
Family Days: Frequently Asked Questions
Many loved ones of those struggling with eating disorders and mental illness share similar concerns and questions. Please browse our Frequently Asked Questions, and always feel free to reach out to alumni@ercpathlight.com if your questions have not been answered. We are here to support you. You can navigate to the sections that interest you using the following links:

General Family and Caregiver Questions
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Q: What levels of care does ERC/Pathlight offer?
A: ERC/Insight has 11 locations across the United States that offer inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, and outpatient levels of care. Additionally, we offer virtual intensive outpatient for eligible adults.
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Q: What states can I find ERC/Pathlight locations?
A: ERC/Pathlight has locations across the United States. To see where our various levels of care are located please follow these links for more information on Eating Recovery Center and Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center.
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Q: What do the different acronyms and abbreviations stand for?
A: Please see this helpful resource: Glossary of Terms
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Q: How COVID-19 will be impacting loved one’s interactions while in treatment?
A: ERC/Insight is committed to keeping our families and patients informed about COVID-19. Please follow the link for the most up to date information here.
Questions About Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center
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Q: How long does someone usually have to stay for mood/anxiety/trauma patients?
A: Specific lengths of stay vary depending on diagnosis and unique recovery variables and needs. Our average length of stay for our mood/anxiety/trauma patients is about 20-45 days for our PHP program and about 8-10 weeks for 3-5 days per week for our IOP program.
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Q: What kind of treatment does Pathlight offer for mood/anxiety/trauma patients?
A: Please visit our website for more information about treatment services for adults and adolescents.
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Q: Are there any statistics on mood/anxiety/trauma disorders?
A: Yes, please see the following website regarding mood/anxiety/trauma disorders.
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Q: What evidence-based therapeutic approaches is Insight using to treat mood/anxiety/trauma patients?
A: Our treatment programs are based on: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy(DBT), Radically Open DBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Therapy, Experiential Therapy, Family Therapy, Mindfulness, and Medication Management.
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Q: Why does my loved one say that they’re suicidal? What does it mean?
A: This article has some helpful information about suicide and suicide prevention.
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Q: What are some resources for my loved one struggling with a mood/anxiety/trauma disorder?
A: We have many resources available. Here are just a few:
- Mental Note Podcast– ERC/Insight’s podcast that highlights the work and beauty of mental health recovery.
- Say it Brave Community- ERC/Insight’s free, inclusive community supporting mental wellness.
Questions About Eating Recovery Center
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Q: How long does someone usually have to stay in eating disorder treatment?
A: Our average length of stay is about 6-8 weeks; that can vary based on the level of care, the severity of illness, medical complications, insurance coverage, and various other factors.
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Q: What kind of treatment does ERC offer adolescents v. adults?
A: Please go to our website for information about our treatment services for both adults and adolescents.
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Q: Do you have any statistics on eating disorders?
A: Yes, please see more information regarding eating disorders statistics here.
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Q: How do you handle relapse?
A: Relapse happens for some seeking eating disorder treatment. When a patient relapses, they are re-evaluated and admitted to the appropriate level of care based on their medical and psychological needs.
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Q: How do I know if my loved one is relapsing?
A: This article has some helpful information about eating disorder relapse.
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Q: My loved one has an eating disorder, is that my fault?
A: No, it is not your fault. Eating disorders are a combination of genetics and environment. Please see this article for more information.
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Q: How do I support my spouse/partner with an eating disorder?
A: It can be difficult to navigate eating disorder treatment when your loved one is also your spouse and/or partner. Please see this link for some more helpful information.
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Q: How can I connect with other caregivers who are also supporting a loved one with an eating disorder?
A: We offer many ways to connect with others in your community:
- Virtual Caregiver Support Group - an online support group that meets once a week where caregivers can connect with one another.
- Eating Disorder Family Connection – an ERC sponsored and monitored private Facebook group that provides caregivers with ongoing support. Connect with other caregivers to share triumphs and challenges and to get resources.
- Family Support Center - a resource center created for families to get information on supporting their loved one with an eating disorder.
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Q: What resources do you have for my loved one struggling with an eating disorder?
A: Our alumni can find valuable resources like online, trained facilitator-led support groups, Mental Note Podcast and our Say it Brave initiative in our Healing and Support Center.