Cambridge Eating Disorder Center – CEDC

3 Bow Street Cambridge, MA 02138

About Cambridge Eating Disorder Center – CEDC

Eating disorders are complex illnesses caused by a combination of factors such as an individual’s characterological components, physiological issues, difficult family and interpersonal relationships, and societal pressures. CEDC’s mission is to provide our patients with a comprehensive and quality continuum of care in a community setting.

Because eating disorders often serve as a coping mechanism, we focus on reducing behaviors and understanding their development and function. We aim to promote the development of a healthy self that encompasses both emotional and physical well-being.

The Cambridge Eating Disorder Center is a proud supporter of the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa & Associated Disorders (ANAD), International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals, Multi-Service Eating Disorder Association (MEDA), Eating Disorder Coalition, Residential Eating Disorder Consortium.

Facility Overview

Number of Available Beds

Latest Reviews

Scott A

1 month ago on Google

I am writing this from a alternative account.. Anyway I went to this place a few years ago they're bad with trauma informed care I was being abused in a house and I was about to become unhoused they belittled me and told me I should be put under adult care program of some sort (I forget the exact term) because I was incapable of functioning holding a job or getting education or living on my own, this would erase all my rights as a functional adult just insane luckily this never happened. Mind you my parents educationally /socially neglected me which is why I was having such a hard time socially and why I even had mental struggles, anyway this was very dangerous to be told when you're already mentally unstable I am so thankful I didn't end up doing anything rash after I left. Instead I applied myself skilled up to a point where I didn't need to rely on my abusers I am now in college as a Junior for Electrical Engineering testing fairly average at 3.4 gpa & I have my own apartment I work as a medical assistant on the side, mind you they told me I would never be able to do ANY of these things instead they yelled at me and blamed me for having a eating disorder + told me I was incapable this isn't something you should ever say to someone already at their lowest it's just I feel a need to write because now I am in a better place tbh I was a bit of a trouble resident once I did something very wrong but it wasnt like i physically fought someone or any major crime I was just trapped and they didn't help me out of that hole which I mean they didn't have to but they shouldnt have tried pushing me deeper I was still freshly 18 I believe I had time to fix instead of them saying fix yourself they told me I was hopeless I think that's the worst thing you can say to someone in recovery. I hope primarily the case worker who had been mistreating me and siding with my abusive parents has become more educated on how to properly take care of patients I know I was going down a negative path at 17-18 but there was no need for them to make you feel worse about everything you do. I mean was I bitchy yes but I didn't hurt anyone nor did I do drugs or anything crazy like some of the other teenaged residents there. I wouldn't recommend.

temperance smith

1 month ago on Google

I went to this place a few years ago and yes it was very helpful I made life long friends and memories. But I felt that the way they helped me was not setting me up for a long lasting recovery. The way they helped me get better again was mostly through medication and yes I loved my therapist Wally I just feel like they could have gone through it in better ways. Beside that I loved all the staff the food was great the staff was very helpful and this wouldn’t be my first recommendation but maybe my second. Special shout out to my fav RCs Chloe and jj

Response from the owner1 week ago

Thank you for your insightful feedback. We're pleased to hear you found support and camaraderie during your time with us at Cambridge Eating Disorder Center. We appreciate your thoughts on our approach and will take them into consideration as we continually strive for improvement.

Iris

2 months ago on Google

was here for 10 weeks. communication was terrible, i was never kept in the loop about my own care. was outed to my parents on a zoom call by my main care coordinator. when i asked to switch care coordinators, which i was told could be done, no questions asked, the staff told her, and she swept the request under the rug. recovery encouragement relied purely on fear mongering, and it does not work long term. the way they tried to force and scare us into “recovery” was incredibly damaging, and i still struggle from learned behaviors resulting from that fear almost five years later. i went in with anorexia and left with bulimia that almost killed me just a year after being discharged. my view of my physical body and the nutrients i should or shouldn’t put in it has been distorted beyond repair by the lies, threats, and negligence i faced at this establishment. thank you for your continued excellence, cedc.

