Support for Your Child. Hope for Your Family.
When your child is struggling with an eating disorder or body image, it affects every part of their life—and your family’s too. At the Pediatric Center of Behavioral Health, help isn’t far away. We’re conveniently located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and ready to help with expert care, encouragement and a program designed specifically for teens. We currently have immediate openings available.
Our Pediatric Eating Disorders Partial Hospitalization Program (otherwise known as a day program) is designed just for kids ages 12 through high school. Unlike some programs that mix age groups, this one is exclusively for adolescents, because we know teens do better when they’re with peers who understand what they’re going through. Our therapists specialize in working with this age group and have a strong track record of helping young people make meaningful progress.
This program provides structured, intensive treatment five days a week, while your child returns home in the evenings. It’s the right level of care for teens who need more support than outpatient therapy can provide, but who are still safe to live at home.
Our goal isn’t just to help your child get better—it’s to help them stay in control. As your child nears the end of their program, we’ll work closely with you and any ongoing providers to ensure a smooth transition to outpatient care or school reintegration.
Take a Peek Inside Our Space
What Makes Our Program Different
- Adolescent-exclusive care not combined with adult care programs—because we know teens do better when they’re with peers.
- Experienced, teen-specialized licensed therapists
- Coordinated school support so your child doesn’t fall behind
- Psychiatric and nursing care for co-occurring mental health conditions
- Exposure-based therapy integrated into treatment
- On-site therapy kitchen supporting food exposure work
- Family involvement to help your child heal in a supportive home environment
- Holistic therapies like mindfulness-based movement and food education
School Support Built In
We understand that time away from school is stressful—for both teens and parents. That’s why our program includes dedicated school time during the treatment day, so your child can stay on track with their assignments. Our team will:
- Coordinate with your child’s school and teachers
- Accommodate deadlines and special needs
- Help plan a smooth return to school, including a personalized meal plan that works in a school setting
We want your child to return to the classroom confident and supported—academically, socially and nutritionally.
Program Benefits
- Quick access to care and prevention of hospitalization
- Measurable symptom improvement
- A supportive, peer-based environment tailored to adolescents
- Development of coping and communication skills
- Family engagement throughout the treatment process
- Flexible daytime scheduling that allows teens to continue academic and daily responsibilities
- Support in reducing long-term health and psychological impacts of eating disorders
Conditions We Treat
- Anorexia Nervosa
- Bulimia Nervosa
- Binge Eating Disorder
- ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder)
Treatment Approach
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Enhanced (CBT-E)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Radically Open DBT (RO-DBT)
- Family-Based Treatment (FBT)-informed approach
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Exposure-based therapy
These therapies are delivered in individual sessions, group settings, and integrated into mealtime support and daily routines.
Team-Based Care
Your child will be supported by a compassionate, multidisciplinary team, including:
- Psychiatrists and medical providers
- Licensed therapists
- Registered dietitians
- Activity therapists
- Nursing and support staff
Together, this team will build a personalized treatment plan for your child that includes:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Nutrition counseling and supervised meals
- Psychiatric care and medication management (when appropriate)
- Exposure-based therapy (a proven technique to reduce avoidance behaviors)
- Family therapy and caregiver education
- Discharge planning and aftercare recommendations
Group Therapy Topics
Daily group sessions, led by licensed clinicians, address a wide range of relevant topics, including:
- Communication skills
- Coping skills
- Understanding emotions
- Family dynamics
- Friendship and peer relationships
- Mindfulness
- Self-care and healthy habits
- Self-esteem and self-compassion
- Body image
- Healthy movement
- Nutrition
- Social media and diet culture
- Stress management
- Safety planning
You’re an Essential Part of the Process
We believe that healing is most successful when families are involved. As part of your child’s care, you’ll be invited to:
- Join your child for breakfast twice a week as part of mealtime support
- Participate in weekly family therapy sessions
- Receive education and guidance to support your child’s recovery at home
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my child admitted?
Please call the Pine Rest Contact Center at 800.678.5500. An assessment will be completed to determine the appropriate level of care. A provider referral is not needed, although it can be helpful to coordinate services.
Can you tell me more about the program and how it can help my child or patient?
- Understand the program: What the PHP looks like, what families can expect, and how it supports recovery.
