Comprehensive Eating Disorder Assessments

Chaia Hazan, BA Chaplain, Intake Assessor

It’s been my experience that most people calling or coming in for an eating disorder assessment are at the very least a little bit nervous.  If you’ve never had an assessment before I would like to do my best to calm your fears about this important step. Shame and embarrassment often go hand in hand with eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard “if you only knew how much I have lied to people” or if you only knew what all I do that no one knows about”.  People will often say to me “I swear this isn’t who I really am”.  I understand these feelings and thoughts very well.  I remember having them myself years ago when I was struggling with an eating disorder. I can promise you that there is very little that you could tell us (if anything) that would cause us to think less of you as a human being.  I want to assure you that our place isn’t to judge you.  We are here to help you determine what will best help you find your way out of where you are and ultimately back to your true self.      ~Chaia

Assessments overview

• A comprehensive eating disorder assessment by our multi-disciplinary treatment team is required for admission into our treatment program and is recommended for anyone with an eating disorder to get a good professional picture of the seriousness and prognosis of the ED.

• An assessment helps to determine the primary diagnosis (anorexia, bulimia, ED NOS, etc) and any secondary diagnosis present.

• The session takes a couple of hours and can be done over the phone when travel to our treatment center is not possible.

• Assessments are usually covered by insurance.

• Eating Disorder focused medical testing is ordered to be completed at the person’s local medical center as a part of the process. Test results are sent to us to be reviewed and evaluated by our Medical Director.

• Many ED professionals report this is a helpful tool to clarify the need for a higher level of care and to support what they are doing in working with their clients in their own offices or clinics.

• Conditions like anorexia and bulimia are complex conditions and can benefit from a determination of how much long-term impact the disorder has had:  in the family system, emotionally and physically.

• If inpatient care at Selah House is not recommended after an assessment is done, appropriate referrals are made.