Cornell’s eating disorder program, now called The Outlook at Westchester, is located at NY Presbyterian Hospital. It is in a newly updated unit and provides inpatient treatment to adults and adolescents over the age of 13.
Any current reviews? Please post in comments below. You can check out the FAQ and Guidelines for suggested questions. Thank you!
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This is the worst place. Run. The ED unit is mixed with SI patients, homeless, and other. It’s the worst place to recover. The staff is horrible, there is zero therapy. The staff literally laugh at you. *TW* I was sexually assaulted here and they said it was my fault. *end TW* They will take you to court so fast here, and you will be stuck. It took a horrible incident to just happen for me to finally be able to leave. Do not come here. I would sue or file a police report with everyone here if I could. You will go crazy, my therapist even said do not let them set you back. This place is awful. They broke me. Truly awful.
I agree 100,000% percent. I was a senior citizen and I was sent there from 68th Street “ by accident “. They lost my pain medication and sent me into withdrawal that caused hallucinations. I have a rare chronic illness treated for over a decade at the time by doctors at their own hospital on 68th street in Manhattan and I didn’t even have an ED it was a horrible experience I wasn’t allowed to bathe or change my clothes for 30 days and I had open wounds on my legs which weren’t treated. There is no therapy and I did not have an ED but I tried to console the young patients because they were crying after meals and no one cared. AWFUL EXPERIENCE AND IT WAS AWFUL FOR THE POOR GIRLS AND ONE YOUNG MAN WHO HAD EDS AND NEEDED REAL HELP!
Would you recommend this program over rwj somerset? What are differences
Do you think you could be discharged before 2 weeks?
mid 2025 ADULTS
yes
adults have 11 beds, adolescents have 6, its pretty much always full
all
md-only if needed, psych- every day(with the exception of weekends. You only see psych over the weekend if you are on 1:1) therapist- twice a week, RD- usually once a week
dbt, cbt, very minimal movement for chair yoga, art therapy-usually just paining or coloring or something boring, music-usually just playing our song choices with leisure, spirituality, nutrition
Describe the average day:6:00-7:00- wake you up for weights and wash up. if you have morning showers you shower then
7-00-8:00- vitals and free time
8:00-8:30- breakfast
8:30-9:30 start meds, doctors come in at 9 and start meeting with patients then.
9:30-10:00- process group
10-10:30 – free time
10:30-10:45- hydration or snack if u have one
11:00-12:00- group
12:00-12:30 free time
12:30-1:00- lunch
1:15-2:00- group
2:15-2:45- group
3:00-3:30- some sort of activity group like art or music or leisure.
3:30-3:45- pm snack
4:00- you can getthe ipad till curfew time. There arent any groups after snack
5:30-6:00- dinner
8:15-8:30- night snack
9:00-10:00- meds and wash up. You can shower ate night unless your team thinks it will be an issue
They give you thirty minutes to finish your whole tray, but if you are on the higher meal you get 40 minutes. There is an afternoon snack and an evening snack. Some people get a morning snack if needed.
regular bland hospital food. Its on a one week rotation. You can swap put flavors of things tho. Or yogurt for pudding. You can also switch the type of fruit for fresh fruit like apple banana or orange, for a fruit cup or apple slices. The dietition will work with you for food dislikes. They will try to have you stick to what is being served tho. If you have a harder time with meals, they can give you snack type foods for meals. Like cereals with milk, fruits, yogurts, and snacks.
Two supplements for less than 50% completion, one supplement for more than 50% completed. They offer ensure, kate farms, or glucerna if needed. They also do all ensure diets if someone wants, or if you arent eating your meals.
they are chill about if u dont come to the dining room. They cant force u in. Some people dont come in. Most people dont complete 100%. If u do complete a meal, u can get a hot beverage like coffe, tea, or hot chocolate. If u are consistently not completing they will place a ng tube tho.
yes
you can go outside if you get level two as long as your vitals are stable. You can also do meal selction if you complete everything for three days straight. If you are voluntary, and completing, you can go off unit to the cafe and choose a snack from there. You can get an ipad during the week from 4:00-10:00 pm and weekends 11:00 am -10:00 pm if you attend three groups that day
for courtyard you need level two. To get level two you have to be completing most of your meals, and being compliant with everything. It really varies per patient
behavioral activation. We played a fun game to improve our mood.
not really
the fact that we can have access to ipads. Only social media and amazon were blocked
some of the doctors. They were really strict if u weren’t compliant, and used negative reinforcement if they felt necessary
for someone who wants a short stabilization stay with some support, yes. They dont really do meal coaching and its not super supportive. They work with you if you work with them. Its a good inpatient stabilization, but for support you should do a diff ip or a res. Not good for longer stays.
none
use the ipad. There were barely any groups or things to do. We had to keep ourselves busy
if your team lets, they will tell you. Most people dont
2-3 pounds per week
2-4 weeks
18-40
visitng is from 11:00 am till 8:00 pm. Anyone can come as long as they are above 18. They can make exceptions for teenagers tho. Phone calls can be made anytime till 10:00 pm weekday and 11:00 pm weekend. As long as not during a group or mealtime. There are two unit phones at the end of the hallway. Not private. If you need they have a flip phone you can use in a separate room if u need to make a private call
no personal devices. You can get an ipad for attending groups. They let you get your phone while your social worker is present if u really need to access it for something important.Only a one time thing tho
a few hours a day. I dont really remember for this.
No
they help set up whatever steps you think you need next. They sometimes take a while to figure it out, so i recommend taking part in it also
unsure
they are going to be renovating the unit starting in the summer, so there wont be a unit for adolescents. The unit will also look different, bec everyone will be moved to a different unit for however long the renovations take. (Probably a year.) it will also look different once the unit is done. They will be making a lot of changes while renovating.
lmk if you have any other questions
I don’t know where you were. We did not have any activities, couldn’t see TV and showers were only in the morning after weight but I had wounds on my legs and was misdiagnosed – I was a senior citizen and didn’t have an ED but I couldn’t bathe because there was no nurses available in the morning to treat my wounds. I was there in 2021
Does anyone have a recent reviews?
My name is Evelyn. I really think this program might be for me. Does any one know are the staff nice? I really need some inpatient help so I can continue on with my outpatient team.
Go to the Columbia Program. I met a girl at the Outlook and she was on her 3rd inpatient visit. She later told me she went to the Columbia Program and she had a great experience and she has recovered and this year she had a baby. She has changed completely in just 4 years after the Columbia Program stay
Any recent reviews? I’m likely admitting tomorrow or Monday…
Caroline,
Did you admit? If so, what has your experience been like?
I, too would be interested in more current/recent experiences at The Outlook. I’m seeking care for my sister, who is a senior (over 65) with some additional medical issues. But the experiences of ALL ages, of course, would be relevant and indicative of the level of care. Thank you.
I was a senior misdiagnosed- I have a rare autoimmune condition not anorexia. I would never suggest this program for a senior let alone anyone.
if she has other medical issues they will not be respected. I had open wounds and received no real wound care. I had to lie on my bed late at night after everyone else was asleep and then the night nurse would come after she finished all her paperwork and put an adult chux under my legs and pour saline solution on my legs and then put on medication and wrap my legs. I wasn’t allowed to bathe and they wouldn’t let me have any clean clothes. I only had one tee shirt and had a cut pair of scrubs from the main hospital on 68 and York Avenue in Manhattan. I was took I couldn’t cut their pajamas because I would be destroying hospital property. No ADA accommodations. If your sister is elderly please don’t even think of sending her here. It was extremely traumatic for me
Has anyone been there recently in the last month. Might be admitted there.what is the unit like ? What kinds of things can you bring ( like a packing list )
I was there two years ago, so my experience isn’t super recent, but I can speak to the things I was allowed to have. It was very much in line with what you might be allowed in a traditional psychiatric unit. No strings (on clothes or shoes), no sharps, no pens (they do provide pens which are kind of rubbery), no phone or electronics, no toothbrush or personal care products (they will provide you with a toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo, and soap, but no floss). They will search all of your bags upon arrival and will return only the things which they deem safe; they will store the rest of your belongings in a safe place, under lock and key and return them to you upon discharge. I would recommend bringing a list of phone numbers, as they only have a unit portable phone which you can use to call your friends and family. The phone is used by everyone on the unit, so you people can’t phone you, but it’s better than nothing. Of course, some of these things may have changed in the past couple of years, but that was my experience.
I was there UNFORTUNATELY back in 2018, and the list of things you were allowed to bring were minimal, pretty much bare bones. No laces, or drawstrings, NO electronics, no baggy clothing, no bedding, no sharps, no colored pencils, even! We all wanted to screeeam because of the incredibly insanely long days of nothing. It was either color, or watch Disney Junior! AND I WAS 26!
As a current patient who identifies as non-binary (writing from my room 214). The treatment provided by the center is above par, far exceeding expectations. The staff is upfront about treatment plans, and transparent about the repercussions for breaking rules. To be clear if you don’t want to listen, get better, or take responsibility for your own actions you are going to have a rough time.
staff will listen to concerns and constructive criticism. Treatment plans are catered to the patient. The treatment team includes 1 therapist, 1 psychologist, 1 social worker, 1 dietitian, and nursing staff. You meet with a therapist 1 on 1 twice a week, the social worker and MD once a day, and dietitian once a week.
The facility is not equipped to treat trauma or other disorders that are not well managed via medication and coping skills. Self harm or SI will result in being put on 1 to 1 watch for the rest of your stay.
they will attempt to help the symptoms of most other disorders but keep your expectations reasonable.
if you are LGBTQIA+ this is a SAFE SPACE with many staff being apart of the community. Some of the peers are difficult about the concept but they will restrict that peers interact with you upon request or significant event occurring.
The day here is heavily structured, the rules strictly enforced.
My daughter is in the eating disorder unit ,The nurses are fantastic however there is a staff member named *** who is mishandling her including grabbing her arm which is causing my daughter to want leave.
I will be making a formal complaint.
You are a patient and should be treated with respect.
This lady now is specifically picking on her not a good experience.
I have heard others are feeling the same way.
These kinds of people should not be allowed to work with sensitive people.
Very upset over this.
***name redacted by admin per site policy
As a fellow patient who witnessed this event as it occurred. The staff never touched your daughter only removed a cup from her possession after she broke a well documented rule about no beverages in your room.
2024 review- Overall positive experience. Official diagnosis Anorexia Nervosa, Inpatient psych EDO treatment.
Westchester
I went to the clinic in 2024 and was there for a WHILE. My experience is written in the context of a patient who was very willing to listen and reflect on what she was told by the providers, nurses, social workers. I went to every group I could and tried to eat every meal.
