, pasta, quesadillas, wraps, veggie burgers, etc. for lunch/dinner, cereal, toast, yogurt, fruit, eggs, etc. for breakfast, and fruit, graham crackers, granola bars, yogurt, crackers, etc. for breakfast. Pretty standard stuff.
You technically aren’t supposed to take your cell phone with you into the group room during groups, but nobody follows that rule and none of the staff seem to care. Other than that, you can have use cell phones/laptops at all times (other than meals/snacks, obviously).
Pre-2012 Reviews
When were you there?
August-September 2011
Describe the average day:
Wake up at 7 for weights and vitals, having to do this everyday was really stressful and the weights room is FREEZING, we all brought our blankets with us. After that we had Breakfast at 8:30, then morning check in then free time until snack then a group then lunch another group then more free time until snack even more freetime until dinner then after dinner even more free time until snack and then wrap up. Really there was A LOT of free time which wasn’t helpful to me at all. I went on a ton of passes around Cambridge which was fun especially because it was warm, but it wasn’t structured enough for me, i had a really hard time with boredom.
What were meals like? What sorts of food were available or served?
The food was good, never too too much. We had meal outing once a week either breakfast or dinner, breakfast was the hardest because there was very little time between breakfast outing and morning snack. We played a lot of games and listened to music during meals. The staff didn’t eat with you which made it a ton harder for me, also there wasn’t much opportunity for processing after meals.
Did they supplement? How did that system work?
I never experianced that but with other girls they would make everyone leave the room and then you’d have to sit with the staff member and do your supplement. It was every time you didn’t finish.
What privelages are allowed?
Cell Phone and laptops, passes after the first week, afternoon outings if you had stable vitals (often these didn’t happen because not enough people were stable or feeling up to leaving the unit). Bathrooms are always locked, when you first get there you’re on supervision so they always have to flush for you or you had to count, after a week they considered letting you go alone (they would just unlock the door and leave) an hour after meals and snacks and then eventually they let some point go whenever they want without supervision.
What sort of groups do they have?
It varied, nutrition, processing, yoga, art, relaxation. standard stuff, not enough of them in my opinion.
What was your favorite group?
Art, Anna, the therapist is amazing.
What did you like the most?
I really bonded with most of the staff, they were always around even if you didnt feel comfortable talking to them, they would sit with you and watch TV if you needed company, it was good to just have a supportive presence at all times. Also the location makes passes a lot of fun. Especially in the warm weather.
What did you like the least?
The groups weren’t great, there was a lot of free time, the staff is all pretty young and inexperianced.
Would you recommend this program?
I would if you are willing to put all of yourself into it, I love CEDC and they saved my life, though i have since relapsed, but its really like any other treatment – its not going to fix you, thats down to you.
What level of activity or exercise was allowed?
Yoga and walks on outings
What did people do on weekends?
Weekends were the WORST, absolutly zero to do. Most of the girls watched movies in the group room, napped, read, went on A LOT of passes, had visitors. They were very tense days.
Do you get to know your weight?
Nope always blind
How fast is the weight gain process?
2lbs a week
What was the average length of stay?
It varied, I was there for 3 weeks another girl i was with was there for 3 months
What was the average age range?
I was on the 3rd floor (12-22) there was a 13 year old up to about 21, the average was 18/19
What kind of aftercare do they provide?
PHP, IOP, and OP.
How many IP beds
Umm I think there was 10 on the 3rd floor, they were never all full though.
When were you there: Altogether January-May 2009 (mostly IOP and 3 days in partial), residential for 2 weeks in March
Describe the average day: I don’t remember the exact times for everything, but: Wake up at 7:15, head to the group room in a johnny for weigh-in and vitals, shower/get dressed, eat breakfast, check-in, snack, 1 or 2 groups + free time, lunch, 2 groups, snack, group, dinner, visiting hours from 7-9, snack, wrap-up, free time, lights out at 11.
