What to Expect at the Eating Disorders Center

Learn more about the steps to receive treatment at the Eating Disorders Center at Children's Mercy.

Making an appointment

A primary care provider (PCP) is a key partner in your child’s long-term recovery. Because of this, we recommend your child first visit their PCP for your concerns.

After your appointment with your PCP, you can complete our electronic intake form. If you are interested only in medical services in the EDC, you can start with the electronic intake form.

There is typically a waiting period between your initial intake and your first appointment. Our medical team will coordinate with your child’s primary care provider to help them manage your child’s symptoms during this time.

Beginning the treatment process at Children’s Mercy for Full Team-based Care

When you meet with the Eating Disorders Center outpatient team for the first time, we will do a comprehensive evaluation of your child. We generally follow these steps:

1. Determine medical safety.

   Eating disorders impact every part of the body. Our specially trained providers will assess the impact of the eating disorder on all aspects of your child’s physical and mental health. The provider will:

   • take a detailed health history.
   • complete a physical exam.
   • order any needed lab or radiology tests.

   This will give us a complete picture of your child’s health.

2. Create a treatment plan.
   A care team will work with you to create a treatment plan just for your child. Parents and caregivers are vital members of the care team. You will always be included in the decision-making process.  
   
   
3. Begin treatment.
   

   We will connect you with the rest of your specialized care team based on the above recommendations. They who will work with you and your child to determine:

   • treatment goals
   • frequency of visits
   • ongoing care needs.
     
     
   We highly encourage all caregivers to attend visits. You are an  essential part of the care team.  
   
   
4. Continue care at home.
   

   As parents and caregivers, you will learn to support your child through treatment and towards recovery – starting with the first visit.

   As an essential part of the team, you will:

   • Provide the needed structure around nutrition and activity.
   • Attend appointments that will teach you, your child, and your family how to cope with and recover from the difficult thoughts and emotions that come with having an eating disorder.  
     
     

Beginning the treatment process at Children’s Mercy for Independent Medical Services

1. Determine medical safety.
   

   Eating disorders impact every part of the body. Our specially trained providers will assess the impact of the eating disorder on all aspects of your child’s physical and mental health. The doctor will:

   • take a detailed health history.
   • complete a physical exam.
   • order any needed lab or radiology tests.
     
     
   This will give us a complete picture of your child’s health.
   
   
2. Create a treatment plan.
   The medical provider will work with you to create a treatment plan just for your child. Parents and caregivers are vital members of the care team. You will always be included in the decision-making process. You may be referred to other services, such as therapy with a provider outside of Children’s Mercy.

Next steps

Your family will continue to meet regularly with your Eating Disorders Center team or medical provider for as long as needed. Family members have a vital role in your child’s recovery. Caregivers are involved in a portion of every visit for those under the age of 18. Your child will have opportunities to meet with their team 1-on-1 as fits them best.