First, I want to say that this hosptial is MORE then willing to accommodate your needs, and you will need to ADVOCATE for them while you are there. The staff there isn’t always up to date on every patient when something changes VIA treatment team decision, or from shift to shift. Patience is a virtue here.
While you are here expect to be with at least seven other patients.
While I was there those included, 9 Girls, and 1 Non binary?? Its best to remember that these are other girls with eating disorders, they are going to be struggling with their own symptom management. It is a triggering environment where a lot of girls are all put together in a small area. Not to be stereotypical, though in this case it is appropriately applied. There was an ungodly amount of drama, clicks, and judgment going on. A cliché best remembered is to “Focus on your own treatment”.
The nurses and MHW provide amazing care which I can image is difficult for them with only 2 nurses a shift. due to this rather expansive definition of personalized care, activities and de escalation are limited. Be prepared to do nothing between groups and on weekends. The food is terrifying if you tell them your fear foods they are NOT afraid to put them on your plate.
if you expect to be able to have privacy you are wrong. This is pretty much a 1:3 environment at most. the meals are not well supervised and a lot of disordered behavior occurs (this is an EDO unit) Better recognition of this needs to occur.
The unit allowed you to wear your own clothing within reason. I found them very lenient compared to other places.
The normal length of stay is 3-4 weeks, any more than that are the abnormal circumstances of roughly (educated guess) 1-20 patients staying longer.
They do have a school/day room for activities, comfort room, quiet activities room, and a dinning room.
The curriculum and structure provided could be improved it is quite beneficial and supportive.
Overall you are going to have a bad time because you are a patient being asked to do the one thing you hate and fear the most with no view of a positive for the effort you are putting in. Advocate for your specific Needs as these are centered around eating disorders not trauma, or other disabilities.
As for care available for eating disorders goes its an 8/10.
I am thrilled you had this type of positive experience. I had the complete opposite in spring of 2018, and based upon your review, it seems things may have turned around.
Thank you for sharing this information.
I’m glad you found them helpful. I hope they are better at accommodating needs. When I was there I needed to use the bathroom outside of ‘commode hours’ because I had a UTI. I had to threaten to relieve myself on the floor before they accommodated me.
ABSOLUTELY DISAGREE WITH THE STATEMENT THAT STAFF WILL ACCOMMODATE ANYTHING. I had seriously documented ADA requirements that were never followed or provided. I was misdiagnosed and didn’t have an eating disorder I had a legally appointed health care proxy who was a 58 year old woman and I was 75 and she was ignored also. It was 28-30 days of hell and I told Dr. S**** every day that I didn’t have anorexia I hadn’t lost any weight and had a BMI of over XX [mid-“normal” range]. My Illness causes low sodium and low vitamin B1 and B12 and an idiot doctor at 68th Street lost my pain medication, induced hallucinations and misdiagnosed me. It took me over 3 years but I fought it and I wrote to the CEO and that’s why the attending doctor from 68th street was forced to write an addendum to my records. But the whole experience caused a serious decline in my health and increased my symptoms so the experience ruined my life
?Recent Review (2022)?
This review is from a year ago, but I thought I’d share, since I personally find every review helpful. I warn you that this is a bit of a horror story.
Time of admission: spring 2022
Length of stay: three days
Diagnosis: Atypical Anorexia
Insurance: NYS medicaid (accepted)
Vegan friendly? Was told yes, in reality no. Did provide vegan supplements, though.
Back story: [description of ED symptoms redacted]. Finally, I was very worried and dragged myself to NY Presbyterian (the NYC hospital – I lived there at the time). They gave me fluids and did labs. Shockingly and gratefully, I was physically ok, according to their tests (I didn’t feel ok at all). They were, however, concerned about my restriction, and suggested this inpatient program, which was not on site (30 minute drive outside NYC). I was desperate to get better, so I agreed.
They transported me to this unit via ambulance. When we arrived, they had me in a wheel chair. Initially, I spoke to a psychiatrist downstairs, who took a brief history. During that time I shared that I was vegan and why, and was assured that I would be allowed to remain vegan during treatment.
I struggle with a mask phobia – get panic attacks – but they forced one on me to take me upstairs. I had a severe panic attack, to which they acted surprised, even though I’d shared this issue with staff already. They took me to a private room. I wasn’t allowed to have contact with other patients for 72 hrs due to covid protocols. They did a strip search (they’d already searched and confiscated most of my personal belongings) during which I was still shaking from the panic attack. I received no support of any kind.
MEALS: due to covid protocols, I was given all my meals in my room. There was no meal support whatsoever. Despite being told I’d be given vegan meals, I was served meat and other non-vegan items at every meal except my last dinner and breakfast. The two vegan meals, from what I remember, were not very good quality. I don’t remember the breakfast. The dinner was a veggie burger patty, some oily veg, and some rice. They did offer vegan meal supplements (like ensure, but a different brand). I also remember an Italian ice, which was probably the nicest thing I ate the entire stay. One nurse argued with me that it didn’t count as food because it was a “fluid.”
STAFF: initially, I was given a physical by a doctor (non-psychiatrist), and after that, I saw the psychiatrist everyday for a brief time (maybe 10 minutes). I saw an occupational therapist (or maybe he was a physical therapist – not sure) day 2, who cleared me to walk (i.e. not be in the wheel chair). I did not see a therapist/psychologist once. I did not see a dietician until I’d been there two days. Nurses took blood for labs once, and checked vitals a few times (don’t remember how often). Besides nursing staff, I saw the social worker the most. The psychiatrist and social worker were actually very nice, but didn’t really do anything as far as treatment. The social worker mainly interacted with me for discharge. One nurse wasn’t too bad. Most of the nurses were very mean. They acted like every request was an inconvenience to them, even though I wasn’t allowed to leave my room or do most things by myself. They were inconsistent with rules. For instance, when I was in the wheelchair, they never made me wear a mask to go to the toilets (which wasn’t that often 2-3x/day), but when I was walking, they wouldn’t allow me to use the toilet without a mask. I was told there was a rule that the nurse had to look before you flushed the toilet, which I complied with until a nurse got annoyed with me for showing her; then, when I didn’t show a different nurse, she told me off for not showing her. It was like I couldn’t win. The first day or two, they had me on 24/7 observation, which was awkward. The nurses never talked to me, just sat there in the doorway. After that, I could have my door closed, which was almost worse because I had nothing to do, and I felt completely isolated, Ended up [using symptoms] and then fainting…the staff didn’t know this happened, and I was too scared to tell them.
ACTIVITIES: I think there were groups, but I wasn’t allowed to join due to covid protocols. Initially, I was not provided with anything to do. I asked for a phone, which I was given temporarily (just an old school cordless phone), but wasn’t allowed to keep, as it was for the whole unit. I asked for a journal and pen, which I was provided with after a day. I asked for something to read, which wasn’t provided until my third night there. I asked for a tablet (they had a few for patient use), which I was given after a few hours, but it was taken away because I hadn’t been eating my meals…because they had meat (I’m vegan). When I explained why I couldn’t eat the food provided, I was treated like a petulant toddler. Most of my time there, when I wasn’t able to sleep, I was climbing the walls.
WHY I LEFT AMA: my second day there, I was told by a nurse that I wasn’t allowed to use the toilet without wearing a mask (note that I’d previously been allowed without a mask multiple times). For me, this was a big issue. Masks cause me panic attacks, and there was absolutely no support at the facility to help me through that. I was told that there would be no compromise, so **TW** I stopped eating and drinking then and there because **END TW** I didn’t want to have to use the toilet. I spoke to the psychiatrist about it and he said they’d work something out. After speaking to the higher up’s, he said they couldn’t have me around other patients maskless, but that they could clear the hallway a few times a day for me to use the toilet. After this adjustment had been set in place, I was once again told by nurses that I could not go to the toilets without a mask. It was a terrifying, humiliating experience. Although I also continued to [use symptoms] while there (due to all the added stress + the threat of not being allowed to access the toilet), they didn’t tube me or threaten to tube me, for which I’m grateful.
To be fair to the program, my circumstances were unusual (I don’t believe masks are required at any medical facility now, except under very specific circumstances), so it’s possible that I might’ve had a better experience if I’d gone when these protocols were not in place.
Overall, I do not believe this program provides adequate care. This facility wasn’t equipped for medical stabilisation (wasn’t a hospital or adjacent to a hospital for quick transfer). There was no therapy. There was hardly any nutrition counselling. There was no emotional support of any kind. The only care provided, I believe, is medication on a case-by-case basis.
Overall, this facility created more stress and exacerbated my disorder, rather than alleviate it. It was not a nurturing nor healing environment. When I was discharged, there was no referral to an alternative care option. Personally, I wouldn’t consider this place as an option in future. Not even as a last resort.
Hi,
I was wondering if anyone has any experience withthe NYP outpatient program? I have a young teen. Its through the Outlook/Westchester but the program is all OP and virtual.
Thank you so much. I am so greatful fot your input.
The outpatient department at NYP WBHC is a general outpatient clinic but does have clinicians and psychiatrists on staff with eating disorder expertise. In person treatment is an option for those living close enough to travel to White Plains. It is not an IOP/PHP so treatment is not as intensive and you’ll need to be evaluated to ensure clinical and medical appropriateness.
Ive heard good things about their outpatient therapists. They tend to be trainees but under good supervision. I’d be happy to speak to you to go over your options if you’d like, as i live in the area.
Ugh! Hard to hear all these experiences. I too and on the Medicaid Medicare bandwagon and searching for options. I am specifically looking for outpatient as I am doing well but have no support in the community. It looks like Renfrew has outpatient in NY…does anyone know if they accept any medicare or medicaid? I too have severe complex PTSD and am Autistic treatment has been really traumatic for me. Basically what happens is I go inpatient I stabalize and then from all the trauma I relapse but there’s never any outpatient options when I am doing relatively well…if anyone has any insight on places I could try for that (or plans that would be better to join than others) I would greatly appreciate it. I’m a Medicare/Medicaid dual elgible under 65 disabled adult. Thank you!
Chelsea, a little known fact about Medicare is they will cover non network op providers. I think the term is ‘non participating provider’. But I was able to find an op therapist who could work with my trauma/DID that way. Also I think there are more trauma informed providers in network than in the past.
Do they cover at the 80%?
Does this apply to IOP/PHP or just outpatient?
Let me research that and I’ll get back to you.
I think it will cover PHP/ IOP as long as the center has not opted out of Medicare altogether. They can charge up to 15% more which means coverage would only be 65% instead of 80%, but that’s up to the discretion of the provider. Here is the link to the info: https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/medicare-costs/provider-accept-Medicare
how on earth? also have trauma & DID as well as ED & AuDHD (honest genuinely curious question!) dual eligible Medicare/Medicaid 41 year old afab agender human
thank you <333
I can highly recommend Sol Stone in Elmira, NY for PHP. They accept NY Medicaid products. They will also individualize treatment goals to include and value harm reduction, particularly to combat treatment trauma.
