Eating disorder recovery is the journey home to your true self.
Learn more about our program from Dr. Anita Johnston, PhD, CEDS, our Director of Eating Disorder Programming.
What is Anorexia?
Anorexia nervosa is a severe eating disorder characterized by extreme restriction of food intake, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image. It can affect individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, often resulting in serious physical, mental, and emotional health challenges.
Due to the profound impact of anorexia, effective treatment centers must address not only the nutritional and medical needs but also the psychological and emotional aspects of the disorder.
Anorexia Signs and Symptoms
Recognizing anorexia early can be vital to successful treatment.
Common signs and symptoms of anorexia include:
- Physical symptoms: Significant weight loss, fatigue, dizziness, and brittle hair and nails.
- Behavioral signs: Extreme food restriction, obsession with calories, and avoidance of meals.
- Emotional indicators: Intense fear of weight gain, body dissatisfaction, and social withdrawal.
Want to learn more? Talk with a professional today.
Our Anorexia Treatment Programs
At ‘Ai Pono Hawaii, we offer multiple levels of care to meet diverse needs. Each program is carefully designed to support recovery based on each individual’s circumstances.
Residential Anorexia Treatment
Our comprehensive anorexia residential treatment is designed for women with nutritional, medical, and therapeutic needs, supported 24/7 by our compassionate team. Individual therapy sessions occur two to three times weekly, with group and family support sessions to strengthen the recovery journey.
Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP)
Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is open to all genders and includes up to 3.5 hours of therapy daily. This flexible option offers individual therapy, nutrition education, and meal support, and it is available in person or virtually for Hawaii residents.
Currently available virtually for Hawaii residents.
Why Choose ‘Ai Pono Hawaii for Anorexia Treatment?
With over 35 years of experience in eating disorder treatment, ‘Ai Pono Hawaii is one of the most trusted treatment centers for anorexia. Led by Dr. Anita Johnston, a leader in eating disorder therapy, we provide evidence-based, compassionate care that emphasizes holistic recovery and long-term wellness.
Here are the top reasons why you or your loved one can trust ‘Ai Pono Hawaii as your anorexia nervosa treatment center:
Proven Success
Our commitment to holistic care and individualized treatment plans has helped hundreds of people recover from anorexia, bulimia, and other eating disorders. Our approach combines expert guidance with therapeutic and recreational activities that empower clients to reclaim their lives.
Inclusive and Accessible Care
Our center is inclusive and supportive, welcoming people of all backgrounds. We accept major insurance plans, including Hawaii State Medicaid, and offer specialized support for veterans and military families through Tricare.
Comprehensive Holistic Care
Our programs include a wide range of therapeutic and cultural activities to help you or a loved one connect deeply with themselves. Holistic therapies such as Hawaiian cultural groups, narrative therapy, mindfulness practices, and horticultural therapy create a truly transformative experience. For those with trauma, we provide trauma-informed care, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and somatic therapy.
Tranquil Setting for Healing
Nestled in a peaceful Maui location, our center provides a serene environment ideal for intensive, immersive healing. We incorporate Hawaiian cultural elements into our programs, offering activities like lei-making, ukulele lessons, and Hawaiian cooking classes, allowing clients to find healing in both body and spirit.
Our Anorexia Treatment Center’s Programs
‘Ai Pono Hawaii, we recognize the myriad of challenges faced by people who suffer from an eating disorder. In addition to social stigma, there are health risks, relationship troubles, and psychological effects that can negatively affect a person’s quality of life. Fortunately, our anorexia nervosa treatment center offers several treatment options for patients who are ready to embark on the journey to recovery.
Below are our available programs, each of which has its own unique set of advantages (Note: The best type of program for you or your loved one is dependent on your specific needs and situation and as part of our comprehensive pre-admissions process, we offer free phone assessments in order to determine what level of care is most appropriate for each patient’s presenting needs):
Residential Anorexia Treatment
As one of the world’s best anorexia treatment centers, ‘Ai Pono Hawaii offers a truly holistic residential anorexia treatment for women that focuses on addressing patients’ nutritional, medical, and therapeutic needs. Our competent staff are available 24/7 to provide individual support for patients. We offer one-on-one psychotherapy sessions two to three times every week, as well as trauma treatment. For better therapy outcomes, we recommend enlisting the participation of each patient’s family and/or other loved ones in their recovery process.
*This program has resumed normal operations. For more information, please read our latest COVID-19 guidelines.
INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT TREATMENT (IOp)
Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a unique treatment type offered to people of all genders who are struggling with anorexia nervosa or other eating disorders. This program is done for a maximum of 3.5 hours every day and involves various individual services: individual and group psychotherapy, nutrition education, and optional meal support three (3) to seven (7) days per week (based on the patient’s unique requirements). We provide our IOP both in-person in our Maui anorexia nervosa treatment center as well as virtually for all Hawaii residents.
*As of this time, this program is only available virtually for residents of Hawaii.
Benefits of Residential Anorexia Treatment
Our residential program provides immersive, comprehensive support for those facing anorexia, with typical stays of 45-60 days for focused healing.
Key Benefits:
- Intensive, Comprehensive Care – Residential treatment offers an immersive approach that enhances recovery outcomes and reduces relapse risk.
- 24/7 Expert Support – Round-the-clock access to specialists offers constant guidance and a supportive community for steady progress.
- Peaceful Setting – Our serene Maui location removes daily stressors, allowing full focus on recovery.
- Higher Success Rates—Residential care’s intensity often leads to stronger, longer-lasting recovery, especially for those needing deeper support.
Residential treatment requires time, cost, and emotional commitment, but these investments often lead to meaningful, lasting change.
Connecting to a Trusted Recovery Ohana at ‘Ai Pono Anorexia Treatment Center
At ‘Ai Pono Hawaii, we invite you or a loved one to join our recovery ohana—a supportive family on the path to healing. Our center, located on the serene island of Maui, provides comprehensive anorexia treatment in a compassionate, nurturing environment designed to honor each individual’s unique journey.
We treat the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—combining expert medical, nutritional, and therapeutic care to address the full range of anorexia’s psychological and emotional complexities. Our experienced team empowers clients to understand the underlying motivations behind their eating behaviors and develop healthier, more sustainable coping skills through personalized treatment plans that include individual, group, and family sessions.
Whether seeking residential or intensive outpatient care, including virtual options, each patient finds a tranquil setting at ‘Ai Pono, where compassionate support and expert guidance inspire lasting change. Join our recovery ohana and take the first step toward a renewed connection to yourself.
To learn more about anorexia treatment on Maui, contact our team today.