SPOKANE, Wash. - A one of a kind program in Spokane is helping people deal with eating disorders.
An organization called "The Emily Program" aims to help both adults and children suffering from eating disorders.
It is a one stop shop to help anyone who feels they may have an eating disorder. The organization has physicians, psychiatrists, and nutritionists all in one place.
The specialists said they deal with more than just anorexia and bulimia. Those two disorders are usually what comes to mind for many when they think about eating disorders, but the organization also helps people who compulsively over eat and binge eat.
"The Emily Program," said it has individualized programs for every person that are customized to what people need. Programs include things like both group and individual therapy, as well as provided meals.
Staff said everything is personalized and is meant to make people feel comfortable.
"I think there's a point with everyone that has an eating disorder where they just say enough is enough," said "The Emily Program" Director Krista Crotty. "I want to be able to live my life and enjoy a meal with friends. If I want to or eat something freely enough and not feel ashamed. They want to try to manage their bodies differently. Those are all different reasons to try to come and talk to us."
Crotty said although there is a sense of secrecy to eating disorders, it is a very fatal mental health condition. She said in Washington there are approximately 230,000 people suffering. "The Emily Program" said it helps a couple hundred people a month in Spokane.
Right now "The Emily Program" is getting ready for National Eating Disorder Awareness month in February. During that month, they expect more people to come in for help.