They also have virtual IOP, but I don’t know anything about that programming.
Looking for an honest review of this place, from anyone that was a patient at NY Pres recently (anytime after 2018, or as recent as possible). I’d appreciate any words/views on their experience (even if brief/short). Thanks so much!
I was there a year ago for six weeks. Worst experience of my life. Treated like a prisoner. There was no real healing happening just force fed. Someone in my program aptly said we’re just like ***.
***triggering description of weight restoration redacted by admin per site policy
I was there in 2003 and it was absolutely the worst ED unit I’ve ever been on. It’s sad that Westchester is still open and still treating patients. They are the only option for many with Medicare/Medicaid so I suppose that’s how they stay in business. It’s disgusting.
I don’t know if anybody still has questions but I was there for like a week as a teenager in 2017, so not super recent, but if I can help I will!
Hi, it is being recommended for me to go here for adult inpatient treatment and i have honestly never seen a good thing written about this place. i know in dire situations bad treatment is better than none if it’s really needed. but i’m really concerned and was hoping someone could answer some questions because i’ve never been inpatient for my eating disorder only residential.
i’d be going for medical monitoring and i’d honestly just like to stay for medical monitoring as full treatment is not something i feel will benefit me rn (and if i need it i’ll of course change my mind and get the help) and want to continue with a good outpatient team for more individualized care. is that a thing that people can do here? or if you’re admitted is it full treatment or nothing else?
secondly, what is the balance like of it being for inpatient medical and inpatient psych? (if that makes any sense) if you need medical stabilization, do you just do medical stuff or do you also do group therapies etc. like an inpatient psych unit?
also, are you allowed your phones or access to technology? is there a specific policy for that? i know in inpatient psych units you never have your phone but in a medical hospital you would so idk what to expect here.
lastly, if any other adults who live in NYS have any experiences at other hospitals being inpatient medically for their eating disorder i’d really appreciate it if you could share with me the names of the hospitals and your experiences. i know this is the only eating disorder specific inpatient unit in NYS but if there’s a chance of admitting to a hospital more local to me (downstate) and just being monitored medically it would be a big relief to have other options.
Thanks for the help!!
-ZB
I would look into strong memorial hospital in Rochester if you are just looking for Ed medical stabilization and not inpatient psych
thanks for the recommendation! it doesn’t look like they take my insurance though unfortunately. i’m also completely downstate from there lol but i’ll keep it in mind and ask my doctor. i’d be willing to travel if it meant better care obviously.
if you’re in queens and are under 25? (i think), Cohens Children’s has a ED medical unit
Go to the Columbia Program
This may be my only option for treatment at this point (Medicaid insurance). For people who’ve been here recently: Would you say your experience did more harm than good? I’m desperate to find a place, but I’ve heard here (and from people in my “real” life) that the experience was itself traumatizing (sorry if this an offensive word to use, just going based on what I’ve heard from others). Thanks for anyone’s feedback on this.
I haven’t been there, but as someone with complex PTSD, I do not say this lightly:
When your only remaining options are (1) go somewhere notoriously traumatic or (2) go nowhere at all, while weighing pro’s and con’s you now need to take one additional factor into account: you won’t get input on your decision from other people who also had this as their only option, but decided not to go. They are in hospice care or dead.
I 100% echo Rachel, and I don’t say it lightly. Having been legitimately traumatized and victimized in treatment, I know how scary it can be to go. However, I know we get to a point where if we don’t go, we will die. Sometimes bad treatment is our only option. It will save our lives. It is still bad. However, it prevents us from the worse option. I am sorry you are in an unsafe place and I hope you can do what you need to do.
s: Thanks for your kind words, really. It helps to have someone say sorry, especially when that person knows how horrible it can get/feel. It would help to know what I’m “getting myself into” before finding and checking myself in somewhere, but unfortunately, that’s not possible. I suppose the worst option would be looking through all the options (in this case, a very limited list of options), and never making a choice. There are options. I’m lucky to have options–it helps to remind myself that. Again, my thought is all over the place, here. Sorry all.
Can I be honest? I’m a bit surprised to hear you say that Rachel because it feels a little black and white. I say this with so much love and appreciation for you and everything that you do (knowingly and unknowingly) for all of us on here everyday. But I do think there’s another option here (and possibly more as well but my brain doesn’t function well this early in the morning) which is where LZ doesn’t go, but cobbles together other pieces of support or puts together a comprehensive and specific plan of action steps to take to make significant changes (maybe then even with the contingency of needing to go there if unable to follow through on the action steps at home).
Like you also alluded to, I also experience ptsd to an extremely life-impairing degree, and refuse to go to certain traumatizing HLOC options again because the significantly adverse quality of life (re: severely intensified ptsd symptoms) that I experience as a result of it does not outweigh (no pun intended) the nutritional/behavioral support. However, in recent years I’ve been able to use that to my advantage by committing to harm reduction steps that have gradually improved my mental/medical status, even though initially the recommendation was residential and my only choice was a place that had previously seriously set me back in my efforts at healing from ptsd. I know none of this is easy and I know nobody on here would say it is, and I know it’s extremely nuanced and every situation is different. But I think it’s possible to use fear of further trauma as motivation to make enough change on a lower level of care.
In my case, that was weirdly the most empowering realization of all: the first time in my life I fully believed that I deserved better than being punished in the name of treatment and losing my dignity and agency to people I didn’t know and had no reason to trust in a certain treatment center again. But when I told myself that I didn’t deserve to be treated in that re-traumatizing environment, it forced me into accepting that maybe the flip side of that is that I also don’t deserve to suffer with my ed. sorry this is long and rambly, and I haven’t fully recovered so I’m not trying to make it seem like I have it all figured out.
But I guess tl;dr I just want to say that the refusal to tolerate additional trauma in a higher level of care that I knew was previously hurtful was what I used as my primary motivation to stabilize my Ed at a lower level of care and it’s what I use to help myself get back on track when I start to slip up more and I wanted LZ to know that.
Thanks for your nuanced response here. The idea of “cobbling” together a team of supporters/providers is a helpful way of approaching it; it can be easy to just assume a “higher level of care” is the only option. It’s on me to develop a plan, to put together a team, to pick a place, or make/construct a place of my own. This sounds very abstract, so apologies. You comment gives me a lot to “chew on” (sorry, I had no choice but to do it, much as I hate doing so).
I think there’s something to what you describe as your “empowering realization.” I’m glad you made that realization on your own, although I’m sorry you had to go through so much hell to get there.
There’s something to be said for the importance of agency, autonomy, and self-love (I generally hate the “self-love”concept, by the way, but I think it’s quite appropriate here). You put a whole of thought into your response; I appreciate that. It leaves me with a lot to think about.
As someone who also has no other options, complex PTSD, and DID from extreme trauma and was at a very low BMI when I went there, I still don’t recommend it. Try anything everything else you can. The experience of being humiliated day in and out, told when I could use the bathrooms ( which caused a severe UTI), only given ensure and juice for 3 weeks, degraded by staff, and held there against my will because they would certify me if I tried to leave, did nothing but traumatize me more. Add to that and abusive therapist, very little groups of any kind and the ones that did occur were just reading worksheets, watching the staff repeatedly yell at child patients and those who were very compromised was also horrific. The day I finally escaped that hell, I had a seizure from the stress of it all. All it did was put weight on, which I quickly lost because of being so traumatized. Weight gain alone is not enough to save a life, kindness and hope are needed too.
I just want to say I’m sorry you had to go through that. You don’t deserve that, no one does. I hope you’re in a better place now.
I am fully recovered now for over 8 years. I am extremely grateful not to be in a place where I was so desperate for help that anywhere seemed better. One thing I did was to create a hospital-at-home program. Setting my days up like treatment with meals and activities, and going to see my op providers. My dietician was great on helping me to be accountable. One thing I did was take a pic of my meal or snack before I started and send it to her. And then again when I finished. Also scheduling my day like treatment meals and snacks at the same times, and then for groups I would do art from 9 -10 or journaling from 11-12, or relaxation with a yt video. It helped me get through times when I had no access to hloc treatment.
Thank you so much for this. The idea of developing a “hospital-at-home program” could be a good strategy for me, that is, if I can put in the work to find “experts” (such as a dietician), and push myself to put in the work. Doing it in isolation, on one’s own, is completely unrealistic, but it’s also not realistic/effective to think someone can cure you. I’ve done this in the past, in different ways/programs over the years, but that hasn’t worked. A lot to think about, thank you.
I’m really glad things are better for you. You’ve clearly worked incredibly hard, and been through a lot. Stay strong.
Wow, this is a fantastic idea! Thanks for sharing. Please share more if you’re comfortable/have time. I’d like to implement this for myself. Not sure what’s meant for contingencies of what would necessitate a HLOC.
I’m also terrrified of returning to overnight psych tx or mixed gender treatment for ptsd reasons. Best to keep it vague so it’s not triggering to anyone…I’m definitely motivated by fear of HLOC to do whatever it takes to avoid it. It’s defining what that is, that I don’t get.
I wrote out a treatment type schedule for myself like 7 am wake up, 8 – 8:30 breakfast. 8:45 meds 9-10 journaling 10-10:15 snack 10:30 -11:30 watch recovery video, 11:30 – 12 prep lunch, 12-12:30 eat lunch, 1230 -45 clean up/break, 1:00 – 2:00 rest/relaxation video/ or read, 2:00 – 215 make snack, 2:15- 2:30 eat snack, 2:30 -3:30 do something outside if weather is ok( for me it couldn’t be exercise at that time) 3:30-4:30 write an email or talk to someone supportive to keep myself accountable, 4:30 make dinner, 5:15 – 6 eat dinner. After dinner chat with friends or watch a movie something light and more fun. 8pm eat snack. 9 pm pray or gratitude list or write accomplishments for the day, and then bed by 10. It wasn’t perfect and I slipped up a lot, but it did give me structure and help move forward when I had nothing else. I think post COVID there are a lot more online meal supports and things of that nature available, as well as many YT recovery channels of people who are pushing through recovery.
I did the same thing to me they held me against my will and it wasn’t severely bad it only last a few pounds from when I was there the first time and the doctor had told me when I said I wanted to leave him at home against me while I had no other choice you made me feel like he had me by the balls and a female they treat me horribly the nutritionist was awful the therapist was a total bitch and some of the nurses were just downright awful I don’t recommend this place at all..