What were meals like? Half an hour, a little longer for people on double portions. There were two tables with one staff member at each. The meals were mostly low-stress, and we played games or talked. The food was pretty decent, and at the beginning of each week you filled out a meal plan for the week where you got to pick from a few choices for each meal. The vibe was overall supportive; if someone was struggling with the meal, there was a lot of subtle encouragement (subtle because we weren’t really supposed to talk about the meal at all while at the table.) Discussion about meal plans, food, weight, calories, etc. was forbidden for obvious reasons. After each meal, we had to fill out “mood monitors”–basically a worksheet asking us how we felt, what emotions were coming up for us, and how to reframe them in a more reasonable way. Sometimes they were helpful; mostly they were just annoying.
What privileges are allowed? Adults can smoke a few times a day at designated times. Daily group outings and solo passes are allowed once you’ve been there for a week, provided you’re meal plan compliant, your vitals are stable, and your weight is going in the right direction if applicable. Visitors are allowed every day from 7-9, and on weekends they can also visit during the day (I want to say 1:30-3, but I could be a little off on that.) Also, after a week you can go on the weekly dinner or breakfast group outing, which may or may not be a privilege depending how you feel.
Does it work on a level system? No, not really, but you earn (and lose) privileges based on your time there and your compliance with the program. Like I said above, you earn outing privileges and passes after a week. If you are not meal plan compliant on a pass, you can’t have another one for I think 48 hours. They have sharps restriction if you have a history of self-injury, and if you’ve had any incidents in the last few months, you’re going to be cutting your yarn at the staff window the whole time you’re there. Bathroom privileges increase each week, provided you’re compliant: At first, you’re on counting/checking, then taper (meaning you can go by yourself after an hour), then off supervision entirely.
What sort of groups do they have? CBT, DBT, healthy relationships, psychotherapy, yoga, expressive, body image, and I’m sure a lot of other ones I’m forgetting.
What was your favorite group? It probably would have been DBT, but the person who was leading it after the previous person left was not the greatest. Other than that, probably psychotherapy–I like the groups where there’s more freedom to discuss whatever’s on your mind.
What did you like the most? I didn’t feel like I was in lockdown. Computers, cell phones, etc. were allowed. There was a real community atmosphere when I was there, and it overall felt like a very safe place. There was a lot of diversity in age, body type, disorder, etc., which was helpful in making all of us feel comfortable being there.
What did you like the least? Some of the RCs could be a little condescending at times, but I’m sure it’s not easy dealing with the likes of us every day. The weekends were really unstructured, which is probably true of all treatment centers, but I didn’t like it because it was boring and felt like wasted time for us short-timers. Caffeine restriction sucks. I understand why they do it, of course, but my first stop when I got a pass was Dunkin Donuts for the biggest cup of coffee they served. Also: BOLOCO NIGHTS. Both weekend dinners were from the same burrito place–would it have killed them to mix it up a bit so we didn’t have to eat the same thing two nights in a row? Also, I don’t care what anyone says, it is not normal to eat a giant burrito and a big smoothie at one meal.
Most of the other things I really hated (sharps restriction, the humiliation of asking permission to use the bathroom, etc.) were for my own good, so I can’t really complain about them.
Would you recommend this program? YES, 100%. It was my first time in treatment so I really have nothing to compare it to, but I got a ton out of it. I’m sure the overall atmosphere varies a lot based on the people who are there at a given time, but I was lucky enough to be with a great group of women, and there was a lot of support. Aside from a couple of incidents, most of the RCs were also great. I’ve been through all levels of care at CEDC (IOP, partial, residential), and all of them were good. I also lucked out and got AMAZING case managers at every level, so that probably had a big impact on my experience.
What level of activity or exercise was allowed? Yoga, walking on group outings. Otherwise, it was VERY restricted–we weren’t allowed to use the stairs in the building, for instance, and one girl got into trouble just for stretching.
