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Clinics & Services > Eating Disorder Services |
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Eating Disorder Services
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Identifying an Eating Disorder
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Eating disorders are common among college students. If you have any
of the following symptoms you may be struggling with an eating
disorder:
- Attempting to control weight by vomiting, laxative abuse or other
purging measures
- Alternating between binge eating and strict dieting
- Severely restricting food intake
- Excessive exercising
- Secretive food behaviors
- Mood changes related to weight or food
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University Resources |
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The University of Minnesota offers confidential, specialized help to
students with eating disorders. This includes mental health care,
medical care, and nutrition assessments at Boynton Health Service.
Group therapy is offered through the Boynton Health Service Mental
Health Clinic. In addition, referrals to outside resources are
provided as needed. |
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Getting Started |
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To determine the best option for care, students will be asked to
complete three steps at Boynton Health Service:
- Meet with a therapist in the Mental Health Clinic for an “Eating
Disorder Assessment.”
- Complete a “40 Minute Medical Consultation” with a member of the
eating disorder team to determine your medical stability.
- Meet with a nutritionist for “nutrition consultation” which will
include evaluation and information on normal eating.
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Eating Disorder Assessment |
You can begin the process of initiating care by visiting the Boynton
Health Service Mental Health Clinic to set up an appointment for an
“Eating Disorder Assessment”. This initial assessment appointment
must be made in person. If you have questions about the program or
how to initiate care call
(612) 625-8475.
If you have already talked with a provider at Boynton Health Service
about your interest in getting help with an eating disorder, that
provider can help direct you to the appropriate next step. |
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40 Minute Medical Consultation |
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If you have an eating disorder you may run the risk of serious
medical problems. As part of your treatment at Boynton Health
Service you will meet with a Primary Care provider. The provider
will determine your physical stability and provide follow-up care if
needed. Call (612) 625-3222 to schedule an appointment for an ”40
Minute Medical Consultation” with a member of the eating disorder
team. |
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Nutrition Consultation |
Another part of your treatment at Boynton Health Service is to talk
with a nutritionist who can provide individualized nutrition
counseling. Call (612) 625-3222 to schedule an appointment for a
“Nutrition Consultation”.
Upon completing these steps, the professional staff at Boynton
Health Service will guide you in determining the best care option
for you. Options include the Eating Disorder Group at Boynton Health
Service or a referral to an outside intensive program. |
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Eating Disorder Group |
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The Eating Disorder Group at Boynton Health Service is an
open-ended, ongoing therapy group. Students can join the group at
any time and stay as long as needed.
The Eating Disorder Group can be helpful to those students who are
just beginning to address their eating issues, students actively
working on change, or students in recovery or relapsing. The Group’s
focus will be on symptom management, developing alternative coping
strategies and identifying
underlying issues.
Issues typically explored by Eating Disorder Group include:
- Self esteem
- Body image
- Family relationships
- Dating and friendships
- Managing emotions
- Stress management
- Independence
- Perfectionism
- Loss
The goal of Eating Disorder Group is to help students:
- Decrease eating disorder behaviors
- Establish normal eating patterns
- Gain insight and express feelings
- Recognize connections between eating behaviors and emotional
issues
- Challenge the problem, actively participate in recovery
Eating Disorder Group is open to degree-seeking University of
Minnesota Twin City students who have paid the mandatory Student
Services Fee and who have health insurance. If you do not meet
eligibility requirements for Eating Disorder Group, Boynton Health
Service can provide you with a list of community resources
Students must also meet certain criteria for participation, which
include medical stability and management of their symptoms to the
extent that more intensive treatment is not needed.
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Explore, Learn, Change, Grow |
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Group therapy:
- has always been considered one of the more effective treatment
modalities for eating disorders.
- provides a place for students to come together and know they are
not alone.
- can challenge and motivate an individual. Victories are applauded
and support is ever present.
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Outside Referrals |
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If it is determined that you would benefit from a more intensive
eating disorder program, the staff at Boynton Health Service will
provide you with information on resources available in the
community.
Criteria for referral to outside resources or hospitalization
include:
- Excessive and rapid weight loss
- Diagnosis of anorexia
- Psychosis
- Severe binge eating and purging (determined by frequency and
duration)
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