An eating disorder treatment assessment is often the first step on your recovery journey. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, especially if you’ve never reached out for support before. At The Renfrew Center, we want you to feel informed and cared for throughout the process. In this post, we’ll walk you through the four essential steps of an eating disorder assessment so you know what to expect and can take this step with confidence.
Starting Your Recovery Journey with an Eating Disorder Assessment
The eating disorder treatment assessment process begins with reaching out to one of our program information specialists. This is a trained professional who will compassionately walk you through the intake process, collecting your basic information (e.g., name, age, location), inquiring about your needs and what you are seeking support for, and reviewing your insurance information to ensure all financial resources are being used to your benefit.
From there, you’ll be scheduled to meet with a master’s-level clinician who specializes in eating disorders and will guide you through the assessment.
As you anticipate your scheduled assessment you may be feeling overwhelmed. Having an idea of what your assessment will look like can help prepare you for your journey to recovery. Here’s what to expect.
Step 1 – Connecting with Your Clinical Assessor
After your initial intake, you’ll be scheduled with one of our compassionate, master’s-level clinicians for your assessment. Depending on your preference, your clinical assessor will connect with you by phone or Zoom.
- If by Zoom: You’ll receive a link by email before your appointment.
- If by phone: The assessor will call you at the number you provided.
This first step is designed to make the process simple and comfortable—so you can focus on sharing your story, not worrying about logistics.
Step 2 – Understanding the Purpose of the Assessment
Your assessment is a supportive conversation designed to help us better understand you. If appropriate, family members may also join. Your clinical assessor will start by explaining the purpose of the meeting: to learn about your symptoms, explore your goals, and recommend the level of care that can best support your recovery.
Step 3 – Questions You May Be Asked During an Eating Disorder Assessment
During your assessment, your clinical assessor will ask thoughtful questions to get a complete picture of your needs. These questions help us tailor treatment to you and may cover areas such as:
- Referral information: Who encouraged you to seek treatment and why this feels like the right time.
- Previous treatment history: Have you received treatment before, and if so, where and for how long?
- Current providers: Are you working with a therapist, dietitian, or psychiatrist? (With your consent, we’ll coordinate with them.)
- Medical history: Any physical health concerns, ER visits, or hospitalizations?
- Medications: What prescriptions, if any, are you taking?
- Eating disorder history: When did symptoms begin, and how have they changed over time?
- Current symptoms: What are you experiencing right now, and what life factors may be contributing?
- Body image and movement: How do you feel about your body? Does movement affect your eating patterns?
- Weight history: Have you noticed significant changes in weight?
- Co-occurring mental health symptoms: Experiences such as anxiety, depression, mood changes, or panic attacks.
- Family history: Has anyone in your family had a mental health, substance use, or eating disorder diagnosis?
- Personal background: Your interests, hobbies, school, or work.
- Goals for treatment: What would you like to achieve in recovery?
There are no “right” or “wrong” answers—these questions are simply a way for your assessor to understand your story and how Renfrew can best support you.
Step 4 – Treatment Recommendations After Your Assessment
Once your assessment is complete, your clinical assessor will share a recommended level of care and explain why it’s the best fit. You’ll also have time to ask questions and discuss next steps. Levels of care may include:
- Residential Treatment: Our most comprehensive level of care, offering 24/7 support in a structured, healing environment.
- Day Treatment: Designed for those in need of more support than standard outpatient therapies offer but are not quite in need of a full Residential experience. Day Treatment provides intensive structure and support five days per week.
- Intensive Outpatient Program: Provides a structured therapeutic community and support three days per week.
Together, you and your assessor will decide if you’d like to move forward, and our team will guide you through admission if that feels right.
Conclusion
It takes courage to reach out for help, and scheduling an eating disorder treatment assessment is a powerful first step. By understanding what to expect—who you’ll meet, what questions may be asked, and how recommendations are made—you can approach the process with more confidence and less uncertainty.
At The Renfrew Center, our Program Information Specialists and Clinical Assessors are here to listen, answer your questions, and recommend the level of care that best supports your unique needs. To learn more or start your assessment, call us at 1-800-RENFREW or connect through the chat feature on our website.
Your assessment is more than paperwork—it’s the first step in a recovery journey designed with you in mind.
