If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve already been trying. Maybe you’ve been going to weekly therapy. Maybe you’ve been working on things on your own by reading, journaling, setting intentions, or promising yourself that this week will be different. And maybe, quietly, you’re starting to wonder: Why doesn’t it feel like I’m getting better? When is it time to consider a higher level of care for an eating disorder?
First, we want to say something clearly: needing more support is not a failure.
Some struggles simply require more structure and support than once-a-week therapy or self-help can provide. That does not mean you haven’t tried hard enough. It may simply mean that the tools and support available to you right now are no longer enough to meet what you’re going through. Recognizing that can be an important step toward recovery.
So how do you know when it may be time to ask about a higher level of eating disorder treatment? Here are a few signs worth paying attention to.
1. Thoughts About Food or Your Body Feel All-Consuming
There is a difference between occasionally thinking about food, weight, exercise, or your body and feeling as though those thoughts are following you everywhere. If your mind feels consumed by calculating, planning, worrying, comparing, or replaying thoughts about food and your body from the moment you wake up until you go to sleep, that mental noise can become exhausting.
You deserve room in your mind for other things: your relationships, interests, goals, work, school, hobbies, and moments of joy. When eating disorder thoughts begin crowding those things out, it may be a sign that additional support could help.
2. You Feel Worse About Yourself No Matter How Hard You Try
You set goals. You follow the advice. You try to do all the “right” things. And yet, somehow, the finish line keeps moving. Instead of feeling better, you may find yourself becoming more ashamed, discouraged, anxious, or disconnected from yourself.
Eating disorders often thrive on cycles of perfectionism, self-criticism, and the belief that if you could simply try harder, you would finally feel okay. But putting more effort into the same painful cycle does not always break it. Sometimes what is needed is not more effort, but different support.
3. Eating Disorder Behaviors Have Become a Primary Way of Coping
Food can absolutely provide comfort sometimes. That is normal and human. But when behaviors involving food, exercise, or your body become one of your primary ways of managing stress, anxiety, sadness, fear, loneliness, or other difficult emotions, it may be time to pay closer attention.
That can include behaviors such as:
- Restricting food
- Binge eating
- Purging
- Compulsive or excessive exercise
- Rigid food rules
- Frequently checking your weight or body
- Using control over food as a way to manage emotions
Try asking yourself gently: Is my relationship with food helping me live my life, or is managing food beginning to take over my life?
If eating disorder behaviors are crowding out relationships, responsibilities, coping skills, or other parts of who you are, more structured treatment may help.
4. Weekly Therapy or Self-Help Doesn’t Feel Like Enough
Weekly therapy can be incredibly valuable and is appropriate for many people. But eating disorders sometimes require more frequent and specialized support, particularly when thoughts and behaviors have become persistent, disruptive, or difficult to interrupt outside of the therapy room.
If you’ve been showing up, doing the work, and still feel like you are spinning in the same place, it does not necessarily mean that therapy has failed. It may mean that you need more support between sessions. That is where higher levels of eating disorder care, including Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), may be considered.
What Does “More Support” Actually Look Like?
A higher level of care does not necessarily mean putting your entire life on hold. Programs such as PHP and IOP are designed to provide more frequent, structured support while allowing individuals to continue living at home.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
IOP provides structured eating disorder treatment several days each week and may include therapeutic groups, supported meals, nutrition services, individual support, and other components of treatment. It can provide significantly more support than traditional weekly outpatient care while still allowing individuals to maintain portions of their regular routines.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
PHP provides a more intensive level of daily support for individuals who need greater structure during recovery. Treatment may include therapy, nutritional support, supported meals, medical monitoring, and coordinated care from an interdisciplinary treatment team.
The appropriate level of care depends on many factors, including an individual’s symptoms, behaviors, medical needs, and overall safety. An eating disorder professional can help determine what level of treatment may be appropriate.
You Don’t Have to Determine the “Right” Level of Care Alone
One of the hardest parts of seeking treatment can be wondering whether your struggle is “serious enough.” You do not have to wait until things become unbearable before asking for help. And you do not need to determine on your own whether outpatient therapy, IOP, PHP, or another level of treatment is right for you.
An eating disorder assessment can help you understand what is happening and what type of support may best meet your needs. If you recognized yourself or someone you love in any of these signs, consider starting with a conversation. Eating disorders are serious illnesses, but they are also treatable. With the right support, recovery is possible.
You have been carrying this for long enough. You do not have to carry it by yourself.
Virginia’s Premier Day Treatment And Intensive Outpatient Treatment Centers
If you or someone you love is looking for a higher level of eating disorder treatment in Virginia, the Prosperity team is here to help you understand your options.
Prosperity Eating Disorders & Wellness Center specializes in the treatment of eating disorders while offering evidence-based, comprehensive, ethical, and individualized treatment to all ages, ethnicities, genders, and eating disorders. Our goal is to help sufferers find a full recovery by meeting their psychological, nutritional, emotional, and relational needs. We specialize in treating Anorexia, Bulimia, EDNOS, Orthorexia, and Binge Eating Disorder. With locations in Reston and Norfolk, Prosperity is equipped to serve the needs of adolescents and adults throughout Virginia.
Get started with Prosperity Eating Disorders & Wellness Center today!
📞 703-466-5150 | 📧 information@prosperityedwell.com | 🌐 www.prosperityedwell.com
Serving Reston, Norfolk, and communities throughout Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek emergency medical care.
Coming Up at Prosperity
Prosperity Norfolk Open House
October 6, 2026 | 4:00–6:00 PM
Join us at our Norfolk location to meet members of the Prosperity team, learn more about our eating disorder treatment programs, tour our space, and connect with providers and community members.
6340 Center Drive, Suite 100
Norfolk, VA
Learn more about our Hampton Roads location:
prosperityedwell.com/hampton-roads