A New Year Message
Judy Scheel, Ph.D., LCSW
Executive Director and Founder, Cedar Associates
Research at Cedar Associates
In 2009 we began a joint research project with Fordham University to examine the use and efficacy of Attachment Theory in the treatment of patients with eating disorders. A quantitative and qualitative portion of the study will be conducted. Data collection will begin in the early part of 2010 and we look forward to reporting our results. We trust we shall make a contribution to the research of eating disorders and are excited and grateful for our collaboration with Fordham University.
Programs at Cedar Associates
We are pleased to continue our low cost monthly support groups for both patients and family members (two separate groups). Please click on our link to our website for the dates and times of the groups for 2010. Reservations are required at least 48 hours before the start of a group to ensure your place(s).
Publicliations at Cedar Associates
Judy Scheel, Ph.D., LCSW, Executive Director and Founder of Cedar Associates will have her book published by Idyll Arbor Press, Inc. The book’s primary audiences are parents, family members and individuals with eating disorders. The book teaches family members and patients how to utilize at home the model Cedar Associates implements in our work with patients and families. More details will follow in Cedar’s next newsletter.
All the best for a beautiful new year,
Judy Scheel
January Issue
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Northern Westchester
Mount Kisco Office
67 South Bedford Road
Mount Kisco, New York 10549
(914) 244-1904
Southern Westchester
Scarsdale Office
Apple Bank Plaza
1075 Central Park Avenue
Suite 412
Scarsdale, New York 10583
(914) 472-4019
CEDAR Locations
We wish to thank all of those who have supported our work and efforts this year. We appreciate and feel honored by the referrals we receive. We know that our reputation and integrity in the community are as important to us as are the care and respect we give our patients and their families. Treating eating disorders brings a variety of rewards and frustrations; we also know that growth often must come as the result of struggle.
As 2010 approaches we continue to believe in practicing what we preach – that physical and emotional health, relationships that are based on mutual respect, communication and understanding and that insight and acceptance of responsibility and facing life’s challenges are components of a gratifying life. We wish all a most gratifying life.
Here are a few updates about the work we are doing at Cedar as we begin 2010 and the efforts we are supporting of others in the greater eating disorder community.
Public Policy Updates
Federal Response to Eliminate Eating Disorders Act (FREED) (to be introduced in 2010) H.R. 1193A comprehensive eating disorders bill conceptualized and drafted with input from dozens of eating disorder organizations around the country.
The FREED Act will offer federal action for research, treatment, and prevention efforts. It will provide support for the kind of focused and coordinated research efforts on eating disorders that have previously been underfunded compared to every other psychiatric illness. By funding Centers of Excellence we will benefit from a nationwide research infrastructure to collect data on prevalence, incidence, death rates, treatment program efficacy, and strategies for prevention. The bill also strives to ensure access to care, which every American with an eating disorder deserves. It requires any insurer providing health coverage for physical illness to also provide coverage for eating disorders in accordance with national standards of care. Lastly, the bill focuses on prevention by educating the public on advancements in scientific research in the field. It will also offer a grant program to universities to train health professionals in how to identify, prevent, and treat eating disorders. (Eating Disorders Coalition Website – www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org) Cedar Associates is a member of the Eating Disorders Coalition, Inc. and a supporter of the FREED Act.
Mental Health Parity (passed 2008)
This Bill eliminates discrimination in health care coverage against people suffering from mental disorders. After tireless negotiations between differing House and Senate versions, both chambers came together to pass mental health parity in 2008. The Bill requires group health plans that currently offer coverage for mental health and substance-use disorders to provide those benefits in the same manner as benefits provided to all other medical and surgical procedures covered under the plan. It also prohibits group health plans from imposing discriminatory annual/lifetime dollar limits, co-pays and deductibles, or day and visit limits unless similar limitations or requirements are imposed for other medical and surgical benefits. This Bill has obvious significance for insurance reimbursement for eating disorders. (www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org)
