A new recovery facility in northwest Calgary is now open to help young people with eating disorders.
The EHN Sandstone Recovery Centre is the result of a provincial investment into mental health and addiction services and a partnership between Recovery Alberta, the Silver Linings Foundation and Edgewood Health Network (EHN).
The building consists of 12 spaces for up to 52 youth and young Albertans each year free of charge.
“This is another important step in creating strong, recovery-oriented systems of care in communities across Alberta,” said Minister of Mental Health and Addiction Dan Williams in a news release.
“Eating disorders can often be misunderstood and can go unrecognized or underdiagnosed. With the opening of this centre, young Albertans can now get the care they deserve and have better access to intensive treatment to better support them in their recovery.”
Officials say the facility uses an individualized approach to care and provides around-the-clock support from a team of medical professionals.
Services include academic support, weekly individual and family therapy, daily group therapy, nutritional rehabilitation, structured meal support therapy, self-care and wellness activities, nutritional education and distress tolerance skills.
Officials say treatment typically takes between three weeks and four months.
The centre will help reduce the need for long hospital stays and increase the positive outcomes for Albertans 12 to 24 years old suffering from eating disorders, the government believes.
The facility is operating on a budget of $10 million over three years (2023-2026).