They did the same psychiatrist that I had to same thing to me. I wait wasn’t far off my target. Wait for discharge and I want to leave because I didn’t feel I need to be there and you told me that if I try to that he would change my status for involuntary to involuntary, and I had no other choice but to stay there and follow by their rules and suffer through it and the nutritionist gave me a hard time about changing a dietary need that I need it because I have a medical issue and other things she gave me a hard time about it made my life fairy difficult, and was just a very snooty bitch
Here here my weight was low as well when I went there and it was traumatic in the south or horrid. There were a few good eggs, but the rest were complete assholes, special events, psychiatrist, nutritionist, and therapist. If you can call him that there’s only one good social worker, but I had to while I was there, X and an old lady and they were horrible. The old lady was not on top of anything and X. It was a bitch, the only other staff member there that was good. It was XX everyone else they were total ass wipes I mean aside from the Food staff they were that bass but they weren’t the professionals professionals.
*names redacted by admin per site policy
First, to everyone here, I want to apologize if anyone was hurt/triggered/offended by my use of the word “trauma” in my original post. I feel the need to say that, on a personal level.
Rachel: That last sentence (hospice or dead) really hit me hard. In a sense, EDs can leave one in what might be called a “living death,” ie. feeling trapped in the hell of it, with no escape, etc. Then, there’s the sad reality that literal death is a live possibility, at the end of the day. Sometimes it’s hard to remember (or even believe) this when you’re trapped in it. I’m sorry for my dramatic language here, just how my mind works.
I need a smack in the face sometimes, so thank you, Rachel. Very sad to picture people in hospice care and/or dead because of this, probably many I/any of us have met in treatment in the past. The whole thing is tremendously sad.
Hi I feel your pain. Medicare is a nightmare and I’ve been to NYPH, they don’t have BED treatment. I feel very disheartened that I cannot lick this disorder. Maybe soon more stuff in NY will open up. Best of luck to you.
I live in NY, and have a Medicaid managed care plan, so this may be my only treatment option (looking for inpatient).
I’ve heard some poor reviews of The Outlook: Can anyone that’s been here relatively recently give me an overview of their experience? Are people overstating how horrible it is (e.g., people I’ve been in treatment with in the past have described it as actually harmful/traumatic). Thanks.
Like I said on the other thread, I have been here, but that was in 2018. From other reviews since then, to me, it seems like nothing has changed, but I obvs. cannot be 100% sure of that.
I don’t know if you have Fidelis. But Renfrew in Philly takes it.
No sweetheart unfortunately people are not over stating how horrible this place is. It truly is what it is one girl that was there with said that, even though it was a shit hell hole shit, hell hole that there was just no other place for her that’s the only place I would take her and she just had no other choice but to suffer through their bullshit.
I was here for about the end of September to the month of October 2021. This place is so bad even for a transition to residential program. They couldn’t find an outpatient program for me so they just sent me off with a doctor’s appointment. The staff is corrupt. They trigger patients without caring, they name-call distressed patients, they yell and mock you for asking for basic necessities. Feeling like a complete person is hard in this place when the staff doesn’t care about you in the slightest. The psychiatrists don’t listen to you. One of the psychiatrists treats patients like a box to check off and move on with their day. The social worker I was assigned to was so hard to work with and many others agreed. One of the psychologists I spoke to for my other illness is amazing, though. And some nurses do care. NYP is incredibly forceful, though. The staff don’t know how to deescalate the situations they often caused. You’re absolutely alone in this place on the weekends. My mom visiting from 11 am – 6 pm was the only therapy I got. Groups were also forgotten a lot. The group leaders just. Didn’t show up. A lot of times. There was no behavior prevention. Zero. They do not care! The food was pretty good though, imo. Anyway, they put me on an all Ensure diet without warning. Literally decided on it in a matter of minutes! Without my input whatsoever. If you don’t complete, the NG tube would be placed the next day or sometimes the day of. My stay was incredibly stressful, intensified by unit conditions, and no coping skills were taught. When I was discharged to absolutely no treatment it felt terrible. After being in that hell and then thrown onto the pavement idk how I adapted. Only go here as a last resort. Going here was terrible.
hi this is me i wanted to post a review. i think i wrote one in december but i think i deleted it.
When were you there?
end of september to the end of october 2021
What level(s) of care did you do (e.g., inpatient, residential, PHP, IOP)?
inpatient psych
If applicable: Is it wheelchair accessible?
yes we had wheelchairs on the unit
How many patients are there on average?
i think 7? mentally counting… 6. 6 patients.
Does it treat both males and females? If so, is treatment separate or combined?
Yes it treats people of all genders. treatment is not separate for groups but individual therapy is the obvious exception
If applicable: Do they support the gender identities of transgender and nonbinary people?
they do, but i’ve heard really transphobic things being said by the MHWs so a lot of staff do not but the unit does.
How often do you see a medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist (therapist), nutritionist, etc?
psych every weekday. therapist umm twice a week? once a week? don’t remember. you have to request to see your dietician/nutritionist and sometimes that request takes days to go through.
What is the staff-to-patient ratio?
i think there were about 2-3 MHWs per shift? idk abt nurses we didn’t rly talk to the nurses that much except for getting meds.
What sort of therapies are used (e.g., DBT, CBT, EMDR, etc.)?
technically they use cbt and dbt.
Describe the average day:
mundane to be completely honest. you need an activity to focus on. they had cartoon network as one of the channels on the tv so it was okay in the afternoon/evening.
What were meals like?
5 meals and snacks minimum. 6 if they add an ensure to your 10:30 snack. otherwise it’s water. meals depended entirely on meal plans but they were on a rotation which i’ll expand on in the next question. snacks were a choice of 2 diff things unless you had an allergy or other accommodation. they did offer kosher meals though i did not have a kosher diet when there so i can’t describe the entirety of the meals under it. the same is for vegetarian meals. they also had meal plans that accommodated ARFID.
What sorts of food were available or served?
meals were on a rotation:
monday:
scrambled eggs, maybe hash browns if ur meal plan includes it, cereal, fruit, maybe yogurt, it really depends. maybe juice or milk or both.
lunch was chili and the sides depended. could be rice, spinach, a corn muffin, pudding, etc.
dinner was… i don’t remember. OH roasted potatoes and brussel sprouts with chicken iirc. and a dessert if your meal plan included it.
tuesday:
quiche with potatoes, other listed breakfast sides if ur meal plan included it
penne bolognese for lunch. i believe tuesdays were fruit ices for dessert? i can’t be 100% certain
mango salmon with green beans and a sweet potato
wednesday:
french toast with syrup and related items and definitely yogurt. i now remember it was either yogurt or cereal that would be on your tray
veg burger iirc yes veg burger with mac and cheese and shredded carrot slaw w parsley. desserts included if needed
i don’t remember if it was lentil chicken w rice and cauliflower or chickpea curry with basmati rice. one or the other for wednesday/thursday. dessert if needed.
thursday:
scrambled eggs but the remix idk what they added to them on thursdays but they were a lot more seasoned
chicken tenders w sweet potato fries and pickled beets/radishes. dessert if needed.
dinner was one or the other listed above now i’m almost certain the lentil chicken was today. the dessert for this was always a type of cookie. dinner’s desserts were always either cookies (oatmeal, sugar, chocolate chip) or an ice cream sandwich/ice cream.
friday:
pancakes for breakfast w syrup. sides if needed
i’m blanking on lunch
fish w tomato sauce with i think… i don’t remember the starch. could be rice. can’t be 100% sure. dessert if needed
saturday:
boiled eggs. blueberry pancakes if needed. cereal and milk usually.
blanking on lunch.
falafel w pita bread, hummus, and tzatziki for dinner. always w ice cream as a dessert. the falafel was also served w sweet potato fries.
sunday:
bagel with cream cheese and veg scrambled eggs
lunch was cold pasta salad w i think tilapia? and cucumber salad and oh yeah a hamburger bun. dessert if needed.
dinner was beef stroganoff with egg noodles. pound cake as a dessert.
Did they supplement? How did that system work?
yes, meals were 2 bottles of ensure plus. i can’t speak for ng tube feeding because i was not tube fed here. i did have a contingency though, and they’re very strict about it.
What is the policy of not complying with meals?
to be honest i’ve seen people discharge not 100% completing but for me they did put me on an all ensure diet and give me an ng tube contingency. and all for just not completing. i was still making progress.
Are you able to eat vegetarian?
yes
What privileges are allowed?
tbh none lol. you can go outside and not remain in aritificial lighting for .1% of your time here but it depends on weather and of there is anyone to take you outside. that being said this place gave me a really bad vitamin d deficiency i only found out i had when i got my blood drawn at my outpatient hospital. you can meal plan which i guess is the only privilege. you need to complete on a 3+ day streak to be able to meal plan for the next 3 days i think it was? or was it a week. no it was a week. and that means completing everything. you can choose from two options outside of the default meal for that day/meal
Does it work on a level system?
yes but it’s really nonexistent
How do you earn privileges?
eating is the only way from what i’ve experienced.
What sort of groups do they have?
a lot of them dont happen from what i’ve written above, but they do have art therapy, nutrition group, music therapy once in a blue moon, cbt, i think dbt? yes dbt. that’s it. and pet therapy but i can’t count the number of times that group happened and i didn’t even realize it was happening. a volunteer brings a dog for patients to interact with but there’s no announcement or anything that it’s happening. made me a little sad when i missed it so many times lol
What was your favorite group?
nutrition it’s the most engaging group
What did you like the most?
the psychologist there was so helpful!
What did you like the least?
well. a lot of things (see above)
Would you recommend this program?
no unless it’s your last option. this place provides nothing but horror stories in my experience. the workers are unbelievable. some workers were very nice though! i never saw her again though, she floated from
another floor 🙁
What level of activity or exercise was allowed?
none
What did people do on weekends?
nothing there’s 1 singular group on saturday and that’s it.
Do you get to know your weight?
some people did, i didnt.
How fast is the weight gain process?
depends
What was the average length of stay?
2 weeks but for me they felt like doubling it.
What was the average age range?
most ppl were 13. some were 17. i was 16. depends
How do visits/phone calls work?
call if the phone is open. if they try it to call when another call is in progress it won’t go through. you’re better off calling the person than them calling you. the phone is very old too.
What is the electronics policy (e.g., cell phones, iPods, Kindles, laptops, tablets)?
there’s unit ipads
For inpatient/residential: Are you able to go out on passes?
no
What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an outpatient treatment team?
if ur lucky lol most people do outpatient after. some residential.
Are there any resources for people who come from out of state/country?
i don’t know, everyone was from new york iirc
If applicable: How is the program responding to COVID? (Less patients, virtual programming, no visitors, masks, social distancing, etc)
masks when in the presence of others, including visitors. visitors were allowed and could be in your room.
