OUR PROGRAMS

Residential Treatment

Comprehensive residential treatment for eating disorders in the Twin Cities

Residential treatment helps you to focus on healing from an eating disorder in a comfortable, calm and supportive space. During residential treatment, you’ll stay at Melrose Center. While there, you’ll work closely with a team of specialists including doctors, dietitians and therapists. We provide a structured environment where you can gain the skills and tools you need to recover and be successful in the future.

Each day, you’ll spend time working with our team in individual appointments and in group sessions that include other patients. Daily programming may include a combination of talk therapy (also known as psychotherapy), physical therapy, occupational therapy, music therapy, nutrition counseling, health education and exercise. We offer two types of residential treatment:

Residential treatment

The residential treatment program is for people who need to focus on recovery with 24/7 access to support from nurses, doctors and other staff. People in residential treatment don’t need intensive medical monitoring, but can benefit from round-the-clock support. Residential treatment typically includes:

  • Daily group programming focused on skill development
  • Support from registered dietitians at meals and snacks
  • One-on-one sessions with therapists twice weekly
  • Weekly visits with a primary care doctor
  • Weekly sessions with a psychiatrist
  • One-on-one nutrition counseling and education
  • 24-hour nursing care

Intensive residential treatment

People sometimes need comprehensive, daily medical support from a team of doctors in order to stabilize their health. The goal of this type of treatment is to help you with recovery so you can transition to residential treatment, our day program or outpatient care. Typical programming for intensive residential treatment includes:

  • Daily group programming determined by individual needs
  • Daily visits with a primary care doctor
  • One-on-one therapy sessions twice a week
  • Support from registered dietitians at meals and snacks
  • Family therapy for adolescents
  • Weekly sessions with a psychiatrist
  • One-on-one nutrition counseling and education sessions
  • 24-hour nursing care

The amount of time you’ll spend healing at Melrose depends on your individual needs and the recommendation of your team.

Read more about how to prepare for a stay at Melrose Center, which includes a packing list and frequently asked questions.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Residential treatment can be used to treat many eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder. Our doctors will recommend residential treatment if it’s the most effective option for you or your loved one. They might recommend residential treatment after the initial assessment or after you’ve spent some time in outpatient care.

If you think you have an eating disorder, it might be time to schedule an initial assessment by calling 952-993-6200.

No, you don’t need a referral. If you or someone you love may have an eating disorder, you can schedule an initial assessment by calling 952-993-6200.

We provide many basic items like towels, laundry detergent and bedding to help keep you comfortable during your time at Melrose Center. You’ll need to bring:

  • Comfortable clothing like jeans and t-shirts
  • Personal care items
  • A list of your prescription medications and your own insulin, if needed
  • Other personal effects like photos, books or blankets.

Find a more detailed packing list and learn more about how to prepare for your stay.

Visitors are welcome every day of the week. Visiting hours are:

  • Monday-Friday: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Weekends and holidays: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

While our program’s main focus is healing eating disorders, we know that many patients don’t want to fall behind on schoolwork. We have a schoolroom onsite that’s part of the St. Louis Park school district. If you choose to enroll in this school during your time in treatment, you’ll be able to earn school credit. A tutor is available to provide help with assignments.

If you’re planning to enroll in the St. Louis Park school district or take time off from school during your treatment, we can provide letters to your school to help with the transition into or out of treatment. This can be confidential, if you choose.

As you progress in your personalized treatment plan, some programming might take place outside of Melrose Center. When recommended, you’ll receive passes to leave the campus and practice the skills you’ve learned.

We’ll ask about your likes, dislikes and nutritional concerns and take them into consideration. But, the nature of eating disorders can cause some patients to limit their food choices.

Our staff is dedicated to helping patients get back to healthy eating with support and education. You’ll work with your care team to expand your food choices. If you’re doing family based treatment, the registered dietitians work with you and your family to plan your meals.

We accept most health insurance plans, including Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, CIGNA, HealthPartners, Medica, Medicare, PreferredOne and many others.