Melrose Center is a nonprofit eating disorder treatment center in Minnesota that offers Inpatient (called Intensive Residential treatment), Residential Treatment, PHP, IOP, and outpatient in St. Louis Park, St. Paul, Burnsville, Maple Grove, and Woodsbury. They treat children, teens, and adults of all genders. They accept private/commercial insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare. Melrose Center was previously called Methodist Hospital Eating Disorder Institute.
They specialize in type 1 diabetes (Diabulimia), substance abuse, and family based therapy (FBT) for children, and are unique for their Physical Awareness and Rehabilitation Center (PARC) which helps clients learn how to incorporate physical movement and exercise into their recovery. They also have funding and scholarship opportunities that help patients and families with treatment costs who couldn’t afford care otherwise.
Unfortunately Melrose Center does not have supportive/transitional housing for patients doing PHP. Patients and families coming for treatment at Melrose who do not live in the Twin Cities area can find a list of discounted lodging options here.
Any current reviews? Please post in comments below. You can check out the FAQ and Guidelines for suggested questions. Thank you!
I had not heard of Melrose 6 months ago but recently discharged from their IR program. While strict and the level of containment is quite high (no outside breaks until Phase 2), it is an impressive program that is medically focused. I appreciated the staff, who care and also hold a hard line when it comes to ED behaviors. Clinicians were available and the nurses are quite amazing. A unique program that specializes in medical stabilization but offers support and an environment that can put one on the path to recovery. Be ready to be challenged but it was worth it.
Posted on behalf of Anonymous
Location: Melrose Center (St. Louis Park)
Level of Care: Inpatient Adult
When: Feb 2025
I recently stepped down to Melrose in MN which is lesser-known but has an IP and is focused on weight restoration. From the short time I was there — I wasn’t there for very long — I could tell that they’re extremely compassionate, kind, and caring, and the dietitian was willing to customize to my many individual GI needs.
I also found the other patients very kind and supportive and recovery-focused, which was really nice. The unit is also relatively nice and comfortable – the doctor wasn’t great, but the rest of the staff is and their inpatient seems like one of the better ones out there
Here are my thoughts:
Do they cater to dairy free and GI needs? And can you have herbal tea at meals or snacks?
What is rooming like? How do bathroom and showers work? What are the rooms like? Do you have a roommate?
Has anyone with type 1 diabetes had experience here? If so, what was your experience? How does the diabetes program work? Do they let you keep your devices (pump, CGM etc). Did you feel well managed? TIA!
Hi! I’m a T1D who had a relatively good experience with the diabetes side of things. Of note, I never struggled with insulin restriction or omission in my ED, and that took some getting used to for the staff, but once that was settled things worked fairly smoothly.
I had only ever been on MDI, which they do with all diabetics to my knowledge in IR and res, since they have 24/7 nursing staff, but in PHP, IOP, outpatient I know people with pumps would use them, and in my experience I could always keep my CGM even in IR (you’re allowed to have your phone whenever not in meals/groups/appointments).
You meet with the diabetes specialist, who’s super understanding and empathetic, several times a week in HLOC. She does a really good job of advocating for you and your unique needs as a diabetic, and trying to educate the rest of the staff.
If there are enough Type 1s, they’ll do diabetes lunches where in IR/res/partial you’ll get to eat with the other diabetics in the program, so you all go down for lunch in the cafeteria and check BG and carb count/dose together and obviously eat and chat over the meal, and there’s a weekly diabetes group for all levels of care, or at least there is to my knowledge. The last time I was in partial was a little over a year ago, and IR about four years ago, so some of my info may be dated but I’m happy to help if I can!
Melrose saved my 13 yr old daughter’s life. I have nothing but positive things to say about them. They took my daughter at her worst and she was weight restored and had a mental turnaround in weeks. Parents are included every step of the way. They allow visitations every day and it allowed my daughter to stay connected with her family and friends. I can tell you with 100% confidence that compared to other treatment centers (even those with a nationally recognized/reputable name), Melrose is better. My daughter saw a medical doctor 7 days a week, as well as dieticians, therapists, and a slue of nurses also being available on weekends and evenings. I will forever thank Melrose for providing comprehensive treatment for my daughter at a time when she needed it most.
P.S. They also have a beautiful cafe, Mel’s Cafe, and a gorgeous patio (with a river and tons of greenery) to dine with family passes. If you need any additional information, please feel free to reach out. jenna@amorevictorial.com
My 15 yr old daughter is there, and they no long allow anyone outside of family members to visit. Very isolating.
Full Review of Intensive Residential (IR) Level of Care (aka Inpatient)
IR: Lots of monitoring from staff, which can be a bit nerve wracking. There is a period of “observation” for an hour after each meal and snack. During observation, you must be in a room called the “dayroom” where a staff member is always watching over. If you do have to go into your room for whatever reason, you must leave your door open. If it’s observation, your fluids are still being tracked, or you’re still on “phase 1”, staff have to check the toilet before you flush it. Whether it’s observation or not, you always need a staff member to open your bathroom with their keycard. At phase 2+, you don’t need to have the toilet checked after using it outside of observation hours.
Groups are alright, but repetitive if you’re there for longer than 3 weeks. They have Strategy everyday, which is basically just a check in group that typically takes place in the morning. The group shares a “high” and “low” from the past 24 hours and share a goal they’d like to achieve. You also have OT (occupational therapy) everyday. OT is lessons on weekdays, and arts and crafts on the weekends. You can only go to OT when phase 2+. Every other day is skills, a group that describes a skill to use to combat urges/symptoms. There are stretch groups for those who are cleared. Stretch is basically either light yoga or games. Once you’ve been in IR for a while and your vitals/weight are getting back to normal, you can to strength, a low intensity weight lifting and body strength class.
Meals and Snacks are also heavily monitored by staff. Adolescents and Adults eat at separate tables with one or two staff sitting at the head of the table and watching over you. If it’s a good staff member, they’ll try to distract the group with games, trivia, conversations, etc but it really depends. You have 15 minutes for snacks and 30 for meals. If you don’t finish in time, you’ll get “replaced” with a liquid calorie drink based off the amount of food you didn’t complete. There are a LOT of other rules you have to follow. No food talk, don’t cut up food too small, no eating finger foods with a fork, and don’t smear/spread around your food are just a few. When you first get to Melrose, meals are really small to prevent refeeding syndrome. After a while, however, you will get meal plan increases. Once Phase 2+, you can do CEs (Cafeteria experiences) where you go down to the cafeteria and have your parents (if an adolescent) or yourself (if adult) pick out your meal. You then eat the meal in the cafeteria. If you don’t finish, you still get a replacement. To practice eating outside of melrose, they’ll let you go on “passes” to the outside world. You can only earn passes once medically and mentally (you don’t take many replacements) stable. You always have to spend the night at Melrose however.
that’s all I’m going to write about IR, it’s pretty much everything but the medical stuff.
I was in residential treatment at Melrose 8 years ago. I had a very supportive experience. When I was there, one could work their way up to what was called stage four. In this stage you were trusted to portion your own meals because hunger and satiety was well known, followed, and eating and symptoms were established. Groups, therapy, OT, Physical Therapy, and medical staff were great. For many years, after I left I did very well because the skills I learned were well established. Recently I experienced The Perfect Storm and a going back to residential care. I’m glad Melrose is there for me.
Location: St. Louis Park, MN (Inpatient & Residential)
• When were you there? I was there last winter twice and then this past summer – I don’t want to give more specifics so I can be anonymous.
• What level(s) of care did you do (e.g., inpatient, residential, PHP, IOP)? I’ve done inpatient (IR) x3, residential x3, and PHPx1
• How many patients are there on average? The maximum is I think like 32? but it isn’t usually quite that full and that combines the adult and adolescent numbers. I’ve heard of really small groups – it just depends.
• How often do you see a medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist (therapist), nutritionist, etc? In IR you see the medical doctor every day, in res once a week. Therapist twice a week, and dietitian once a week but you can grab them at any time.
• What is the staff-to-patient ratio? Ah I’m not sure, but there’s a lot of staff, you’re assigned a nurse each shift and then there’s Mental Health Counselors on the unit until like midnight.
• What sort of therapies are used (e.g., DBT, CBT, EMDR, etc.)? Lots of DBT “skill of the week”, some CBT, art therapy, maybe more?
• Describe the average day:
Average day (for IR adults, the res day is similar but let me know if you want that instead):
5:30-6:30 wake up/vitals/weights
7:20 breakfast
8:00 strategy group
9:00 stretch (if cleared for it)
10: snack
11:00 you might have group, might have downtime
12:15 lunch
1:00 skills group
2:00 strength 2x a week if cleared, otherwise downtime or maybe a group?
3:00 snack
4:00: Occupational therapy group
5:15 dinner
Free time
8:00: snack
Bedtime like 10?
• What were meals like? Meals are 30 minutes, snacks are 15. When you first get there they choose the meals, once you’re phase 2 you can pick. They work on a tally system, the food is pretty good and is on a 3 week rotation. I’ve only been there with covid rules but usually they have everyone together at glass tables
• What sorts of food were available or served? Lots of different foods? Idk, just normal varieties and stuff. When you can do menu planning you pick between 3 main courses and then various sides, you do it each morning for the next day based on your tallies. Snacks had a huge snack list, lots of options!
• Did they supplement? How did that system work? So they have both “supplements” which are on top of your meal plan, and replacements which were for not completing. They use 2cal I believe and do it based on calories (I think). Generally more than 2 replacements I think you get moved to phase 1.
• What is the policy of not complying with meals? This is something they do well. If you do not finish your replacement you are put on “refusal” for a minimum of 24 hours (so if you didn’t complete at lunch you’d be on that protocol until after lunch the next day, if you completed everything). Basically that just means you eat your meal at the front desk upstairs instead of with the group. If there’s a pattern of not complying they might talk about early discharge if you’re not “ready for recovery”. They can tube but they don’t do it often, especially for adults.
• Are you able to eat vegetarian? Yes, you can be vegetarian. I think they’re good at dietary needs.
What privileges are allowed? • Privileges depend on phases!
Does it work on a level system? They are levels but called Phases, so phase 1 is when you get there, and you have to do observed bathrooms 24/7, only basic groups, can’t leave the floor, have to be in the dayroom when not in group. Phase 2 you can go to stretch and maybe strength, OT, you can do meals with family or friends 2x a week, be in your room with the door open when it isn’t observation hour, don’t need observed bathrooms after observation hour. Phase 3 is generally for people preparing for res and all it means is you can do an alone cafeteria experience
• How do you earn privileges? You earn privileges by being meal plan compliant, behavior free, and restoring at the expected rate.
• What sort of groups do they have? Groups: stretch, OT, strength, cooking in res, skills, daily strategy – I think they had more pre covid
• What was your favorite group? I really like OT! Lots of fun stuff, and stretch is really nice
• What did you like the most? I think I just found it a really helpful program with lots of helpful staff
• What did you like the least? I’m not a fan of early dinners but that’s true no matter where you go. I think sometimes they can be a little weird in how they apply different policies to people?
