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Are you in search of a residential eating disorder treatment center that offers truly holistic, evidence-based care? We offer a combination of proven, evidence-based modalities within a program that also supports balance, creativity, and unique therapeutic approaches.
Would you like to start your journey to recovery in a peaceful and nurturing setting where you can feel safe to “dig down” and discover the hidden meaning behind your eating disorder in order to achieve lasting recovery?
At ‘Ai Pono, we understand not only the complexities of eating disorders, but the complexities of those who struggle with them. We consider the whole person- mind, body, and spirit- in our healing approach. We encourage each patient who enters our treatment space to practice authentic and assertive communication in order to express their needs. We create a safe community that enables patients to get curious, ask questions, and have difficult and meaningful conversations. And we listen– with genuine compassion that comes from decades of experience.
As one of the world’s best eating disorder treatment centers, our clinical team has several decades of success in treating various eating disorders including: Anorexia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, Bulimia Nervosa, Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), and Other Specific Feeding and Eating Disorder (OSFED). In addition, we provide treatment to patients who struggle with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), Night Eating Syndrome, body image distortion, and laxative abuse, among other eating disorder related conditions. Because we view eating disorders as symptoms of underlying issues and other unmet needs, our residential eating disorder treatment program is also able to successfully address a wide variety of co-occurring diagnoses and related issues such as trauma (PTSD), anxiety, depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and others.
The ‘Ai Pono Eating Disorder Treatment Program was built upon a philosophical foundation that stems from a belief that there is deep meaning to be found in the struggle with an eating disorder.
The culture of our eating disorder recovery center is grounded in community, connection, and cultivating empathy among patients and staff alike. We support patients ages 13+ with varying eating disorder diagnoses and backgrounds. Our intimate setting allows patients to explore intrapersonal and interpersonal dynamics and how these dynamics influence their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Through individual and group therapy, patients are able to expand their emotional literacy, practice assertive communication, and learn how to effectively address their innermost needs without utilizing food or eating as a means to cope.
‘Ai Pono is reflective of the true spirit of Aloha– a concept that refers to the connection between heart and mind within each person. It means mutual respect, admiration, and genuine caring towards the self and others, with no expectation of receiving anything in return.
It is our hope for all those who come to ‘Ai Pono for treatment to leave with a sense of what it truly feels like to be present and connected to oneself and the world. We know that full recovery from an eating disorder is possible, and we know that anyone is capable of achieving it.
'ai pono = to nourish with balance and ease
At our residential eating disorder treatment center, we recognize that eating disorders are complex problems with psychological, emotional, nutritional, and biochemical components, but we do not view those who struggle with these problems as irreparably damaged. Rather, we see them as highly intuitive, sensitive beings who have developed an obsession with food, fat, and dieting as a way of coping with social and psychological stress. Recognizing and identifying the adaptive function of the eating disorder can point one towards the development of life-skills necessary for resolving the eating disorder.
Finding a balanced eating disorder treatment center that is able to provide patients with a variety of evidence-based and holistic therapeutic approaches and modalities can be a challenge.
Our Founding Clinical Director — Dr. Anita Johnston, PhD, CEDS — is a highly respected practitioner in the field of eating disorder treatment. In addition to that, she is the renowned author of the book Eating in the Light of the Moon: How Women Can Transform Their Relationship with Food Through Myths, Metaphors, and Storytelling (available on Amazon). In 1986, Dr. Johnston developed Hawaii’s first inpatient eating disorder treatment program at Kahi Mohala Hospital, and in 2001, she created ‘Ai Pono Honolulu, the first free-standing Eating Disorders Intensive Outpatient Program (EDIOP) in the country. ‘Ai Pono Hawaii, Hawaii’s premiere residential treatment program was officially opened on Maui in 2012, in a beautiful eight bed home-like ocean front setting.
We take great pride in the fact that our team has been successfully treating eating disorders for over 35 years. Over the decades, we have been continually honing our knowledge and skills to provide the best residential eating disorder treatment. Our clinical leadership provides extensive supervision and training for all ‘Ai Pono clinicians to ensure that our patients receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based therapies and treatment plans that suit their unique needs and circumstances.
Since we recognize that eating behaviors are often, if not always, driven by underlying issues or unmet needs, our staff is well trained in treating common co-morbid conditions. These conditions include anxiety, depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and some personality disorders.
For many struggling with eating disorders, unresolved trauma can be a driving force behind disordered behaviors. In these cases, identifying and working through one’s trauma in a safe and supportive space while also managing eating behaviors is not only helpful, but necessary, in order to resolve the eating disorder. All of our therapists are trauma-informed – meaning they work to establish safety, choice, collaboration, trustworthiness and empowerment of patients through the therapeutic process. We also utilize EMDR, brainspotting, and somatic approaches in the holistic treatment of co-occurring trauma.
