Eating Disorder Treatment

Join the growing number of individuals who have decided to reclaim their lives by beginning the journey to recovery.

The outpatient program for eating disorder recovery is designed to provide intensive support for those who are suffering from obesity, bulimia, binge eating disorder,anorexia,food addiction, and other types of disordered eating. The program is best suited for the individual who desires to make positive changes in life and is motivated to seek help. The program offers professional care for the early stages of recovery and into the aftercare phase of recovery. The days, time, and duration of the program are selected to accommodate most schedules with minimal disruption to job, school, and family obligations. The Intensive Outpatient program is an affordable alternative to resdential care and enables the individual to reamin at home, or in school while receiving the care they need for recovery.

While participating in the program you will experience the care and support you need to fully address both the behavioral aspects of disordered eating as well as the underlying issues associated with disordered eating to ensure that you have the best possible results for recovery. Groups have a holistic focus combining the benefits of cognitive-behavioral, psycho-dynamic and energy psychology techniques to address the multi-layered symptoms associated with eating disorders. Each group will consist of education, group process and personal sharing, meditation, body image, and stress management techniques. Nutritional education, food planning, and meal support is provided throughout the program. Participants meet weekly with a certified clinical nutritionist to address food issues and begin the process of building a better relationship with food.

The program includes three weekly group therapy sessions, and two individual sessions each week. We offer both a Morning and Evening program. An Aftercare group is available on Friday evenings. Services include trauma reduction work, body image work, mindful exercise and body acceptance, weekly nutritional consultation, food and meal planning, dinner out,educational and process group. Once the 8-week program is completed, participants may continue based on each persons needs and the progress made in the program.

To participate in the outpatient program you will first need to complete the Intake Evaluation, which can be scheduled by calling the office. You will also need to obtain medical clearance from your doctor. A general exam and EKG is recommended. This information is needed prior to your first group meeting.

The program is centrally located at 2561-2 Ft.Lowell between Tucson Blvd and Country Club. This location is easily accessible from the University of Arizona, The Tucson Foothills, Oro Valley, Marana and surrounding Tucson communities.

The cost of the program is based on a daily rate and is all inclusive. A non-refundable deposit of $150 is required to reserve a place in the program and to cover the cost of the Intake Evaluation. While every effort is made to use insurance benefits, often times insurance does not cover the cost of treatment. If insurance coverage is approved, participants are responsible for all deductibles and co-pays. Payment can be made by cash, check or credit card. We are a provider for United Healthcare, Aetna, Cigna,and TriWest.

Morning Program: Monday,Wednesday,Friday: 10am-1pm............................................... Evening Program: Monday,Wednesday, 6:00-9:00pm & Saturday,1:30-4:30pm or Tuesday,Thursday, 6:00-9:00pm & Saturday,9am-Noon

The Teen program is for anyone between the ages of 13 and 17 who is dealing with anorexia, bulimia, compulsive overeating, and obesity. The program consist of one group a week and two individual sessions each week. Once a participant has successfully completed the first 8-weeks they may continue in the aftercare support group. Family involvement is recommended and parents are invited to participate throughout the treatment process.

To participate in the Teen program, you must schedule an intake evaluation with one of our counselors. The counselor will gather all the necessary information to enroll you in the program and schedule a start date. You are required to provide a doctor's note indicating that you are medically stable before starting the program. In some cases an EKG is recommended.

The cost of the Teen program is based on a daily rate and is all inclusive. A non-refundable deposit of $150 is required to reserve a place in the program and to cover the cost of the Intake Evaluation. While every effort is made to use insurance benefits, often times insurance does not cover the cost of treatment. If insurance coverage is approved, participants are responsible for all deductibles and co-pays. Payment can be made by cash, check or credit card. We are a provider for United Healthcare, Aetna,Cigna, and TriCare.

This program is available for individuals who have successfully completed a primary program through a residential or hospital based program and continue to maintain at least 80% of their recovery plan but need ongoing support. Services include one group and one individual a week. The recommended length of stay is 8-weeks, however clients may stay in the groups based on individual progress and needs.

Tina Suaso is a licensed professional psychotherapist who owns and operates Desert Milagros. She has over 27 years experience in the counseling profession and provides a holistic approach to the treatment of eating disorders. She received a Bachelors in Psychology and a Masters in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma. She is currently working towards a Doctorate in Psychology with a specialty in Spirituality and Consciousness studies. Tina’s purpose is helping each individual understand their potential for change and embrace their path to healing. She uses a holistic approach that explores the mind/body/spirit connection to dis-ease including techniques in imagery, meditation, and dream work. Through the years she has worked for some of the leading treatment programs in eating disorder recovery, addiction recovery, and mental health.

Lauren Kanzler, C.C.N.: Lauren is a Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist with over 28 years experience in the field of nutrition and eating disorders. Lauren is a mindfulness based, “whole foods” nutritionist with an orientation towards holistic and complementary medicine. She has worked in various residential eating disorder programs, as well as creating the original nutrition program for the famed Miraval-Life in Balance resort and spa. Lauren also worked for Canyon Ranch and provided services through the Tucson Jewish Community Center as the Wellness Director in the 90’s. Laruen’s goal is to support eating disorder recovery through mindfulness-based practices, including mindful eating, hands-on training of whole foods nutrition practices, such as dining out mindfully, shopping and food preparation, and a variety of other skill building tools that promote self care and the healing journey through an eating disorder. Lauren believes that anyone can learn these skills, and that healing an eating disorder is about “filling life in” with what it is meant to be for the individual

Rebecca Howard, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor: Is a trauma specialist and is skilled in EMDR, EFT and Clinical Hypnotherapy. Becca is further trained in Brain Gym, Psych-K, and treatment for Dissociative Disorders. She skillfully brings together traditional therapies with newer energy psychology techniques to relieve emotional and physical distress and help restore a person to wellness. Her work focuses on the unresolved issues that influence the compulsive cycle of eating disorder behavior and provides the support for each person to gently release negative concepts, trauma, and old belief patterns. She has over 7 years experience working with eating disorders in an integrated model and is dedicated to helping others heal.

Colleen Noonnan, LMSW specializes in teen issues and has worked in the field of eating disorders for over six years. She creates a structured, yet compassionate environment for teens and their families to explore recovery strategies that work. She is skilled in EMDR and trauma reduction work.

For more information contact the office at (520) 531-1040. (520) 325-1040 fax Email:desertmilagros@comcast.net. Business office is located at: 2559 E.Fort Lowell Road Tucson, AZ. 85716