• Would you recommend this program? Yes, absolutely
• What level of activity or exercise was allowed? None on phase 1. Phase 2 you have stretch everyday which is like yoga, and strength (depending on vitals and stuff) twice a week
• What did people do on weekends? Weekends were very chill, people just like watch movies, there are extra visiting hours, lots of games, boring stuff
• Do you get to know your weight? Weights are blind but you can discuss with your tx team whether knowing would be helpful
• How fast is the weight gain process? I think they aim for about #4 a week
• What was the average length of stay? Length of stay ranges from like 10 days to a few months. Average is probably about 2-3 weeks in IR, res is about 30 days and PHP is 4 weeks
• What was the average age range? Adolescents are… teenagers and “pediatrics”, average age is probably about college age, although there are usually some middle aged or older individuals
• How do visits/phone calls work? Visiting hours are every day in the evening between dinner and HS snack, and then extra on weekends. If you’re phase 2 you can have a meal in the cafe with friends or family
• What is the electronics policy (e.g., cell phones, iPods, Kindles, laptops, tablets)? Adults can have cell phones and laptops, just not during groups
• For inpatient/residential: Are you able to go out on passes? Residential has passes, starting with 2 hours and going up to 6 I believe.
• Are there any resources for people who come from out of state/country? The program is mostly geared towards in-state individuals but you can definitely make it work from out of state!
Hope that answers things!! If people have any questions about Res in particular I can totally answer them. It’s located on the same floor as IR – just the other side of the hallway! Mels saved my life I think and I am endlessly appreciative.
I first went here in June of 2021. I came for medical stabilization but at one point I didn’t get my electrolyte supplement or any psychiatric medication until almost 2pm which not only affected me immensely mentally, but made my electrolytes drop down to a dangerous level again. During that stay I was not allowed to see my loved ones including my immediate family because of past substance abuse from which I was clean for over 2 months from. When my family and friends would call to the unit to talk to me they would either hang up on them or be extremely rude to the point they just stopped calling up there. I’m a transgender male who has been transitioning over 4 years medically but every day I was misgendered and made fun of by staff for my gender identity. When I would try to talk to hospital administrators the receptionist would play games on the phone and say they would contact me so I could express my grievances but they never did. In outpatient I was in an extremely unsafe situation in my life, something that should have gone through the mandatory reporting process but instead of doing that I was dropped from care for missing too many appointments despite me telling my provider to communicate with someone what was going on and why I couldn’t see them. I was called overweight by my therapist in inpatient after restoration to a healthy weight and the second time I went to inpatient I received no therapy at all. Please seek out other options for the sake of your mental and physical health. This place will only institutionally abuse you for years while you’re trying to better yourself.
I’m so sorry about your experience. Being misidentified purposely or out of indifference is terribly hurtful and disrespectful. Even educated people can be ignorant Transgender persons in transition are being their authentic self. Kudos to you my dear!
I was at Melrose center in IR for a total of 6 days. During that time, I spent a majority of the days alone in the day room. No staff, no clients, no therapy groups, no emotional support. My first day there only 2 staff members introduced themselves to me giving me their name, their job title, and what they do there. I wasn’t given a tour until about hour 6 of being there. It took 4 hours to get my belongings. I ended up choosing to discharge once I was medically stable because I was not receiving any therapy whatsoever. Meal times are set up to make you feel like a lab rat at your own glass table, served subpar hospital food. I didn’t even see a copy of my meal plan until day 4. I never met with a dietician individually. My therapist spent the 2 “sessions” we did have pitying my life experiences and telling me how horrible the things I’ve been through are. There was no real therapy happening here. The nurses all gossip and complain non stop, the “b-techs” also involve themselves in gossip and treat you like a friend with little boundaries. The clients stir up and create drama which just adds to the frustration of not receiving any type of emotional or mental health care. It seems they focus on treating the lack of food intake only and fail (or simply have zero interest in) treating the cause and thoughts behind the eating disorder. Bringing up any eating disorder related topic around another client will get you scolded. There are no processing groups, no skills groups, nothing here addresses the eating disorder. All of it addresses food intake only. Don’t go here unless you’re hoping to become medically stable enough to continue being active in your eating disorder until you’re forced to come back to get medically stable again.
They will chart your weight every single day in your MyChart account, so I don’t know how competent these people truly are with the care and treatment of eating disorders if they’re choosing to be so careless about this information being available to those struggling.
Also beware, if you are not cisgender, they WILL misgender you non-stop no matter how many times you bring this issue to the staff or correct people. I felt singled out the entire time and invalidated at every single turn. It was a nightmare.
How did you see your weight in your MyChart account? They are very specific in not having that patient facing. I would always try to log into my MyChart when I was there and they specifically have it programmed for the Melrose patients not to see it. I brought this up with them, and they told me seeing weights and vitals is blocked for Melrose patients on the online portal and it definitely was for me.
I was a patient at Melrose for many years starting as an adolescent in 2008. For the last 8 or so years I’ve been seeking treatment out of state but am thinking of giving Melrose a try again. Does anyone have an updated review? TW The last time I was there, I had a tube. Do they still tube people if necessary? END TW What kinds of things do they allow you to have? Drawstrings, shoelaces, activities you would recommend packing? How long did it take for you to actually get admitting after your assessment? Do they allow blow dryers/straighteners? Laundry? I would love insight from an adult who has been there recently. Thank you!
Can someone do a review of this year for the adult program please
I was there in November, I can do a full review in the next few days!
Please!
Are they remodeling or changing their spaces for more programs?
Yeah they are remodeling! If you have any questions I can post it on here! I just discharged for there a few weeks ago
is coffee allowed?
do they offer patient water bottles?
any single rooms?
thank you ❤️
yes coffee is allowed.
they don’t offer patient water bottles but you can get water from your nurse whenever you want.
yes there is single rooms!
thank you! ❤️ that’s good! is there water with meals and such too? and how is meal planning done/supplementation?
Yep you get a cup of water with meals/snacks as well. And they don’t restrict your water between meals/snacks! They just track your input/output when you first arrive as part of the medical monitoring, so that’s the main reason why you get water from the nurses station (rather than carrying a water bottle).
Supplementation is done calorie-for-calorie with something called 2cal (similar to Boost/Ensure) for anything not completed. After the meal/snack time is done, everyone can leave except those who didn’t complete. You stay behind and are given the supplement to drink. Melrose has a culture of completion so most people complete.
I’m not sure about meal planning. Melrose uses exchanges based on the diabetic exchange list. I think you fill out your menus for the upcoming week once a week during a meal planning group, but that may no longer be correct.
Melrose does tallies now not exchanges and you meal plan once a day if you are on phase 2 & phase 3. Usually after 1030am you meal plan and have until 1 to do it.
Sorry, I meant tallies. Thank you for catching that! They’ve been doing tallies for decades actually. 🙂
Hi Rachel. I am an older female and have been to waaaaay too many treatments. I have actually never heard of Melrose. I called them today…am hoping to hear back soon. Can you [or anyone else] provide insight and encouragement? Feeling like a lost cause
What are tallies?
Hi thanks! How was your experience? I hope it was helpful. Are they adding more beds or what are they changing? What levels did you attend?
thanks!
Can you do a full review?
TW: tubes
Hey does anyone know if they take G tubes? I am getting one but will still need to go to residential or inpatient after.
I’m not sure, but I’d guess not—I haven’t been there recently but over the stays I had, I didn’t know of anyone I was with who had a G-tube. You could try to reach out to the medical director, Dr. H***—I doubt the admissions representatives would have much info on that. (Also, to the best of my knowledge, they only do official admissions from a Melrose MD determining the level of care, even if you’re coming from across the country and obviously meet criteria for res/inpatient, so you’d have to schedule an assessment at Melrose which is usually about a month or so out.)
I was in inpatient at Melrose several years ago with two different patients with g-tubes. One was able to go to residential while still using it because she was compliant with the program but had medical reasons for still requiring a feeding tube.
I was just at Melrose a few weeks ago with a g tube!
Hi, there. Could you maybe do a full review on your stay?
Hi, I haven’t been since 2023 but if I remember correctly there was a woman there who had a G-tube in the inpatient level. As far as I know she didn’t end up doing res, but the tube wasn’t a problem for her accessing treatment.
can anyone advise me on how and where my adult daughter can get serious inpatient help for her diabulimia? she s had dka too many times as she wont take her insulin. any advise?
Hi, I can’t advise you on how to get your daughter into treatment for diabulimia, but I will say that the admissions process for Melrose (at least for their inpatient unit) depends on an in-person assessment with a medical doctor, which is often scheduled out at least several weeks or so, regardless of external medical assessments around her medical stability, to the best of my knowledge. As such, she would need to travel to St. Louis Park if she is not local, and presumably would be admitted from there.
Also, though I’ve never restricted insulin, I am somewhat familiar with the diabulimia protocol as I’ve had friends there who have struggled with insulin restriction and omission. (I’m Type 1 as well.) Finally, the current CDCES there is great—very thoughtful and kind and supportive, so I think if she does admit there, she’s in good hands from a diabetes standpoint.
Laurette is one option with good medical monitoring. They take clients with diabetes
The best programs nationwide for diabulimia (especially for persons with diabulimia who have medical complications) are Center for Change in Utah, Melrose Center in Minnesota, and Laureate in Oklahoma. Princeton (part of Penn Medicine) in New Jersey is the only other program I know of that can also treat serious medical complications from diabulimia. I wouldn’t recommend going anywhere other than those four.
Though I wasn’t there for diabulimia (since I’ve never restricted insulin) and don’t love the program as a whole, Rosewood Ranch has a really solid CDCES and nursing team. The CDCES basically built the T1D programming there to what it is today, and I found her very trustworthy, informed, and truly supportive. The Ranch’s current protocol uses an explicit levels-based system for diabetes care as well where more autonomy is gradually given. For example, to be able to count your own carbs for insulin doses, you do at least two meals and a snack with the Rosewood CDCES via Zoom where you calculate what you’re thinking it is and she makes recommendations as needed, and then you’re cleared to count your own carbs for meals/snacks, with some slight oversight. I had 1-2 sessions with her per week, and she was always on-call if need be, if there seemed to be a discrepancy with insulin or changing ratios or whatever. She was also the diabetes educator I’ve had who challenged me most in terms of trying to reach full recovery via working on perfectionistic tendencies, not settling for “diabetes community normal,” and processing emotions around diabetes/food. Of note, she is totally virtual as she lives out of state, which I didn’t really mind given the caliber of her support. Also, if your daughter were to step down to PHP/IOP with Monte Nido, she could work with the Rosewood CDCES as well.
At Melrose, in my experience, there were typically a few T1 diabetics with me, whereas at Rosewood I was basically the only one but that can fluctuate as well. If you have any questions about either program, feel free to have Rachel connect with me, or I can post here too! (Same goes for you, Rachel, if there’s anything you want me to add.)
I was asked by a friend if there are requirements to be accepted to IP.
