Eating Disorder Treatment Program Managers

Learn about the Program Manager Career for Eating Disorder Treatment...

According to the South Carolina Department of Mental Health, eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness.1 Fortunately, with treatment, people with eating disorders can recover, and avoid serious health complications. 

Treating patients with eating disorders often requires a multi-disciplinary approach that engages physicians, mental health providers, dieticians, and various administrative staff.  Some patients seek out these specialists individually, while others enroll in a treatment program, or center, which coordinates these services. 

Treatment programs vary in scope. Some provide outpatient treatment, while others provide residential programs.   Regardless of the program, clinical and management functions of treatment programs are conducted by Program Managers.  Program Managers, also referred to as Program Directors, coordinate the clinical and administrative necessities of treatment programs.

Program Managers divide their time between clinical and management duties.  Clinical duties include collaborating with program therapists, dieticians, psychiatrists, office staff, and outside health providers.  To deliver appropriate care to patients, Program Managers must be able to effectively communicate treatment requirements to their staff. For example, when an eating disorder treatment program admits a patient with Anorexia, the patient evaluator designs an individualized treatment plan for the patient.  A treatment plan for a patient with Anorexia may include intensive therapy, such as two sessions of individual therapy and one session of family therapy.  In addition, the patient may also require counseling from a dietician who oversees the patient’s eating behaviors and also designs meal plans for the patient.   Lastly, a medical doctor may need to evaluate the patient at least once a day to ensure that the patient’s physical condition is stable.  By communicating and coordinating with each of the patient’s treatment specialists, Programs Managers arrange for the patient’s comprehensive care, and ensure that the patient is receiving the treatment she or he requires to recover.

In addition to the coordination of services, some Program Mangers also provide counseling services to patients.  For instance, a Program Manager treating a person with Bulimia, may provide individual, couples, family, or group therapy to the patient.   Working directly with patients allows Program Managers to better understand and accommodate their needs.

Regarding administrative duties, Program Managers are often responsible for overseeing clinician scheduling, staffing needs, and program training.  To successfully fulfill administrative duties, Program Managers must have excellent organizational skills, and be adept at managing a team made up of various professionals.  For example, Program Managers must be able to communicate with administrative office staff, medical doctors, therapists, and outside health providers, and serve as a liaison between staff members and patients.

Through the delivery of therapy, and the coordination of a program’s clinical and administrative functions, Program Managers guarantee that patients receive the treatment they need to overcome eating disorders.  With treatment, individuals with eating disorders can overcome their eating and weight fears, and learn to lead healthy, balanced lives.  The specialized role and varied skill sets of Program Managers makes treatment possible, thereby facilitating the recovery process for individuals with eating disorders.

Program Managers  are usually required to have one of the following degrees: MFT (Marriage and Family Therapist), LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), or PhD in psychology.  In addition, Program Managers usually possess some clinical and management experience.  If you have an interest in helping people overcome eating disorders through therapy, and the management of treatment programs, a career as a Program Manager may be for you.

Request information from schools offering Psychology and Counseling degree programs.

Resources:
1South Carolina Department of Mental Health