Who will benefit from ED-IFT?
Family therapy has been shown to be a powerful intervention for adolescents with both anorexia nervosa and restricting type atypical eating disorder presentations. Our team has worked extensively in developing cutting edge developments in the treatment of eating disorders, and our ED-IFT program is available to adolescents up to age 19 who have a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa or another restricting type eating disorder.
How do I ensure that my child is appropriate for ED-IFT?
ED-IFT is designed for adolescents up to age 19 with a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa, atypical anorexia nervosa, or another restricting type eating disorder. We will conduct a phone screen and coordinate with your local providers to ensure appropriateness for this program. In addition, a battery of medical tests will need to be completed by your child’s local physician within 7 days prior to the start date and faxed to our medical director for review. Adolescents must receive clearance from our medical director to ensure medical stability for outpatient treatment prior to attending ED-IFT.
Where can my family stay?
Lodging and accommodations
If you are traveling from out of town, you will need to find a temporary “home” for the week of ED-IFT. Families who are local to the Bay Area (but live outside of San Francisco) also sometimes decide to find lodging for the week to minimize the additional stress of daily travel. The ED-IFT program takes place at 675 18th Street in the Nancy Friend Pritzker Psychiatry Building located in the Dog Patch neighborhood. Some families choose to stay nearby whereas others choose to stay in areas of the city with more activities. Please keep in mind that if you stay further away, you will need to plan enough time for travel to our location. Most families use app-based taxi services or the public transportation system to get here. Valet parking is also available to patients during regular operating hours, M-F from 8am-5pm. The entrance to the garage is on 3rd Street.
Lodging
When booking, inquire about UCSF discounts or special rates that are available at some establishments. Please see below a list of resources to help you plan for your stay. Many families choose to stay in a rental apartment through one of the venues below so that they have access to a refrigerator and kitchen for the week. You will also have access to a refrigerator and pantry during program hours to store food for the week.
These listings are based solely on information provided by the managers and owners of the guest apartments and houses, bed & breakfasts, hotels and motels listed in this guide. These listings are not affiliated in any manner with UCSF. UCSF does not investigate, endorse, or guarantee the accommodations listed. It is advisable to conduct your own research prior to making final commitments.
Airbnb lists apartments, homes, and rooms available for rent (economical options available)
Vrbo lists houses that are available to rent for short-term stays
Trip Advisor provides hotel and motel reviews
How can I get around while in San Francisco?
Ground Transportation
Lyft and Uber are app based taxi-type services. Download either app and request a car from anywhere.
SF Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA)
Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART)
Rental cars are always an option
Where can we buy food?
There are many markets, grocery stores, and places to dine near UCSF’s Mission Bay Campus, and the surrounding San Francisco area. Click here to explore a map of nearby grocery options and here for nearby restaurants.
Will insurance cover this program?
UCSF is currently contracted with the following health insurance providers for this service:
- Blue Cross
- Cigna
- Kaiser
- Managed Health Network
- MultiPlan
- Optum/United Behavioral Health
If your plan is not listed above, we may attempt an individual agreement with your specific insurance company, including Aetna (contracts pending).
For more information, please email our ED-IFT Program Coordinator at [email protected] to learn about coverage under your health insurance plan. They can verify your benefits and provide you with a courtesy financial consultation to review specific costs.
How can I enroll?
Coordinating schedules and housing for a week-long intensive treatment program with your family can be a challenging experience, particularly in a new city and while trying to manage a life threatening or chronic illness. Enrollment for the upcoming round of ED-IFT from March 25-29th is now closed. Feel free to email our program coordinator at [email protected] to learn more and share your family's information for future dates.