Other?
i can’t think of anything
Ugh, so sad to see nothing has changed here.
I went to this program 4 full years ago, and I am still not healed from the trauma I experienced. This program is beyond toxic and I have never read so much as one even remotely neutral review about it. Absolute 0/10.
I truly don’t know how that place is still running. I’m sorry you went through that program. I truly have never seen progress made in there. That entire hospital is terrible as well. Places like NYP have done so much harm in their activity and need to be shut down. It’s so unfortunate how insurance and other factors can make NYP the only option in some cases.
I fully agree, and I am so sorry for YOU, too. I signed out AMA after 10 days of hell. When my doctor told me he would court mandate a tube, I was done. You are so right about the insurance aspect. They know full well they are preying on vulnerable communities who have zero other options.
Is the Director of the Outlook still the same? If she is, you know who I’m talking about. Ugh, I am cringing just thinking about her.
The director was very cold and only cared about the statistics.
The force they use in their treatment is the exact textbook description of what not to do in ed treatment; it’s despicable. And that is the sad truth for a lot of different programs as well. They know that many people will have no choice but to go there for treatment and thus they continue their problematic methods. As for the director, I have no memory of meeting a director but if they are a psychiatrist there then yes I do know her. If not, I don’t, sorry.
I was there in 2002 and it was horrific. I was only allowed to ensure and juice for 3 weeks until I had gained to 85 percent of IBW and threatened to leave AMA. Then they allowed me to eat real food. They had set times for using the bathroom and I developed a bladder infection and once had to threaten that I would pee on the floor if they did not allow me to use the commode. The therapist assigned to me literally came in my room screaming that I was manipulative the very first time she met me. I refused individual therapy for the rest of my stay. The nurses were vicious, ordering us around like we were prisoners( we were). I actually called Legal Aid to see what my rights were, but they advised me that because my weight was so low if I tried to leave the hospital would get a court order and force me to stay. The whole atmosphere is abusive and punishing. How they can call that place a ‘treatment’ center is beyond me. It is literally the worst eating disorder place I’ve ever been too, and I have been to many. It should be shut down.
I was there around that time too (2003) and I’m shocked it didn’t get shut down. The staff was so abusive, there was no therapy of any kind. It was such a small unit, just a hallway and some couches and a TV at the end, and a tiny dining room that was locked except for meals and snacks. There was a larger room, but we weren’t allowed in it, it was only for family visits. We were discouraged from doing anything but sitting on the couch.
They would also stick a very thick NG tube in you for the smallest things, like missing a snack. Once you were tubed, all you were allowed was NuBasics and juice in the tube. You lost the option to eat. I honestly don’t know how you “earned” it back, I never saw anyone with an NG tube get it removed.
I told the doctor that I was lactose intolerant and she told me I wasn’t (?) and that I was only saying that so I could restrict more, and suddenly my meals got very dairy heavy. When I told them it was making me sick, they made me eat at a desk in the hallway.
We weren’t allowed to use the bathroom for a certain amount of time after a meal, which you can imagine went great with Mac and cheese and lactose intolerance.
When I was there, there were no male staff members. Everyone had to shower and pee and shit and change their clothes while female staff watched.
can you be a vegetarian?
Yes, but they are strict about putting patients on that meal plan.
I was on the adolescent unit in 2018-2019 and again in 2021. It isn’t the worst place I’ve gone to, like any other ed inpatient it’s primarily for medical stabilization and refeeding, the average stay is two weeks but you can stay for shorter or longer depending on how you are doing. There really is hardly anything to do, hardly any groups, therapy, etc. so I would recommend maybe transitioning to a residential after if you think you need more support. The therapists are interns too so they aren’t fully trained but they are very nice. I found that this unit is much less strict with NG tubes than other places I’ve been to, you don’t have to eat everything to avoid getting tubed as long as it doesn’t show in your vitals, but most people do have to eat everything in order to go home. If you don’t eat at all though they will first put you on an all ensure diet, and if you don’t drink those then they will tube you. One thing I don’t like about their tube policy is that once you get the tube, they don’t give you many chances to eat while you have it, so I’ve seen many kids become even more terrified of food than before, to the point where they can’t even drink a sip of water. Also, many staff aren’t equipped to handle self-harm and outbursts, so they are generally very rude and insensitive to patients struggling with behavioral issues as well as an eating disorder. All in all it’s not meant to be fun or helpful, just to medically stabilize you.
Has anyone been here recently
I was here many times, all involuntary admissions from the ER besides for one. If you need help to recover from your ED I recommend an IP/res program. NYP is an ed unit in a psych hospital and can be helpful if you need to be monitored medically or begin the refeeding process in a place that can monitor for refeeding syndrome. Its pretty boring but the psychiatrists there are really great. ***** is a social worker there and really does her job well.
The meals are like many other places I was at, you have I think 30 min to complete, 45 if on weight restoration plan and if you complete less than half your meal you get 2 ensure plus, more than half but not complete one ensure plus. If you refuse the ensures, your team will likely decide to use an NG tube, they can also decide to use a tube to speed up the refeeding process.
The groups are pretty boring and repetitive, and it really depends on the group that is there. They dont allow personal electronics but have landlines that you can use and iPads attached to the wall in the day room. Both males and females are treated on the same unit and some staff are nicer than others. I would say they helped me in the short term when I needed to be stabilized to go to res or needed to be monitored during refeeding. I wouldn’t recommend if you are looking for actual therapy because you dont get that there, you get food all day but thats basically it.
*name redacted per site policy*
was this recent? prior reviews and my own families experiences were pretty terrible but my social worker says they’re under new management. This is the only good review Ive found, the others terrify me!!!
I was there in 2004 I think. It was a prison. I was there for 30 days and I quickly learned I needed to follow the rules or else I would be forced with a feeding tube, increased meds that I had no idea what they were, and put under maximum observation. I was not allowed to have water for a month, I had to shower in front of the nurses, I could not use the bathroom if I needed to, I was only allowed to drink ensure…SO MUCH ENSURE. I saw a woman try and kill herself by drinking cleaning fluid from a mop bucket. We had to sleep with our doors open and the hallway lights on so we could be checked on. So many of the patients were heavily sedated with anti-psychotics which turned them into zombies. This place is abusive. Its sole goal is to put weight on people so they can brag about their numbers but not actually heal the children, men, and women inside. There is no healing in a place like this. Only trauma. Please don’t send your children here.
*edited by admin to correct the year to 2004, at the OP’s request. Thank you Becca!
Has anyone been here recently? They’re one of the few Medicaid-accepting hospitals, which is what brings me to them.
In 2003 it was pretty much a prison. They would supplement with something called NuBasics, people would literally just lay around all day medicated, no groups, about 1/4 of the patients had NG tubes, if you missed one meal, or couldn’t finish one supplement, you would be tubed, and it would be several weeks before they would let you drink NuBasics again without using the tube.
One of the girls I was there with had been there for 17 weeks and her family had to take legal action to get her released to them.
An absolute living hell! Like being tortured day in and day out. I basically slept, and cried my whole stay. A prison cell, and people surronding you and look of place suit it 100%. Don’t go if your life depends on it!
Has anyone been here recently and could give some feedback??
looking for current reviews or feedback?
I was there about 2 years ago, I’m sure not much has changed. I can answer anything you’re curious about.
wondering if anything at all has changed about this program in the past few years or if it is basically still a holding cell?
I was there last year i’ve been battleling annorexia fir for 7 years and last year they did nothing for me and unfortunately i was not well and Dr’s recommended i went back it was horrible, first of all i dont remember last time i ate but i went in with an open mind to drink the ensures well that prick if dr s i was fine drinking my ensure insisted they put the the feeding tube. Then the food is not appropriate for people with annorexia/ bullemia its too much food when your coming in and your not eating,then the dr s that got his lucense from toy’s r us. Gave me a medication than in 3 days raised from 20mg to 80mg really! Not enough groups that cover ed! But some staff are so damm unprofessional that during a group when i was weakest had the nerve to tell me to shape up and start eating or my kids will be taken away, i was a mess after that! The lack of proprofessionalism in this place and compassion its unbelievable, last when i went to meet with this so called dr for discharge he had the nerve to tell me i had lost to pounds but its ok he asked me if i was ready to go i said i was nervous he said oh dont worry if you relapse the building and hospital will still be here its going no where that sarcastic prick! !! Last but not least security is a piece of shit they messed with my money when they not supposed to i hada 50 dollar bill when it was returned to me it was 20’s if i gave them a 50 ihad to get a 50 they had no right to go through my money so i would never go back and i came out not ok but trust me more people will know about this, its not staying like this!
I was in this eating disorder unit in 2001, when I was 20, and I can’t believe reading the comments that it is just as abusive and disgusting a place as when I was there. I was not anorexic or bulimic; I was a heroin addict, in total denial about my addiction, and I was unable to stop throwing up because of my addiction and at a ridiculously low weight. I walked out of the unit with more of an eating disorder than I walked in with. No therapy at all, the doctors/nurses/whoever don’t give a SHIT about you. I stayed there for 5 weeks because they wouldn’t let me leave because they threatened to take me to court because of my low weight. No one ever could leave once they were signed in. Even at the end, long after I admitted my addiction and told them the truth of what was going on, the psychiatrist told me I was both anorexic and bulimic, because I came in at a low weight and was throwing up, regardless of my lack of mental issues with food. I wanted to gain weight, but my lifestyle and health was just not conducive to it. I saw no one get better when I was here – people faked it because they were so desperate to leave, and it was all about your weight on the scale, nothing about how you felt about your body.
The only thing that seems to have changed is that when I was there, they let me see my weight every day. I wasn’t anorexic but watching my weight go up, and watching my body get fatter and fatter without any movement or exercise was terrible. If you were good you could go outside four times a day to a tiny courtyard where you could smoke. But no healthy movement, nothing to feel good about my body.
I’ve been a lifelong vegetarian, and they did let me keep that, but I had to eat everything else, and the food was terrible. Lentil loaf? Ugh! And afterwards everyone just compared how many calories were in everything. It was completely disgusting food.
They also had “boarders” from other units when I was there – serious mental patients who would do things like throw bloody menstrual pads over the stalls in the bathroom.
If you argued back with the nurse who was being a dick and told her to go fuck herself, they’d press the button and put you in a straightjacket for hours. This never happened to me but I saw it happen to friends.
I don’t understand how it is ethical that they continue operating this facility. I would not go back here for any reason at all. There are plenty of kind places you can go to get help – places with therapy, where people care about your well-being. Rather than trapped on a ward where they guilt-trip you about having to pee, take away all your freedoms, force-feed you disgusting hospital food, and tell you they don’t care how you feel. I still feel traumatized about it, and I wish no one the experience I had at this hellacious facility. I can not believe it is still in operation.
