The Big Picture
Eating disorders are serious, life-threatening mental health conditions—not phases or lifestyle choices. In recent years, providers have seen sharp increases in eating disorders alongside rises in self-harm and suicide risk among young people, and Utah has faced especially alarming trends. The need is growing, but too many people still don’t seek treatment soon enough.
What’s Happening
Center for Change, an eating-disorder treatment provider based in Orem, is expanding care to meet increasing demand. The organization treats patients from across the country and offers multiple levels of care in one place—supporting people who need intensive, medically supported treatment as well as those who need structured programs while still living at home.
They currently operate 66 inpatient beds and plan to add 36 more by the end of the year. Beyond inpatient treatment, the center also provides residential services for adults and adolescents, a fully accredited on-site high school so students can stay on track, day treatment (PHP) for those needing intensive support during the day, intensive outpatient care (IOP), and traditional outpatient services.
Why It Matters
Eating disorders have one of the highest mortality rates among psychiatric illnesses, making timely, comprehensive care critical. But stigma and misunderstanding can delay treatment—sometimes until symptoms become severe. Expanding capacity and offering a full continuum of services reduces barriers for patients and families, helps people access the right level of care sooner, and supports longer-term recovery.
It also matters that this type of care is delivered by teams with deep commitment to the mission—many staff are drawn to the work because of personal or family experience, which can shape a culture of empathy and persistence for patients who may feel ashamed, afraid, or uncertain about recovery.
The Bottom Line
Eating disorders are deadly—but treatable—and the demand for care is rising. Center for Change is expanding beds and offering end-to-end treatment options to help more people get the right care at the right time, improving outcomes for individuals and families across Utah and beyond.