A new therapeutic service in Iowa City aims to fill the state's gaps in treating eating disorders and help families obtain care if none can be found in Iowa.
Earlier this year, the Scanlan Center for School Mental Health based at the University of Iowa launched a new eating disorder service for Iowa students ages 12 and older, high school students ages 18 and older and any K-12 school staff.
“We know there's a huge gap in Iowa for eating disorder treatment, and so that's an area that I want to try to fill and help families navigate the process," said Taylor Ford, the assistant director of clinical services and crisis response at the Scanlan Center.
The new service offers an evaluation that will screen and diagnose patients for eating disorders. If they are diagnosed with an eating disorder, Scanlan Center can offer some outpatient therapy, both in-person and virtually, or offer resources to find care elsewhere.
If it's necessary the patient receives more intensive care than outpatient services, Ford said staff will also help patients reach those higher levels of care.
Ford said Iowa's K-12 schools and parents can refer students to Scanlan for an evaluation. In addition, high school students aged 18 and older and K-12 school staff can self-refer for services.