Eating disorder recovery is the journey home to your true self.
Learn more about our program from our Director of Eating Disorder Programming, Dr. Anita Johnston, PhD, CEDS.
What is Bulimia?
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder marked by cycles of binge eating followed by purging to prevent weight gain. Purging can involve vomiting, excessive exercise, or laxative use. This cycle can severely impact both mental and physical health if left untreated.
Bulimia Signs and Symptoms
Bulimia manifests in various physical, emotional, and behavioral signs. Without timely intervention, it can lead to severe physical and psychological bulimia symptoms, including:
- Gastrointestinal issues: Inflammation or rupture of the esophagus, gastric rupture, and risk of peptic ulcers or pancreatitis.
- Dental and bowel problems: Tooth decay, staining from repeated purging, constipation, and irregular bowel movements.
- Electrolyte imbalances: Disruptions that can cause irregular heart rhythms and other complications.
- Mental health challenges: Increased risk of anxiety, depression, and overall poor life satisfaction.
- Elevated risk of suicide: Bulimia carries a notably high risk of suicide, emphasizing the need for prompt treatment.
Recognizing these signs early and seeking treatment can be essential for recovery.
Comprehensive Treatment for Bulimia
Our bulimia treatment programs offer a range of tailored options for individuals ready to begin their healing journey. Each level of care is designed to address each patient’s unique needs and circumstances. To help determine the best fit, we offer free phone assessments to guide you in choosing the right program for yourself or your loved one.
Effective Residential Bulimia Treatment
At ‘Ai Pono Hawaii, our integrative residential treatment program provides a supportive, immersive environment that focuses on medical, nutritional, and therapeutic needs. As one of the most respected bulimia treatment centers globally, our residential setting offers 24/7 care, with individual psychotherapy sessions three times a week, weekly sessions with a registered dietitian, and various group therapies. We also encourage family involvement to strengthen the support system and enhance recovery outcomes.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is designed for those needing flexibility while maintaining a structured approach to recovery. This program is available for all genders and includes 3-hour evening sessions. Depending on each patient’s unique needs, group psychotherapy, nutrition education, and meal support are offered three to seven days per week. IOP is available in person at our Maui center and virtually for Hawaii residents.
Each program provides compassionate, expert care to support sustainable recovery and help individuals reclaim a sense of balance and wellness.
Want to learn more? Talk with a professional today.
Why Bulimia Treatment Centers Are Essential
Bulimia nervosa affects a significant portion of the population, with approximately 1% of individuals in the United States experiencing the disorder—amounting to about 6.2 million people. Although bulimia is often diagnosed in teens and young adults, it can impact people of all ages and backgrounds, from young children to seniors. While bulimia is more frequently diagnosed in females, it also affects males, with a higher prevalence among homosexual and bisexual males compared to heterosexual males.
Bulimia treatment centers offer comprehensive and compassionate care to address complex symptoms and halt the binge-purge cycle. Residential bulimia treatment programs, in particular, can effectively reverse many of the adverse health effects of bulimia, helping clients regain control and build a path toward lasting well-being.
To learn more or begin bulimia treatment, contact our team today.
Choosing the Right Bulimia Treatment Center
Bulimia nervosa impacts both mind and body, requiring a holistic, comprehensive approach for lasting recovery. At ‘Ai Pono Hawaii, we understand that treating bulimia goes beyond stopping disordered behaviors—it’s about addressing the underlying factors driving them.
Our treatment philosophy recognizes that many individuals struggling with bulimia have turned to food and eating patterns as coping mechanisms. We work closely with each patient through intensive therapy to uncover the deeper meanings behind these behaviors, supporting them in achieving genuine freedom and food peace.
Located on Maui, ‘Ai Pono Hawaii offers expert residential and intensive outpatient bulimia treatment with a dedicated team that provides personalized, compassionate care. Our two levels of care—residential and intensive outpatient, including virtual IOP—are designed to meet each individual’s needs. Therapy includes individual, family, and group sessions, all tailored to create a path to long-term recovery.
What Sets ‘Ai Pono Hawaii Apart Among Bulimia Treatment Centers
With over 35 years of dedicated experience, ‘Ai Pono Hawaii offers the most comprehensive and long-standing eating disorder treatment program in Hawaii, including specialized care for Bulimia Nervosa, Anorexia, Binge Eating Disorder, ARFID, and other eating disorders. We also provide holistic support for associated conditions like Body Dysmorphia, Laxative Abuse, and Body Image Distortion.
Here’s why ‘Ai Pono Hawaii stands out as a trusted bulimia nervosa treatment center:
1. Proven Success in Bulimia Treatment
Our skilled clinical team provides holistic, evidence-based treatment supported by a high success rate in lasting recovery. Under the guidance of Dr. Anita Johnston, PhD, CEDS—a respected expert and author—our program continues to evolve with the latest effective therapies for bulimia and other eating disorders. We treat not only the eating disorder but also common co-occurring conditions, including anxiety, depression, OCD, and PTSD.
Accessible, Inclusive Care
We believe that quality bulimia treatment should be accessible to everyone. We work with most major insurance providers, including Hawaii State Medicaid, and proudly support veterans and military families. Our center is one of the few bulimia treatment facilities that accepts Veterans Administration insurance and a variety of Tricare plans.
3. Truly Holistic, Patient-Centered Approach
Our treatment environment embraces various therapies, including:
- horticultural therapy
- sound therapy
- art therapy
- narrative therapy
These options create a diverse and supportive space for healing. We also offer trauma-informed care, integrating evidence-based therapies such as EMDR, brain spotting, and somatic trauma therapy to address each individual’s unique experiences.
4. Healing in a Peaceful Setting
Nestled in Wailuku, Maui, between lush Iao Valley State Park and the ocean, ‘Ai Pono Hawaii provides a tranquil, home-like atmosphere for those seeking residential bulimia treatment. This serene environment enables clients to entirely focus on their recovery, away from daily stressors, in a nurturing space dedicated to nourishment, balance, and healing.
At ‘Ai Pono, we are committed to being a sanctuary on the path to recovery, offering compassionate, expert care for lasting wellness.
Unique Benefits of Bulimia Residential Treatment
Residential bulimia treatment offers a supportive, immersive environment that promotes effective recovery by removing you or a loved one from the triggers of daily life. At ‘Ai Pono Hawaii, our holistic, residential program provides:
- Intensive, Focused Care
Our program’s structured, immersive setting helps clients fully engage in recovery work, leading to better outcomes and a reduced risk of relapse. - 24/7 Support
Clients benefit from round-the-clock, multidisciplinary care, with access to psychiatric, psychological, dietary, and medical expertise, creating a comprehensive approach to recovery. - Long-Term Recovery Potential
Our serene Maui location offers a peaceful environment that promotes deep healing and fosters lasting recovery, especially for those with severe symptoms or limited success with other treatments.
Schedule a call today to discover how we can help you with bulimia recovery.