Recovery is Possible at Monte Nido Clementine in West Nyack

In 2022, the medical journal JAMA Pediatric published startling research – adolescents seeking treatment for eating disorders in the U.S. doubled during and following the Covid-19 pandemic. With these statistics, states have been seeing an increased need for supportive, holistic healing for those struggling with eating disorders. 

Monte Nido, an organization providing evidence-based treatment for eating disorders across 29 states, has opened a residential treatment center for female identifying adolescents between 12 and 17 in West Nyack. This location is Monte Nido’s 15th program in New York, and provides treatment for patients with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, restrictive eating avoidance, and other eating disorders. While Monte Nido does offer day treatment and virtual programs, this program is residential, meaning that patients spend 24/7 at the center. 

Prior to opening their adolescent treatment program, Monte Nido only had a center to provide services to the adult population of Rockland. Over time they noticed that many adolescent patients were looking for treatment but were referred out of Rockland County due to lack of programming. This new center makes it easier for adolescents to receive the care they need in their own backyard. 

Eating disorders do not come neatly packaged or looking like the image Hollywood presents. Eating disorders affect people of all shapes, sizes, backgrounds, cultures, genders and economic backgrounds. “Nearly 29 million Americans experience an eating disorder in their lifetime, and unfortunately very few will ever try to get care for it… largely due to barriers created by weight, stigma, and discrimination,” explained Noelle Mathew, the clinical director of Monte Nido’s Clementine West Nyack site

“We deliver exceptional medical and psychiatric care, and we do so by using evidence based practices to meet the unique needs of our clients…Everyone’s process, everyone’s treatment, everyone’s recovery is going to look a little bit different,” said Mathew. Monte Nido Clemntine utilizes medical, psychiatric and nutritional professionals to provide this individualized care, allowing for patients to receive utmost care. 

42 days is the magic number at Monte Nido. “We see about 94% of our adolescents who come to our residential treatment center achieve weight restoration as needed upon discharge, and we also see substantial reductions in the eating disorder behaviors such as laxative use or binge eating,” stated Mathew. 

Family member and caregiver support is integral to long term recovery. Because this parent buy-in is so important, Monte Nido holds support groups for the parents. These groups cover topics like understanding nutrition, how to be a caregiver for someone struggling with an eating disorder, and dispelling myths around eating disorders. Even though the program is residential, parents or caregivers have the opportunity to visit with their children each week. 

Mathew stated that a common theme amongst parents of adolescents with eating disorders is the reality that even though their child may physically look “healthy” they could still be struggling with an eating disorder. According to Mathew, a shocking 40 to 60% of school age girls ages six to twelve are concerned with their weight, many feeling anxiety over becoming “too fat”. 

These misconceptions around eating disorders and how they manifest can be a barrier to care, but Mathew stressed that understanding the signs and providing early intervention can have a major impact on a patient’s recovery process. 

Monte Nido is a strong supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, welcoming all female identifying adolescents seeking treatment. The benefits of a completely female identifying space is how it allows for patients to witness other young individuals experiencing similar difficulties and coming out the other side. It provides connection between the patients who live in the space 24/7. “There is so much support and so much comfort with the kids knowing that [they’re] not in this alone, that there are other girls my age who are having very similar difficulties,” said Mathew. 

According to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, “Social support and connection are key protective factors against suicide.” With suicide being the second leading cause of death among people with anorexia nervosa, a type of eating disorder, providing the support and connection of a medical team, psychiatric team, families and the other female identifying patients, adolescents can see that, as Mathew emphasized, “…Recovery is possible with the right set of skill and support.”

Research conducted by the Department of Psychology at Miami University and Auburn University found that suicide is the second leading cause of death for people with anorexia nervosa. These facts are frightening, but in addressing them is the first step to early intervention and recovery.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder or you would like to know more about Monte Nido’s services can go to montenido.com or call 877-988-2317 to speak confidentially with an eating disorder specialist.