Rehab Score

Our Methodology

Scoring is assigned by a proprietary system which helps surface key metrics that determine quality. The 10-point scale factors in categories such as operations, customer satisfaction, and trust metrics. Read Full Methodology

6.9 / 10

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Cambridge Eating Disorder Center - CEDC MA 2138

The facilities at Cambridge Eating Disorder Center - CEDC in Cambridge, MA 1

Accepted Insurance

Cambridge Eating Disorder Center – CEDC works with several private insurance providers and also accepts private payments when possible, please contact to verify your specific insurance provider.

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Network Health

EmblemHealth

Behavioral Health Systems (BHS)

CDPHP

Commonwealth Care Alliance (CCA)

Community Health Options

E4Health

Galaxy Health Network

InterGroup

Martin's Point

Other Forms of Payment

Private insurance refers to any kind of healthcare coverage that isn't from the state or federal government. This includes individual and family plans offered by an employer or purchased from the Insurance Marketplace. Every plan will have different requirements and out of pocket costs so be sure to get the full details before you start treatment.

Self-pay involves paying for treatment out of your own pocket. You can use savings or credit, get a personal loan, or receive help from family and friends to fund your treatment. If you don't have insurance or your insurance plan doesn't cover a specific program, self-pay can help ensure you still get the care you need.

Military members, veterans, and eligible dependents have access to specific insurance programs that help them get the care they need. TRICARE and VA insurance can help you access low cost or no cost addiction and mental health treatment. Programs that accept military insurance often have targeted treatment focused on the unique challenges military members, veterans, and their families face.

Medicaid is a state based program that helps lower-income individuals and families pay for healthcare. Medicaid covers addiction treatment so those enrolled can use their coverage to pay for rehab. When a program accepts Medicaid the client often pays very little or nothing out of their own pocket.

Addiction Treatments

Levels of Care

Outpatient

Outpatient Programs (OP) are for those seeking mental rehab or drug rehab, but who also stay at home every night. The main difference between outpatient treatment (OP) and intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) lies in the amount of hours the patient spends at the facility. Most of the time an outpatient program is designed for someone who has completed an inpatient stay and is looking to continue their growth in recovery. Outpatient is not meant to be the starting point, it is commonly referred to as aftercare.

Inpatient

Residential treatment programs are those that offer housing and meals in addition to substance abuse treatment. Rehab facilities that offer residential treatment allow patients to focus solely on recovery, in an environment totally separate from their lives. Some rehab centers specialize in short-term residential treatment (a few days to a week or two), while others solely provide treatment on a long-term basis (several weeks to months). Some offer both, and tailor treatment to the patient's individual requirements.

Intensive Outpatient

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) are for those who want or need a very structured treatment program but who also wish to live at home and continue with certain responsibilities (such as work or school). IOP substance abuse treatment programs vary in duration and intensity, and certain outpatient rehab centers will offer individualized treatment programs.

Aftercare Support

Rehab aftercare programs offer customized, wraparound support for clients in the maintenance phase of recovery. Many clients enroll in drug rehab immediately after completing intensive inpatient or residential care. Services encompass outpatient treatment but often extend long beyond the completion of a formal recovery program and typically include a variety of medical, mental health, and social service programs. Peer coaching, relapse prevention, 12 step program induction, and related services are commonly available.

12-Step

Recovery models based on 12 step programs feature extensive peer coaching and emphasize personal growth as a key to sustained sobriety. Regular attendance at 12 step meetings, which are anonymous, free, and available daily, is expected. The 12 steps of recovery are based on spiritual principles and support participants in addressing the root causes of their disease, accept responsibility for their choices, and accept that which is beyond their control. Self-selected sponsors provide one-one-mentoring.

Sober Living Homes

Sober Living Houses (SLHs), aka sober homes or halfway houses, are safe, substance-free, supportive living facilities for those recovering from substance abuse. Ideal for those who've just been through inpatient or outpatient treatment, SLHs are supervised environments with rules that support sobriety, such as curfews, shared chores, and therapeutic meetings. Residents are also often trained on life skills and coping skills to make it easier to transition into society. SLHs also provide a strong sense of community that can lead to the kind of deep and lasting connections with other sober individuals that supports a new, healthy lifestyle.

