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Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Eating Disorders Program

Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences > Specialty Areas > Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders Program

Director: Angela S. Guarda, M.D.

The Johns Hopkins Eating Disorders Program is a nationally recognized treatment center for anorexia nervosa, bulimia and other eating disorders. Located in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, we offer comprehensive evaluations, treatment planning, and ongoing care for patients with eating disorders.

Led by a psychiatrist, our interdisciplinary team includes nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, dieticians, and other specialists. Consultations are available, as needed, from gastroenterology, allergy, cardiology, internal medicine, neurology, and other medical specialties at Johns Hopkins. Medical and nutritional interventions are integrated with physical and psychological therapies to develop a comprehensive individualized treatment plan for each patient.

Our primary goals are to restore the functional capacity, to normalize the eating patterns, and to improve the quality of life of our patients.

Thinking about Eating Disorders

Johns Hopkins experts answer key questions about what an eating disorders is, what can cause and sustain it, the role of body image, and how co-occurring psychiatric and medical conditions can impact treatment.

The Johns Hopkins Advantage

  • Nationally recognized program with over 30 years experience in the treatment of anorexia nervosa, bulimia and other eating disorders
  • Daily evaluation and treatment by a psychiatrist-led, multidisciplinary team
  • Integrated inpatient, partial (day) hospital and outpatient programs
  • Day hospital includes low-cost, overnight, supervised accommodation at our Jefferson House
  • Treatment of serious medical or coexisting psychiatric conditions
  • Behavioral, cognitive, dialectical, and supportive therapies in group settings and one-on-one 
  • Illness education
  • Family therapy, parent training and family support group 
  • We help our patients:
    • interrupt unhealthy behavioral cycles and regain control over eating behavior
    • understand proper nutrition
    • practice healthy eating by preparing meals, shopping for food, and eating at restaurants with staff supervision
    • regain comfort with eating in social settings
    • reduce preoccupation with food and weight
    • improve communication skills and self-esteem
    • improve interpersonal, educational and occupational function
    • set healthier goals and work toward them

How We Treat Eating Disorders at Johns Hopkins Medicine

At John Hopkins, treatment for eating disorders occurs in a variety of settings: inpatient, partial hospitalization, off-campus residence and outpatient clinic. Program directors explain how the team uses a behavioral approach to intervention, treatment and recovery; the role of parents in treating young people; and how to think about being ready for treatment.

Learn more about each of our services (inpatient, day hospital, outpatient and consultation clinic), meet the expert team, have common questions answered, read comments from our patients and families, learn about the admissions process, our treatment outcomes, and find opportunities to participate in research projects.

Contact Us

Johns Hopkins Eating Disorders Program
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science
The Johns Hopkins Hospital
600 North Wolfe Street, Meyer 101
Baltimore, Maryland 21287

Inpatient and Day Hospital (Partial Hospitalization) Information
Phone: 410-502-5467
Fax: 410-955-6155
Email: PsychiatryAdmissions@jhmi.edu
Eating Disorders Patient Intake Form

Outpatient and Consultation Services
Phone: 410-955-3863
Fax: 410-502-7907
Email: tjames7@jhmi.edu

For referring physicians, please contact Dr. Guarda aguarda@jhmi.edu, Dr. Redgrave gwr@jhmi.edu, or Dr Ruthven druthve1@jhmi.edu, or call the Hopkins Access Line at 800-765-JHHS.

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