The Renfrew Center’s online eating disorder treatment, Renfrew@Home, offers Day Treatment, Intensive Outpatient Treatment, and Outpatient Groups. Patients have supported meals, family, and individual therapy, nutrition, and medication services. Renfrew@Home treats anorexia, bulimia, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), orthorexia, binge eating disorder, diabulimia, or other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED). The Renfrew Center accepts many major insurance plans.
The Renfrew Center At a Glance
Cost: Varies based on insurance coverage and individual situation
Insurance Accepted? Yes
Pros & Cons of The Renfrew Center
Pros - At home virtual IOP & PHP
- Specialty support groups celebrating diversity
- Programming informed by an industry-leading research team
- A long history of treating eating disorders
- Medication management services
Cons - Treatment is not available to cisgender adolescent boys and adult men
- Virtual care is only available in 30 states
- Hard to clarify out-of-pocket costs
Who is The Renfrew Center Right For?
- College students
- Individuals with dual diagnoses
- Individuals seeking specific faith-based treatment
Preview The Renfrew Center
Through Renfrew@Home, The Renfrew Center offers virtual eating disorder treatment at home through an intensive outpatient program (IOP) or a partial-hospitalization program (PHP). Renfrew@Home can treat cisgender adolescent girls and adult women, transgender, and non-binary individuals. Renfrew@Home accepts insurance, and out-of-pocket costs vary by individual. Renfrew@Home is currently available in 30 states.
Renfrew@Home is equipped to treat eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, disordered eating (or OSFED), ARFID, diabulimia, and orthorexia. The Renfrew Center can treat co-occurring disorders, including anxiety, depression, substance use, and trauma. The Renfrew Center’s first in-person location opened in 1985, giving them a lengthy history in the field of eating disorder treatment, and they work to keep their virtual programming the same as their in-person treatment.
Renfrew@Home does not treat cisgender adolescent boys or adult men, and programming is only available in 30 states. These groups of people will need to seek out an alternative to The Renfrew Center. If you’re looking for treatment for an eating disorder and don’t know where to start, visit Project HEAL for valuable resources.
Why You Can Trust My Review
I specialize in eating disorders, substance use disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders such as borderline personality disorder. I was employed at an eating disorder treatment center. At the treatment center, I’ve had the opportunity to work with children, adolescents, and adults at all levels of care, including an intensive outpatient program to inpatient and residential treatment.
As a professional with experience in eating disorder treatment programs, I would ultimately recommend The Renfrew Center’s Renfrew@Home. Renfrew@Home ranks well as a virtual option for individuals with barriers to attending in-person treatment, and I would especially consider Renfrew@Home for college students.
Based on our quantitative multi-point scoring criteria, The Renfrew Center earned 4 out of 5 stars during our most recent review.
Review our scoring criteria for online eating disorder treatment here.
Review our complete editorial policies here.
Renfrew Center Key Takeaways
- The Renfrew Center’s research has shown no significant difference between in-person and virtual treatment effectiveness, with programming in both being evidence-based and showing the same improvements.
- The Renfrew Center’s Unified Treatment Model for Eating Disorders builds emotional tolerance and resilience around distressful and difficult experiences, addressing eating disorder symptoms, anxiety, experiential avoidance, and relational connection with the treatment team.
- Renfrew@Home offers Specialty Virtual Support Groups, including groups for adolescents, BIPOC, college students, sexuality and gender equality, and for thirty-somethings and beyond.
- The Renfrew@Home can treat cisgender adolescent girls and adult women, transgender, and non-binary individuals.
- The Renfrew Center’s first in-person location opened in 1985, giving them a lengthy history in the field of eating disorder treatment, and they work to keep their virtual programming the same as their in-person treatment.
Best In-Patient Treatment for Eating Disorders
Recovery.com helps you find the best local eating disorder treatment center for you. See personalized results and reviews to find the best treatment center covered by your insurance.
What Is The Renfrew Center’s Virtual Program?
Through Renfrew@Home, The Renfrew Center offers virtual eating disorder treatment at home through an intensive outpatient program (IOP) or a partial-hospitalization program (PHP). Renfrew@Home can treat cisgender adolescent girls and adult women, transgender, and non-binary individuals. Renfrew@Home accepts insurance, and out-of-pocket costs vary by individual. Renfrew@Home is currently available in 30 states.
Renfrew@Home clinicians utilize the same model as in-person treatment, integrating a relationship approach with the latest scientific research. Clinicians utilize Relational-Cultural Therapy, Exposure Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-E, Family Therapy, Dance/Movement Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Art Therapy.