Intervention Services

A drug intervention in Massachusetts provides friends and family the opportunity to share how a person's substance use has caused problems in their lives. The goal of the intervention is to encourage the person to get the treatment they need. Most rehab facilities offer intervention services that can help families prepare for the intervention and facilitate entry into treatment if the person agrees to get help.

Partial Hospitalization Program

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a short-term form of intensive rehab, usually for those with acute symptoms that are hard to manage but don’t require 24-hour care. PHPs have structured programming (i.e. individual and/or group therapy), and usually meet 3-5 days a week for around 6 hours (i.e. 9am-3m). Some PHPs are residential (patients sleep on site) and some are not, so patients sleep at home. PHPs can last from 1-6 months, and some offer transportation and meals.

24-Hour Clinical Care

Due to various health issues that substance abuse causes, 24-hour clinical care in Massachusetts is often a necessary part of treatment. Individuals may be suffering from infections, illness, or organ damage. Having 24-hour care available ensures that these physical problems are treated along with the psychological effects of addiction. Once individuals complete detox and are medically stable, this intensive level of supervision ends, and the next phase of treatment can begin.

Medically Assisted Detox

Medically supervised detox is the process of removing addictive substances from your body and managing the withdrawal symptoms in a medically supervised environment. Typically, this is the first step in the recovery process and lasts an average of 5-7 days, though the length can vary depending on your individual needs. Once your system is cleared of alcohol and drugs, you'll likely transition to an inpatient treatment program for the next phase of your recovery.

Treatments

Many of those suffering from addiction also suffer from mental or emotional illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety disorders. Rehab and other substance abuse facilities treating those with a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder administer psychiatric treatment to address the person's mental health issue in addition to drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

Mental health rehabs focus on helping individuals recover from mental illnesses like bipolar disorder, clinical depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and more. Mental health professionals at these facilities are trained to understand and treat mental health issues, both in individual and group settings.

Programs

Adult Program

Adult rehab programs include therapies tailored to each client's specific needs, goals, and recovery progress. They are tailored to the specific challenges adult clients may face, including family and work pressures and commitments. From inpatient and residential treatment to various levels of outpatient services, there are many options available. Some facilities also help adults work through co-occurring conditions, like anxiety, that can accompany addiction.

Young Adult Program

Young adulthood can be an exciting, yet difficult, time of transition. Individuals in their late teens to mid-20s face unique stressors related to school, jobs, families, and social circles, which can lead to a rise in substance use. Rehab centers with dedicated young adult programs will include activities and amenities that cater to this age group, with an emphasis on specialized counseling, peer socialization, and ongoing aftercare.

LGBTQ Program

Recovery is most successful when clients feel accepted and validated by their peers and treatment providers. Facilities that offer LGBTQ-inclusive programming are committed to creating a safe space where everyone can grow and recover without fear of judgment or discrimination. They will have dedicated policies in place to create a safe and supportive environment that fosters free expression.

Military Program

Serving in the military is both mentally and physically challenging, and can result in trauma that persists even after combat ends. Military programs are tailored to the specific and often complex needs of active duty personnel, veterans, and military families. Clients often access these programs through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Clinical Services

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a therapy modality that focuses on the relationship between one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is used to establish and allow for healthy responses to thoughts and feelings (instead of unhealthy responses, like using drugs or alcohol). CBT has been proven effective for recovering addicts of all kinds, and is used to strengthen a patient's own self-awareness and ability to self-regulate. CBT allows individuals to monitor their own emotional state, become more adept at communicating with others, and manage stress without needing to engage in substance abuse.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a modified form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a treatment designed to help people understand and ultimately affect the relationship between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. DBT is often used for individuals who struggle with self-harm behaviors, such as self-mutilation (cutting) and suicidal thoughts, urges, or attempts. It has been proven clinically effective for those who struggle with out-of-control emotions and mental health illnesses like Borderline Personality Disorder.

Group therapy is any therapeutic work that happens in a group (not one-on-one). There are a number of different group therapy modalities, including support groups, experiential therapy, psycho-education, and more. Group therapy involves treatment as well as processing interaction between group members.

In individual therapy, a patient meets one-on-one with a trained psychologist or counselor. Therapy is a pivotal part of effective substance abuse treatment, as it often covers root causes of addiction, including challenges faced by the patient in their social, family, and work/school life.

