Leading Eating Disorder Outpatient Treatment Clinic Serving the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area

Eating disorder symptoms vary from person to person, but there are certain behaviors a person may exhibit that might indicate that they are struggling with one of these conditions. These are common signs and symptoms of eating disorders: 

• Preoccupied with weight loss or dieting 
• Skips meals or restricts how much they eat 
• Intensely concerned about body shape or size 
• Weight keeps fluctuating either up or down 
• Appears uncomfortable eating in front of others 
• Frequently uses the bathroom after meals 
• Dresses in layers to hide changes in their body 
• Severe dental problems or teeth discoloration 
• Develops calluses on the backs of their hands 
• Uses excessive amounts of gum, mints or mouthwash 

While not everyone is impacted by an eating disorder the same way, if you suspect that you may be struggling with the symptoms of an eating disorder, it is important to reach out for professional help at the earliest signs. 

While there is no single cause of eating disorders, there are certain factors that can increase a person’s risk for developing one of these conditions. Common eating disorder causes and risk factors include: 

• Having a parent or sibling who has an eating disorder 
• History of dieting or using other weight control methods 
• History of trauma or experienced a traumatic event 
• Struggles with perfectionism and inflexible thought patterns 
• Teased or bullied as a child, particularly about weight or body image 

Eating disorders affect more than just a person’s physical health. These conditions can be intensely isolating and can damage a person’s relationships and self-worth. While each person may be impacted differently depending on the eating disorder they are suffering from and other personal factors, these are common eating disorder effects: 

• Struggles to perform at work or maintain a job 
• Becomes increasingly isolated from friends and family 
• Unable to take part in previously enjoyed activities 
• Potential heart failure from poor nutrition or purging 
• Severe stomach or digestion issues from vomiting or purging 
• Frequent illness or infection due to weakened immune system 
• Development of other mental health conditions 
• Suicidal thoughts, actions or attempts 

In the most severe situations, eating disorders can be fatal. Fortunately, getting professional eating disorder treatment can help minimize or prevent the long-term effects of eating disorders from occurring.  

• The National Association of Anorexia and Associated Disorders reported that about 28.8 million Americans have met the criteria for an eating disorder at some point in their lives. 
• About one death every 52 minutes is a direct result of an eating disorder. 
• About 26% of people who have an eating disorder attempt suicide. 

Sierra at Southlake provides personalized, compassionate care for adults age 18 and older of all genders who are struggling with an eating disorder.  

As part of our efforts to meet our clients’ diverse needs, we offer two levels of outpatient treatment: a partial hospitalization program (PHP) and an intensive outpatient program (IOP). 

Our PHP is the highest level of outpatient care we offer, providing eating disorder treatment five hours a day, five days a week, while our IOP provides eating disorder treatment three hours a day, four days a week. 

Both outpatient programs at our eating disorder treatment center use group therapy as the main method of treatment, though clients may also take part in individual therapy, family therapy and medication management services depending on their specific needs and goals. 

We use a variety of evidence-based, research-backed methods, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and several trauma-focused interventions, to support our clients’ healing process. 

By seeking help from the highly experienced team at our eating disorder treatment center, you are taking an important first step in your recovery journey. 

When you get treatment for an eating disorder, you will work with professionals who can help you understand what may be driving the compulsions you have been struggling with. You will do powerful work that allows you to process any painful memories or emotions and helps you learn to cope with those feelings in healthier ways. 

Throughout your time at our eating disorder treatment center, you will also develop a plan to resist relapse, which will help you remain in recovery after you complete eating disorder treatment. You will leave Sierra at Southlake with a solid support system and the resources you need to continue your progress long into the future. 

Finding a place to get eating disorder treatment that has the right environment and therapeutic approach for your needs can be challenging.  

When you start your search for an eating disorder treatment center, it is important to look for a place that provides personalized eating disorder treatment for every client.  

Each person responds to eating disorder treatment differently, so it is critical for every client to receive care that is customized based on their unique life experiences, medical history, presenting concerns and goals for recovery. 

At Sierra at Southlake, we strive to be a place of hope and healing for those who turn to us in their time of need. When you choose our eating disorder treatment center, you will receive individualized care delivered with respect and compassion.