As far as medical or BMI? I’ve been around a lot but no idea.
thanks
Some questions:
Do they allow patients water access outside of meals such as water bottles? I have severe PTSD from fluid restriction (without medical reason).
Do they still have the movement/physical therapy program and what does that look like?
Daily, do you get to pick meals? I deal with severe GI issues and ARFID based ANR, and I cannot do plate by plate…
Condiments and coffee/herbal tea rules?
Are patients allowed to rest in rooms as all?
Bathroom policy?
Do they let you supplement with dairy free alt such as kate farms or even boost breeze?
Thank you SOOO much.
You can always stop by one of the med rooms and ask for water, even a few ounces to up to 8 oz. I don’t know how many times a day you can do that, but I found them to be one of the more lax programs when it came to water regulation.
Movement/PT still exists once you’re on Phase 2 or higher. It’s more prevalent in res than IP and the people I saw doing it seemed to enjoy it and it was a nice little adventure away from the unit.
Eventually you can work up to picking your meals, but when you first get there, you spend at least 24 hours and during that time, the dietitian picks all your food and you have to complete it. I also have malnutrition primarily due to severe GI issues and resultant ARFID-based ANR, and I still had to meet that criteria. However, the dietitians were VERY Willing to customize to my GI and ARFID needs and requirements with a lot of write-ins, previously selected menu items, bringing me menus to highlight options I’d be okay receiving, etc. Finally, they came down to saying that I at least had to be finishing all the supplement before phasing up, if not the solids themselves: so I’d say they’re really willing to meet you where you’re at. And once you phase up to phase 2, you get to engage in meal group and pick all your meals, snacks, etc.
Condiments were pretty chill: when you level up to choosing, you just circle/write-in what you want. While your food is picked for you, you can literally just ask the BHT at the table if you can have “______” (i.e. 2 ketchups, a mustard, salt/pepper, etc). My only other experience with that was ERC Denver, and I found Melrose to be way less strict with that. Coffee/tea is available at breakfast and, if I remember correctly, you can get tea at night (HS) snack. They also have many other beverages and you can even specify if you want warm or cold water at a meal/snack time.
I couldn’t keep up with the pace of the program for the few days I was there and felt too exhausted to be in the dayroom like we were supposed to, so I would just let them know I was in my room and go there. They want you to be with the community and in the dayroom as much as possible, but rooms remain unlocked and as long as you inform them and get permission, it’s usually fine.
Bathrooms are single occupancy, shared between 2 bedrooms (max: 4 occupants). You always return to your bedroom to use the adjoining bathroom, and just find a staff member to unlock it for you when needed: there are a TON of them around. When I was there, I was the only one in my bedroom and there was only one other person in the adjoining bedroom, so I was basically only sharing my bathroom with one other person.
Yes — they have Boost Breeze, and you can just have the dietitian clear/okay you for using it as your replacement. They can also build it into your meal plan because of your GI and ARFID needs.
Review of Outpatient ARFID Treatment
I have a lot to say. I have arfid symptoms. Honestly I didn’t have a good experience here but I didn’t try their HLOC* (*IOP, PHP, residential or inpatient). My therapist understood ARFID but I don’t know that that translates to any of the HLOC practices treating it well. I will say if your BMI is higher they will treat you better. If you are naturally thin they will not.They aren’t doing IOP right now due to staffing but have a good outpatient set up. I personally would avoid them [for ARFID treatment] if you don’t cleanly fit into the bmi scale because they will not care about you only about what your weight is. They won’t care about your wellbeing, what your life looks like or any other measures of success. And many of us who have been long time [ARFID] sufferers [are below the “healthy” range on] the BMI scale. They will do unethical things like suggesting tubes for people [with ARFID] who are perfectly healthy from every objective measure except the BMI number. And if you do therapy there, they will only focus on what the number is and will assume often wrongly that you either aren’t eating enough or are engaging in behaviors if the number isn’t what they want. Even if you’ve achieved recovery by every standard like not thinking about food, aren’t having mental health issues aren’t having any physical problems with your organs they will still push their agenda [of reaching the normal BMI range]. it’s unethical in my opinion. I don’t see the benefit except from a money or insurance payment persepctive. And for trauma survivors be prepared to be retraumatized if your body doesn’t fit their [BMI] agenda. When I went to a doctor outside of this system they confirmed I am perfectly healthy, well nourished by the evidence and suggested that if melrose isn’t helping to leave them. For a bit more background, I’m middle aged, AuDHD and trans, post hysterectomy so no hormones and under what the bmi thing says but not severely only slightly with no healh issues or consequences and have been that way for many years without consequence. mental health isn’t affected and have a really good life. Was looking for outpatient support while going back to work.
Has anyone had experience with ARFID here? Or food allergies? How do they handle those?
I have arfid symptoms. Honestly I didn’t have a good experience there but I didn’t try their HLOC. My therapist understood ARFID but I don’t know that that translates to any of the HLOC practices treating it well. I will say if your BMI is higher they will treat you better. If you are naturally thin they will not.
Are you given water bottles?
no, you get one glass of water with each meal and snack (6/day) and have to ask for any outside of those times. i could sometimes get a 7th cup of water, but after that they usually said no.
Would somebody be willing to message me directly and answer some of my questions about Melrose? I was a patient many times, but it has been quite a while and I would like to know how it has changed. Some specific questions I have:
Thank you!
I can answer some questions if you want to message me? I can give my email to Rachel and we can get connected
That would be great!
Why not just answer the questions here so everyone can know? That would be really helpful!
I would also be very grateful to connect!
Please, if people are answering, answer here on the site so that we can all see it! That’s the purpose of the site and these are fairly standard questions. Thanks!
i was there a year and a half ago, so this might be outdated.
for IR you see a doctor once a day for about 5-10 minutes, dietician once a week unless they come find you, occupational therapist every once in a while outside of group, and a therapist twice a week (1 hr session and 30 minute session).
in IR it’s usually the dietician working that day, and there’s only a couple, so usually the same. in outpatient you’ll be assigned a dietician.
i’ve seen people tubed but mostly the kids. it seems like adults and some kids just get sent home for noncompliance. depends on the case.
no, you’re therapist does not stay the same. i was told i could not keep my outpatient therapist when i went back to inpatient, and then had to switch back once i got out of inpatient.
they seem to be pretty good with medical stuff, but not at individualized treatment plans at all.
Hi!
Quick question: is it an MD/internal med doc you see everyday on IR, or psychiatrist every day?
They’re either a MD or DO, trained in internal medicine or family medicine; psych appts are once or twice a week on inpatient (IR) iirc, and those are with a psych NP or psychiatrist. If in res, you’d just walk over to IR for medical appts with the doctors there (I believe) once a week. (They’re on the same floor of the building, and IR is not a locked unit.)
Also, at least when I was a patient there, you had your same therapist, OT, PT if desired, and psych provider through IR, res, and PHP if you did those LOC, though your dietitian and medical provider would differ; if you did IOP or straight outpatient, you would see your outpatient team. The diabetes educator is the same for all levels of care.
Thanks so much! This is SUPER helpful info. I was also wondering if it’s private rooms or shared, and what the bathroom situation is (private, shared amongst a few people, or dorm-style)? And what are obs policies?
Thank you so much for this, this is so helpful!
I was also wondering what the room situation is (private or shared) on IR and same question about the bathrooms? Are they private, shared between just you and your roommate or maybe a few people, or dorm-style?
Rooms are shared in IR (each room has two beds) and one bathroom is shared between 4 pts, located between two rooms. The exception is if you’re a cis male or you’re trans, you’d likely have your own room. (Also, there’s a shower room for women patients that is open each morning from like 5:30-7:30–you’re provided a shower caddy and towels, and there is one staff near the entrance of the room to make sure that no one falls and such, but it isn’t direct observation or anything. Not sure how showering works at Melrose if you’re a cis guy or trans, I think maybe evening showers?)
Thanks K! Would you be willing to do a recent review?
I’d love a more updated review and it’s hard to find anything recent. If you’re up to it, I’d also love to get in touch w/specific questions about the docs, medical resources they have, questions about referrals to the hospital, etc. and would love to email you or communicate privately as this concerns some of my private health information.
Also, I know some people have mentioned recently that they’d like all information to be shared publicly, but for those of us with unique needs or particularly sensitive information, we only feel safe sharing things securely and not to a whole forum that, while so validating and helpful, is still a mass of people at different points in their journey.
Let me know if you’re willing to email and I can leave my ID here! Would also love a review with the usual format of this page, if you have the bandwidth for it.
I haven’t been in IR (their inpatient) since 2019, and last did their PHP in 2022, but I am happy to chat via email about what my experiences were from the times I was there if you would find that helpful—it’s up to you.
Also, I think Rachel could connect us via email if you want to talk more!
I would love that! Please email me at lavanya24narayanan@gmail.com. Thank you for offering to chat via email!
Just emailed you!
Does anyone have any reviews for residential?
Hi, all–
I’m writing this post in hopes that the community might offer feedback on the quality of care at the IP/Res levels at Melrose. I’ve undergone numerous courses of treatment for an eating disorder, and, after three years of outpatient treatment, I’m considering admitting to the IP/Res level of care. Given the long-standing nature of my ED that hasn’t responded well to treatment, I’d like to find a center that would address treatment chronicity and the related difficulties I continue to face with recovery. I’ve heard good things about Melrose and would value any input.
Some details: I’m a 30-year old adult male living on the west coast. In terms of ED behaviors, there’s been crossover between anorexia b/p type and bulimia. I manage co-occurring disorders (i.e., general and social anxiety, severe depression) which has complicated treatment and at times requires thoughtful, slow medication changes.
Thanks for reading!
I have a sense that they are pretty pushy about residential. Anyone have feedback on this would be greatly appreciated.
It’s been a very long time since I was at Melrose, so I have no idea what it is like now, but many of the staff and clinical leadership have been there for years if not a couple decades, so are the same ones as when I was there. When I was there it was common for people to discharge to PHP after IP/IR rather than to residential. They were more pushy about residential if you had been in and out of IP without lasting remission of ED symptoms. Keep in mind that ever since they moved IP out of Methodist Hospital to a standalone ED facility, they have called inpatient/IP “IR” (Intensive Residential) — their “Intensive Residential Treatment” (IR) is actually an inpatient ED unit, and “Residential Treatment” is a residential treatment unit. So it can be rather confusing before you get used to the terminology, and people (myself included) often just refer to IR as “IP” to make it easier.
Hi Rachel! Do you know when they moved IP/IR to the standalone ED facility? Is it the same building as residential now? I spoke with someone in admissions last week, and she said that they have a shorter-term model- usually no more than 30 days (IR and residential combined). I’m not sure if that’s a newer thing because someone I know who was there a couple of years ago said 2-6 months :/
Oh wow! I wonder why they did that… Also I wonder how accurate that is… Admissions has always tended to quote average stays as being shorter than what they actually end up being. Maybe they just mean shorter term model in comparison to for-profit programs that often keep you a really long time for the insurance money? Did you talk to a care coordinator?
