Renfrew Center of North Carolina

The Renfrew Center of North Carolina in Charlotte, North Carolina, is an outpatient facility that treats clients with a primary diagnosis of an eating disorder, including bulimia, anorexia, and binge eating. They also treat clients with co-occurring disorders such as trauma, substance use, and body image issues. The center welcomes adolescent girls and women, nonbinary, and transgender individuals. The facility accepts most major insurance plans. Staff will work with your insurance carrier to create a single case agreement if your insurance isn’t in network.

It’s not uncommon for an eating disorder to be accompanied by co-occurring disorders such as substance use or other mental health challenges. Substance use is often used to numb or avoid difficult feelings or life circumstances. Eating disorders stem from similar emotional disturbances, so it’s important to treat the eating disorder and substance use simultaneously.

Their primary modalities for treatment include group and individual therapy. The treatment isn’t centered on a 12 Step approach, but they do support participation in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or other 12 Step programs based on the client’s preference.

Body image issues are prevalent in people with eating and substance use disorders. Many women as well as people in the LGBTQ+ community have body image disorders. The facility offers a special track to help clients with body image issues. The treatment includes experiential approaches such as movement and art therapy, as well as individual and group therapy.

There’s also a special track for clients with diabetes. Diabetes often comes with heightened anxiety around food and health. Staff collaborates with a medical team to ensure clients with diabetes receive the nutrition education they need. They help patients address the difficult emotions that come with social expectations around food, body size, and weight and work to eliminate ideas such as a “good” and “bad” where food is concerned. Clients learn to monitor their blood glucose for more accountability.