For over 30 years, the New England Eating Disorders (NEED) program at Sweetser has provided specialized, evidence-based treatment for eating disorders in Maine. They offer compassionate care for adults, adolescents, and children of all genders, addressing the complex impact of eating disorders on self-esteem, relationships, and daily life. Their expert team guides clients and families toward sustainable recovery.
NEED offers multiple levels of care, including a day treatment program with structured virtual treatment five days per week, an intensive
outpatient program (
IOP) with evening sessions, and outpatient services providing individual, family, and
group therapy. Treatment emphasizes meal support, therapy, and family involvement, ensuring clients receive the appropriate level of care based on their needs and recovery goals.
Clients receive treatment for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and related conditions. NEED’s approach integrates family-based and cognitive-behavioral therapies (
CBT) to eliminate harmful behaviors, restore physical health, and strengthen relationships. Confidential telephone intake and comprehensive evaluations help determine the best treatment plan. Every service prioritizes client safety while fostering long-term recovery and well-being.
Evidence-Based Context: According to SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2023), approximately 48.7 million Americans aged 12 or older had a substance use disorder in the past year. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) emphasizes that treatment programs combining behavioral therapy with medication-assisted approaches show the highest rates of sustained recovery. Facilities like New England Eating Disorders Program (NEED) provide structured pathways to evidence-based care.
Sources: SAMHSA NSDUH 2023, NIDA Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment (4th Ed.)