They’ve been in the same building since the standalone opened, which was in around 2009 or 2010. Moving IP/IR to the new building is part of what allowed them to open the residential (non-profit so not quite as unlimited of fund). It was a year-ish after my last inpatient stay there, which was 2008. I remember because I came back a year or two later to see how it had turned out, and ate lunch with my old dietitian in the new cafeteria. She was super excited to show me how they had vegetarian options now, cus of the big advocacy campaign I had thrust upon them while previously a patient, said it had a big role in their decision to allow vegetarianism!
Yeah it wasn’t just a general admissions person. I didn’t even ask about length of stay, but she made it a point to make sure I knew they are very short term and focused on stabilization compared to other residentials and that they rarely see longer than 30 day stays.
Is OCD therapy incorporated into any program that Melrose offers?
no
Has anyone had any experience with The Emily Program that they might be willing to share. I would appreciate it immensely!
Hi Molly! This page is just for Melrose Center, the Emily Program has its own page here:
The Emily Program IOP/IDP/PHP —
https://edtreatmentreview.com/emily-program-iopphp/
The Emily Program Residential/Anna Westin House –
https://edtreatmentreview.com/emily-program-awh/
I’m just wondering if anyone has had any involvement with both The Emily Program and Melrose. I have done The Emily Program. (& Anna Westin House) I’m looking at doing Eating Disorder treatment, again. Just wondering if anyone could offer perspective from being in/doing both programs.
Makes sense! Thanks for clarifying Molly. As a side note, I myself went to Melrose years and years ago (2007/2008), and I know how difficult it was and is deciding between The Emily Program and Melrose, because they are very different programs and different people benefit from different approaches!
I have done both programs. I was in the day program at Emily and inpatient/partial/outpatient at Melrose
Does anybody have a recent review on melrose center for inpatient?
For those of our community on Medicare (myself included!), a community member recently let me know that Medicare has covered inpatient (IR) at Melrose for them! This is great news, since there are so few places Medicare will work with. Last I heard a few years ago from a care coordinator, after Melrose moved from being hospital-based at Methodist Hospital to being a standalone facility within that (nonprofit) hospital system, Medicare only covered up through PHP at Melrose. I’m grateful to hear otherwise. If anyone has more info, please share!
I am dealing with this now.
Medicare and MN State Straight MA do NOT cover Inpatient – the highest level of care is PHP.
Did they have an SNBC plan Medicaid and Medicare for people working with a disability? Then you can choose medica, ucare, health partners and they sometimes bill through the insurance company? But I’ve been told various things. Guess I’m no help but there are different ways of coverage with Medicare. AWH (Anna Westin House) was able to bill Medica my combined plan 8 years ago.
Just FYI… I tried to do an assesment or schedule an assessment for melrose, I live in Wisconsin but they said you must be in state and hung up on me. I don’t know if there’s another way around it but calling is apparently not it.
I had a similar experience. They hung up on me because I wasnt in their state even though I’m on Medicare and it shouldn’t be state dependent ??♀️
Hi!
I’ve spoken to them as a professional and this is what they told me:
The problem with taking someone from out of state is that they don’t have anyone licensed out of state to do the intake assessments. However, they can take from out of state, it’s just complicated. If you’d like, you can email me at esti@ayeleth.org and I’ll reach out to them on your behalf as programs tend to be nicer to people who they see as colleagues, vs people who they see as patients (ridiculous, I know).
Hmm I wonder if they’d take someone with a project heal assessment or a local treatment center assessment? I am a professional. I’m 41 years old. I’m not just a patient. And that attitude is precisely why treatment is an awful fit for us. Being treated like children won’t help and the level of disrespect really needs to be stopped point blank.
I’m currently advocating for lower levels of care with the current treatment center and if they refuse I’m considering moving to Minnesota anyway. I need my Medicare/Medicaid plan to actually do something for me and it can’t here in NY. But I’m not a great candidate for treatment right now because I’m not motivated and only want harm reduction which most places don’t do. However, if I had access to other things…with Medicaid/Medicare- like stable housing access, employment access… id prob be a lot more motivated. I’ve lived in 9 different states and most of them do not have anything for autistic adults. So yeah it’s complicated. There’s a lot of us not being served properly which is causing more issues. Might be the entire problem. Minnesota is better at coordinating these things so Autistic adults are served properly.
As someone who grew up in Minnesota and who now also has Medicare (and previously Medicaid/Medicare), who is neurodivergent and who has subsequently lived on both the West and East Coast, I agree that Minnesota (especially the Twin Cities) is much better at coordinating all of it than most anywhere else. MUCH better than NY, which is an embarrassment to humankind in my opinion. Not to mention that The Arc started in Minnesota! MN also has many more HLOC eating disorder treatment options (IOP, PHP, Res, IP) for people on Medicare and Medicaid – Melrose Center and The Emily Program are both in the Twin Cities, both take Medicare and Medicaid, and both are established programs that have been around for decades (Minnesota is where The Emily Program started). Melrose Center, even with its flaws (the fact that in 2024 they still can only handle assessments in-person is absurd), is where I recovered. Before recovering, they were supportive of me in harm reduction with short “booster” inpatient admissions as needed until I was ready to pursue full recovery. The care coordinator I had at Melrose in 2008 is still there working as a care coordinator now. The therapist I had IP/PHP is still working there now too, but is now clinical director. The occupational/physical therapist who was there back then only recently retired. Melrose Center is nonprofit, and although TEP is no longer nonprofit and is owned by Veritas, TEP recently gave their direct care staff a significant raise and better benefits, so have much less turnover than many other programs in the country. They also have staff in recovery themselves. It is common for people in MN with eating disorders to do both Melrose and TEP, and go from one to the other depending on what their needs are at the moment. Rogers is just across the state line in Wisconsin. Sanford is across the other state line in North Dakota. Both take Medicare. Walden also has a VIOP in Minnesota called Rainbow Road. I’m not sure if their VIOP takes Medicare, but their in-person locations on the East Coast do, so there is a good chance their VIOP in Minnesota does as well. As far as states that are also good at coordinating benefits, in addition to Minnesota I found Illinois to be decent too (Chicagoland).
Really glad you have had good experiences. I feel the opposite and can’t get much support at all here. Guess It isn’t universal
You really have had the opposite experience Avery, I completely agree. ❤️ I remember how long we spent calling and emailing places/programs all over Minnesota, only to find dead ends and breaking hearts at every turn. I wish I could somehow pass on my experience to you. What you and many others have gone through in life trying to receive help is a big part of what fuels my passion for EDTR. It’s not fair. And it’s not okay.
Thanks. , really glad you have had good experiences! Just so hard to navigate especially if you don’t have an advocate.
❤️❤️
I also have been unable to access support no matter where I live. You aren’t alone in that for sure! Just had another treatment center just tell me I’m “just traumatized” and deny that I even have an ED which is a first! It’s def a severe ED I’ve had since I was a kid. I think they just didn’t know what to do and didn’t want to treat me….still..it’s bizarre to lie like that. I’m really not sure what to do…I guess I wait to be hospitalized? *throws hands up in the air*
Thanks for the comment, sorry you’re in that situation. That’s so hard . It’s hard I’m in a place where nothing is “wrong” but I don’t think I could change anything I’m doing. I hear ya ?❤️
Thanks for the info! Yeah I did Walden in mass and it was horrendous. Luckily I also did ERC WA and that was a very good experience so I haven’t had all horrible treatment experiences but I would never do Walden again. They were so bad. It was like the 90s they were just so far behind with their methods compared to ERC. The dual Medicaid Medicare plans often only cover local options where you live and that makes it hard. Have to decouple the Medicare from Medicaid in order to go out of state and then you lose out on the extra benefits that the dual enrolled plan offer. It’s a mess! Don’t know if I will do treatment again but I’d at least like an option to. We’ll see…
Can anyone give current review/info about the adolescent residential program and specifically if you have Type 1 Diabetes and how that was handled at Melrose? Thanks.
Has anyone been in the Inpatient or residential programs recently? What was your experience like?
hey! I’ve been there a few times in the last year, and I’m down to answer questions if you or anybody else is still interested 🙂
What levels of care did you go through at Melrose? I’d be interested in more info regarding both their IP and Res programs.
I’ve done their IP a few times and Res twice! – I’m best at answering specific questions if that would be helpful
I’d love to know as well! Here is the template people use on here for writing reviews:
When were you there?
What level(s) of care did you do (e.g., inpatient, residential, PHP, IOP)?
How many patients are there on average?
How often do you see a medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist (therapist), nutritionist, etc?
What is the staff-to-patient ratio?
What sort of therapies are used (e.g., DBT, CBT, EMDR, etc.)?
Describe the average day:
What were meals like?
What sorts of food were available or served?
Did they supplement? How did that system work?
What is the policy of not complying with meals?
Are you able to eat vegetarian?
What privileges are allowed?
Does it work on a level system?
How do you earn privileges?
What sort of groups do they have?
What was your favorite group?
What did you like the most?
What did you like the least?
Would you recommend this program?
What level of activity or exercise was allowed?
What did people do on weekends?
Do you get to know your weight?
How fast is the weight gain process?
What was the average length of stay?
What was the average age range?
How do visits/phone calls work?
What is the electronics policy (e.g., cell phones, iPods, Kindles, laptops, tablets)?
For inpatient/residential: Are you able to go out on passes?
Are there any resources for people who come from out of state/country?
Hi! Ok, I’ll see how helpful I can be!
I was there last winter twice and then this past summer – I don’t want to give more specifics so I can be anonymous.
I’ve done inpatient (IR) x3, residential x3, and PHPx1
The maximum is I think like 32? but it isn’t usually quite that full and that combines the adult and adolescent numbers. I’ve heard of really small groups – it just depends.
in IR you see the medical doctor every day, in res once a week. Therapist twice a week, and dietitian once a week but you can grab them at any time.
Ah I’m not sure, but there’s a lot of staff, you’re assigned a nurse each shift and then there’s Mental Health Counselors on the unit until like midnight.
Lots of DBT “skill of the week”, some CBT, art therapy, maybe more?
Average day (for IR adults, the res day is similar but let me know if you want that instead):
5:30-6:30 wake up/vitals/weights
7:20 breakfast
8:00 strategy group
9:00 stretch (if cleared for it)
10: snack
11:00 you might have group, might have downtime
12:15 lunch
1:00 skills group
2:00 strength 2x a week if cleared, otherwise downtime or maybe a group?
3:00 snack
4:00: Occupational therapy group
5:15 dinner
Free time
8:00: snack
Bedtime like 10?
Meals are 30 minutes, snacks are 15. When you first get there they choose the meals, once you’re phase 2 you can pick. They work on a tally system, the food is pretty good and is on a 3 week rotation. I’ve only been there with covid rules but usually they have everyone together at glass tables
Lots of different foods? Idk, just normal varieties and stuff. When you can do menu planning you pick between 3 main courses and then various sides, you do it each morning for the next day based on your tallies. Snacks had a huge snack list, lots of options!
