Compassionate binge eating disorder (BED) treatment in the Twin Cities

Binge eating disorder, sometimes called BED, is a mental health condition where someone frequently eats much more than the average person would in a similar length of time or situation. This is followed by feelings of guilt or shame. Binge eating disorder is a serious condition that may increase your risk of developing other health conditions like diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Anyone may develop binge eating disorder. However, adults with a history of dieting or another mental health condition are at a higher risk.

At Melrose Center, we have over 35 years of experience successfully treating eating disorders. Our team of specialists includes psychologists, psychiatrists, registered dietitians and others who work together to give you individualized treatment during every step of your recovery. We’ll be by your side as you heal body and mind.

While it’s impossible to look at someone and know whether they have BED, there are some common binge eating symptoms to watch out for, including:

• Being average weight or overweight
• Eating alone out of embarrassment at the quantity of food being eaten
• Eating beyond the point of being comfortably full
• Eating faster than usual
• Eating large amounts of food when not physically hungry
• Feeling out of control while eating
• Feelings of guilt or shame after overeating
• Repeatedly eating abnormally large amounts of food

If you think you may have binge eating disorder, your first step is to schedule an initial assessment at Melrose Center. You’ll meet with one of our licensed psychologists and/or a primary care clinician. We provide initial assessments at all of our locations.

During the appointment, we’ll ask you about your symptoms, listen to your concerns and answer any questions you might have. At the end of the assessment, we’ll be able to determine your diagnosis and recommend a binge eating disorder treatment program accordingly. If you do need treatment, a care manager will help you schedule your next appointments at Melrose.

To schedule an initial assessment, please call 952-993-6200.

Binge eating disorder is treatable and Melrose Center uses evidence-based group programming to help you on your recovery journey. Our psychologists will help you change negative thoughts and binge eating patterns. Dietitians will teach you more about the nutrition your body needs and help improve your relationship with food.

Adults start with a 17-week Binge Eating Disorder Group Program which meets once a week for 2 hours. You can begin any time; groups are starting throughout the year. Your group will have 4-10 other patients. A therapist and registered dietitian will facilitate the virtual video sessions. You will learn about mindful eating, nutrition, body awareness, physical activity and much more.

You will also have individual therapy and dietitian appointments for the duration of the 17-week group. These sessions will address your specific needs and tailor your treatment to your unique situation.

After you complete this group program, you will be able to join our 16-week Binge Eating Relapse Prevention Program or an alternative skills group, determined by you and your provider. The Relapse Prevention Program, which meets for 1 hour each week, can help solidify the skills you learned in the previous group. During this time, you will also have individual sessions with a therapist and dietitian for the duration of Relapse Prevention group.

The binge eating disorder program helps address bingeing and other negative behaviors. It doesn’t focus on weight loss. Instead, we help you learn important skills so you can make positive lifestyle changes.

Binge eating often begins in childhood or adolescence and Melrose can help younger patients, ages 10 and up. We begin with individual sessions with a therapist and dietitian, where adolescents learn new ways to manage the urge to binge, their emotions, and their nutrition. Parents or guardians will also learn how they can support the new skills and behaviors their child learns through treatment.

To register for a binge eating program, call 952-993-6200 or email melrose@parknicollet.com.

Meets quarterly on Wednesdays, 5 to 6 p.m.­ Dates: October 23, January 22, 2025, April 23, 2025, July 23, 2025 and October 22, 2025

Facilitated by Melissa Hegland-Smith, MA, LP

Join virtual or in-person meetings at Melrose Center, St. Louis Park.

This group is a safe and confidential place where you, your family, and friends can be encouraged and inspired, by hearing from BED patients who are living recovery. Cameras are required to be on for the duration of the group when joining the meeting virtually. Information about how to join a Teams meeting without an account .