Care at The Conrad Clinic is intentionally personal, highly attentive, and designed around the unique needs of children and adolescents with eating disorders. The initial consultation is three hours in length, allowing time for a thoughtful, in-depth understanding of the patient’s medical status, treatment history, family experience, and current concerns. During this visit, I spend time with the patient individually, with parents or caregivers individually, and with the family together. The consultation includes a physical examination, in-office EKG, urinalysis, vital signs, and review of laboratory studies I have ordered in advance. As part of a supportive, eating-disorder-informed approach, we use a numberless scale so that necessary medical monitoring can occur without inadvertently exposing patients to their weight.
Following the initial consultation, families have direct access to me by text, email, or phone, with responses provided as promptly as possible during business hours and as clinically appropriate. Follow-up visits are one hour in length. These visits are scheduled according to each patient’s individual clinical needs.
The office itself has been thoughtfully designed to feel warm, calming, and supportive. Our staff is experienced in the care of patients with eating disorders and understands the importance of creating an environment that feels safe, respectful, and comfortable. Each patient is offered a soft cloth gown, robe, and slippers, and the waiting areas are stocked with comforting items such as fidgets, coloring materials, and other self-care touches. Patients may also spend time in different areas of the office while I meet separately with parents, depending on where they feel most comfortable. We also maintain a fully stocked kitchen, which allows us to provide in-office meal support, snack support, and food exposure sessions when helpful.