So they have both “supplements” which are on top of your meal plan, and replacements which were for not completing. They use 2cal I believe and do it based on calories (I think). Generally more than 2 replacements I think you get moved to phase 1.
This is something they do well. If you do not finish your replacement you are put on “refusal” for a minimum of 24 hours (so if you didn’t complete at lunch you’d be on that protocol until after lunch the next day, if you completed everything). Basically that just means you eat your meal at the front desk upstairs instead of with the group. If there’s a pattern of not complying they might talk about early discharge if you’re not “ready for recovery”. They can tube but they don’t do it often, especially for adults.
Yes, you can be vegetarian. I think they’re good at dietary needs.
Privileges depend on phases!
They are levels but called Phases, so phase 1 is when you get there, and you have to do observed bathrooms 24/7, only basic groups, can’t leave the floor, have to be in the dayroom when not in group. Phase 2 you can go to stretch and maybe strength, OT, you can do meals with family or friends 2x a week, be in your room with the door open when it isn’t observation hour, don’t need observed bathrooms after observation hour. Phase 3 is generally for people preparing for res and all it means is you can do an alone cafeteria experience
You earn privileges by being meal plan compliant, behavior free, and restoring at the expected rate.
Groups: stretch, OT, strength, cooking in res, skills, daily strategy – I think they had more pre covid
I really like OT! Lots of fun stuff, and stretch is really nice
I think I just found it a really helpful program with lots of helpful staff
I’m not a fan of early dinners but that’s true no matter where you go. I think sometimes they can be a little weird in how they apply different policies to people?
Yes, absolutely
None on phase 1. Phase 2 you have stretch everyday which is like yoga, and strength (depending on vitals and stuff) twice a week
Weekends were very chill, people just like watch movies, there are extra visiting hours, lots of games, boring stuff
Weights are blind but you can discuss with your tx team whether knowing would be helpful
I think they aim for about #4 a week
Length of stay ranges from like 10 days to a few months. Average is probably about 2-3 weeks in IR, res is about 30 days and PHP is 4 weeks
Adolescents are… teenagers and “pediatrics”, average age is probably about college age, although there are usually some middle aged or older individuals
Visiting hours are every day in the evening between dinner and HS snack, and then extra on weekends. If you’re phase 2 you can have a meal in the cafe with friends or family
Adults can have cell phones and laptops, just not during groups
Residential has passes, starting with 2 hours and going up to 6 I believe.
The program is mostly geared towards in-state individuals but you can definitely make it work from out of state!
Hope that answers things!!
This is INCREDIBLY helpful, thank you E!! I did Melrose Center’s program back in 2007-2009. There was no res then, but I did IP 3x, PHP 3x, and IOP 2x, and have been in ED recovery ever since, with only one major relapse a few years ago. I’m happy to hear that it sounds like it is still pretty similar, just with a much needed residential level added! If you don’t mind, I am going to also post your review as a standalone post above. That way people who are following this thread can find it here as a reply and people who come to this page later can find it as a standalone post above.
I’m so glad it helped! Feel free to post it, and if people have any questions about Res in particular I can totally answer them. It’s located on the same floor as IR – just the other side of the hallway! Mels saved my life I think and I am endlessly appreciative.
Thank you SO much, E! I didn’t reply to your responses to me because the other comment listed all the specifics that I was looking for. 🙂 So glad you took the time to share your answers.
I’d love more details!
Can anyone let me know what the current Covid protocols are? I have been in treatment here a few times but the last time I was inpatient was January 2020. Mostly I’m curious about whether or not they allow visitors. But also wondering where the adults eat, if there are outings in residential, and whether or not you have a roommate. Thanks!
the adults eat in a room socially distanced. Each person had their own table, 6 patients in the room, one staff. You must wear a mask when indoors and not eating. I had a roommate, did not do outings but others did
If anybody is looking for the list of discounted lodging for patients and families, here is it: https://www.healthpartners.com/content/dam/brand-identity/pdfs/care/melrose-center-discounted-lodging.pdf
Hi there,
I was inpatient for October 2020, I was there for 4 weeks in the adult program (18+). I think this is pretty typical for people who go in medically unstable, but it can be up to 6 or 8 weeks + for some folks. Other times, symptom interruption stays can be as short as 1 week.
Activity is allowed only in supervised settings of course, but you are allowed to participate in stretch (basically light yoga) once you are past “phase 1”, meaning that you are meal-plan compliant and otherwise compliant.
However, when you first get there, you will do an assessment with a physical therapist for exercise addiction/compulsion tendencies. I imagine that if you have struggled with exercise addiction and would prefer not to do stretch, they won’t make you, and may not let you if they think it will set you back. Additionally, your daily schedule is set the night before, and sometimes you won’t get put in a stretch class for the next morning– so even if you really want to do stretch, you may not be able to that day. It’s still a hospital situation, and you don’t have full liberty over when/what types of activity you do.
Once you are medically stable, you can start doing more normal exercise including light lifting and body-weight exercises if you are interested. This is called core, if I’m remembering the name correctly. This is up to 2-3 times a week and physical therapists will guide you through a short workout (it’s never cardio, always strength or balance focused exercises).
If you’re in residential, you can also have free-form movement time where you practice a movement program designed for you by PTs, under their guidance & supervision. This is a time you have to find movement that feels good for you and is healthy for you. In residential, we also had short 10 minute morning walks (even in the cold). This was for mental health/mindfulness, but it was still some movement.
On other groups: OT is for anybody, after your first day or two you’ll start being put in groups.
Overall Melrose was really good for me, it was my first and only treatment center thus far so I guess I don’t have much to compare to. I learned a lot, the staff was great, and as an adult I had access to my laptop/phone all day which allowed me to continue university classes.
Just fyi, I spoke to admissions yesterday and they are not scheduling admission assessments until February currently. Also, you have to do the assessment in person so that’s really not an option for any one traveling from out of state. They will not do virtual assessments. I’m not sure if this is just a temporary thing related to COVID (which wouldn’t make much sense since virtual would obviously be safer) but thought I would post in case anyone else was also looking at their program
This is a pretty simple program, it started as an inpatient ED hospital unit, and even though it is no longer in the hospital it still has a very medical focus.
(By the way I havent done residential at Melrose, so everything I write here is just regarding inpatient, or what they call “intensive residential”)
It’s a good program for people who haven’t had their eating disorder for very long, for people who this is their first time in treatment, for people who are medically unstable, or for people who have had their Eds for awhile and need stabilization and symptom interruption to get back on track in their recovery after a relapse, or to stabilize before going to another program.
People who are too medically unstable to go elsewhere can go here, the medical aspect is what they are best at and focus on a lot.
It’s a short term program, so don’t expect to do a lot of in-depth therapeutic work – their expectation is that you’ll do intensive therapy work after discharging to either residential, PHP, or outpatient. If you need stabilization again down the line while outpatient they’ll have you go back to inpatient to get back on track as a “booster shot” before you go back to a lower level of care.
Meals are 30min, snacks are 15
You can be vegetarian and they have a good number of vegetarian protein options
Desserts are required. They are very much “all foods fit”
They use an exchange program for meal plans called “tallies” which is based on the diabetic exchange system (you have to get a certain amount every day from each of 7 categories: milks, breads, proteins, fruits, vegetables, fats, dessert)
They supplement calorie-for-calorie rather than based on percentage eaten
They will tube as a last resort but that doesn’t happen often
Once you start being compliant with your meal plan you can start planning your own menus, and after a couple days of planning your own meals you can start going down to the cafeteria for lunch a couple times a week with Meal Group
Schedule
6am: Wake up / vitals / weights / shower (vitals are also taken throughout the day)
7:15am: Breakfast
8am: Strategy Group
9:20am: Rounds
10am: Morning snack
10:30am: Meal planning
11am: Stretch
12pm: Lunch
1pm: Group
2pm: Group
3pm: Group
3:15pm: Afternoon snack
4pm: Group
5:15pm: Dinner
6-8pm: Visiting hours
8pm: Evening snack (15 min)
10pm: Bedtime (adults can stay up a little bit later than adolescents)
Adolescents and adults are separate, and on separate sides of the building with their own day rooms, groups, etc. PHP, IOP, outpatient, and the cafeteria are on a different floor.
Plan for lots of netflix watching, bring plenty of stuff for crafts and things to distract yourself, or bring books or stuff to draw or write, or stuff to listen to. You can bring photos/cards to hang in your room. You can bring your own blanket, but no weighted blankets
Most rooms have two beds, with a curtain between that opens and closes for privacy. Bathrooms are locked of course.
There is free wifi
Adults can have laptops and cellphones all day except during group as long as it isn’t interfering with your treatment.
Adolescents can have ipod/mp3 player. I’m not sure about other electronics, I know they can have laptops during tutoring.
There is a classroom so during the school year adolescents go to “school” for a couple hours a day
They have laundry available on the unit so you don’t need to bring too many clothes, but definitely bring lots of comfy clothes! Most people will be wearing pajamas and sweatpants.
Groups: Strategy Group, Meal planning, Stretch, Modified PT, very basic DBT (learning self soothe and distress tolerance skills), Exercise & Eating Disorder Group, Therapeutic arts group, Occupational Therapy Core Group, Type 1 Diabetes Group, Substance Abuse Group, Nursing Group, Health Education, and there is a nondenominational spirituality service on sundays in the chapel on the first floor
(I haven’t done residential so I don’t know how that differs as far as groups. I would think that groups in residential are less psycho educational and more in depth.)
You might be pulled at any point throughout the day for therapy or appointments. Don’t expect very in depth therapy, again, this program is about stabilization and is short term, so the focus of therapy is surface and behavioral and crisis-based and about symptom interruption and succeeding inpatient, and getting you ready to step down to a lower level of care, with the expectation that you will do deeper therapy work in residential or outpatient. They are trauma informed but do not treat trauma at the inpatient level, they don’t want you to do that until you are stabilized and so they won’t do it there.
People on the type 1 diabetes track also have appointments and groups just for people with T1D and they also work directly with diabetes educator
FYI People on substance abuse track have restricted visiting privileges the first few days
One thing that’s different here than other places is that the nurses do a lot of the recovery support, you have a nurse assigned to you every shift and you’re supposed to do check ins with them each shift for 5-10 minutes. I really liked it, but I think if you’re used to having recovery coaches or whatever it might feel weird at first.
Hi! I’m looking seriously at Melrose and had some more questions about your experience there: could I contact you personally to ask more questions? My email address is [redacted]
Any recent reviews? How long do people typically stay at Melrose? What level of activity is allowed? I see on their website sample schedule that they have things like stretching and OT, but is this only if you are at a certain weight percentage? What about the eating disorders and exercise group?
