Frequently Asked Questions

1. How is the ‘Ai Pono Program different from other programs?
2. What is your rate of success in treating people with eating disorders?
3. What if I am currently in individual treatment?
4. What is the cost of the ‘Ai Pono Program and is it covered by insurance?
5. What if I need to miss a day of treatment?
6. How do I enroll in ‘Ai Pono?

1.) How is the ‘Ai Pono Program different from other programs?
‘Ai Pono is the only comprehensive intensive outpatient program (IOP) in Hawaii that addresses the psychological, behavioral, and physical aspects of eating disorders. Our group treatment sessions are scheduled in the late afternoon/early evening to help minimize the disruption of daily activities such as school, work, and family responsibilities. Our staff is comprised of a caring, committed group of professionals, all of whom have received extensive training and supervision in the understanding and treatment of eating disorders, and many of whom have had their own recovery experiences. The program is based on the recovery concepts outlined in the book, Eating in the Light of the Moon, by founder and director, Dr. Anita Johnston.

2.) What is your rate of success in treating people with eating disorders?
A recent study conducted on the effectiveness of the ‘Ai Pono Program compared the scores obtained from clients on the Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI) prior to entering the program with their scores upon discharge. In this study, all scales measured by the EDI showed statistically significant improvement. While this does not guarantee your complete recovery by the time of discharge, it does demonstrate the effectiveness the ‘Ai Pono philosophy and treatment approach.

3.) What if I am currently in individual treatment?
At ‘Ai Pono, we honor the relationships that you may have formed previously with your physician, psychologist, or counselor, and we welcome their professional input into treatment and discharge planning. Clients who suffer with related problems such as depression and anxiety often continue to receive treatment with their individual providers even while they are in the ‘Ai Pono program.

4.) What is the cost of the ‘Ai Pono Program and is it covered by insurance?
The cost of the ‘Ai Pono program is $275 per treatment day. This is a comprehensive fee that covers all services. You health insurance will likely cover a significant portion of these costs. We are a participating provider with HMSA and Kaiser, whose policies typically cover 80%-100% of the costs of treatment. Other insurance carriers should provide similar coverage. Our costs are far less than what you would expect to pay for residential care. Self-payment plans are available by request. We also accept MasterCard and Visa payments.

5.) What if I need to miss a day of treatment?
Clients are requested to provide 24-hour notice of cancellation, such as in the event of a school or work conflict. We will not charge for properly cancelled appointments or appointments missed due to medical emergencies. However, no insurance claims can be filed for appointments not appropriately cancelled and payment for missed appointments (“no show”) is fully the responsibility of the client.

6.) How do I enroll in ‘Ai Pono?
Individuals interested in attending the ‘Ai Pono treatment program are invited to call us at 808-540-1001. We will then schedule an intake appointment with a staff psychologist who will evaluate your appropriateness and readiness for the program, answer any questions you might have, and explain the necessary intake paperwork (which includes a medical clearance form to be filled out by your personal physician).