Women's Emotional Eating

Behavioral Health Behavioral Health

Intense emotional experiences and stressful events affect everyone differently. Sometimes emotions can have an impact on eating, which can lead to under-eating, binge eating, bingeing and purging, or other food-related problems. When these issues are not severe enough to require an inpatient eating disorders program, our unique Emotional Eating Program can help.

photo montage of women of diverse ethnicity and ages

Designed for women suffering from both disordered eating patterns and mood disorders, this unique program helps them understand the connection between emotion dysregulation and eating behaviors, while offering alternative coping strategies and healthier life skills.

Treatment is offered at the partial hospital and intensive outpatient levels of care, and includes a comprehensive evaluation by a board certified psychiatrist or psychiatric advance practice nurse, an individualized treatment plan, evidence-based treatment, group and individual therapy, medication management, nutritional counseling and supportive meals, family therapy, psychoeducation groups, and expressive therapies like yoga, art, and writing.

This program is offered in Princeton only.

Through this program, we help our patients to:

  • Reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, and traumatic disorders
  • Understand the connection between disordered eating and emotions
  • Learn dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills for healthier coping strategies
  • Understand body image issues
  • Address any co-occurring substance abuse issues
  • Increase self-compassion
  • Increase skills to manage feelings in order to more effectively function in life

Depending on needs, treatment options include:

  • Partial hospital program: six hours a day, five days per week
  • Intensive outpatient program: three hours a day, three days per week

Lunch is provided for full-day programs, and free transportation may be available within defined areas.

Learn about our Princeton Center for Eating Disorders at Princeton Medical Center.