What did people do on weekends? Aside from check in and wrap up, there were no weekend groups. Most everyone went on extended passes. Those of us who were stuck there watched movies, read, chatted, knitted or crocheted (the official creative activities of the eating disordered, it seems), and were mostly just bored. The group outings were a little longer on the weekends than on the weekdays, so that was nice.
Do you get to know your weight? Nope
How fast is the weight gain process? I went in at a normal weight and was just on maintenance, so I’m not sure. Based on what I saw with other people, it was pretty reasonable – maybe 2 pounds a week?
What was the average length of stay? I’m not sure. I was only there for two weeks for insurance reasons. There were several girls who had been there for a couple of months or more, but it seemed like most of us were cleared out of there pretty quickly by our insurance companies.
What was the average age range? There was a huge range on the 4th (adult) floor. Several of us were in our late 20s/early 30s. There were 18-years-olds, younger 20-somethings, and one woman who was probably in her late 40s. It was very diverse. I’d say most of us were in the late 20s/early 30s range.
How many IP beds? How many patients in PHP or IOP? There were 12 beds on the adult floor, I think. When I was in partial, there were maybe 10 people? IOP varies wildly; I’ve been there with as few as 5 other people and as many as 17. The average is probably 10.
Did they supplement? How did that system work? If you didn’t finish your meal, you were given one Ensure. If you didn’t start it, you go two. Both times I saw someone asked to drink Ensure, they refused. I’m not sure what consequences there were, if any–you are considered non compliant if you don’t finish your meal even if you drink the Ensure.
What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an OP treatment team? When you are discharged from res at around 11:00, you generally step down immediately to partial for the rest of the day. Some people skip that and go to IOP that evening instead.
They help with your OP team mostly by giving lists of therapists, nutritionists, etc. who specialize in EDs, but you’re responsible for actually setting everything up. They offer some OP therapy there, but it’s easier to get into Mensa than it is to get in with a CEDC therapist.
When were you there: late April 2009-August 2009
Describe the average day: vitals/weights 7am-730am. showers 730-830am, breakfast 830-9am, group 930-1030am snack 1030-11am, 11am-1230ish group, 1230-1pm lunch, 130-230 group, 230-315group, 315-345 snack, 4-430pm group outing, 5-6pm free time, 6-630 dinner, 630-9 free time, 9-930 snack, 930-1030 group
What were meals like?
all the girls sat at one long table, with usually 1 or 2 RCS at the ends of the tables. meals were awkward and we usually played games to help things not seem so tense. you get redirected if you are taking too small bites, tearing food, or cutting things up too small.
What sorts of food were available or served?
breakfast there was cereals, toast, oatmeal, yogurt, almonds, etc. lunch you had two options usually veggie burgers or PB&j sandwiches. dinners were always something scary like chicken nuggets & fries, pizza take out, chicken stir-fry, lasagna, etc. snacks were crackers, fruit, PB, hummus, they got larger depending on your meal plan.
Did they supplement? How did that system work?
yes, if you dont finish your meal you have the option of ensure plus, but if you supplement it still counts as you being “non-compliant” and you lose all your priveleges for 24hours.
What privelages are allowed?
you can get passes after 1 week and leave the unit for certain times during the day. some are solo others are supervised. Before you get discharged (like a week or so before) your allowed in the kitchen to prepare your own meals.
Does it work on a level system?
kinda, you start on total bathroom supervision, then go to a taper system after a week usually where you have to wait an hour after every meal to go unsupervised to the bathroom, and then you get completely off bathroom supervision.
What sort of groups do they have?
expressive art therapy ( all you do is draw and listen to some stupid tape), DBT (like 50 million times a week- feels like school), pyschoterapy, body image
What was your favorite group? didn’t have one they all sucked
What did you like the most? you could use your laptop and cell phone anytime, there was wireless, you got passes frequently (as long as you were compliant)
What did you like the least? the amount of food they made you eat, some of the RCs, the rules, SEDA!