I haven’t been there recently, so I can’t do a recent review, but I can answer some of the other questions. They have two levels of residential care, the regular residential, and then “intensive residential” (IR). But IR is the same as inpatient, they just don’t call it inpatient because they aren’t in a hospital. I’ve never done the regular residential, so I don’t know what the length of stay is for that, or what additional exercise groups they have from inpatient.. But for inpatient, lengths of stay are more like hospital inpatient lengths of stay (it used to be in a hospital), so like from 10 days to 3-4 weeks. They don’t discharge you until you are at least medically stable. If you’re medically stable but still underweight, they don’t make you stay until you’ve reached your goal weight or anything, you just have to reach a certain minimum bmi/percentage before you can be discharged from the inpatient level of care, and then you can gain the rest in PHP/IOP. So if you have a lot to restore, you might be in IR over a month. When I was there, you could do the stretching group right away, and start modified once you’ve been there a few days and are also above bmi 15. Modified includes weights and crunches and stuff, it’s genuine exercise, just with limited reps and you can’t go super fast lol, it’s strengthening/core stuff, not aerobics. Once you got close to your goal range, you could request to do the aerobics groups too, but that wasn’t inpatient, only if you are res and PHP/IOP. So if you did IR, once you are done an get to PHP (or transition to Res), that’s when the aerobics group becomes available
Hi there,
I was inpatient for October 2020, I was there for 4 weeks in the adult program (18+). I think this is pretty typical for people who go in medically unstable, but it can be up to 6 or 8 weeks + for some folks. Other times, symptom interruption stays can be as short as 1 week.
Activity is allowed only in supervised settings of course, but you are allowed to participate in stretch (basically light yoga) once you are past “phase 1”, meaning that you are meal-plan compliant and otherwise compliant.
However, when you first get there, you will do an assessment with a physical therapist for exercise addiction/compulsion tendencies. I imagine that if you have struggled with exercise addiction and would prefer not to do stretch, they won’t make you, and may not let you if they think it will set you back. Additionally, your daily schedule is set the night before, and sometimes you won’t get put in a stretch class for the next morning– so even if you really want to do stretch, you may not be able to that day. It’s still a hospital situation, and you don’t have full liberty over when/what types of activity you do.
Once you are medically stable, you can start doing more normal exercise including light lifting and body-weight exercises if you are interested. This is called core, if I’m remembering the name correctly. This is up to 2-3 times a week and physical therapists will guide you through a short workout (it’s never cardio, always strength or balance focused exercises).
If you’re in residential, you can also have free-form movement time where you practice a movement program designed for you by PTs, under their guidance & supervision. This is a time you have to find movement that feels good for you and is healthy for you. In residential, we also had short 10 minute morning walks (even in the cold). This was for mental health/mindfulness, but it was still some movement.
On other groups: OT is for anybody, after your first day or two you’ll start being put in groups.
Overall Melrose was really good for me, it was my first and only treatment center thus far so I guess I don’t have much to compare to. I learned a lot, the staff was great, and as an adult I had access to my laptop/phone all day which allowed me to continue university classes.
Can anyone comment on the adolescent program for Type 1 Diabetics? Thank you
Hi Graceann, I can’t comment on the adolescent program specifically but I’m a T1D who’s been through all levels of care at Melrose as an adult and is currently outpatient. Marcia Meier, the certified diabetes educator and care specialist, is amazing, and at least for adults, when there are two or more T1 diabetics in inpatient/residential/PHP there are regular lunches together in the cafeteria with one of the RDs and Marcia. There’s also been a diabetes group every week for adults with Type 1 historically, which I’ve found helpful. Depending on what you’re struggling with and what your age is, it might be more of a FBT approach or it could be more individual-focused.
Just an update: since I wrote that, Marcia has retired. However, the new person in that position, Gina Patnoe, is a CDCES (diabetes care specialist) who’s been working for years at the International Diabetes Center. She doesn’t have much experience with EDs so far but is very open to listening and supporting patients on their journeys towards recovery. I had an appointment with her recently and she was very warm, sincere, and engaged, even via telehealth, and really values her patients’ experiences and expertise.
Graceann – I am also looking for a residential adolescent program for my 14 yo that has Type 1. I am wondering if you have had success with locating a program.
I am not GraceAnn, but have some insight here! Melrose Institute, Veritas Collaborative, Center for Change, and Eating Recovery Center Denver are all known for having DM-aware providers and protocols. The adolescent medical director of Veritas frequently lectures on the management of ED patients with DM, and I have a friend who did quite well at ERC (her RD even had type 1 herself I believe). I don’t know the procedures at the other programs, but I know at ERC they take patients off their pump (if they use one) and the nurse does all their testing and dosing at first. Over time, they work to build back up to the patient wearing their pump and determining insulin doses.
Another resource you may be interested in is the Facebook group called “ Diabulimia Friends & Family Support Group “ as well as any of the ED parent groups on Facebook (just search ED parent support or anything like that to find them). Finally, the Diabullimia Helpline (Google it) has a 24 hour hotline you could call. I have never personally interacted with them, but it may be worth a shot!
Sending love to you and your daughter! I have a sibling with type 1 DM and understand well how complicated the intersection of these diseases can be. Hang in there.
I’m also not Graceann, but I was with at Princeton with an adult with type 1 and she felt they were very good with it! It’s a good program for EDs in general. Cumberland hospital in Virginia may come up in searches for treatment for adolescents with diabulimia. I would strongly recommend avoiding them unless it is absolutely the only option available. The reason for this should be on the first page of google results for them.
Does anyone know what the COVID protocols are like there now?
Every morning you are given a disposable face mask to wear whenever you are outside of your room. In order to maintain social distancing there are 5 day rooms which are divided between adults and adolescents depending on patients numbers. Meals are eaten in the Cafe if you are an adolescent and in the second floor kitchen if you are an adult. During meals everyone sits at their own table. Groups are limited to about 7-8 people max, less for PARC and OT. Temperature checks are done twice a day, once when you wake up and again after dinner observation. For the first 10 days after your arrival you will be in a solo room, after that you may be given a roommate. Immediately after arrival you must stay in your room at all times, meals and snacks are brought to you, until your COVID results come back. Adolescents are allowed one visitor per day, unfortunately adults are still not allowed visitors. Passes are on site and cafeteria experiences are over FaceTime if supported.
Does anyone have the Melrose snack list? If so, can you share here? It was this huge list of snack ideas with their tallies. I’ve been out of treatment for years, but I remember that Melrose’s snack list was super helpful for me and want to start using it again!
Are you currently there at this time? Do they allow electronics at all?
This is from a few years ago:
Snacks: American, Cottage, or String Cheese; 1%, Chocolate, or Soy Milk; Cream Cheese; Margarine; Nuttela; Peanut Butter; Blueberry, Bran, or Homemade Muffin; Bagel; Cold Cereal; Graham, Ritz, Teddy, Animal, or Variety Crackers; Vanilla Wafers; Saltines; Pretzels; English Muffin; Granola; Power Bar; Candy Bar; NutterButter cookies; Snickers Ice Cream Treat; Ice cream; Pdding, Trail Mix; Sherbet; Lorna Doones; Oreos; Yogurt Pretzels; Kempwich; Mini Chips Ahoy; Little Debbie Dessert; Fruit Juice; Canned Fruit; Raisins; Prunes; Apple; Orange; Banana 1/2
Do they use ng tubes in intensive res or res?
I know they do in IR, but I’m not sure about Res.
I was here in December in their Adult Intensive Residential (IR).
There were probably 15 others with me in adult IR when I was there, it is for BOTH men and women. Res probably had 6 people in it. In IR you see an MD everyday, therapist 2X a week, and dietician you can request to see whenever you want. An avg day is pretty much groups between every meal and snack, wake up is pretty early like 5:30 maybe? Melrose is good at the medical aspect for sure, and has a hospital setting vibe for sure (at least I thought so).
What were meals like? Meals were typical for treatment, but you had 2-3 options and could usually choose your sides and everything once on Phase 2. There were many options to choose for snacks which I thought was awesome.
What sorts of food were available or served? Normal foods… breakfast think pancakes, eggs, french toast, omelette etc lunch sandwiches soups salads dinner meat, pasta, etc.
Did they supplement? How did that system work? They supplement if you do not finish your meal based on the percentage you did not complete. They are fair about it. if you finish everything but 3 bites of your chicken, they will give you only a little bit of supplement (boost or ensure or whatever it is)
Are you able to be a vegetarian? Yes
What privileges are allowed? Not really privileges in IR, once you’re on phase 2 you can go in your room during the day
Does it work on a level system? Phases 1-3. Phase 1 you’re basically observed at all times and have observed bathrooms but once on phase 2 you have more freedom and no OBs.
How do you earn privileges? Completing your meals and medical stability
What sort of groups do they have? CBT, DBT, OT, Art Therapy, Yoga, Movement, Stretching
What was your favorite group? Not a group but when the therapy dogs came
What did you like the most?
What did you like the least?
Would you recommend this program? Absolutely worth a shot. I needed more help behaviorally then they could provide me but they helped stabilize me medically and restore.
What level of activity or exercise was allowed? Their movement groups were not like simple stretching groups, they were actually good. They made me sore!
What did people do on weekends? It’s pretty chill, you don’t have as many groups so its a lot of down time.
Do you get to know your weight? I requested to know mine and they let me.
How fast is the weight gain process? For me, I was there 2 weeks, I gained 4 lbs I think?
What was the average length of stay? They say 2 weeks but i would say more like 4 weeks in IR.
What was the average age range? 18-25 when I was there, but there were 3 women over 30.
What is the electronics policy? (ex: cell phones, iPods, Kindle, laptop, tablets) I think this is Melrose’s selling point. Electronics are allowed at all times. You obviously can’t be on your phone in the middle of group but you have that privilege from the beginning (having your phone and laptop/ipad/whatever)
Are you able to go out on passes? In Res, not in IR.
What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an outpatient treatment team? They do stepdown to PHP then day program or whatever!
Are there any resources for people who come from out of state/country? My roommate was from out of state and she seemed to be well accomdated.
I was in Intensive Residential treatment at Melrose in December. I am an adult. This is from MY experience:
How many patients on average? There were probably 13 others with me in IR, the same in adolescent and 6ish in residential
Does it treat both males and females? If so, is treatment separate or combined? Yes, combined
How often do you see a medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist (therapist), nutritionist, etc? in IR, you see a MD every day, psychiatrist 1X a week I believe and personally I saw my dietician every day. You can request to see them.
What is the staff ratio to patients? maybe 4:1?
What sort of therapies are used? (DBT, CBT, EMDR) etc? I think some CBT and DBT skills are taught in groups
Describe the average day: 6:00 wake up for vitals, breakfast, group, snack, group, lunch, community meeting, group, snack, group, dinner, visiting hours and free time, snack, 9:30 (?) bed time but you can stay up however long they dont require you to go to sleep. Groups were typically therapy groups, OT — think art therapy, more interactive stuff, etc. You would see your MD, therapist, dietician during GROUP times too so you didn’t have that many groups a day
What were meals like? Typically treatment setting, you usually had 2-3 options to choose from each meal. But you could choose your sides etc. You have LOTS of options for snacks which is awesome. There is one person sitting at the head of the table playing trivia/games/etc. to keep you distracted.
Did they supplement? How did that system work? Yes, they supplement based on how much is left on your plate. I found them reasonable re: this. If you leave very little on your plate, they will give you very little supplement.
