Having a child who has developed an eating disorder such as anorexia is terrifying for families.  Time is of the essence when seeking treatment, as we know that the sooner a person receives proper intervention for the eating disorder, the better the outcome.  There are many options for a family to consider, which can also be quite overwhelming during this time of crisis.  For families who wish to keep their child at home, rather than send her to a treatment center, Dr. Boyers now offers “Enhanced” Family Based Treatment.  As you may already be aware, Family Based Treatment is an evidence based treatment protocol that allows families to treat their child’s eating disorder at home. This involves the family actively participating in the re-feeding process and learning how to manage and interrupt the behaviors associated with the eating disorder. Dr. Boyers, psychologist, is formally trained in Family Based Treatment and has found that families often require more intensive instruction in the early days of implementing this protocol. 

Enhanced FBT can be utilized by families who live locally, and would like to work with Dr. Boyers weekly following the 1 week intensive experience. It is also available to families who live outside of Miami and would like to consult with Dr. Boyers via video conferencing beyond the initial 1 week intensive or who have an eating disorder therapist in their community they can follow up with.  For families coming to Miami from out of town, Dr. Boyers will assist you in finding accommodations that are suitable for the intensive work being done.

A family who has an adolescent child who is experiencing an active eating disorder will call Dr. Boyers for an initial consultation in her private practice. Once it is determined that the family is a candidate for Family Based Treatment, a course of treatment will be established.  After approximately 3 sessions with Dr. Boyers, the family can then elect to have Meal Support Coaches from Boyers Recovery Support Services meet them at their home (or hotel if they are from out of town) to do intensive support and education with the family with regard to meals and snacks.

Managing the behaviors, the cooking, and the portioning of each meal and snack in these initial days of refeeding can be quite taxing to family members.  The Meal Support Coaches at Boyers Recovery Support are experienced in these crucial tasks and are fully capable to educate, assist, and reassure families and patients during this stressful period.  Clients are free to choose how much support they would like to have in the home but the following basic package is suggested:

Meal support for all 3 meals and 3 snacks  (Approximately 8-9 hours per day)

Day 1 includes an initial 1 hour visit with Dr. Boyers as well as a Meal Support Coach to observe the family at meal time and create the support plan with the family.

Meal support for 2 meals and 1-2 snacks (Approximately 5-6 hours per day). Includes telephone check-ins with your Coach as well.

Meal support for 1 meal, focused on more challenging situations such as restaurants or feared foods.  Includes telephone check-ins with your Coach as well.

Cost:  $3500 (Sessions with Dr. Boyers for therapy or FBT sessions at her office are billed separately at her hourly rate.)

• All adult family members who are responsible for feeding the child or who attends meals with the child are required to attend most, if not all, of the sessions with the Meal Support Coach.  Please note that due to the intensive nature of this support program, it is likely that you will have more than one Coach attending your meals.  The Coaches will stay in contact with one another, as well as with Dr. Boyers, to keep continuity to your treatment plan.  You will also be given the cell phones of Dr. Boyers and your Coaches should you have any concerns.
• All of our Meal Support Coaches speak English and Spanish fluently.
• During this 6 day period, families will become more competent and confident in feeding their child.  The Meal Support Coach will help families develop menus and coping skills that will allow them to continue this process independently.
• There can be times during FBT when a parent or family member is not able to attend a meal with their child. This may happen while their child is at school, if they have a commitment out of the house, or if they have to travel.  Our Meal Support Coaches are available to provide coverage for these meals on an as needed, or more regular basis.