Would you recommend this program? i wouldnt recommend any program really, but out of all the 3 that i’ve been to i would recommend this one.
What level of activity or exercise was allowed? you are allowed on a 30 min stroll/walk each day after snack with the other girls, you go on passes and can walk around Harvard Square or Boston.
What did people do on weekends? nothing, there were no groups, so if you didnt have any passes planned it sucked and was super boring.
Do you get to know your weight? nope. just your % of IBW
How fast is the weight gain process? they aim for 2-3lbs a week
What was the average length of stay? anywhere from 2 weeks to 4 months-mostly depends on insurance
What was the average age range? there are 2 floors. one is just 16-21 yrs old the other floor is 22-and up
What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an OP treatment team? they want you to find a team before you leave
How many IP beds? How many patients in PHP or IOP? 10 IP beds, and not sure about PHP or IOP
I’ve done partial twice at CEDC. The first time I was coming straight out of resi in January 2010, and the second time was a direct admit during June, July and August 2010. The program is good for people who are very motivated. Both times I went in with the wrong intentions and continued to struggle. If you’re not honest, you’re not going to get out of anything. For the determined patient, it’s a great program. I did improve by the end of the summer of 2010 though. It’s a great support system with very understanding people.
Some groups combine adults and adolescents, and some are separate, depending on the content matter. People who step down from resi to partial do know each other, but when I was there it wasn’t cliquey at all. Everyone was extremely supportive of everyone else. It was a very warm and caring environment. When I was there most of the people in the program were admitted directly to PHP without going to resi first.
For lunch, you order sandwiches from a restaurant in Harvard Square. There are several options, like burritos, veggie wraps, hummus wraps, etc. You get to choose if you want cheese, hummus, mayo, guacamole, sour cream etc so you generally will not be stuck with something you don’t like. One day a week, you bring in your own lunch that meets the necessary nutritional requirements.
Snacks are tailored to your meal plan, so depending on what you need, you will choose from a variety of grains, fruits, proteins, and vegetables. They have everything – granola bars, crackers, yogurts, string cheese, all sorts of fruits, juices, etc. Huge selection.
You do not interact with the resi patients at all.
Yes, you continue to see your OP team.
I thought the amount of food was reasonable. The amount you eat depends on your meal plan and where you are in or out of your weight range.
When were you there: august-october 2011 (iop and resi – adult floor)
Describe the average day:
for iop, it runs from 5:30-8:30. check-in from 5:30-6, dinner 6-6:45 ish, and two groups.
resi was wake up around 7 for vitals and weights, shower/personal time, breakfast at 8:30. check in group, morning snack, group, lucnh at 12:30, 2 more groups, afternoon snack, optional outing if you’re stable (like a 30 minute walk to a store in Harvard Square), free time, dinner at 6, visiting hours 7-9/free time, wrap up group, and bed at 11
What were meals like? you get 30 minutes for meals and 15 minutes for snacks in resi. depending on how many people are there, you’ll be at 1 or 2 tables (all in the same kitchen) with 1 RC (residential counselor) at the head of the table. the RC doesn’t eat with you but makes sure that nobody is using behaviors – will call you out and warn you if you are. have to fill out a mood monitor at the end of each meal. in iop, there are no mood monitors and 1-2 case managers eat with you (1 or 2 kitchens for dinner depending on how many people are there).
What sorts of food were available or served? pretty standard stuff, wasn’t too terrible. breakfast was usually cereal/toast/oatmeal/english muffin, cottage cheese, yogurt, almonds. lunch and dinner were salads, wraps, a lot of pita bread, sandwiches… snacks were crackers, teddy grahams, a lot of fruit. soy milk, orange juice, or regular milk to drink. everybody’s on a different meal plan depending on what the nutritionist says in resi, but in iop, everybody brings their own food that meets the same meal plan (2 grains, 3 proteins, 1 fat, 1 caloric beverage, and 1 side).