What is the policy of not complying with meals? Supplementing.
Are you able to be a vegetarian? Yes
What privileges are allowed?
Does it work on a level system? Phase system- Phases 1-3. Phase 1 you can do very little but if you finish your meals you move to phase 2 with more freedom to pick your meals, go to your room, etc.
What was your favorite group? When the therapy dogs come!!! this doesn’t happen during groups they usually just intercom that a dog is there and everyone can go see it!! awesome!!
What did you like the most? The staff was nice and they made an effort to accomodate my needs.
What did you like the least? I didn’t feel it helped me behaviorally with my eating disorder. The groups were not helpful for ME. but that is extremely personal.
Would you recommend this program? Yes, I think it is worth a shot for sure.
What level of activity or exercise was allowed? They had body movement groups and also some more strength/yoga classes which was super nice. It wasn’t like ‘lift your arms up and twirl them in circles’, i worked myself to a sweat sometimes. It was a nice outlet for the day to move my body.
What did people do on weekends? If you’re in residential you get passes to leave. but in IR you stay there. There are more visiting hours on weekends and its a lot more chill.
Do you get to know your weight? Personally, I did. But I asked.
How fast is the weight gain process? It took me a long time to start gaining weight but 1-2lb a week for me.
What was the average length of stay? They say 2 weeks I believe, but I would expect more like at least 4 in IR.
What was the average age range? In adult it was mostly like 18-25, but there were 3 women over 35.
How do visits/phone calls work? Visits are like 2 hours every week day and longer on weekends.
What is the electronics policy? (ex: cell phones, iPods, Kindle, laptop, tablets) You have access to all electronics and I would say this is a large selling point for Melrose. it really helped me to have access to my outside support system.
Are you able to go out on passes? In Res
What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an outpatient treatment team? They help you step down to Res if needed or just to PHP!
Are there any resources for people who come from out of state/country? My rooommate was from out of state and they did their best to accomodate her.
Has anybody been here in the last couple years that can provide a review? Especially if you’ve been to Intensive Residential (IR), Residential, or PHP.
What are restrictions on clothing…shorts/ leggings/ clothing with strings?
Does PHP complete meals in the cafeteria? Do they have salad bar? Soy yogurt or almond milk?
Can you do a PHP review? Ty 🙂
http://www.parknicollet.com/SpecialtyCenters/Melrose-Center
I found the website for you 🙂 hope this helps!
Unfortunately, they have closed the HRT (harm reduction treatment) track again, but the regular programs can be researched through this link. Good luck!
http://www.parknicollet.com/SpecialtyCenters/Melrose-Center/Treatment-for-all-stages-of-recovery
Does this Melrose/ Eating Disorder Institute still exist? I can not find a website or contact info or even what state it is in anywhere.
Hi M,
It does still exist. It is called Park Nicollet Melrose Center and the main location is in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. Here is the link to the website:
http://www.parknicollet.com/SpecialtyCenters/Melrose-Center
It does! It’s near Minneapolis, MN. It’s a great program. I did inpatient and PHP there and just finished a week or so ago. This place saved my life and I 100% recommend it. All of the staff and the groups are very useful and compassionate. Feel free to contact me if you have questions.
Hi Larissa,
I would love a complete review of IP and PHP – do they ever keep people there against their will if they want to leave early? Are weights blind? Do they work with you in terms of weight range? What are the electronics policies? Can you do strength/ core/ etc. work if you are eating a weight restoration meal plan? Are there outings or passes at IP?
Did they allow phones and computers???
ISL (inpatient) update
I am in the HRT track, which is completely different from the regular program, but I have a general idea.
Schedule: wake up at 6
720- breakfast
10-snack
1215-lunch
3-snack
515-dinner
815-snack
Everyone gets a schedule for the following day after the last snack. Showers are in a communal room from 6 to 7 am. Meals are 30 min, snacks 15.
Once you start meal planning, you get menus in the morning and can hand them in to the RD. There are not as many options as most places, especially at meals. The foods offered are very challenging.
Phase 2 allows you to leave the unit, and this can happen as soon as your second day if you are compliant. If you don’t finish food, they give you a replacement. This can stall forward progress, such as choosing menus and going to more groups. The program is VERY sedentary. Eventually they have yoga and stretch groups.
The staff are very kind. You can have cell phones and computers if you are an adult. No razors or sharps. They provide laundry, but the soap is not hypoallergenic.
There is a chapel and Chaplains, Pet therapy and an assortment of groups (I don’t attend these, so no comment). You can get a chance to eat in the Cafe and short passes sometimes.
I was an outpatient at Melrose from Feb 2014 to Sept 2014. It was an unpleasant experience.
Their administrative aspects were always getting goofed up, whether it be billing the wrong insurance to matching me with a therapist and then suddenly changing it and not explaining certain policies to me when I started.
I did not know I had a case manager until May.
Two of the therapists I saw were icy, rigid and distant, yet the Melrose ads say it is a “warm and supportive place for healing”. NOT. I got no encouragement whatsoever.
I know recovery is hard, but I am not weak, lazy or stupid.
The dietician was hopeless, and always sat with her big laptop between us so I could never see her face. When I said I needed a plan to reduce my binge eating in the evening, she said, “oh go read a magazine”.
The saddest part was that I was not treated as a person – just a bunch of numbers on a chart.
I wasted an enormous amount of money on co payments.
I cannot recommend Melrose to anyone.
Do they tube or do IV’s in IP or residential? What is the average IP stay?
Any other feedback? thanks!
Has anyone heard or done their HA RM program? I know what’s new in their certain requirements to start.
thanks
Hi Leanne, I have been a patient at Melrose for many years. The heart (HRT – Harm Reduction Therapy) program was officially started July 7th 2014 and is still very new. I don’t think there are any patients yet who could give a first hand review, but I can tell you what I know. The program is meant for people who have chronic eating disorders. They define this as people who have had an eating disorder for 10+ years and who have had multiple different treatment attempts that were unsuccessful (i.e. being in and out of different inpatient, residential, partial programs many times). The program shifts the focus from complete symptom cessation and total recovery to a focus on learning to manage the eating disorder so that you can live a fulfilling life functioning at work, school, in relationships etc… The program doesn’t give up on total recovery, but it acknowledges that some people who have had the eating disorder for a very long time and have had many unsuccessful treatment experiences may not be ready to fully embrace recovery or believe in recovery. The program is meant to meet you where you are at and build on that. Inpatient treatment is only used for medical stabilization if needed. Inpatients in the HRT program do not participate in regular programming or go to groups with patients not in HRT. They meet with their therapist, psychiatrist, doctor, and dietician individually several times per week and focus on how to continue staying medically stable outside of inpatient care. They eat their meals alone in their rooms to mimic needing to take responsibility for eating outside of the hospital. They also attend three full days of HRT programming with other patients in the HRT program. The three full days consist of groups focused on managing the eating disorder, reducing harm, and limiting symptom use. They also focus on building a life outside of the eating disorder – work, school, hobbies, relationships. During the full day program you eat meals with other patients in the program. You can also participate in the 3-day per week program as an outpatient if medically stable. Once the team feels you are ready, you transition to outpatient care and continue working on harm reduction and managing the eating disorder with your therapist and other team members. Patients put in the HRT program do not participate in partial or IOP programs because their treatment focus is different. I am not sure if they have new patients to Melrose try the regular program first before being placed in the HRT program or if they admit you right to the HRT program based on history. I would recommend giving Melrose a call and asking to speak to someone about the program.
Thanks!
I did call and they said I had to be a client there are already:( they wouldn’t give me much information, thank you very much for that review! It was really helpful and sounds like a great fit if I can get in.
I have been an outpatient at Melrose since Feb of this year. I have made no progress with my binge eating and diabulimia.
Their communication/administration is horrible. I did not even know I had a case manager until March, when a provider asked me who she was. No one ever attempted to contact me.
At my physical evaluation, the doctor kept prodding me as to which level of care I wanted. Well, I did not have any information about the levels of care so chose the lowest (outpatient). The the evaluating psych said “oh we need to get you set up right away”. After an hour in the waiting room, I was told the earliest appointment would be a month away.
Then, three weeks later, a therapist called me and said the lady I’d been assigned to didn’t work with diabetics, but the person who did had an opening 4 weeks later. So, we got hooked up and just when I was beginning to trust her, she was promoted and how I’ve got this other woman who is cold, heartless and like a school principal ready to send you to detention.
The dietician is okay, and the diabetes nurse is phenomenal.
My copay for appointments is enormous and I feel like I’ve been unzipped emotionally so that I can’t quit now. I don’t know what’s gonna happen.
But Melrose needs to get over themselves. I continue to believe that they’ve helped a lot of people, but their system is certainly not for everyone.
Hi E! I have done their day program several times and have found it very helpful. It isn’t quite like anything else I have done. There are two (well, actually three) “levels” Level 4 is either 8 hours/day or 12 hours/day. Level 3 is around 6-7 hours/day. In Level 4 you typically start out with 5 days/week and gradually reduce. In Level 3 you typically start out with 3-4 days/week. In both programs, there are two start time options: 7:30am or 10:30am (except Friday – I heard they only offer early hours now). When you start the program you will get an orientation. You fill out group preference sheets for each week: time you want to start, what days you want off, what groups you want. They try to honor your group preferences, but it sometimes depends on individual appointments, what groups you have clearance for (like physical classes), and what groups your therapist puts you in. Everyone has their own schedule of groups so it kind of feels a bit like school. There is an adult day room and an adolescent day room where you hang out when not in groups. You can use your laptop, cell phone, play games, watch a movie, do crafts, etc… in the day room. The adults are divided into three meal groups. Each meal group has an assigned dietician you will meet with individually each week and who eats with you. You also have daily check-in (process) group with your meal group at 11am. You see your individual therapist 1-2 times per week, dietician 1 time per week, medical doctor 1 time per week, and psychiatrist (if needed) 1 time per week. You might also have individual sessions with an occupational therapist, physical therapist/fitness specialist, and/or chaplain depending on your needs and preferences. Group offerings include: CBT, DBT, “life balance”, OT, PT classes, Art, music/relaxation, nutrition groups, problem solving, and weekend planning. They keep you busy. There are also outings to restaurants (breakfast, lunch, dinner) each week that you might be placed in. There is a grocery shopping outing on Fridays.
It will take a few days to adjust to the individual scheduling (everyone going their own separate ways), the structure, and the comings and goings of different patients. There are always different patients there depending on schedules (days off, level, start times). You will get used to it and get into the routine pretty quick though and everyone (staff and patients) are very helpful and nice. Hope this helps!
Is it worth relocating for PHP if insurance covers 100% upon gaining MN residency?
Do you think they alter and/or provide enough truly indiidualized care for someone who has been suffering with this for their lifetime?
I may possibly be starting their day program soon, I think they said about 7 hours a day. I am wondering if anyone has any info specific to the day program?
Hi. I will be going here soon and am very nervous. Could someone give a sample schedule for inpatient, and also some food options/sample menus? Thank you!
