Insight Psychological Centers

Easy Chicago, North Shore and Western Suburbs Access.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have an eating disorder?

There are three primary eating disorders: Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (including Binge Eating Disorder). All represent serious underlying emotional problems that can have life threatening consequences. Often, individuals will suffer from several of the following symptoms:

Preoccupation with food, weight or body image
Negative thoughts about body shape or size
Using vomiting, exercise, diet pills, diuretics or laxatives to prevent weight gain
Having a secret life which revolves around food and weight
Feeling “fat” even when normal or underweight
Dramatic changes in eating habits or significant weight loss or gain
Judging your self-worth by how much you weigh or your body size
Fasting, refusing to eat, or binge eating
Feeling out of control with eating

If you believe you have an eating disorder call Insight at 312.540.9955. An initial assessment may help determine your need for care.

What are the medical risks associated with an eating disorder?

The medical risks associated with eating disorders are numerous.
Prolonged restriction of caloric intake (dieting) can cause the following changes:

Anemia, which can result in lower energy levels, shortness of breath with mild exertion, and depression.
Gastrointestinal symptoms including bloating and constipation.
Cardiovascular consequences such as low blood pressure (fainting spells) and a slowing of heart rate.
A loss of menstruation resulting in infertility, osteoporosis and increased risk of bone fractures.
Electrolyte disturbances increase risk of cardiac rhythm disturbances, heart failure and seizures.
Dermatological effects such as hair loss, dry skin and fine hair growth on body.

Purging (vomiting) alone or in conjunction with binging can cause:

Erosion of tooth enamel leading to cavities and dental problems.
Retention of water, swollen glands and swelling of extremities.
Dehydration which increases risk of kidney damage.
Electrolyte disturbances potentially leading to cardiac rhythm disturbances, heart failure and seizures.
Ulcers in stomach and esophagus along with rupture of esophagus.

Binging can lead to:

The development of overweightness and obesity, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and diabetes, all of which are risk factors for heart disease and stroke.
Joint damage resulting in arthritis.
Damage to stomach and esophagus.

I haven’t had an eating disorder very long. Do I need such serious treatment?

The duration of one's symptoms is less important than the seriousness of those symptoms. Research shows early intervention is key to a healthy recovery. Anorexia has the highest mortality rate of all psychiatric diagnoses. Taking into account current symptoms, the history of attempts to manage those symptoms and the current consequences of the eating disorder (social, financial, medical and emotional), the Insight staff therapist and the treatment team will make a recommendation about the appropriate interventions and level of care needed.

Why choose Insight for treatment?

Insight can provide treatment that meets your scheduling needs. Our staff therapists are available during day, evening and weekend hours. The Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs and support groups are in the evenings and on the weekends to accommodate work, family and academic responsibilities.

In addition, Insight’s multi-disciplined approach is the most effective way to treat eating disorders. We work with you to thoroughly address the emotional, nutritional, behavioral and physical aspects of the eating disorder.

What is the Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?

The PHP and IOP are patients requiring more intensive treatment for anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorders. Our goal is for you to recover from your eating disorder, without having to withdraw from other important activities in your life. The programming runs in the evenings and on weekends to accommodate those who are in school or working. You are encouraged to continue to work with your outside treatment providers while in the program. Otherwise, our staff members and affiliates can provide medical management, psychotherapy, nutrition therapy, family therapy, or medication management as needed.

How quickly will I be able to see a therapist for an assessment?

Patients are usually assessed within one to five days after calling Insight.

What should I do if I think my friend has an eating disorder?

Express your concern about her overall well being. Share honestly what you have noticed or observed in simple and brief terms. Encourage your friend to get an evaluation or treatment or continue treatment. Volunteer to go with your friend to a support group, evaluation or therapy. Avoid being competitive with your friend around weight, shape, appearance, grades, or relationships, etc. Be a good listener but avoid feeling guilty or responsible for your friend's eating disorder. Ask him or her what kind of support feels best. Model tolerant and respectful attitudes toward individuals of all shapes and sizes. Remind yourself that you cannot fix your friend's eating disorder.