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a clinical approach to helping people with substance abuse issues and other conditions shift behavior in positive ways. It is more goal-oriented than traditional psychotherapy, as MI counselors directly attempt to get clients to consider making behavioral change (rather than wait for them to come to conclusions themselves). Its primary purpose is to resolve ambivalence and help clients become able to make healthy choices freely.

Trauma therapy addresses traumatic incidents from a client's past that are likely affecting their present-day experience. Trauma is often one of the primary triggers and potential causes of addiction, and can stem from child sexual abuse, domestic violence, having a parent with a mental illness, losing one or both parents at a young age, teenage or adult sexual assault, or any number of other factors. The purpose of trauma therapy is to allow a patient to process trauma and move through and past it, with the help of trained and compassionate mental health professionals.

Whether a marriage or other committed relationship, an intimate partnership is one of the most important aspects of a person's life. Drug and alcohol addiction affects both members of a couple in deep and meaningful ways, as does rehab and recovery. Couples therapy and other couples-focused treatment programs are significant parts of exploring triggers of addiction, as well as learning how to build healthy patterns to support ongoing sobriety.

Research clearly demonstrates that recovery is far more successful and sustainable when loved ones like family members participate in rehab and substance abuse treatment. Genetic factors may be at play when it comes to drug and alcohol addiction, as well as mental health issues. Family dynamics often play a critical role in addiction triggers, and if properly educated, family members can be a strong source of support when it comes to rehabilitation.

Life skills trainings involve all the skills a person must have in order to function successfully in the world. These include time management, career guidance, money management, and effective communication. Truly successful addiction recovery is based on the ability to not only live substance-free, but to thrive. Life skills teaches the practical necessities of functioning in society, which sets clients up for success in life, and therefore sobriety.

Nutrition therapy, aka medical nutrition therapy (MNT), is a way of treating physical, emotional, and medical conditions through diet. Specific dietary plans are designed by professional nutritionists or registered dietitians, and patients follow them in order to positively affect their physical and mental health.

Recreational therapy helps you as you recover from drug and alcohol addiction in Massachusetts by giving you structured activities to improve your physical and mental health. By participating in sports, creative arts, or nature activities, you have a positive outlet for emotions and stress that may have otherwise triggered alcohol or drug use. This helps to foster a healthy sober lifestyle.

Creativity is inherently healing, and can help those in recovery express thoughts or feelings they might not otherwise be able to. Creative arts therapy can include music, poetry/writing, painting, sculpting, dance, theater, sandplay, and more. Unlike traditional art, the final product matters far less than the experience of creation and expression itself.

The best time for nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in Massachusetts is the moment you quit. You can start this therapy right away to lessen cravings and withdrawal symptoms, so the process is easier. Research has shown that NRT increases the chances of success. Options include patches, gum, inhalers, sprays, and lozenges.

Amenities

Yoga Studio
Residential Setting
Private Rooms

Staff & Accreditations

Staff

Seda Ebrahimi, Ph.D.

Founder and Director of the Cambridge Eating Disorder Center

Alfredo R. Martija, MD, ABPN

Medical Director

Laura Brien, LICSW

Program Director

Accreditations

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1992 by congress, SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on American's communities.

SAMHSA Listed: Yes

The Joint Commission, formerly known as JCAHO, is a nonprofit organization that accredits rehab organizations and programs. Founded in 1951, the Joint Commision's mission is to improve the quality of patient care and demonstrating the quality of patient care.

Joint Commission Accreditation: Yes
Accreditation Number: 439548

Contact Information

(617) 547-2255

Website

3 Bow Street
Cambridge, MA 02138

Get Help Now - 617-862-0388

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Reviews of Cambridge Eating Disorder Center – CEDC

2.5/5 (50 reviews)

Google Reviews

2.5 (50 reviews)

1 month ago

Response from the owner

2 months ago

Ball

4 months ago

I went they gave me a lot of phone time token of over something’s I couldn’t control like burping and piggy pile and we can’t do nothing it’s so boring they don’t care about anything there really strict now I went for 9 weeks and it didn’t help it made me even worse right now I’m struggling with my eating disorder now but yet again I had to go again for one week and then they kicked me out bc I had my phone and they wouldn’t let me get my charger

