Services we provide
When someone comes to CREDS there are several options available. Not all options will be suitable for all people. Some will depend on age, the type of eating disorder they have and their physical health.
Please note that we are not an emergency service. After office hours, if you are worried about your own health or that of a family member or friend with an eating disorder, you should contact a doctor, an after-hours medical centre or your local Community Assessment Treatment (CAT) Team.
Counselling and Therapy
Our qualified registered therapists can provide individual, group or family therapy. The most common form of therapy received by clients of CREDS is individual therapy. If a person is under 18 and living at home we will recommend family therapy in all cases.
For people with bulimia or compulsive eating we offer group therapy. The group runs for 10 weeks and is run 1 or 2 times a year.
Clinical Services
Doctor: Some people may need to see a doctor to have their physical health checked out.
Dietitian: Our dietitian educates people about healthy eating and nutrition, as well as monitoring the person’s weight and eating patterns.
Psychiatrist: Our psychiatrist is available to carry out psychiatric assessments, and in some cases prescribe medication.
Social Worker: Our social worker can assist clients to access appropriate supports while they have their eating disorder. They help clients to identify the support systems available to them, as well as their resources and strengths.
Day Programme
The day programme provides the residents and community based clients with an intensive programme of psychotherapy, group work, recreation, gentle exercise, meals and support five days a week. It is run in a supportive environment to assist people with eating disorders to regulate and normalise eating behaviours and address underlying issues.
The programme includes a range of therapies, which are aimed at helping clients to understand their own issues more fully. These enable individuals to challenge social values and belief systems and to realise self-healing. Using small group sessions the day programme looks at past and present behaviours as well as coping strategies. It builds on previous skills and introduces new ways of coping. The programme is designed to support the individual through peer and staff support.
The number of days each client attends is flexible and will be decided in consultation with the individual and staff.
Residential Services
The six-bed residence provides a warm, welcoming and homely environment for clients and their visitors. When a client comes into the residence they initially start with a two week-assessment and stay on average for six months, although it is not unusual for someone to stay for up to year or even to be re-admitted after a period of time away. The residential stay is often only part of the journey of recovery.
All residential clients have their own room, will participate in the day programme and undertake individual therapy. The residence operates 7 days a week and is covered with 24 hour nurse care.
Library and Handouts
We have a small library for client use. You need to come into the service to check books out. We have an extensive range of handouts and articles available, on a wide range of topics.
Education and Training
We have a Health Educator who can deliver education and training to health and helping professionals in the greater Wellington area. Please click here for further information about this service.
Cost
The Central Region Eating Disorder Service (CREDS) is operated by the Hutt Valley District Health Board, and belongs to the Child and Adolescent Family Service. The services described above are available to residents in the greater Wellington region, and those who meet the services entry criteria can receive counselling, clinical services and the day programme free of charge.