Admissions

Our eating disorder program is designed for people age 17 and older of all genders who are suffering from disorders such as: 

• Anorexia nervosa 
• Bulimia nervosa 
• Binge-eating disorder 
• Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder 
• Other specified feeding or eating disorder 

Our mental health disorder program was created for people age 18 and older of all genders who are struggling with non-eating disorder-related concerns, including: 

• Anxiety 
• Depression 
• Bipolar disorder 
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) 
• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 
• Other trauma-related concerns

Individuals must meet the following criteria to participate in our programming: 

• Age 17 or older for the eating disorder program 
• Age 18 or older for the mental health disorder program 
• Medically stable 
• Body mass index (BMI) of 14 or higher in residential  
• BMI of 17 or higher in outpatient 
• Motivated to participate in treatment 
• Able to manage basic independent living skills 
• Need more support than outpatient treatment can provide 

For people who have a history of addiction, the following requirements must be met for admission: 

• Must not be in acute withdrawal or detox 
• Must agree to attend AA/NA meetings as needed 
• Must agree to work with a sponsor 

We are unable to accommodate individuals who require feeding tubes, have uncontrolled diabetes, or are in their second or third trimester of pregnancy. If a person has an active medical condition, such as cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, or thyroid concerns, they will require further assessment. 

While we make every effort to accommodate special dietary needs, we are unable to accommodate a strict kosher diet because our food cannot be separated to the extent that would be necessary. We are also unable to accommodate veganism. 

Individuals who are acutely suicidal with intent or with a plan cannot be safely treated at Carolina House. If someone is suffering in this way, we will provide referrals for an appropriate treatment provider.  

Please note that we are also unable to manage highly aggressive behavior. 

For 17-year-old clients, a legal guardian must sign an agreement stating that they are willing to come and retrieve them on potentially short notice. 

To begin the admissions process, you can simply call our intake office between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday-Friday. 

Each prospective client takes an active role in the admissions process. They work with our admissions coordinators to provide as much information as possible so that our team can determine whether we can best meet their treatment needs. 

Preadmission paperwork and assessments can be completed online, in person, over the phone, via email, or by fax. The preadmission paperwork requires a physician to perform a physical exam and complete lab work to ensure medical stability. 

Individuals are asked to provide our team with detailed personal information, including medical history, information regarding any previous treatment they may have had, descriptions of their symptoms, an outline of their goals for treatment, and additional medical information. The admissions coordinators also gather information about the client’s strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences. 

Once the paperwork is completed, our clinical director and director of nursing review all the information to make an admissions decision and provide a recommendation for treatment. Following that decision, our team begins to develop the client’s personalized treatment plan. 

We recommend that clients bring comfortable clothes to wear. We also encourage them to bring comfort items, as well as activity books or reading books to enjoy during any downtime. 

Please note that outside food is not allowed. Diet pills, laxatives, and supplement products are prohibited. Items that can be used for harm, such as needles, scissors, and other sharp items, must be left at home. 

Seeking treatment for an eating disorder or other mental health disorder can feel frightening and intimidating. At Carolina House, we have designed our admissions process to be as smooth and streamlined as possible to help ease any fears that may accompany getting treatment. 

If you feel that you or your loved one would benefit from receiving the high-quality, personalized care Carolina House offers, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our staff is on hand to explain our admissions process in detail and to help you determine if our center is where your healing journey can begin.