Eating Disorders Program at Somerset Campus

Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are psychiatric illnesses that affect more than 10 million children, adolescents and adults, most of whom are between the ages of 12 and 35. Eating disorders are not just about weight – they are ways for people to cope with underlying emotional issues. The recovery process, therefore, involves much more than treatment for the physical illness.

These disabling and often long-term illnesses typically result in depression, shame and isolation. They disrupt families, interrupt schooling, damage careers and destroy relationships. For some, the medical complications of eating disorders may be deadly.

However, with proper treatment, individuals with eating disorders can develop appropriate inner resources and look forward to once again living normal, productive and happy lives.

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset's nationally recognized Eating Disorders Program offers a multidisciplinary team approach to address the biological, psychiatric, psychological and social issues related to the disease. Our comprehensive services include individual, group and family therapy; medication management and education; nutrition education; nursing education; self-help groups; occupational therapy; and recreation therapy. We also hold specialized group therapy sessions on topics such as body image, spirituality and women's issues.

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset's Eating Disorder Program offers a continuum of services for the most common types of eating disorders: anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.

The program has gained national recognition for increasing the awareness of eating disorders. In 1999, the staff participated in the White House Mental Health Conference. Since then, the program has been highlighted on nationally televised programs, including NBC's Later Today and CBS' 48 Hours.

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We treat individuals ages 14 and up.

Mission, Vision and Values

Mission

Our Mission is to provide comprehensive care to individuals with eating disorders through a multidisciplinary team approach, focused on a recovery-based model of care, which empowers individuals to take back control and move toward a better quality of life.

Vision

Our Vision is to tailor care for individual patients to meet every single person’s unique treatment needs and requirements to help them embrace a healthful state of mind, body and spirit.

Values

Through our mission, our staff utilizes a recovery-based model of care, which includes CBT focused therapy, an individualized nutritional restoration plan, coping skills development, and support for self-esteem and body image needs. Individuals who seek our services will be provided expert care from board certified psychiatrists, therapists, occupational therapists, registered dietitians, registered nurses, creative arts therapists, bachelor’s-prepared mental health associates and highly trained clinical care technicians and support staff, most of whom have been trained in motivational interviewing and trauma informed care. All of our team members have not only committed their professional focus to the Eating Disorders Program’s mission but also they have dedicated themselves to RWJBarnabas Health’s overall mission to improve the health and well-being of the patients and communities we serve. They exhibit dedication to both the program’s and the organization’s mission in every interaction with individuals seeking care and their loved ones.


Our team embraces the fact that every individual’s recovery journey is unique. They believe that through daily support from the team and individual therapy focused on mindfulness, acceptance and perseverance, we help provide the skills necessary to empower individuals to move towards emotional and nutritional wellness.

Patient Stories

  • “The people at RWJUH Somerset helped me realize that there was so much to fight for and that all the things that we did each day were going to add up to something.”

    Emma
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  • “It was reassuring to talk with people who experienced the same problems"

    Rizwan
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  • I thought my meal plan had too much food initially. I didn’t want to hear that behaviors I felt were OK weren’t normal. But my team continued to support and teach me, even in my worst moments.

    Cassandra
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Patient Stories

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