What happens when you call an eating disorder treatment center?
When you call an eating disorder treatment center like ours, you reach a real person who asks a few gentle questions about what is going on, answers your questions, and, if it feels right, gathers basic insurance information and schedules an assessment. The call is confidential, there is no obligation, and no one will pressure you to enroll. You can stop at any point, and many people call more than once before starting. You can reach Empowered Treatment at (512) 882-4599 or through our contact page.
Before you dial: it is normal to be terrified
Many people tell us the first phone call was the hardest single step of recovery. Some hang up the first time, or rehearse the call in their head for weeks. If that is you, you are in good company. You do not need a speech prepared. Something as simple as, I think I might have an eating disorder and I do not know what to do next, is a complete and perfectly good opening line.
You also do not need a diagnosis, a referral, or certainty that you want treatment. Calling with questions is a legitimate reason to call. If you would rather start in writing, our contact form works too, and we will follow up with you.
What we will ask you
The person you speak with will ask a few things to understand your situation. Expect questions like: what has been going on with food and eating, roughly how long it has been happening, whether you have been in treatment before, any pressing medical or safety concerns, and what made you decide to call now. You can answer in as much or as little detail as you want.
We will also ask for basic logistics, such as your age, since we treat adults, your general availability, and your insurance information if you have it handy. That lets us start verifying your benefits so cost questions get answered early rather than late. Nothing you share on this call locks you into anything.
What we will not do
We will not diagnose you over the phone, quote you a guaranteed outcome, or use pressure tactics. We will not shame you for waiting, for past treatment attempts, or for being unsure. And we will not talk to family members about you without your permission, since you are an adult and this is your care. Our approach to privacy is covered in more depth on our page about confidentiality in treatment.
If we are not the right fit, whether because of level of care, diagnosis, or logistics, we will tell you honestly and try to point you somewhere that is. You can also explore nationaleatingdisorders.org for additional resources at any point.
What happens after the call
If you decide to move forward, the usual next step is scheduling a full clinical assessment, which we describe on what an assessment involves. We will send intake paperwork, continue the insurance verification process, and answer follow up questions as they come up. There can be a short gap between the call and your start date, and we have suggestions for that stretch on supporting yourself between the call and your start.
If you decide not to move forward, that is allowed. Many people call a few times before starting. The door stays open, and you can come back to this step whenever you are ready, on your own timeline.
Related questions
Can someone else call for me?
Yes. A partner, friend, or family member can make the first call to gather information. Because you are an adult, you will need to be involved for the assessment and enrollment steps, but a supporter can absolutely break the ice.
Do I need a referral from a doctor or therapist?
No. You can call us directly. If you already have a therapist, dietitian, or physician, we are glad to collaborate with them, but a referral is not required to get started.
What if I cry or freeze on the phone?
Then you will be like a lot of people who call us, and it will be fine. The person on the line does this every day and will go at your pace. You can pause, call back later, or switch to email.
Your situation deserves a real plan. Let's build it.
Call or text and tell us what's happening. Confidential, judgment-free, and specific to you.