Inpatient facility for treating eating disorders opens in Durham

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Non-profit The Emily Program opened the nation's first residential inpatient center of excellence in Durham dedicated to treating eating disorders.

The Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a condition where people severely limit the amount of food they eat. Historically, it has been viewed as a pediatric condition.

Clinicians say they are seeing a growing number of adults struggling with the disorder without access to specialized care. Clinic leaders believe this is a major step in treating eating disorders.

"We know that only about 30% of people with eating disorders ever get care. We're trying to increase that number because people shouldn't have to suffer in silence with any eating disorder. And so it really is, in particular, to the Triangle, like this is the first in the nation program, and it makes sense that it's here," says a representative from The Emily Program.

The program also offers care for sensory sensitivity, neurodivergence, and anxiety disorders.

A center is located on Stirrup Creek Drive in Durham. The non-profit has locations nationwide and robust virtual care options.