Renfrew@Home is equipped to treat eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, disordered eating (or OSFED), ARFID, diabulimia, and orthorexia. The Renfrew Center can treat co-occurring disorders, including anxiety, depression, substance use, and trauma.
Admittance to Renfrew@Home starts with an initial intake call with a Program Information Specialist. From there, an assessment determines your appropriate level of care and connects you with your treatment team. In IOP, patients participate in programming three days a week, while programming occurs five days a week in the PHP program. Both programs involve individual and group programming.
Patients receive meal support in PHP and IOP, preparing meals at home, showing their plates, and reviewing selections with the group before eating together in a virtual family-style dining experience. Patients keep a food log to review with their assigned dietitian.
Weights in virtual programs depend on the patient. Weight check-ins can either be done by the patient themselves, a blind weight with a family member or another trusted person, or with their primary doctor. The frequency of weights is assessed based on the patient and their goals.
How Much Does The Renfrew Center @Home Program Cost?
The Renfrew Center’s Renfrew@Home costs vary based on each individual’s insurance coverage. You must reach out to them directly to begin exploring what your individual costs will look like.
Does The Renfrew Center Accept Insurance?
Yes, The Renfrew Center accepts insurance for treatment. The website for The Renfrew Center states they accept over 400 insurance plans throughout the country. Some top providers include:
- Aetna
- Optum/United Behavioral Health
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Humana
- Cigna
- And more!
Out-of-Network Benefits
The Renfrew Center does help petition for benefits and can create single-case agreements with insurance carriers where they are out-of-network. What this means is when The Renfrew Center is an out-of-network provider with your insurance carrier, they can help create a contract for you to receive services through them for a designated length of time at an agreed-upon rate.
How Are You Admitted To The Renfrew@Home Program?
Being admitted to Renfrew@Home starts with an initial intake call and requires an assessment before you’re placed in the appropriate program and connected with your treatment team. From there, you’ll begin your customized treatment plan and attend your first session.
Steps to complete the admission process include:
- Contact The Renfrew Center at 1-800-RENFREW (736-3739), via email at [email protected], or through the “Contact Us” or “Live Chat” features available throughout their website.
- Discuss your needs with a Program Information Specialist and schedule an assessment to determine your best care level.
- Have an assessment with an experienced Renfrew clinician and make a plan.
- On your first day, get oriented to Renfrew’s program, your clinical team, and the patient community.
- Begin treatment with a customized plan based on your individual needs, and then begin attending your first sessions.
Renfrew@Home: Detailed Review
With Renfrew@Home, patients can expect individual and group therapy, as well as support during meals and snacks. The admissions process and out-of-pocket costs will vary based on the individual and availability.
What is Virtual Eating Disorder Treatment Like With Renfrew@Home?
The Renfrew Center offers IOP and PHP treatment for cisgender adolescent girls and adult women, transgender, and non-binary individuals in 30 select states. Most states serve ages 14+, but some states can treat as young as 12. Patients or their families can call 1-800-RENFREW to determine if they are old enough for the program.
Virtual eating disorder treatment plans include:
- Renfrew@Home IOP: Virtual IOP is held three times per week and includes group therapy, psychiatric services as needed, nutrition consultation, supervised meal times, and psychoeducation.
- Renfrew@Home PHP: Virtual Day Treatment is held five days per week and includes group and individual therapy, weekly psychiatric evaluation and follow-up with medication management, nutrition therapy, supervised meal times, expressive therapies, and psychoeducation.
Equip: Eating Disorder Treatment That Works – Delivered At Home
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The length of stay in treatment for each program varies based on the individual. Virtual PHP occurs 5 days per week for about 6 hours per day and lasts approximately 6-8 weeks, depending on progress. The virtual IOP program is held three days per week for about 3 hours daily and lasts about 8-10 weeks, depending on progress.
Renfrew@Home does include supervised meal times. IOP includes one supported meal per day, and PHP includes two supported meals and snacks per day.
Family therapy plays an important role during the Renfrew@Home program. Renfrew@Home involves weekly family sessions. Family members can receive additional support through Multi-Family Groups for current and former patients and their friends, partners, and family members and through Support Person Services to help increase understanding and effective communication around eating disorders.
Being familiar with options available for eating disorder treatment, I do believe Renfrew@Home is a good option for individuals needing more support than outpatient care but not needing a higher level of care. When someone is experiencing barriers to in-person treatment, I think it’s helpful to explore virtual options provided by in-person locations such as The Renfrew Center.
