Everything people ask us, answered honestly.
Reaching out is easier when you know what to expect. Here are the questions we hear most from clients, families, and referring providers. Don't see yours? Call or message us, we'll give you a straight answer.
About Empowered
What is Empowered Treatment?
Empowered Treatment is a locally-owned adult eating disorder intensive outpatient program (IOP) in Austin, Texas. We treat anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, OSFED, ARFID, and eating disorders intertwined with trauma and co-occurring mental health concerns. Care combines group therapy, individual therapy, nutrition counseling with registered dietitians, supported meals, psychiatric and medical monitoring, family education, and yoga.
What is an intensive outpatient program (IOP)?
An IOP is a structured level of care that provides several hours of treatment multiple days per week while you continue living at home. It offers more support than weekly outpatient therapy and more flexibility than residential or partial hospitalization programs. IOP is often a fit for people stepping down from a higher level of care, or for people whose symptoms need more than weekly therapy can provide.
Do you offer a higher level of care than IOP?
We are expanding. Our intensive outpatient program (IOP) is running now, and a partial hospitalization program (PHP), a higher level of outpatient care with more structured hours each week, is launching soon. If you think you may need more support than IOP provides, call us and we will talk through the timing and the right fit for you.
Who do you treat?
We treat adults of all genders. Our clients include people with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, ARFID, OSFED, and disordered eating that doesn't fit neatly into one diagnosis. Many of our clients have eating disorders intertwined with trauma, attachment concerns, anxiety, depression, or OCD.
Do you only treat women?
No. Empowered treats adult women and men, and people of all genders. Eating disorders affect people of every gender, and everyone deserves specialized care.
Where are you located?
We're located at 4807 Spicewood Springs Rd, Building 3, Suite 250, Austin, TX 78759, in North Austin. Our space was intentionally designed to feel warm and calm, because environment is part of the medicine.
Beginning treatment
How do I get started?
Call us at (512) 882-4599 or send a message through the site. The first conversation is confidential and pressure-free: we'll listen to what's going on, answer your questions, and help you figure out whether Empowered is the right fit. If we are, we'll schedule an assessment. If a different level of care would serve you better, we'll help you find it.
Do I need a diagnosis or referral before calling?
No. You don't need a formal diagnosis, a referral, or any certainty about what's going on. If food, eating, body image, or exercise have started to take over more of your life than feels right, that's reason enough to reach out.
Do you take insurance?
Yes, we do accept most commercial insurance plans. Call us and we'll help you understand your options and verify your benefits before you commit to anything.
What happens at the first assessment?
A comprehensive assessment covers your history with food and eating, medical and psychiatric history, trauma history if you choose to share it, and your goals. From there, our team builds an individualized treatment plan, including a personalized meal plan and therapy focus areas. You'll never be asked to share more than you're ready to.
How care works
What therapies do you use?
Our clinicians use evidence-based approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), EMDR when clinically appropriate, IFS-informed and parts-informed therapy, somatic therapy, family work, and dietitian-led nutrition counseling. Your plan is built around what you need, not a one-size-fits-all track.
What are supported meals?
Supported meals are meals eaten together with clinical support present. For most people with eating disorders, the hardest moments happen at the table. Practicing those moments with skilled support, in community, is one of the most powerful parts of treatment.
How do you handle trauma?
Trauma-integrated care is one of our specialties. Trauma stabilization (safety, grounding, emotional regulation, coping skills) can begin immediately, while deeper trauma processing like EMDR is carefully paced to your medical, nutritional, psychiatric, and emotional stability. You will never be forced to share trauma details before you're ready, and trauma details are not required in group. Learn more on our Eating Disorders and Trauma page.
Will my family be involved?
If you want them to be, yes. We offer family education and family work because recovery is stronger when the people who love you understand what you're going through and how to help. For adult clients, family involvement is always guided by your consent and your goals.
How long does treatment last?
It depends on your symptoms, medical and nutritional needs, history, and goals. Each of our clients' length of stay is tailored to their specific needs and can range anywhere from 8 to 20 weeks.
When you're worried about someone you love
I think someone I love has an eating disorder. What should I do?
Start by learning, not confronting. Eating disorders thrive in shame, so lead with concern about how they're feeling rather than comments about food or weight. Then call us. We regularly talk with worried partners, parents, and friends about how to approach the conversation and what support options exist.
Can I call on behalf of someone else?
Absolutely. Many recoveries start with a phone call from someone who loves the person struggling. We'll help you understand what they may be going through, what levels of care might fit, and how to support them without pushing them away.
What are warning signs I should watch for?
Common signs include skipping meals or rigid food rules, disappearing after meals, preoccupation with weight or body image, dramatic weight changes, compulsive exercise, withdrawal from social eating, and mood changes around food. No single sign proves an eating disorder, but a pattern is worth a conversation. Our What We Treat page describes signs for each condition.
Your question deserves a real answer.
Call or text and ask us anything. If we're not the right fit, we'll help you find who is.