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Who We Serve

Eating disorders do not discriminate based on gender and neither should their treatment.

We believe that every person, regardless of gender, should have equal access to the care they need and deserve. Here at Walden Behavioral Care, we are passionate about providing personalized treatment that is catered to you. Our compassionate and affirming care team recognize that no one eating disorder journey is the same, and your treatment should reflect that. In welcoming all people into our care environments, you will have the opportunity to interact with people who have been where you are and who share similar experiences.

Females

While impacting individuals of all genders, eating disorders are more commonly seen in women. Approximately 20 million females of all ages in America currently live with an eating disorder and while most cases originate in adolescence or early adulthood, eating disorders are becoming increasingly common among older women.

What makes women more vulnerable? There are many factors, including common cultural ideologies around female body shape and size. Pressure to adhere to these standards can feel overwhelming and may often lead to severe body dissatisfaction and attempts to change body weight and or shape.

Estimates show that 80% of the women who seek treatment for eating disorders do not receive the intensive treatment they require. Failure to adequately address symptoms can result in serious physical and psychological consequences. The Academy for Eating Disorders found the risk of premature death is 6-12 times higher in women with anorexia nervosa as compared with the general population.

These statistics are alarming, but it is important to understand that specialized support services are available. Walden Behavioral Care is one of the only eating disorder treatment centers offering the full continuum of care to females of all ages. So, no matter what eating disorder you may be living with, where you are in your healing journey or what circumstances have brought you here, we are here to provide you with the personalized support you need.

Males

Conservative estimates suggest that there are 10 million males in the United States currently living with an eating disorder. But experts believe many more are silently dealing with eating disorders and are far less likely to seek treatment due to cultural stigma and lack of awareness. Since eating disorder symptoms can intensity when left untreated, men frequently require more intensive and higher levels of care when they do ultimately enter treatment.

We believe that every person, regardless of age or gender, should have equal access to the care they need and deserve. Eating disorders do not discriminate based on gender and neither should their treatment. We welcome all individuals to each of our specialty programs. Our caring, skilled and affirming care professionals recognize that not all genders experience eating disorders in the same way. As such, our programming is personalized and catered to you and your unique journey while also ensuring that you have the opportunity to interact with people who have been where you are and share similar experiences.

If you are a male living with the challenges that eating disorders can bring, we are here to help.

Transgender and Gender Non-Binary (GNB)

Eating disorders in transgender and GNB individuals occur for a variety of reasons, including body dysmorphia, severe body dissatisfaction and efforts to relieve symptoms of comorbid psychological conditions like substance abuse and depression.

In a survey of more than 1,300 self-identified LGBTQ youth ages 13-24 conducted by the Trevor Project and NEDA:

  • 54% reported having received an eating disorder diagnosis
  • 71% of transgender respondents who identified as straight reported having an eating disorder
  • 58% of the individuals diagnosed with an eating disorder had also considered suicide

Unfortunately, due to a general lack of awareness and expertise, many individuals identifying as transgender or GNB have a difficult time finding treatment professionals who are qualified to provide the specialized care they need for their unique eating disorder journey.

Eating disorders do not discriminate based on gender or gender identity and neither should their treatment. Walden Behavioral Care is the only eating disorder treatment center in New England that offers personalized support for the LGBTQ community at all levels, welcoming all individuals to each of our specialty programs. Our caring, skilled and affirming care professionals provide individualized treatment catered to you while working to connect you with peers who have may share similar experiences.

If you identify as transgender or GNB and are living with the challenges that eating disorders can bring, we are here to help.

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What We Offer

Adult Inpatient Treatment

This level of care is best suited for adults in need of highly structured, 24-hour medical and psychological monitoring. We work toward medical and psychological stabilization and help you to establish treatment plans and recovery goals as you transition to lower levels of care.

Adolescent Inpatient Treatment

Ideal for teens in need of medical stabilization and highly structured 24-hour support, this program introduces aspects of Family-Based Treatment (FBT) while providing medical and psychological stabilization.