Who Is The Renfrew Center Right For?
The Renfrew Center offers programming for specific groups and may be best for college students, individuals needing substance use and trauma programming, and individuals seeking faith-based sensitivity and support.
College Students
The Renfrew Center offers specialized programming for college students at both the PHP and IOP levels of care. College students can expect to address their eating disorder alongside issues such as independence, relationships, family dynamics, academic pressure, sexuality, and body image. The Renfrew Center allows college students to balance recovery with the demands of school.
Individuals With Dual Diagnoses
The Renfrew Center offers Substance Use and Trauma Programming. Individuals looking to address either their substance use or history of trauma simultaneously with their eating disorder may benefit from care with The Renfrew Center.
Individuals Seeking Specific Faith-Based Treatment
The Renfrew Center may be right for individuals seeking specific faith-based treatment. In particular, The Renfrew Center offers Christian and Jewish programming, including kosher dining. Accommodations are made for individuals of all religions when requested. It should be noted that while The Renfrew Center is a non-denominational treatment facility, clinicians provide cultural sensitivity and support to all patients.
Who Might Want an Alternative to The Renfrew Center?
Renfrew@Home does not treat cisgender adolescent boys or adult men, and programming is only available in 30 states. These groups of people will need to seek out an alternative to The Renfrew Center. If you’re looking for treatment for an eating disorder and don’t know where to start, visit Project HEAL for valuable resources.
Cisgender Adolescent Boys and Adult Men
The Renfrew Center specializes in treating cisgender adolescent girls, adult women, transgender, and non-binary individuals. Eating Recovery Center could be an alternative for cisgender adolescent boys and men. ERC accepts many forms of insurance and has cash-pay rates available to those who need it.
To learn more about their virtual eating disorder program, you can check out our detailed review of Eating Recovery Center.
Individuals Outside of the 30 States Renfrew@Home Serves
A virtual program with Equip Health may be more suitable for individuals outside of the 30 states where Renfrew@Home is available. Currently, Equip Health is available in all states, treats anyone ages 5 and older, and can help with anorexia, bulimia, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), and binge eating disorder.
You can read our comprehensive review of Equip Health for more information on how their fully virtual eating disorder program works.
Best In-Patient Treatment for Eating Disorders
Recovery.com helps you find the best local eating disorder treatment center for you. See personalized results and reviews to find the best treatment center covered by your insurance.
The Renfrew Center User Reviews
Finding user reviews specific to Renfrew@Home was difficult. Most of the reviews I found were for in-person locations of The Renfrew Center.
Some of the in-person services reviews appreciated the comprehensive approach to treatment along with the experienced therapists. Others mention feeling like the quality of care has suffered as treatment centers such as The Renfrew Center have expanded into multiple locations.
We will continue to look for reviews specific to Renfrew@Home offered by The Renfrew Center.
The Renfrew Center Vs. Competitors
Other competitors to The Renfrew Center’s Renfrew@Home include Eating Recovery Center’s virtual IOP, Recovery at Home, and Within Health.
The Renfrew Center Vs. Eating Recovery
Both The Renfrew Center’s Renfrew@Home and Eating Recovery Center offer comprehensive virtual treatment options for individuals dealing with eating disorders. They share similarities in providing a range of therapeutic modalities, nutritional counseling, and family support. Both programs cater to a diverse population, including adolescents and adults.
Eating Recovery Center’s Recovery at Home only offers IOP and does not include a medication management component in comparison to Renfrew@Home’s IOP and PHP, and psychiatric services are available to both. Eating Recovery Center does provide treatment for cisgender adolescent boys and adult men.
The Renfrew Center Vs. Within Health
The Renfrew Center and Within Health both offer comprehensive virtual treatment options for individuals dealing with eating disorders. Both platforms prioritize accessibility and convenience, allowing users to engage in therapy from the comfort of their homes. They provide a range of therapeutic modalities tailored to address the complexities of eating disorders, offering support groups, individual therapy, and nutritional counseling.
While The Renfrew Center has a long-established reputation and a larger network of therapists, Within Health focuses on a more tech-savvy and contemporary approach, often appealing to those comfortable with online platforms. The cost and insurance coverage may vary between the two, with factors such as location and specific services influencing the financial aspects.
Final Verdict on The Renfrew Center
Eating disorders are complex, with many contributing factors and serious consequences. When I’m referring someone to a higher level of care, it’s important to me to trust the history of that program and its ability to treat eating disorders safely. I appreciate centers with proven histories of in-person treatment that are increasing access to care through virtual programming.