Ayla Kelsh

5 months ago

this place is horrible. I’m 15 years old, on the adolescent floor. And I was sent here back in December for the first time. The first few days they’re really nice, but when you been staying there it gets horrible. You get in trouble for everything and not to mention u have to fill out a behavioral packet. The food is disgusting and doesn’t help when someone is struggling with food already. I was then sent here again about a week ago. and this place feels like prison now. It got much worst u can barley do crafts, they took away the markers, pencils . there is nothing to do but stare at a wall or go to sleep. I was then sent out of here by ambulance ( my parents didn’t even know I was going there until I got to the hospital with a RC then they got a call. due to not eating for 48 hours!! They have a 24 hour policy were they would send you but it took them 48 hours. I wasn’t in good condition when I got the hospital let’s just say that. I’ll never be the same person from what cedc did to me. it feels like prison people would get in trouble all day long because there was nothing to do. save yourself don’t go here!!!

Keryn Grace

6 months ago

All my life I had struggled with a complex eating disorder. 4 years ago I was pregnant and knew I needed to seek help for the health of my baby and me. I was on waitlists with inpatient facilities who never called me, even after a trip to the ER regarding my eating disorder. After 2-3 months of seeking help with no success, a friend recommended this place so I gave it a try (despite it being residential and not inpatient). They took me in almost right away but they definitely were not equipped to handle a pregnant patient. The doctor would literally Google certain things regarding my treatment/medication/etc and would refuse to do anything for my iron levels which were low. As a result I was exhausted constantly and could barely participate in groups some days. I got written up for accidentally napping through one of the groups which is understandable to an extent, though I was basically begging the doctor to do something to help with the constant fatigue so I almost felt let down by my team. Another morning while eating breakfast, I was suddenly asked to leave by an inexperienced RC who claimed, in front of everyone, that I wasn’t participating in my meal (I was actively eating when she asked me to leave) - I was then written up for not eating, but I refused to sign the write up for obvious reasons. Honestly I gave up after that, I did not feel I could trust them with my care and left AMA very soon after that incident. I will say they made sure I was set up with providers in the outside world before I was released 72 hours later, which was helpful, but I was honestly disappointed overall. I am definitely grateful for the care that I *did* receive, and it definitely started my recovery in that period of time, but they certainly were not equipped to handle a complex case such as mine (not necessarily on them, as again they’re residential and not inpatient). I also felt the little breakfast incident with the RC, who I heard later down the line did not last very long in the facility, was extremely damaging and really threw a wrench in my recovery through CEDC. Fortunately I got in with a PHP through another facility shortly after discharge, and later gave birth to my child. She was a bit early, but otherwise healthy and is thriving today. I will never know for sure how else things would’ve gone if I never got *any* kind of treatment, regardless of how good or bad it may have been. Having a complex eating disorder on top of being pregnant was a challenge enough for me, let alone a residential facility that focuses more on typical eating disorders and not-pregnant patients. I think what helped me best was the structure as well as being able to prep our own meals certain nights (which was optional! Not required). With the structure I was able to nourish regularly, which obviously I struggled with greatly in the outside world due to my illness. We also had groups every weekday at CEDC, and from those I learned some useful skills that I still apply to my daily life, such as certain DBT skills. As of about a year ago I have recovered from my disorder and have been working towards building a healthier and safer life for myself, as well as be a positive role model to my children. Recognizing that you need help is the first step to recovery.

Sarah

7 months ago

Considering the fact that I told my psychiatrist that I had pretty severe SI and she did not help and did not take action - rather, she laughed. She LAUGHED AT ME. You know what she said? “There’s no way you could have SI - if you did, you would’ve found a way to [follow through]” and that by asking for help I was looking for attention and how I was a bad person for faking having SI. And also the fact that I was told I’d be thrown out on the street because I wouldn’t shut up - due to a panic attack - and I’d have to arrange for someone to pick me up and they wouldn’t help me. Did I mention all of this happened when I was barely 15? Considering all of that - I don’t think I would willingly return to CEDC.