How much exercise is appropriate?

The American College of Sports Medicine publishes guidelines for safe and effective exercise. It is recommended that adults exercise 150 to 250 minutes per week. Exercise sessions should number three to five per week. Moderate intensity is recommended and should range between 50 and 70 percent of your maximum aerobic capacity. The body needs recovery time to grow stronger and maintain good health. One or two days per week without vigorous exercise is advised. If you have a change of mood or increased worry on the no exercise days, it is recommended that you seek additional evaluation.

What occurs during the admission process?

An assessment is conducted by an Insight Staff Therapist, and includes a review of your symptoms, mood, background, and treatment history. For adolescents, we will need to meet with a parent, as well. It takes about 2 hours, and will be scheduled at the office location most convenient for you.

Following the assessment, the assessing Staff Therapist will consult the treatment team in order to determine eligibility for the program and to make recommendations for your treatment, which may include some combination of IOP, individual psychotherapy, family therapy, medical evaluation, nutrition therapy, and/or medication evaluation; in some cases, depending on the level of care needed, an outside referral may be provided.

All new patients are required to have a medical evaluation and a nutrition assessment before beginning the PHP or IOP; these referrals can be provided. Once your start date has been determined, our Billing Coordinator contacts your insurance company to obtain pre-certification for treatment. You will also be assigned a point person, an Insight Staff Therapist, who will be available to help guide you, as you go through the PHP or IOP.

How much does treatment cost at Insight?

The cost for treatment depends on the services provided. Call the Intake Coordinator at 312.540.9955 for more information.

Will my insurance cover the Intensive Outpatient Program that I need?

Insight has been very successful in getting treatment covered by insurance. However, insurance coverage varies for individuals according to their heath plans. The Billing Coordinator supports patients by communicating with their insurance companies about payment.

Treatment plans are created according to each patient’s clinical need. Therefore, the length of stay could be less than or more than allowable by the insurance company. Patients are encouraged to develop a “Plan B” for payment if their need should be greater than allowed by their insurance companies.

Some insurance plans have exclusions for eating disorders and/or other limitations that prevent full payment for treatment. Many times, families choose to self-pay for services and/or find resources within their extended family to help with payment. Insight does not participate in Medicare or Medicaid.

A benefits quote from your insurance company is not a guarantee of coverage. Insurance companies maintain that they make final coverage determinations only after claims have been received. However, our Billing Coordinator often has success negotiating with insurance companies to get the services covered that are initially quoted.

How do I determine if my insurance company considers your center “in network” or a “preferred provider”?

At this time, we are in network with Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Northwestern University insurance.

On occasion, our Billing Coordinator is able to negotiate with insurance companies to consider Insight as “in network” or a “preferred provider” as a single case agreement for the Intensive Outpatient Program.

How long will I stay in the Partial Hospitalization Program or the Intensive Outpatient Program?

Length of treatment is determined individually with each patient according to their needs. We generally suggest a six-week course of treatment to start, and the average length of stay in the IOP is about three to four months.

How are meals conducted in the Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs?

Meals are planned by an Insight Registered Dietitian. All meals are facilitated by a Registered Dietitian and are designed to be an enjoyable experience of "normal" eating. Our nutritional philosophy is that there are no good or bad foods, and every effort is made to support patients in their attempts to grow comfortable with a wide range of food options.

What happens when I finish the Partial Hospitalization (PHP) or Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)?

Your point person will help you plan for follow-up care. In many cases, you will continue regular sessions with your individual therapist, and you may also wish to continue ongoing nutrition and/or psychiatric care. Other recommendations and referrals will be made as needed.

How do I get more information about Insight?

If you have additional questions or would like to schedule an initial assessment, call 312.540.9955 and request to speak with the Insight Intake Coordinator.

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