I was there in 2003. For me it was different. I had BED. I can relate to everyone’s stories Treatment, locked toilets, having to eat stuff you wouldn’t eat regularly but you want to be discharged so you do. The problem is I have government insurance and can’t find anywhere else will take it. I am low income and now NYPH does not treat BED. I don’t know what to do.
When were you there: May 2016
How many patients on average? 6-8 Adults, 4 Adolescents. Only females when I was there
We saw the doctors every weekday for rounds. I only saw the nutritionist once for five minutes and was there for a week. The social worker was useless and didn’t even show up to the family appointment she scheduled, left us sitting there alone the first time we had seen each other in weeks.
Staff to client ratio is fine. There’s usually a nurse and two support staff each shift. If you’re lucky you get one good staff member each shift that you can talk to if need be. Levity is nice during meal times but some staff members don’t understand that their stern faces and attitude really impact us.
What sort of therapies are used? (DBT, CBT, EMDR) etc? There are NO ACTUAL THERAPIES OFFERED – that should be made clear. Only groups, here and there. We have CBT group twice a week I believe but it’s kept very basic and should you try and chime in the facilitator will shut you down — it’s kept to “pros and cons” lists and anything more complex than that is diverted. There are no individual sessions, it’s really an acute refeeding ward even if you’re stuck there for several weeks. There’s one DBT group a week as well. They do have pet therapy once a week. Recovery skills and relapse prevention are probably the two most useful, and maybe menu planning — whichever is the one where we try to create a menu out of exchanges. It all depends on how good the facilitator is. Art groups are okay. Adults and adolescents do mix for some of them.
Describe the average day: Wake up at 6am sharp, empty bladders, get weighed with one gown on (blind weights), showers are open until 7am, lay down or go to the common area until 8am when doors are closed, breakfast at 8:45, process breakfast, morning group at 9:30, snack at 10:30 (ensure or water), another group or nothing, lunch at 12:30, process lunch, another group, snack at 3:30 (ensure), another group, dinner at 5:45, process dinner, free time / watch a movie, snack at 8:30, showers open at 9pm, curfew at 10pm.
What were meals like? Adults were quiet usually, mostly because it took us most of the time allotted to eat the portions we were served and the food quality was so tough that it was necessary — sorry, not going to lie. It’s a huge adjustment coming in off of restriction, which it seems most patients are. I don’t know when the last time they handled someone who wasn’t Anorexic was, it seems they are heavily biased towards restricters. We listed to the radio every meal. Sometimes we’ll check in with each other and also make eye contact. Staff will sometimes target people who have a history of food behaviors and it turns into a scapegoating session which makes everyone uncomfortable. We get that they are trying to do their jobs but it goes overboard. Everyone by default has 30 minutes to complete their meal but if you’re over 3,000 calories you get a 10 minutes time extension. You have to keep everything on your tray, you can’t have extra napkins, you need to ask for condiments all at once, I think you’re limiited to two condiments. Everyone is limited to a certain amount of fluids which is surprisingly not as difficult as it sounds once you start eating again, and the nurses will give you 60ml of water if you really need it. The doctor’s and team will always say “do your best” and will emphasize this percentage system of doing “100%” of your tray — there’s a lot of strangeness around that and pressure. They won’t respect any kind of allergy and if you tell them your fear foods they’ll serve them to you frequently.
What sorts of food were available or served? Some of it was okay but it’s bulk and cafeteria style. Here are sample meals: rice, green beans, chicken with cranberry breading, pie, apple sauce, soymilk, two apple juices, water. Turkey sandwhich, chips, carrots, one juce, soy milk, cake, water, yogurt. Eggs, two waffles, yogurt, applesauce, two juices, water. Those plus the two snacks, and the water/ensure snack, all two hours apart. Or the six ensure plus a day plan when I got there.
Did they supplement? How did that system work? Only if it makes sense for you, I don’t know if I need to explain that.
Are you able to be a vegetarian? No.
What privelages are allowed? You can go outside if you’re Level II but you need to be medically cleared, which doesn’t quite make sense because they don’t have the same standards for everyone (i.e. there are plenty of people that were severely orthostatic that went out, I was discharged while orthostatic…I don’t really understand how they determine medical stabliization.) You can use the electronic razor if you ask, but make sure you ask.
Does it work on a level system? After you complete a few days of 100% of your trays you can do meal selection where you choose your main dish, and after a few days of that you can go to the cafeteria I believe and do something even “better” than that.
How do you earn privelages? Eat :p
Would you recommend this program? No. There are far better. This is supposed to be an intervention, an acute ward that stabilizes you. It did get me to eat when I was incapable, and I was involuntary – so it took me from being delusional and nutritionally deficient to being re-fed but then they released me a week later with no aftercare or followup and with a 2lb gain. No menu planning, no preparation. Nothing. It was sloppy as hell and I already feel back at square one.
What level of activity or exercise was allowed? You can walk up and down the halls and move furniture around. Also we had yoga twice a week which was very calming. And a lovely spirituality group I forgot to mention.
What did people do on weekends? Just hang with each other. You’ll be lucky if you connect with someone else and then play a board game, watch movies, etc.
Do you get to know your weight? Not until discharge.
How fast is the weight gain process? 2 lbs a wk
What was the average length of stay? 1-3 wks I think is the average, but people have stayed longer.
What was the average age range? I was the second youngest at 28 on the adult unit. I think we were 23, 28, 31, then it jumped to two in the 40s, one in her 50s, and two in their 70s.
How do visits/phone calls work? Two free payphones, anyone can use them and anyone can call in if you give the number. Anyone can visit 11am-8pm, though not during meal time and strategically with groups.
Are you able to go out on passes? No. It’s the only unit on the campus that’s treated differently than the others in terms of not being as locked down re: psych ward status, but it’s essentially still the same kind of place, so be prepared to follow that kind of protocol. No liberty.
What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an OP treatment team? If your BMI is under 15, maybe.
My daughter is still there miserably. There is is doctor there, but he is not acting like a doctor. He keeps on saying what the normal weight is for her and is adding calories onto her without questioning himself whether she is ready to take it or not. The refeeding process is dangerous and very tricky, but he treats her like some kind of Robot. It is like he’s making his own experiment. My daughter, after the meal, was lying on the floor in severe pain but no doctor there ever checked on her. While I left message to the doctor, instead of calling me, he said to my daughter maybe it is easier to put her on tube feeding. The doctor basically wants to keep the patients there for money, while not correctly treating them. There is no therapist for one on one. This place is a place you never want to be or send your child to. My daughter has been staying there for 3 weeks. Her attending doctor Dr. S only returned my calls once, and when I waited there, he never showed up. If you have anorexia or is dealing with a loved one with it, please go somewhere else. Renfrew, etc. Just google center for treating anorexia… There are a lot good ones out there, but do not go to this place. The doctor should treat patients with care, integrity, and dignity, but the doctors there just do not have the skill.
Well I don’t know what all questions to answer but if you have any questions feel free to ask. I figure it’s time to review this place. I was here twice, once for about 5 days in January 2015 and then I’m July 2015. When you first get there they go through all your stuff and throw it around and you get vitals done downstairs then you sign and they send you upstairs. You’ll get assigned to a room and stuff and then you will searched. This meaning two staff will go in the room with you and you will strip naked completely and they look at everything and write down all your marks cuts tattoos and piercings as they look you over and make you feel like shit basically. Its such an awful thing and I couldn’t have felt more exposed and ridiculous. Its a locked unit separate from the rest of the hospital but you will encounter many other mental disorders on this unit I warn you now! It is basically a hallway with several patient rooms, mostly doubles, with a dining room and a day room and the adolescents are on a separate side locked away from the adults and they will mix adults and adolescents for morning group and music group usually. But the rooms are locked all day and you aren’t allowed in unless it’s nap time from 4 to 5 or you need to grab something from your room in which a staff member will unlock it for you and watch you while you get it. The day room has a tv in it but good luck trying to watch a show that you want to and all the furniture is like plastic covered so you’re gonna stick to it. There are art supplies and if you need colored pencils sharpened they’ll do it for you but you’ll be waiting a good hour because they take their sweet time. The groups are throughout the day, things like body image and cbt or an art/music type group. Honestly I found them completely not helpful except maybe twice and no offense they’re pretty pointless. A few of the people that run them are kind of nasty and condescending almost… As are a select few of the staff. You will find that they have some piss poor attitudes and are pretty judgemental. As far as patients go it ranges from ages 18 all the way to 70s sometimes. And you never know what other disorders they have going on… A girl last time I was there talked smack about another right in from of her so they got into a screaming match, got to see two other patients get restrained on multiple occasions and it took quite a few workers from other wards to do so… And also one of the other patients tried to beat me up and come at me with a chair… Yeah. So beware. As far as meals go it could be late and could be early. There is obviously breakfast which is usually a cereal, fruit, milk/yogurt, juice, eggs, sometimes toast or waffles/pancakes or hot cereal. You can get soymilk but it’s a pain in the butt. Lunch may be like a turkey sandwich or a hot entree such as a burger or chicken with a veggie and a fruit and dinner same thing but you may encounter pizza or bbq or meatloaf or lasagna. There are 3 snacks throughout the day. One after breakfast one after lunch and after dinner. If you don’t have an ensure at the first two you don’t have to go but you can get tea or water or instant coffee. The one after dinner everyone gets. Could be cookies, chips, popcorn, cereal, fruit, peanut butter, etc. If you finish all of breakfast you can have tea or coffee, if ya don’t you’re shit outta luck and same with night snack. And by the way vegan, nope, and if you’re vegetarian you will be expected to eat meat. They don’t care. They will give it to you. Allergic to a food or absolutely hate a food or it causes ptsd or something of that type for some reason, they don’t care. They’re still gonna give it to you. And as ng tubes go they do use them. However they will let you absolutely refuse to eat or drink for 2 to 3 days before they bring up the tube to you. And fyi you could get up to 10+ cans of that stuff a day and if you’re nauseous and feel like you’re gonna be sick, again they don’t care they’re still gonna keep that machine running. As far As priveledges the only thing is outside time and if you do get it good luck finding a staff member willing to take you. You have to be at a somewhat healthy point plus eat every bit of your meal plan for 3 days straight. As far as phones there are 2 on the wall plus a cordless but they all suck and you can barely hear, want privacy… Ain’t gonna happen. Bottom line here is do not go. They talk so highly of their program and say that it’s one of the best in the country. Its a terrible condescending and poorly run facility. I am not sorry for talking so badly about this place. Every bit of this is true from experience. Hopefully this helps.
Is this at Weill-Cornell on the UES? If so, are ED patients mixed in on a general psych floor or is it a separated ED unit?