S J

9 months ago

The PHP program in NH was no help to me, very disorganized, chaotic, they change the program every day, mixed adolescence with adults, had to demand to have my basic vitals taken which they then changed their policy about, did not meet with a counselor/ social worker regularly, they never spoke to any of my outside providers in the almost three weeks I was there and didn’t even care enough to provide a call or email back when I became sick enough to end up in the ER and then chose to drop out. Mind you I was bawling my eyes out when I left the voicemail choosing to do this. I have since been psychiatrically involuntarily hospitalized and am now going inpatient and residential to a different facility that my insurance is coordinating after they told me my insurance wasn’t approving many more days. Funny? That’s how sick i became. All cause their program didn’t/refused to help and coordinate with other providers and judge. I have heard from other professionals in the community that I am not the first client to try this program and use the words chaotic and disorganized and not be helped. I would give it zero stars if I could. Please do better as there is no other ED treatment in NH especially for those with certain insurance.

Marley Midkiff

10 months ago

Eating disorder treatment was honestly the hardest thing I've ever had to endure in my life, but at the same time, CEDC is also one of the best things that ever happened to me. I have a lot to say about this place — it's definitely not perfect, and I have some suggestions — but overall, I'm so so grateful for everything this place has done for me. I was in CEDC's residential facility on the adolescent floor (ages 12-18) from October 2023 to January 2024, so some of this commentary might be outdated! First of all, the place was very clean and cozy. There were cleaners daily, and the whole place was generally very homey. I also adored the community there. The RC's (residential counselors) were all so sweet. I still think about them all the time. They were typically college-aged and so fun to talk to. None of them were ever unkind to me, and I instantly became friends with most of them. The other kids who were there at the same time as me were AMAZING. We have a huge group chat now, and still FaceTime and text to this day. We are planning a fun Thanksgiving reunion, and I can't want to see them. It was such a blessing and a privilege to be able to heal with these people. However, if everyone there is isolating/struggling and not ready to heal, that can also impact your recovery. I was lucky to be there with people who were motivated and friendly, which may not always be the case. The group room was also about as great as you can ask for. It's a common area for patients to hang out all day (at least, from 7 AM to 11 PM). There was a TV, couches, a big table with chairs, cards, board games, art projects and other crafts. I spent almost all of my time in the group room with the others, just because there was always something to do. There are also lots of blankets, and it's generally a very living room-esque area that I loved hanging out with the others in. I also loved the food. There's an extensive list of snacks to choose from, and if you ever want something else, you can request it on your menu, and the dietitians will purchase it for you! I did this whenever I was craving certain snacks from home that I loved. You can even ask for milkshakes/smoothies, and once you have permission to help prep your snacks, you can add any toppings you want! My friends and I would often order milkshakes on the same days so that we could decorate them in the kitchen together. You can also help prep your own meals sometimes on the weekends, and even cook/bake with Joan! Meals were always fun (though a bit lengthy), and the group typically chats and plays games (wavelength, 20 questions, etc). If you're not in the mood for that, the RC who is sitting in to monitor will put on some music and everyone can relax and eat. There was a range in the amount of kids on the adolescent floor, and for a while there was about 4-6 of us, though later on in my stay there ended up being about 7-8. I only had a roommate toward the end of my stay - for the majority of my time there, I had my own space, which was great. Here are my suggestions. First of all, I really wanted more time with my family. You had an hour-long visit each week, you could earn an extra hour or two per week by eating, and I also had an opportunity to call home each day during tech time. This may seem like a lot, but only being able to hug my parents once or twice a week was really rough and I felt very isolated. I also think that CEDC is all about healing your relationship with food, which is great, but since they don't "force" you to eat like at other treatment centers, it can allow patients to listen to their eating disorders a bit. In the end, it benefitted me because I made the journey on my own without it being shoved down my throat, which made it more impactful, but sometimes those who are very sick just need to eat. The reliance on self-accountability can allow patients to perpetuate those behaviors if they don't want to heal yet. FINAL NOTE: don't listen to all the horrible one-star reviews!! If you have extra questions, email me at marleym1@icloud.com and I'll share!