As a professional with experience in eating disorder treatment programs, I would ultimately recommend The Renfrew Center’s Renfrew@Home. Renfrew@Home ranks well as a virtual option for individuals with barriers to attending in-person treatment, and I would especially consider Renfrew@Home for college students.
History of The Renfrew Center
The Renfrew Center first opened its doors in 1985 and is privately owned and operated by the Menaged family.1 The second facility opened in 1990.2 Expansion has continued to provide greater access to care for cisgender adolescent girls and adult women, transgender, and non-binary individuals.
The Renfrew Center is active in educating professionals and patients on the prevention and treatment of eating disorders. The Renfrew Center has treated over 100,000 patients.1
The Renfrew Center in the News
The Renfrew Center was highlighted in July of 2023 for its resources, information, and support for minority individuals with eating disorders.3 This reflects The Renfrew Center’s emphasis on diversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Credentials Do the Renfrew Center Providers Hold?
Therapists and counselors at Eating Recovery Center are at least master’s level and hold licenses, including LPCs, LMFTs, and LCSWs. Clinicians do receive training specific to working with eating disorders.
How Am I Connected With a Provider at The Renfrew Center?
Individuals are matched with their treatment team based on the needed virtual PHP or IOP program and the state where they are located.
Can I Change Providers?
Because patients are matched to their treatment team, a potential change in provider, when possible, is discussed on an individual basis to determine what would be most therapeutic.
Can I use my FSA or HSA Funds?
We are unsure at this time if the Renfrew Center accepts FSA or HSA funds to help pay for out-of-pocket costs associated with their virtual eating disorder program. We have reached out to the company and are waiting for a response.
How Do I End My Stay with The Renfrew Center?
The Renfrew Center is not a subscription or account-based service. Termination will happen upon completion of the length of stay and will be discussed with your treatment team. Some individuals are discharged for reasons other than successful completion, including discharging against medical advice (AMA).
Does The Renfrew Center Offer Refunds?
No, likely, you would not receive a refund for treatment received through The Renfrew Center. You can reach The Renfrew Center at 1-800-RENFREW (736-3739).
Is The Renfrew Center HIPAA Compliant?
The Renfrew Center and Renfrew@Home are HIPAA compliant. The Renfrew Center is accredited by the Joint Commission, a non-profit organization that accredits and certifies healthcare organizations in the United States. This means that The Renfrew Center meets or exceeds rigorous standards for quality care and patient safety.
Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.
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About Us. (n.d.). The Renfrew Center. Retrieved November 27, 2023, from https://renfrewcenter.com/about/#:~:text=Our%20History
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admin. (2021, February 12). History of The Renfrew Center | A Letter From Our Founder. The Renfrew Center. https://renfrewcenter.com/founders-letter/
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Massey, M. (2023, July 23). Renfrew Center offers resources to combat barriers facing minorities over eating disorders. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/renfrew-center-offers-resources-to-combat-barriers-facing-minorities-over-eating-disorders/
We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.
Author: Amanda Stretcher, LPC (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Added article summary block, new star rating, and “Why You Can Trust My Review” section.
Author: Amanda Stretcher, LPC
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD
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Summary Table of What The Renfrew Center Offers
| Cost of Online Eating Disorder Treatment | Varies |
| Age Limitations | 14+ in most states |
| Eating Disorders Treated | •Anorexia nervosa •Binge eating disorder •ARFID •Orthorexia •Bulimia nervosa •Disordered eating (OSFED) •Diabulimia |
| Geographic Coverage | Available in 30 states |
| Insurance Plans Accepted | Yes Over 400 insurance plans throughout the country accepted, including: •Aetna •Optum/United •Behavioral Health •Blue Cross Blue Shield •Humana •Cigna |
| Provider Choices | Matched |
| Can You Change People on Your Treatment Team? | Case by Case Basis |
| Speed to First Appointments | Varies |
| Frequency of Appointments | IOP: 3x a week PHP: 5x a week |
| Messaging With Providers Between Appointments | Yes |
Additional Resources
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Eating Disorder Treatment
Eating Disorder Treatment That Works – Delivered at home. Eating disorder treatment is hard – which is why you deserve a team. Equip offers evidence-based care delivered virtually by a five-person care team, so you can achieve recovery without pressing pause on your life. We take insurance! Get a consultation.
In-Patient Treatment for Eating Disorders
Recovery.com helps you find the best local eating disorder treatment center for you. See personalized results and reviews to find the best treatment center covered by your insurance. Start your search.
Online Talk Therapy
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