I am going to be going here in a few weeks and have LOTS of questions..I can’t really find that much information on the place and I would REALLY appreciate a full review and someone to answer my questions! Thanks!!
Hi K. I have been at Melrose in various levels since it started in 2009 (I was also there at its previous location and name). I currently am doing outpatient there twice per month, but have done inpatient (many times), the partial/day program, IOP, and outpatient. I have done really, really well the last couple years (thus the limited appointments) and haven’t been in a higher level of care in a couple years, but I could try to answer your questions. I am not sure I am the person to do a full review though, since it has been awhile. This program saved my life a few times and has been really, really helpful to me. My team there has stuck with me through some really rough times and helped me get to this place in recovery. Let me know how I can help. I know going to a new treatment center without much information is scary.
Any uodated info would be great, best wishes on your journey!
Hi R, thank you for your reply. I have a lot of questions. I’ll try not to overwhelm you. Please let me know if it’s too much I will totally understand.
1) What is the daily schedule like?
2)What are meal and snack times?
3)Do they allow coffee?
4)Do they allow tea?
5) How does the meal system work? Can you pick out your own foods?
6)What kind of foods do they serve?
7)What kinds of snacks do they serve?
8)Can you be vegetarian?
9.)Is there a levels system for meals?
10) I have severe gastroparesis. Will the dieticians work with me on that?
11) Can you have dislikes?
12)Do you get to fill out menus?
13.)Do you ever get to go outside?
14)Does it have a psych-ward feel or more homey feel to it?
15.)What do people do on weekends?
16)What is the difference between IP and Residential? Do you live in the same place?
17)Do they go on outings?
18)Are computers and cell phones allowed?
19)When or how often are visiting hours?
20)What is the bathroom policy?
21)Does it work on a levels system? Can you earn priviliges?
22)How often do you see a doc/therapist/dietician?
23)Would you reccommend this program- why or why not?
24)How are the staff?
25)What about movement or excercise?
26)Do they have Boost Breeze there?
27)Can you go on passes?
28)Are there tvs to watch?
29)What was your favorite and least favorite things about the program?
Thank you SO SO much!
Hi K, Absolutely not a problem! I will try my best with the answers and hope someone who has been inpatient more recently can correct any information I get wrong.
1. The night staff starts waking up adult patients at 5:30 with vitals and weights. They start getting younger patients up at 6. The shower room is open from 5:30 to 7:15am and you can shower after you are woken and weighed. Breakfast is at 7:30am. There is strategy group (discuss how it is going, problem solve, etc…) at either 8am or 9am. Another group, morning snack, and another group follow. You see the medical doctor at some point during the day as well. Lunch is followed by 2-3 more groups and afternoon snack. Dinner is at 5:15pm. Visiting hours during the week are from 6-8pm (weekends 4-8pm). You see your therapist individually twice per week, dietician as needed (they are always around so you can always stop them to ask questions or check in), psychiatrist once per week, and you may have individual appointments with the occupational and physical therapists and/or chaplain. They keep you fairly busy!
2. Breakfast: 7:15am, AM snack: 10am, Lunch: 12:15pm, PM Snack: 3pm, Dinner: 5:15pm, HS Snack: 8:15pm.
3. Adults are allowed 1 caffeinated beverage per day before 3pm. That could be either coffee or soda/diet side. If you were drinking A LOT of caffeine prior to admission, the dietitians will put you on a caffeine taper where you start out at 3-4 caffeinated beverages per day and wean down to 1.
4. Tea (Decaf) is available at every meal and snack. They have several flavors available.
5. The first three days on the unit, the dietitians choose your food. If you are compliant (don’t take replacement for it), then you can start choosing your own foods after those three days. On admission, a dietician will meet with you and talk about your eating before admission. They will also ask about any intolerances (milk, soy, gluten, other allergies) and vegetarianism. They will let you name three dislikes. The meal plans are very individualized.
6. Breakfast always has a choice of cold cereals, a hot cereal, a hot entree (waffle/pancake/french toast/eggs), bagel, muffins, fresh fruits, juice, milks, and fats. Lunch and dinner have three (maybe four?) entree options (meat, fish, veggie), side options (salad, roll, fresh fruit, dessert), milks, and juices. Adults go down to the cafeteria/cafe M, W, F for lunch and you choose your food there instead. It is different from the inpatient menu and allows you even more variety.
7. Snacks are chosen from the same sheet for each snack. There are a lot of options though, so you don’t get bored quickly. There are protein choices, grain/bread choices, dessert options, fruit options, fat options, and milk options.
8. You can definitely be vegetarian, but not vegan. They also work with lactose/dairy intolerance, food allergies, and gluten intolerances.
9. Not really. You typically start choosing your meals after your first three days. You get to start going down to the cafe for “meal group” once you are completing meals, choosing your own menus, and are medically stable. Other than that, there isn’t really a level system in inpatient.
10. The dietitians will most definitely work with you on the gastroparesis. So will the medical doctor. They have seen many, many patients with that complication.
11. Yes. You can have up to three dislikes that you don’t have to eat (pick something else or take replacement without consequences).
12. You get to fill out menus once you get meal planning (typically after three days). One of the diet techs will help you learn the tally system and go over the menus with you. Once you feel comfortable with it, you can do it alone. They ask that your menu be turned in by 10am the day before.
13. In late spring, summer, and early fall there are definitely opportunities to go outside if you are medically cleared and have your blue band. Just ask the group leader if the group can meet outside (everyone in the group has to be on the right level and be okay with it). You can also ask the nursing aides to take you out in the afternoons if the weather is nice and you don’t have group. Your therapist can also take you outside for your session. Trust me, in Minnesota, we take full advantage of any good weather – we don’t get much!
14. It feels nothing like a psych ward. It isn’t a locked unit and it is specifically for eating disorders. The entire building is only for treating eating disorders! You start out being pretty restricted to the unit, but even the inpatient unit is pretty open, bright, and welcoming. Once you get cleared, you have access to the whole building (with an escort). The building is really nice, open, friendly, and has a gorgeous (in the summer) view of a nature preserve out back.
15. Weekends are still pretty busy. There are groups all morning and into early afternoon. Visiting hours are from 4-8pm. There is a chapel service (optional) on Sunday at 4pm and sometimes a group after dinner on Sunday (a fun, more crafty group). People watch a lot of movies in the dayroom, depending on the group, a lot of knitting may occur. You can have your laptop and phone all the time (except during groups) so people are on those. They also have free wi-fi.
16. Inpatient is called ISL there (Intensive Structured Living). It is directly across the hall from residential (called ESL – Extended Structured Living). I have not ever been in ESL there (insurance…) but know a lot of people who have. You will have groups with people in residential while in ISL. ISL is more controlled and monitored. The focus is on medical stability and symptom interruption. You won’t have as much choice there. ESL is focused on long term recovery and generalization. There are more challenges but also more choice. The meals are done family style in ESL and everyone will eat the same thing. You will go on a lot of outings and go on passes after your first two weeks. You get to choose your own groups in ESL. You meet once per week with your therapist, doctor, and psychiatrist. People generally stay in ESL for at least 1 month. People generally stay in ISL for 2 weeks (although it really depends on medical stability, goals of the stay, and what you are stepping down to).
17. There are no outings in ISL. There are a lot of outings in ESL – restaurants, shopping, activities…
18. Computers and cell phones are both allowed. They have free wi-fi. You can use them anytime except during groups. They may have become more strict though, because there were lots of problems with inappropriate usage…
19. There are visiting hours every day: M-F 6-8pm, Weekends: 4-8pm. They will make an exception every once in a while if someone is coming from far away.
20. Bathrooms are always locked. When you first get there, you will have an orange band. This means you always have to be observed when in the bathroom, that you can’t leave the unit, and that you can’t be in your room except between 9pm and 7:30am. Also, they will have you on intake/output until your fluids stabilize (they measure how much you pee and drink). Once you get your blue band, you can go to the bathroom without observation except 1 hour after all meals and snacks.
21. The orange band is when you arrive. It restricts you to the unit and has you on close supervision. After about two days, you can ask the medical doctor for your blue band (always ask, they forget about it). If you are relatively medically stable and not having problems with using symptoms, they will give it to you. This allows you to leave the unit for groups, go to your room when not on post meal observation, and use the bathroom unsupervised when not on post meal observation.
22. You see the medical doctor every day (usually in the morning, but sometimes later). You see your therapist twice per week. You see the psychiatrist (if you are on meds) once per week. The ISL dietitians are always on the unit. There office is open all the time when they are there (between 7am-4pm). They are there on the weekend too. You can talk to them anytime.
23. There are a couple things to consider: Where you live, treatment goals, plan after leaving. If you can do ISL and then transition to ESL for at least a month and you live far away. Yes, I would definitely recommend Melrose. If you want long-term treatment, live far away, but can’t do ESL; it might be more tricky. They have a great day program (12 or 8 hours per day), but housing can be hard if you live far away. If you live far away and you goal is to get your feet back under you before going back to your home team, I would also recommend Melrose highly. If you live close by, I 100% recommend Melrose and encourage you to go through the different levels as recommended. With that said, I have seen this program work really, really well for people who don’t live nearby. It was just a bit more tricky figuring out housing and working on the generalization to life parts. For me, this program helped me get into recovery. It has saved my life.
24. I think the staff are great. There will always be that person that you don’t like for whatever reason, but I have found that for every person who says they don’t like ____, another person loves him/her! The nurses in ISL and ESL are all compassionate and knowledgeable. The doctors are great. The therapists are amazing. The dietitians are incredibly patient (and have the hardest job on the planet sometimes!). I think the building and program in general has a very supportive, caring environment.
25. They have a physical therapy department and a fitness center. They specialize in treating exercise addictions, which is really helpful. Once you have your blue band, you can start going to stretching groups. After you have met certain medical criteria, you can add strengthening groups. The groups are fun and the PT staff are awesome. In ESL, the day program, and outpatient, people can start doing aerobics after they reach their goal range (if applicable), maintain for awhile, abstain from symptoms, and are medically stable. You can also meet individually with a PT to talk about your own struggles and set up individualized goals/plans.
26. Yes. They have Boost Breeze (and Ensure, Ensure +, mighty malts). The mighty malts are made in house. I have never tried one, but everyone says they are awesome.
27. In ESL you can have passes after your first two weekends there. In ISL, you can have cafeteria meal passes with family or friends for lunch or dinner (A 90 minute pass to eat a meal in the cafe and hang out downstairs). The day or two before discharge, some people get a 5 hour pass home to try out their new skills and meal plan.
28. No TV allowed in ISL. There is a huge TV in the dayroom for watching movies (G, PG, or PG13). People do watch TV on their laptops. In ESL, you can watch TV.
29. Favorite: The individualization and my team. They are absolutely amazing.
Least Favorite: Sometimes the communication between team members wasn’t the greatest. Mostly, my least favorite things came when I was resisting recommendations or didn’t want to challenge my ED though.
Let me know if you have any other questions. I hope this helps and good luck!