Considering going here for a few days to get back on track. I know there are better places but living in NYC this would be easiest to serve its purpose.
Thanks!
NO. Please do not go here. It will mess you up terribly.
It is not on the UES. It is an extention of the NYC location and is in White Plains, NY. About an hour away on Metro North. It is a locked ward separate from the rest of the hospital, and you better not like to go outside because they will not let you leave the single hallway the ward has unless you eat and drink ever bite and drop of every meal for three days straight. Have an allergy the nutritionist forgot to write down? Hate a food terribly having nothing to do with your disorder? Too bad, they don’t care. Some staff are seriously awful – I had to discharge against medical advice because I was so stressed and traumatized while there I lost a ton of weight and stopped eating, about which they did not care (I was not anorexic or on a weight restoration plan). They took half my clothes away because no one told me not to bring anything with strings. One poor girl spent two and a half days in tiny shorts because she had strings in all her pants and they still had the AC running despite fridgid temps outside. The phones don’t work so you can barely hear your friends and loved ones. I left after five days with mild PTSD and was seriously scarred. Go somewhere else. Do not put yourself through this unless you literally habe no other choice.
wondering if anyone has gotten anything positive out of this place EVER? lol i am fairly desperate at this point however i don’t know if going here is any better than remaining like i am right now…
Please don’t go if you can find anywhere else. I had to AMA after five days there because it was the worst experience of my life, and I left with mild PTSD (not kidding). The staff as of 2013 were sometimes abusive, I watched two girls seriously almost die because their legitimate health problems were being labels “behaviors” and “uncooperative to treatment”. There was NO therapy. The nutritionist never met with me once, and could not understand why beans could not be on a low fiber meal plan for a girl with gastric issues. During an unplanned fire drill they left a girl behind in the adolescent ward because no staff went through to do a check before the doors locked and she was stuck on the ward. They don’t give you the same food as the rest of the hospital, and even if you are allergic to it they expect you to eat it if you ever want to go outside while there. I spoke to my social worker ONCE, she was a million years old, and seemed to not know what she was doing. I reported everything to the head doctor on the ward and he did not care. When I AMA’ed and was waiting for my friend to come pick me up (they would not let me keep my phone/wallet/any suitcases so I couldn’t even pack to leave, forget calling a cab to the train station) the most abusive staff member (I wish I could name that nasty human scum on here) tried to pull my clothes and belongings out of the drawers in my room and trash them in the hallway, I had to fight her and finally the head nurse got her to stop but did nothing to address her behavior. The phones were always broken, no one could hear us when we tried to call our families. It was like a nightmare. Please, only go if you are on death’s door and just need to be kept safe from yourself/re-fed.
WHEN YOU WERE THERE: I was at NY Pres in April 2014 for about a week
HOW MANY PATIENTS ON AVERAGE: I was strictly in the adolescent unit, and if I can recall correctly, there was a maximum of six beds on that side. I’m pretty sure there were ten beds on the adult side.
DOES IT TREAT BOTH MALES AND FEMALES? IF SO, IS TREATMENT SEPARATE OR COMBINED? Yes, NY Pres treats both males and females. Patients are not separated by gender, but they are separated by age (separation b/w adults and adolescents and people are roomed together based on age usually)
HOW OFTEN DO YOU SEE A MEDICAL DOCTOR, PSYCHIATRIST, PSYCHOLOGIST (THERAPIST), NUTRITIONIST, ETC? I saw a medical doctor Monday-Friday for about five minutes each day, talked to a psychiatrist during intake but never saw him again, never saw a psychologist/therapist, never saw a nutritionist, and never saw a dietician. We many conversed with nurses, which wasn’t very helpful.
WHAT IS THE STAFF RATIO TO PATIENTS? There was usually one nurse that would sit with us, one that would occasionally come in and check our vitals, and probably one-three nurses behind the front desk (There is also a cook in the kitchen but I won’t count that). So, the ratio is roughly 5:6
WHAT SORT OF THERAPIES ARE USED? (DBT, CBT, EMDR) ETC? Oh boy. When I was there, we had DBT and CBT, but both groups were total jokes. Usually all we did was sit around a table together, nothing therapeutic was discussed. You could request other forms of therapy, which we were only told after we all complained that the therapy we were receiving was useless. The only therapeutic group I found soothing was aroma therapy, which we requested. There is “music therapy” and “art therapy” but I don’t really count either because they were both immature and undeveloped and not stimulating at all.
DESCRIBE THE AVERAGE DAY:
6:00-Patients woken up to go to the bathroom (supervised and toilets checked) and to change into gowns, blind weigh-in follows
6:30ish-8:00-Patients free to shower, go back to sleep, read, do whatever they please
8:00-8:30-Breakfast, allowed to substitute different fruits, cereals, juices, or request chocolate milk
8:30-“Meal Processing” (sometimes) which was generally headed by a nurse who didn’t care about how we felt and didn’t want to talk about it. This was also a time for any supplementation (Ensures) and meal processing wasn’t performed until all patients were in attendance
Free time or “groups” until snack (usually around 10, rarely had a morning snack unless a patient had a high caloric intake, not everyone had morning snack)
More free time or “groups”
12:00-12:30-Lunch, extra time given for supplementation, followed by meal processing then free time/groups
1:00-3:00-If you’re there during the school year and you’re on the adolescent side, tutoring was provided. Granted, not helpful tutoring. We didn’t have any computer access, no internet access (unless the tutor allowed us to use her laptop for a few minutes) and I take AP classes so no help was provided to me and I fell very behind. Also, you’re not allowed to have spiral bound notebooks because they’re considered weapons and this is a psychiatric hospital.
3:00- Afternoon snack, only for those whose caloric needs required it
Free time/groups
6:00-6:30-Dinner, followed by supplementation time and meal processing
Free time
8:00ish-Night snack, which EVERYONE had
Free time/showers
10:00-Everyone in their rooms, a nurse opens your door to check on you about every ten minutes throughout the night
There was one community phone on the adolescent side and two on the adult side, the phone could be used any time throughout the day until ten p.m, so long as it wasn’t during meals or groups.
Usually, we didn’t have groups. There was a lot of free time to fill. There are board games provided and television privileges usually only on the weekends. It was extremely boring.
WHAT WERE MEALS LIKE? How meals went generally depends on the people you’re with. I loved the group of girls that I was inpatient with, so meal times with them could be fun. Music was played and we were allowed to converse throughout the meal, as long as we kept up pace. We were not allowed to say anything about food (at all, even if it couldn’t possibly be triggering) or anything triggering (i.e weight, calories, fat content, etc.) One nurse sat with us to monitor. No ED behaviors are permitted, no mixing, no wiping, no cutting up into pieces, etc. ANY incompletion counts as restriction, which sucked. If you didn’t finish water, which was provided with every meal and was required, counted as restriction and would still get you in trouble with the doctors. The monitoring nurse often left us alone (TERRIBLE IDEA, many people threw away/hid food) to go joke around with another nurse or the cook and didn’t pay any attention to us. Either that, or the monitor was overly strict and would split all of us up between the two tables in the dining room for no apparent reason and wouldn’t allow music or conversation. Meal times were way more stressful than they needed to be.
WHAT SORTS OF FOOD WERE AVAILABLE OR SERVED? Some pretty challenging food was served, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it was definitely nerve-wracking. Gluten-free diets were permitted, but I’m not sure about vegetarian/vegan diets. Everyone got dessert, usually cake/pie with dinner. Weekends were the hardest, we got crumbcakes and cinnamon rolls for breakfast. Still, they were both possible to finish. I did it, and they were delicious! The taste was decent, but the challenge was a little too extreme for me considered the stage of recovery I found myself in.
DID THEY SUPPLEMENT? HOW DID THAT SYSTEM WORK? Yes, supplementation was only done with Ensure Plus. That was the scary part, because it was so inaccurately done. The calories usually never matched up with the amount of food you didn’t finish, so it was always better to just finish meals.
WHAT IS THE POLICY OF NOT COMPLYING WITH MEALS? If you didn’t comply with meals, you were put on an all Ensure Plus diet, which was nasty because you got sick of the taste of Ensure so quick. If you didn’t comply with all Ensures, you were put on the NG tube. I never got the tube while I was here, but I have had it about seven times before, and it is extremely unpleasant.
ARE YOU ABLE TO BE A VEGETARIAN? I’m honestly not sure, but I don’t believe that vegetarianism/veganism was permitted.
WHAT PRIVELEGES ARE ALLOWED? Basically, none unless you leveled up (done by 100% completion of meals)
DOES IT WORK ON A LEVEL SYSTEM? Yes, Levels 3, 5, and 7. Below level 3 is Status, where the patient is literally never allowed to be alone and doesn’t even get privacy to use the toilet or shower. Level 3 is where a patient starts at, level 5 gets you the privilege to go outside, which is for a short period of time and monitored, and level 7 allows you to eat in the cafeteria.
HOW DO YOU EARN PRIVILEGES? Privileges were earned only by 100% completion of meals (leveling up)
WHAT DID YOU LIKE THE MOST? Honestly, the only thing I liked were the other patients that I was with.
WHAT DID YOU LIKE THE LEAST? The staff treated us like wild animals: total lack of respect, empathy, and overall caring.
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS PROGRAM? Only if someone needs weight restoration with zero therapy, so no, not really.
WHAT LEVEL OF ACTIVITY OR EXERCISE WAS ALLOWED? None. You literally weren’t even allowed to stand. Patients on level 5 were allowed to go for very short, monitored walks outside.
WHAT DID PEOPLE DO ON THE WEEKENDS? Basically, the same thing as weekdays, minus tutoring and groups, so the weekends were unbearably boring
DO YOU GET TO KNOW YOUR WEIGHT? Absolutely not, under any circumstances. All weigh-ins are blind. You are, however, allowed to know your goal weight if you ask your doctor, but I don’t recommend asking as it can be quite triggering/scary.
HOW FAST IS THE WEIGHT GAIN PROCESS? They generally aim for a gain of 2 pounds per week
WHAT WAS THE AVERAGE LENGTH OF THE STAY? It could be anywhere from a week to three weeks, but it was usually two. I was only there for a week because the whole program was not helping at all so I asked my dad to come take me out.
WHAT WAS THE AVERAGE AGE RANGE? On the adolescent side, patients range from 13-17, the adult side was 18 and up
HOW DO VISITS/PHONE CALLS WORK? For phone calls, refer to average day (above). Visitors could come any time except for meal times.
ARE YOU ABLE TO GO OUT ON PASSES? No
WHAT KIND OF AFTERCARE DO THEY PROVIDE? DO THEY HELP YOU SET UP AN OUTPATIENT TREATMENT TEAM? They generally work with you based on your specific needs and where you reside, but yes, they coordinate aftercare and give suggestions.