Adult Residential Treatment

This is a structured and therapeutic program that is meant to mimic real-life experiences with the support of our empathic care providers. Residential treatment is ideal for adults who are medically stable, but would still benefit from having 24-hour support.

Adolescent Residential Treatment

This structured and therapeutic program is ideal for teens who are medically stable but would still benefit from receiving 24-hour support. Our program incorporates key aspects of Family-Based Treatment (FBT), an evidence-based practice proven to increase recovery success.

Adult Partial Hospitalization Treatment

This level of care is designed for individuals who require support during the day to optimize recovery success. You will experience a structured treatment environment focused on helping you to normalize eating patterns, target maladaptive coping behaviors and practice skills.

Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Treatment

This program is ideal for teens who are medically stable but who require the structure and support of day treatment. Parents will take on a more active role at this level of care, learning – alongside your child – how to replace maladaptive behaviors with coping skills and how to deal with uncomfortable emotions in the moment.

Adult Intensive Outpatient Treatment

This program is designed for adults who need a bit more intensive support than their outpatient team can provide. This level of care focuses on providing you with the skills necessary to replace maladaptive coping behaviors and to provide you with the flexibility to also balance other priorities such as work, family and/or school.

Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Treatment

Designed for teens in need of more structured support than their outpatient team can provide, this level of care utilizes Family-Based Treatment, an evidence-based intervention proven to support lasting recovery that is meant to equip you and your family with the skills necessary to best help your child.

Adult Binge Eating Disorder Treatment

Designed for adults living with binge eating disorder, this program is ideal for individuals who need a bit more intensive support than their outpatient team can offer. This level of care focuses on providing you with the skills necessary to replace maladaptive coping behaviors and provides you with the flexibility to also balance other priorities such as work, family and/or school.

Walden Stories

At Walden Behavioral Care, we live to fulfill our mission of “Changing lives, one person at a time.” Whether it’s the people we help, the people we work with or ourselves, we are people helping people.

Coming Out Day

For this year’s “National Coming Out Day” some of our amazing employees decided to share their coming out stories in order to help others feel comfortable in doing so for themselves.

The GOALS Program

Walden’s GOALS Intensive Outpatient Eating Disorder Treatment Program is built specifically for adult athletes (18+) who need guidance on how best to optimize the balance between nutritional needs and performance goals.

Dedham, MA

Virtual tour and overview of our new, state-of-the-art inpatient and residential facility in Dedham, MA.

Everyone is Welcome

All Genders, All Diagnoses

We appreciate all that makes you, you. No matter who you are, where you are on your path to wellness or what circumstances have brought you here, you have found a warm place to heal.

Everyone is Welcome

All Genders, All Diagnoses

We appreciate all that makes you, you. No matter who you are, where you are on your path to wellness or what circumstances have brought you here, you have found a warm place to heal.

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Reach out now. Recovery is possible

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Or Call 888-228-1253 to speak confidentially with one of our eating disorders specialists to start the road to recovery.

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90% of patients said their experience with their clinician was positive in helping them acquire coping skills and gaining insight into recovery.

The most helpful part of my experience at Walden was: meeting people who are going through the same things and gaining understanding and insight into my eating disorder.

93% said they felt welcomed by the staff when they began the program

When I entered treatment, I felt as though I was in a safe space and it stayed that way my entire time at Walden. I felt very supported by all the people around me.

I learned a lot from informative sessions about the way our eating disorders work. The education around nutrition and food helped me understand what my body needs to thrive.

The staff is phenomenal. I truly couldn’t be happier with the skills I’ve learned during my time here. Thank you so much for saving me.

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About

Walden Behavioral Care is one of the nation’s only organizations specializing in eating disorder treatment. We are one of the only organizations committed to serving people of all genders at all levels of care. Since 2003, we have helped more than 22,000 individuals and their families progress in their healing journeys using an evidence-based, personalized approach to care.