- Guide referrals: She’ll walk you through what’s needed from PCPs, parents and other providers.
- Support families: Lisa personally connects with parents to explain the program, answer questions and provide helpful materials like schedules, maps and next steps.
From coordinating labs and growth charts to ensuring a smooth intake day, Lisa makes the process easier for everyone involved. If a higher level of care is needed, she’ll also assist in making referrals to different levels of care (Residential, IOP and Outpatient) as needed.
What does a typical day in treatment look like?
Each day is structured to provide a balance of therapeutic support, skill-building, and routine. Depending on the day, your child may participate in group therapy, exposure therapy, art or activity therapy, and check ins with their psychiatric and medical team. Time is also set aside for academics to help your child stay on track with schoolwork. Our team works to create a consistent, supportive environment that promotes healing and growth.
What is exposure-based therapy, and how is it used in treatment?
Exposure-based therapy is an evidence-based approach that helps children and teens gradually face situations that feel overwhelming or anxiety-provoking in a safe, supportive environment. With guidance from their care team, patients build confidence and develop practical skills to manage distress, reduce avoidance, and improve daily functioning.
At the Pediatric Center, exposure-based therapy is integrated into real-life experiences whenever possible. For example, patients participate in hands-on activities in our therapy kitchen, where they can practice skills related to food, routines, and social interaction in a supportive, structured setting.
This approach helps children apply what they are learning in treatment to everyday situations, making it easier to carry those skills into life at home, school, and in their community.
How are parents and caregivers involved in treatment?
Parents and caregivers are an essential part of the treatment process. We believe healing is most successful when families are actively involved and supported along the way.
As part of your child’s care, you will be invited to join your child for breakfast three times a week as part of guided mealtime support, participate in weekly family therapy sessions, and receive education and practical guidance to help support your child’s recovery at home.
What are the program hours?
Monday – Friday, 7:45 a.m. – 4:05 p.m.
Patients attend daily and may enter the program any day of the week.
What is the average length of stay?
The average stay is 2-4 weeks. Length of treatment will be based on the patient’s individual needs and will be re-evaluated through their stay.
What happens after my child completes treatment?
Before your child completes their program, our team will work with you to develop a personalized aftercare plan. This may include outpatient therapy, continued psychiatric care, or other supportive services. We focus on ensuring a smooth transition so your child can continue building on their progress and maintain the skills they’ve developed during treatment.
Is lodging available for patients and their families?
Families traveling from outside the area can arrange lodging at nearby hotels or at Ronald McDonald House West Michigan. We partner with a local hotel to offer discounted rates for patient families. Your intake clinician can help connect you with lodging options and resources.
Are meals available for patients?
Yes, patients will be given breakfast and lunch as well as two snacks daily.
Are meals available on site for parents and families?
Yes. Meals and snacks are available for purchase at The Woods café, and complimentary snacks and refreshments are offered in the Ronald McDonald House Family Room.
Do you have a brochure available?
Can I work at the Pediatric Center of Behavioral Health while my child is in treatment?
Yes. The Pediatric Center offers several spaces where parents and guardians can work throughout the day. The Ronald McDonald House Family Room provides technology access, workstations, and reservable items such as iPads, headphones, and phone chargers. Treetops Pediatric Center includes a dedicated work area with seating, tabletop surfaces, and convenient charging outlets. For a more informal setting, some adults choose to work in The Woods café area.
Can I bring my other children to the Pediatric Center of Behavioral Health?
Yes. Absolutely. We understand the importance of keeping families together, and siblings are welcome. The Pediatric Center offers family-friendly spaces like the indoor twister tube slide, outdoor areas, and the Ronald McDonald House Family Room which offers children’s activities and play items, workstations and technology for schoolwork, and reservable items such as iPads and headphones.
Learn more about these amenities.
Because we do not offer childcare or nursery services, accommodations for infants and very young children are limited.
Location
Pediatric Center of Behavioral Health
300 68th Street SE
Building H, Entrance H1
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49548
The Pediatric Eating Disorders PHP is located on the Pine Rest 68th Street Campus. Turn onto the main entrance and follow the magenta signs to Building H. Please use entrance H1.
By Bus
Tips & Info From Our Experts
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