The Emily Program
A Comprehensive Approach to Eating Disorder Recovery

Millions struggle with eating disorders, often unaware of their condition.

This was the case for Dr. Dirk Miller, a renowned psychologist, who experienced this struggle firsthand with his sister Emily. Both faced their battles with eating disorders in isolation, a reality that spurred Dr. Miller to create The Emily Program in 1993. Named after his sister, it is one of the oldest and largest providers of eating disorder services, ensuring that no one has to endure these challenges alone.

The Emily Program recognizes that a vital element of eating disorder recovery is community. Individuals with eating disorders often feel isolated and misunderstood. By joining a program where others share similar experiences, they can find solace and optimism in their recovery journey. The program embraces inclusivity, welcoming people of all genders, ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds to provide effective treatment.

A hallmark of The Emily Program is its flexibility in meeting clients wherever they are in their recovery journey. The program offers a comprehensive continuum of care, from outpatient individual therapy, nutrition sessions and medical and psychiatric support to more intensive treatments like intensive outpatient programs (IOP) and partial hospital programs (PHP). IOPs involve three-hour group sessions, four days a week, while PHPs offer six-hour daily sessions, five to seven days a week, providing increased intensity.

For clients requiring more than outpatient care, The Emily Program provides residential and inpatient treatment options with 24/7 support. It is unique in being the only eating disorder treatment program in the country to offer the full spectrum of care across multiple locations, from outpatient to inpatient services.

This comprehensive and adaptable approach ensures that each patient receives tailored support, fostering effective recovery for all individuals seeking help.

“We recognize that recovery is a journey—one that is not always linear. It can involve periods of improvement and setbacks, but we are there to support each unique path,” says Jillian Lampert, VP of communications and brand.

Understanding and strong listening are cornerstones of The Emily Program. From the first interaction, clients can expect to be heard and asked detailed questions to tailor a treatment plan that addresses their unique needs. The program acknowledges both the commonalities and unique aspects of each client’s experience with eating disorders, ensuring personalized treatment options.

The Emily Program deeply understands the initial fear of reaching out for help.

This sentiment is echoed by Jessie Diggins, an Olympic gold medalist in cross-country skiing, who has worked with The Emily Program for several years. In her book and various ESPN interviews, she shares her own experience with an eating disorder and the apprehension she felt before speaking to The Emily Program. “I practically made a rut in my carpet by walking, pacing back and forth, trying to pick up, get the courage to pick up the phone,” she says. However, once she spoke with the staff, she felt reassured and supported every step of the way.

With the advent of virtual care, The Emily Program has significantly broadened its reach. Clients can now access services both in person and virtually, making treatment more accessible and convenient. The program offers virtual one-on-one and group outpatient services, as well as virtual IOP and PHP. This flexibility allows individuals to receive care close to home, accommodating the extensive and ongoing nature of eating disorder recovery.

Since the early 2000s, The Emily Program has been a leader in advocacy and policy change. It played a key role in passing the Anna Westin Act in 2016, which ensured mental health parity for eating disorder treatments at all levels, including residential care. The Emily Program has also driven collaboration among treatment providers as co-founders of the REDC Consortium. This approach aims to improve access, standards and the quality of care for individuals with eating disorders.

While more inclusive and holistic care is still needed, the progress made by The Emily Program has greatly improved support for those struggling with eating disorders, making a lasting impact.