ARE THERE ANY RESOURCES FOR PEOPLE THAT COME OUT OF THE STATE/COUNTRY? One of the people I was there with was from Connecticut, but I personally am not aware of any resources associated with people from out of state or country.
Hope this helps and I hope that anyone who reads finds the care that they deserve! Happy recovering!
how long to people typically stay here?
hi is there a recent review on cornell. particular on the food?
Would it be possible for someone to do an updated review on NY Pres?
Thank you!
When I was there they gave 100% supplement diet if you were a certain percentage underweight. Is this still the case?
Yes, especially if you keep restricting and not gaining weight (I was there last month)
Hi Em, I’m trying to decide between going here or to Renfrew. I was wondering if you could do a review, since the ones on the page are from a few years ago and I know the program recently changed. Thanks so much! I hope things are going well! 🙂
Definitely go to renfrew. this place is horrible. It’s basically supposed to be all for weight gain. the groups are really no use at all since they don’t expect u to be there for very long so they repeat studd over and over again. The unit chief, is difficult and threatening. The staff there is also very rude and they talk down to you, like you’re less than they are. I will review this place in full as soon as I can. Stay strong! 🙂
Ahhh that’s good to know! The only reason why I’m considering this place over Renfrew is that it’s closer to home, and I heard that they’re good with insurance. Are you allowed to have a cell phone there?
Looking forward to seeing your review! I hope you’re doing well!
Hi, I was wondering if anyone has been here recently. I would really appreciate more information on the adult side since I’m considering going IP here over my spring break. Thanks!
I’ll try to answer your questions as best I can from memory, I was there in March 2010 (my review is above). I was 17 at the time so I was on the adolescent side but I talked to adults/sometimes was in groups with adults.
They are VERY strict in some aspects like blind weights, 3-5 pound weight gain a week, no exercise (if you were caught exercising in your room, you could only close the door to change/you would be put on status), not allowing vegan/vegetarian diets, no cell phones, will tube feed
Some of the patients were obese binge eater while others were so underweight I feared for their lives and I’m an anorexic that has been on death’s doorstep and thought everything was fine. It really is a mix but they do discharge binge eaters too fast I think, like they only thought you were really sick if you were severely underweight and/or medically compromised.
Meals/snacks really bothered me because people were allowed to just not eat until they had to be tube feed which was really triggering and they did not give you even close to enough time to complete the huge amounts of food they expected you to eat. They also used fat free foods and soup which just fill you up without getting a lot of calories in. They also penalized you for not eating like a leaf a lettuce. One girl was so set on not being moved down a level that she forced herself to eat too much too quickly and ended up throwing up.
The pros to this program is that a lot of insurances cover it, they accept medically compromised patients (to a point) and can also admit you right away without having to get labs done etc. by your primary doc. They also except male patients which I know is a sadly underserved population. they allow you to have a laptop which is helpful if you are in school to keep in touch with professors/teachers and get school work done and also to keep in touch with friends because they only had a pay phone which can get expensive.
I listed a lot of the cons above.
Hope this helps!
Old Reviews (Pre-2012):
much different just got discharged fr the 5th time this year yesterday. there still could be more groups but they are revamping the group schedulde in the new year to inclde a LOT more groups
Dr P is the unit chief Dr G is the second attendeing (my doc) i love her she is so empethetic and caring. The just got a new charge nurse. Some of the mental health workers are asses. This is the only place my insuramce covers so I can’t compare it to anything else but I’ve been tere weith people that have been to both and see the positive changes. I relapse a lot lately so its iniveitable that I will be back to see the changes to the schedule. the recreation therapist tat runs some of the groups isnt the most dedacaited staff in the rec dept my friend is a rec therapist on a different unit.
6am wakup weights -blind, shower etc til 730
8am breakfest depending on youre cal needs depends on your trays free to swap cereals, juices and fruits eat 100 percent get coffee- cafinated
if u eat three days 200 of all trays u can go on “meal selection” meal processing/ “goals group” affter thirthy min limit to eat
then meds and waiting aroung for rounds
works on a 1 3 5 leevel system 3 you can go outside and pick meal selections 5 you have meal challenge go to cafeteriA for lunch with staff memeber
then group mon weds yoga, cbt, or relapse prevention
1030 snack ensure free snack or just a chAnce to get water
another group body image, stress management or something funny i cant recall
1230 lunch
then an afternoon group eaither dbt news and views or assertiveness traininng
typically 3 groups a day sometimes only 2 but like i said that will be changing soon
4-5 visiting
530 dinner meal processing goals wrap up
6-8 visiting
10 lights out
slow on the weeeknds rec therpay on sat pet therapy sunday bring a jouranl or a book or a laptop or ipod with no camera
hope this helps post again if u need anymore specifics good luck hang in there!
No you cant do all supplements. Ive never seen them accomadate for veggies but thats something to talk to doc/ dietcian holds individual session when u first get there then holds two groups per week. 1030 and 330 snack is either food or ensure or just water depending fi ur on maintenece or resoration. 8pm snack is manadory if u reach level 3 u can go off the unit to the courtyard or aa meeting and occasional other hospital recreational activities. they lock doors al day except 4-5 during rest periods bathroom is called before meals and snacks and the rule is an 1after they do bathroom always supervised, if u have to go before they will let you but u have to show them before u flush no passes or outings unless its to the white plains er for something. a few people have been on supplements if they are in real need of weight restoration and arent gaining. i think its 2lbs per week im not sure cause ive always been on mantaince i have ednos they do take labs, its about half hr from nyc there isnt really therapy your assigned a treatment care corrdinator thts a social worker helps with discharge planning mostly…meets with u a least 3 times per week. they d tube but try not too i was tubed last time cause i was sseverly dehydrated.
at most 17 mostly prive rooms execpt two doubles when i left there was only 3 people on the adult unit i am on (theres an adolescent 6 bed side) is your insurance dictating u go
(2010)
I was recently there on the adolescent side so I’ll give my review for that but the adolescents and adults are kept strictly separate except for 1-2 groups a day
When were you there: March 2010
Describe the average day: 6am wake-up for weights, showers (no way to turn them off or change the temperature, they just went), vitals
7:30-8 breakfast followed (sometimes!) by meal processing and goals group, this never really helped because it was often run by someone who had no idea what they were doing, just a random nurse etc
9-11 school time with a tutor that couldn’t really help me since I take AP classes, also sometimes the doctor would call you out to talk, also supplement time if you had that
11-12 nothing or maybe a group
12-12:30 ish lunch followed sometimes by meal processing, if you were on level 5 and went to the cafeteria you wouldn’t get back until around 1
12:30-4 nothing really, sometimes a group at 2 and you would usually meet with your therapist at this time, at 3:30 there were supplements
4-5 visiting hours/”homework time” but I worked on my homework all the time because there was nothing else to do! also after 4 we could turn on the tv during the week (weekends all the time we could have the tv on, also during the week 6am-9am)
5-5:30 dinner followed by meal processing/wrap-up group
6-8 visiting hours
8-8:15 mandatory snack
9-lights out on weekdays, 10 on weekends
What were meals like? really tense we never talked. There were often late also, esp on weekends when there was no aid in the kitchen. People lost time trying to exchange dressing flavors, whole fruits etc And you had to ask for knives. Sometimes staff would all leave and we would be alone. This was okay when a good group was there but when a bad group came people were dumping food out in the trash etc. very triggering
What sorts of food were available or served? random hospital stuff, they really challenge you. Warning to vegetarians! No vegetarianism is allowed on the unit! I was allowed to be no red-meat or pork only after my outside nutritionist called and was like “I think she will be sick if you give her red meat” My vegetarianism has nothing to do with my anorexia! Also we got fat free cream cheese and dressing only, but you did have to have 2% milk and no light and fit yogurt allowed. They can support kosher diets but the patient there on it said the kosher food was awful
Did they supplement? How did that system work? Not in replacement of meals just to add calories. It was sort of annoying for me that people could just not eat and not eat and were never supplemented for it. Eventually they will give you a feeding tube
What privileges are allowed? You can have a laptop and ipod but no cellphones, one tv per adults/adolescents Bathrooms are locked all the time except when a nurse left it open. The doors don’t lock and you can’t adjust the showers/sinks you just press a button for a set temperature and time. Only one shower for all the girls and one for all the boys.
Does it work on a level system? Yes, level 1,3 and 5 (no even numbers) level 3 means you can go outside and choose your main entree for lunch and dinner and have food dislikes. Level 5 means you can go to the cafeteria for lunch and cooking group. There is also “status” where you have someone assigned just to you to watch you ALL the time, at night etc
What sort of groups do they have? DBT, “news and views” where we would bring an article and talk about it, creative writing (I HATED this group, it was so awkward and boring), pet therapy, nutrition, medication management, none really helped me
What was your favorite group? yoga but adolescents were only allowed to go once while I was there
What did you like the most? the adults/kids being separate was actually sort-of good sometimes but sometimes not because I was 17 and for 4 days I was stuck with two 13 year olds and I just felt out of place
What did you like the least? the miscommunication between staff (like we were suppose to have our rooms locked during the day but that only happened sometimes, it also took a week to get my medications given to me at the right time) and the total lack of groups! and the food made no sense, there was no system explained to me and they didn’t even give me a meal plan when I left, my team also lied to my parents, me and my outside treatment team repetitively about discharge, kept changing the date told me I was leaving without telling my parents. They also had a girl there who was so unstable in the mind i.e. she said it was 2010, she was Anne Frank (esp disturbing) at meals, had to be injected with her drugs after refusing to take them multiple times. she needed to be on a different unit!
Would you recommend this program? no, unless you are unstable
What level of activity or exercise was allowed? nothing outside of yoga and three laps around the very small courtyard but a lot of people exercised in their rooms
What did people do on weekends? NOTHING there were only pointless groups on the Saturday and NO GROUPS on Sunday it was awful!
Do you get to know your weight? no unless your therapist tells you.
How fast is the weight gain process? 3-5 pounds a week and they mean 3-5
What was the average length of stay? anywhere from 2 days to a month
What was the average age range? 13 to 60 and above, really diverse also they accept both teen and adult males
What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an OP treatment team? they talk to your outside treatment team sometimes, and recommended me to a day program 2 hours from my house the day I was leaving, I didn’t attend
How many IP beds? How many patients in PHP or IOP? 17 beds (11 adult, 6 adolescent)
If anyone has questions, I’ll do my best to answer them.
Hi, I was wondering if anyone could give me some more info on this particular treatment center. How strict are they? Are most of the patients really really sick/underweight? Also, can you tell me more about how meals and snacks work? I