Setting the eating disorder aside: an alternative model of care.

Eating disorder treatment typically involves psychotherapy, structured programmes to normalize eating behaviours, and weight restoration. Unfortunately some individuals who receive these treatments do not recover. The Community Outreach Partnership Program (COPP) was developed to address the needs of these individuals. Using a team approach which combines both community and hospital services, COPP assists clients increase their quality of life by fostering independence, increasing hope and enhancing social skills in the context of the client's economic, social and physical living environment. Preliminary outcome research reveals significant improvement in eating disorder and psychiatric symptoms in individuals who complete four or more months of COPP.