Eating disorder center opens in Cherry Hill (updated)

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Weekly visits to the emergency department increased for young girls suffering from eating and tic disorders during the pandemic, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  

To give patients like these and others more resources, eating disorder treatment specialists Monte Nido & Affiliates is opening Clementine Cherry Hill, a new residential eating disorder center in Cherry Hill.

The center provides care for adolescents of all genders with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and/or exercise addiction, according to an Aug. 23 announcement. (Update: On Oct. 12, Clementine said this center is now open.)

The center is Monte Nido’s first program in New Jersey; it has programs in 14 other states. 

“Trends continue to show an increase in adolescent eating disorders and expanding access to care for this age group in New Jersey is more important than ever,” Monte Nido CEO Candy Henderson said in a statement. 

Included in patients’ treatment in the home-like atmosphere will be mindful eating, 24-hour nursing, and academic and family support. 

“Eating disorders in teens are common, with many beginning in the elementary school years and continuing all the way up to college and beyond,” Chief Clinical Officer Melissa Spann said. “Clementine’s model of care has been designed to meet the specific needs of adolescents, who are particularly susceptible to eating disorders due to the developmental stages they are at in their lives.” 

Monte Nido stressed the importance of a reliable support system at home, early intervention and access to specialized treatment for long-term recovery. 

Editor’s note: This story, originally published Aug. 23, was updated at 10:30 a.m. ET Oct. 12 to include the center is now open.

Other resources

The Renfrew Center eating disorder treatment facility opened June 13 in Mount Laurel. Click here for more details.