Did they supplement? How did that system work? you’re offered an ensure if you didn’t finish a meal or snack
What privelages are allowed? after you’ve been there for 24 hrs, you’re allowed to go on short outings (30 minutes), after a week you can go on the long outings on the weekend and can have passes. all your passes though depend on whatever contingencies your case manager says – so like being meal plan compliant, weight, participating in group.
Does it work on a level system? not really. i guess for bathrooms you come in as being on supervision, then go to taper (only 1 hr after meals/snacks), then off supervision.
What sort of groups do they have? cbt, dbt, nutrition, psychotherapy, body and self, addictions, medications, coping skills (on the weekends with the RCs sometimes), meditation, expressive
What was your favorite group? uhhh it really just depends on the person whose leading it. they could all be pretty bad/boring.. cbt usually annoyed me a lot, psychotherapy could just get really dramatic. expressive is pretty good in iop but awful in resi – a case manager just has us respond to prompts that aren’t helpful at all.
What did you like the most? having RCs to check in with all the time in resi, pass system in resi.
What did you like the least? my case manager in resi was so condescending – not helpful at ALL. not sure why she’s working there..
Would you recommend this program? if you have other options, you might want to check them out
What level of activity or exercise was allowed? you can go on outing if you’re stable
What did people do on weekends? go on pass, go on outing..
Do you get to know your weight? no – blind weight
How fast is the weight gain process? i wasnt on weight gain while i was there but i’d say it’s probably 2-3 lbs/week
What was the average length of stay? probably 3 wks to 10 wks?
What was the average age range? adolescent floor is 13-21, adult floor is 21 and older
What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an OP treatment team? yes… in resi they’ll step you down to partial or to 5 nights/week iop. if you’re leaving iop they try to make sure you have your outpatient team – therapist, nutritionist, pcp – set up.
How many IP beds? How many patients in PHP or IOP?
13 adolescent beds, 12 adult.
When were you there: 2011
Describe the average day: wake up around 7-7:30 for weights and vitals. Breakfast at 8:30 then check in, free time, snack at 10:30, group, Lunch at 12:30, 2 groups, snack at 3:15, group, outing, Dinner at 6, visiting hours 7-9, snack at 9, wrap up, lights out at 11.
What were meals like? 2 counselors sit but don’t eat with you, they were pretty bad about redirecting behaviors. we would play games, listen to music, etc. 30 min. meals and 15 min. snacks
What sorts of food were available or served? Breakfast- cereals, bagels, english muffins, yogurts, nuts, milk, peanut butter, etc. Mondays and every other Thursday were “challenge days.” Lunch- salads with pitas, lots of sandwiches/wraps, pita pizzas, veggie burgers. Dinner- pastas, stir fries, pizza, salads, burritos, cooking projects. Snacks- fruit, crackers, granola bars, yogurt, cookies, etc.
Did they supplement? How did that system work? ensure if meal wasn’t completed or CIB on higher meal plans.
What privelages are allowed? cell phones, laptops, smoking, outings and passes
Does it work on a level system? only for bathroom supervision
What sort of groups do they have? cbt, dbt, art, nutrition,
What was your favorite group? none
What did you like the most? the freedoms
What did you like the least? groups, staff
Would you recommend this program? NO
What level of activity or exercise was allowed? they don’t have yoga anymore so none really.
What did people do on weekends? movies, nap, passes
Do you get to know your weight? depends on your team, they do it by %’s though
How fast is the weight gain process? anywhere from 2-5 lbs. depending
What was the average length of stay? 3-8 weeks i’d say
What was the average age range? adolescent floor is 13-21, but mainly 14-16 year olds. adult floor is 21 +
What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an OP treatment team? Yes and they have a PHP and IOP
How many IP beds? How many patients in PHP or IOP?
13 adolescent beds, 12 adult.