Dear Marley, thank you for your valuable feedback about your time at Cambridge Eating Disorder Center. We are delighted to have played a positive role in your healing journey. Your suggestions are appreciated as we continuously strive to enhance our food services. Your words mean a lot to us!

Sienna Roberts

11 months ago

Horrible… awful and short staff. Very small and could only go outside if eating all meals and snacks…. I remember one girl was there for FIVE months and never went outside… horrible treatment and many who went there relapsed. Disgusting

Sophie Simons

1 year ago

I was at CEDC residential from November 2023-February 2024, and while I have a lot of complicated feelings about the program, I can say that I would recommend it in a lot of ways, especially for those who are spending their first time in treatment. The milieu is usually pretty small (max 12, but in my opinion when it gets over around 7 it becomes really chaotic and the facility doesn't really have the resources to cover it) so it really is community-based and depends on who is there (this is true for many other treatment centers). Some good things about CEDC are: the food is usually very good (all cooked by Joan!), many of the RCs are incredible, you get your phone all day, most of the case managers are extremely well equipped and the program director is genuinely phenomenal and cares so much about the patients and the unit (I cannot say enough positive things about her to adequately express how beneficial she was to my stay). I had a largely positive experience there and much can be attributed to the staff and program director, and the milieu I was in for most of my stay. I made many positive relationships in my time there which helped me further my recovery journey. Some uniquely challenging things about CEDC are: extremely limited weekend support, not a lot of support or understanding with interpersonal conflict, basically everything goes into contraband (but you can get approved into your team), and many of the options for psychiatrists are less than ideal. The passes are very limited and it is hard to get some meaningful time outside, especially for those on the adolescent floor. The main hardship I faced at CEDC was that some elements of the program made it extremely easy to continue using behaviors, especially if you have a restrictive eating disorder. For many patients, the expectation of completion is individualized to an almost detrimental point, at least in what I've seen, where it can allow patients to listen to their eating disorders a lot in meal times, especially as you are allowed to leave the kitchen if you feel like you cannot make any more progress. I think that while accountability is always a part of treatment or recovery, some elements of the program (like leaving the kitchen or being able to return to your room directly after the meal) require a lot more self accountability than many people suffering with EDs can handle, especially in the beginning. It is easy to fall into a competition mindset and hard to pull yourself into a recovery-oriented headspace depending on the conditions of the milieu you arrive in. My experience at CEDC was my first time in any treatment, and I would definitely not say that I regret it being my first treatment center. Although the groups get repetitive if you've been there for over a month, they are really helpful in building up a foundation of DBT and CBT especially if you have no background in it. *I would also like to note that if you are scrolling through these Google Reviews, please remember that most people write these reviews immediately upon leaving and many are biased. I have been a patient alongside many people who have left reviews, and can say from personal experience and observation that many are biased and inaccurate. Most, if not all, of the staff at CEDC genuinely cares for everyone, regardless of identity and many perspectives shared in reviews can be harmful to those looking at the program. It is hard to distinguish whether people dislike a specific treatment center or if their eating disorders are fighting back at the concept of recovery such that they blame the center. There are good parts and bad parts to everyone's treatment experience in any place, so keep that in mind as you consider which is the best fit for you or your loved ones!

Sofia Rose

I was only here a week and experienced nothing but harassment and bullying since I arrived. I came here 5 years ago and had only left due to my own lack of compliance. I remembered it as a positive and loving environment but now it is everything but that. The staff is literally all in their 20’s and are glorified babysitters. They enable behaviors and disorders to the point of triggering other patients. They have been disrespectful and rude to me since I arrived only a week ago. A patient became obsessed with bullying me past the community and somehow found my personal social media accounts, and was not apparently breaking HIPPA by doing so. I verbalized constantly that I was feeling harassed by this patient and they continued to do nothing about it and blamed it on me. It’s much easier to call the POC “aggressive” than admit your whole staff and patients are racist. If you’re a POC this environment is not safe for you, I haven’t been eating because of the constant stress. They have made me thinner than when I arrived. They should be shut down immediately, and should be ashamed of themselves. They also denied my roommate who is in dire need of a higher level of care, any help. They’re evil. No one can get better in a toxic environment.

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Date Submitted

Last 6 months
Last 12 months
Last 2 years
2+ years