frequently
asked questions

learn more about galen hope’s programs

Have questions regarding our mental health care programs or eating disorders treatment philosophy? The Galen Hope team is here for you. Contact us today for more information, or review our FAQs below.

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Is Galen Hope covered by insurance?

Yes, we offer treatment plans covered by insurance as well as private pay. The team at Galen Hope provides support for verification of insurance benefits, pursuit of out-of-network reimbursement for families for some or all portions of payment, utilization reviews conducted by our team, and initiation of single-case agreements when clinically appropriate. We are currently in-network with Optum, ComPsych, MultiPlan, PHCS, and Aetna.

What ages does Galen Hope treat?

Both our Coral Gables and Delray Beach locations treat adults and adolescents ages 12 and up.

What should I expect on my first day of treatment?

It’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed or afraid on your first day – you are adjusting to a new environment and working through deeply personal issues. We understand this, and take the time to help you adjust and stay the course. You’ll meet individually with each member of your treatment team over the first two days, including your primary therapist, registered dietitian, care partner, psychiatrist, and our family services director. We’ll give you a tour of our eating disorder and mental health treatment center, review the program, and start introducing you to your peers. We think it’s important to dive right in and experience the warm, welcoming, and caring environment that treatment in our community is all about.

Are families involved with treatment at Galen Hope?

Yes. Mental health struggles can overwhelm the entire family. Galen Hope provides a three-pronged approach that incorporates family care, family education, and family coaching, in addition to ongoing support and group activities for families, to help them reset family dynamics that may have suffered due to the eating disorder or mental health problem.

While our focus is on treating the client, we find that families need their own time and support to heal too. For so long, their loved one’s eating disorder or mental illness may have taken up most of the space and energy in their lives. Families need time to exhale, and to recover from their own feelings of guilt, anger, and exhaustion. Sometimes, families have been under stress for a long time. They may also need help shifting their perspective of their loved one from someone who is “sick” to someone who is capable, healthy, and strong.

What is your approach to nutrition for clients with eating disorders?

Our approach to nutrition at Galen Hope was initially created by Dr. Wendy Oliver-Pyatt beginning in 2003. Since that time her unique approach, grounded in mindfulness; concepts of health at every size; working with internal regulation; and seeking peace with food, mind, and body as foundation to health has resulted in unparralelled treatment outcomes across the many programs she has developed in collaboration with a strong, clinically sophisticated care team.

Our goal is to break free of the confines and rigidity of the eating disorder, and enter into a healthful relationship with food, mind, and body. Full recovery is possible; however, the approach with food must be managed with great tact, gentleness, and compassion. Our approach also incorporates the concept of gradual supported exposure therapy and reaches outside our center, and into the work we do with patients in the community, keeping in mind life after Galen Hope at all times.

Can I go to school during treatment?

Education is important. About the only thing more important is your teen’s health. We work with school needs for all adolescent and young adult clients. This includes a built-in study hall period in our adolescent program 5 days/week. We also coordinate with school districts, college advisors, and other educational supports or facilities to incorporate the appropriate amount of schoolwork into the week, individualized for each client to achieve the balance needed between a focus on treatment and recovery, and staying connected to their education.

Can I work during treatment?

It depends on the level of treatment and where the individual is at in their recovery journey. IOP clients are in treatment 3 to 4 hours a day, 3 to 5 days a week, and may be able to continue working or taking care of other responsibilities. For both IOP and PHP clients, your care team will work with you to determine the best approach to your schedule.

How can I get ready for mental health care or eating disorder treatment?

We understand that starting at a new treatment program can come with feelings of anxiety. We will happily provide you with a sample schedule, packing list, and walkthrough of a “day in the life” of a Galen Hope client. Galen Hope is an incredibly supportive community that celebrates each person’s individuality. Everyone has their own issues to work through, and their own goals they’re working toward. Your peers will be focused on their own healing, yet at the same time they will be one of your greatest sources of strength. They will understand your struggles more than anyone else could. A preadmission group for families, loved ones, and supports of those going through the admissions process is also offered on a weekly basis.

Does Galen Hope offer supported housing?

Galen Hope maintains peaceful, comfortable supported housing, near our treatment centers. Our clients ages 18 and up who are participating in our PHP with Community Integration have the option of residing in one of our houses while they’re in treatment. Clients will live with their peers, learn to share space and responsibilities, practice newfound skills in a setting outside treatment, and support one another on their recovery journey. There is a staff presence in the house overnight for monitoring of house rules, general supervision, and accessing on-call clinicians or other assistance as needed. Transportation to and from programming is provided.

What’s a typical day like in PHP?

At Galen Hope, our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is available at both locations, providing an 8- to 12-hour program 5 to 7 days a week.

Days are full, with individual therapy, group therapy, meals, and outings. In addition to multiple sessions each week with your therapist, psychiatrist, and dietitian, your care partner will meet with you regularly as well.

Group therapies may include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, anxiety management skills, body image, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, goal setting, multi-family, process, relationship skills, and shame and resilience work. Other groups include Mindful Practice, Relapse Prevention, Identity & Sexuality, Conscious Recovery, Cinema Therapy, Monthly Community Process, Skills Review, Study Hall (adolescents), Narrative Therapy/Autobiography Series, and Self-Esteem.

Other therapeutic activities may include art therapy, cooking, meal outings, movement therapy, nature therapy, psychodrama, recreational outings, therapeutic expression and writing, reiki, and yoga.

What’s a typical day like in IOP?

Clients can participate in one of two IOP tiers. Tier 2 is 3 to 4 hours a day, 3 to 5 days a week. Tier 1 is 3 hours, 3 to 5 days a week. Days include individual therapy, group therapy, meals, and outings. In addition to sessions with your therapist, dietitian, and potentially a psychiatrist, your care partner will meet with you regularly as well.

Group therapies may include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, anxiety management skills, body image, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, goal setting, multi-family, process, relationship skills, and shame and resilience work.

Therapeutic activities may include art therapy, cooking, drum circle, meal outings, movement, nature therapy, psychodrama, recreational outings, therapeutic expression and writing, reiki,, yoga, and an IOP core life skills curriculum.

What’s a Care Partner and how do they support Galen Hope clients?

Every client at Galen Hope has a dedicated care partner who helps them identify areas for growth and create routines that enable them to practice self-care, problem solve, and successfully integrate into academic, work, and social pursuits. The care partner is all about the client and their unique needs, so the specific activities vary from person to person. Some examples of how care partners help our clients:

Cooking meals and providing meal support
Visiting a restaurant that has triggering connotations
Shopping for clothes
Dealing with finances
Assisting with goal setting, managing appointments, and other self-care practices
Finding volunteer activities in the community
Negotiating re-entry to school after medical withdrawal
Creating more order and organization in their environment
Making home visits
Coaching families for long-term healing and recovery