At ‘Ai Pono Hawaii we offer holistic therapy through and through. This means that our residential eating disorder treatment program addresses the whole person – integrating and addressing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual forms of well-being. This approach is important in order to develop a deeper understanding of oneself on all levels and get back in touch with the true self.
In addition to Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), individual psychotherapy, and group therapy, we also offer alternative therapeutic modalities such as:
Nature-based Therapy
Ecstatic Dance
Art Therapy
We also embrace our surroundings and stay true to our roots by integrating elements of Hawaiian culture into our program through our “rock out” ceremonies, lei making, ukulele lessons, storytelling, Hawaiian cooking demonstrations, and weekend excursions to local cultural sites.
We aspire to make residential eating disorder treatment accessible to as many people as possible. Thus, we are one of the few providers that accept most major insurances as well as Hawaii State Medicaid.
On top of that, we also provide support for veterans and military families. ‘Ai Pono Hawaii is actually one of the few and best eating disorder treatment centers outside of the Veterans Affairs (VA) system that accepts Veterans insurance. Our center is also in-network with Tricare to offer world-class care for military spouses and children.
As one of the best eating disorder treatment centers in the country, we offer our patients a safe and cozy space to nourish, balance, and heal. Away from bustling cities and all the stresses that go with them, ‘Ai Pono Hawaii is the perfect place for patients to start living a life of awareness, connection, and peace.
Recovering from an eating disorder takes patience, time, effort, and the right support from competent and experienced professionals. ‘Ai Pono Hawaii offers a safe space for patients to nourish, balance, and heal from their eating disorder without distraction.
Here are some of the main advantages of a residential eating disorder treatment setting:
Intensive treatment – The greatest advantage of ‘Ai Pono Hawaii’s residential program is that it is far more intensive and immersive for patients compared to outpatient treatment. Such treatment may produce better results for patients, minimizing the risk of relapse.
Continuous and consistent support – Residential treatment provides constant guidance and support for patients. They will have 24/7 access to professionals who will guide them on their recovery, as well as to fellow patients who can provide much-needed moral support and inspiration. This continuous support often leads to a better overall experience and a greater chance to achieve full recovery from their eating disorder.
Round-the-clock care – Receiving residential eating disorder treatment at ‘Ai Pono Hawaii includes getting round-the-clock supervision from eating disorder treatment experts. Because eating disorders affect multiple dimensions of the person including physical and medical symptoms, having 24/7 nursing support on-site ensures that our patients are safely monitored.
Fewer distractions – Staying in a residential eating disorder treatment center gives patients the opportunity to block out the myriad of distractions of the normal or outside world, so that they can devote their valuable attention and time to their recovery.
Higher success rate – Because of the many advantages mentioned here, residential eating disorder treatment usually leads to a higher success rate compared to outpatient programs, particularly for patients with long histories of eating disorders or pronounced eating disorder symptoms.
Not everyone may be interested in or eligible for the residential level of care. The best type of program for you or your loved one would depend on your unique needs and circumstances.
‘Ai Pono Hawaii offers two distinct levels of care. Both levels of care that we provide have their own advantages. Part of our comprehensive pre-admissions process includes a level of care screening to ensure that you receive the appropriate level of support for the eating disorder symptoms that you are exhibiting at present.
‘Ai Pono Hawaii provides comprehensive residential eating disorder treatment that addresses multiple medical, nutritional, and therapeutic needs of women who suffer from eating disorders. Individual psychotherapy sessions occur three times per week and include treatment for trauma and other co-occurring disorders as indicated. Our highly trained nursing team is also available 24/7 to provide medical support. To help achieve better results from therapy, we highly encourage the participation of family members and/or other loved ones.
*Program operating normally. Please refer to our current COVID-19 guidelines.
Finally, ‘Ai Pono Hawaii’s Intensive Outpatient Program (VIOP) is a special type of outpatient mental health treatment. This program is a group-based program that takes place in the evenings for approximately 3 hours per day. The program includes group psychotherapy, psychoeducation, nutrition education, and meal support. We offer the IOP program in-person in Maui as well as online for all residents of Hawaii. Our virtual program is accessible to people of all genders who suffer from an eating disorder.
*This program is currently offered in virtual format only and only for residents of Hawaii.
“The team at Ai Pono felt like family not a hospital staff even though you still received the same level of care. They bring a different level of care to recovery that enriches a new love for life. The aspects of nature therapy did so much for my Soul and allowed me to break through serious trauma. I came in as an adult which was so different than when my parents forced me in a different facility as a young teen. I made lifelong friends while being in there and still nurture my road to recovery and aim to help others on their journey.”
– C., Former patient of ‘Ai Pono Hawaii Residential Program