Blue Ridge Eating Disorder Care Center

10/28/2026

Let Halloween Be About the Memories, Not the Menu!

Halloween is a time for costumes, candy, laughter, and making memories with the people we love. But for someone navigating an eating disorder, food-centered celebrations can sometimes bring added anxiety and uncertainty.

At Blue Ridge, we believe recovery is about more than overcoming challenges with food. It's about rediscovering the joy in everyday experiences, traditions, and moments that make life meaningful.

As Halloween approaches, here are a few gentle reminders to help make the holiday a little more enjoyable:

🍬 Candy is part of the celebration! All foods can have a place in recovery. Enjoying a favorite treat doesn't require guilt, justification, or compensation.

🧡 Keep the focus on connection. Whether it's trick-or-treating, carving pumpkins, watching spooky movies, or spending time with friends, remember what makes the holiday special.

👻 Plan ahead for peace of mind. If certain situations feel overwhelming, talk with your support system or treatment team about ways to navigate them while continuing to support recovery.

🎃 Give yourself grace. Some moments may feel easier than others, and that's okay. Recovery is a journey, and every step toward greater flexibility and freedom matters.

This Halloween, let's make room for more laughter, more connection, more memories, and a little less worry around food.

Because the sweetest part of the season isn't just what's in the candy bucket. It's the freedom to enjoy the moments that come with it.

10/19/2026

Starting Conversations That Matter: Education Beyond Our Walls!

Last week, Blue Ridge had the wonderful opportunity to connect with 7th and 8th grade students at Saint Clair Area School District here in Pennsylvania!

Our Executive Director and Founder, Dr. Erica Butler, PhD, LMFT, CEDS, IEDS, alongside one of our dedicated nurses, Jessica Protsko, BSN, RN, PMH-BC, spent time with students discussing eating disorder awareness, the importance of developing a healthy relationship with food and body image, recognizing early warning signs, and knowing when and how to ask for help.

At Blue Ridge, we believe that education is one of the most powerful tools we have in prevention and early intervention. Creating opportunities for these conversations at a young age helps challenge misconceptions, reduce stigma, and empower students with knowledge that can make a meaningful difference in their own lives and the lives of those around them.

Our commitment to eating disorder care extends far beyond the walls of our treatment center. We're passionate about being a resource to schools, families, healthcare professionals, and the communities we serve.

A heartfelt thank you to Saint Clair Area School District for welcoming us and recognizing the importance of bringing these conversations into the classroom.

We're grateful for the opportunity to connect with the next generation! 💙

10/14/2026

10/13/2026

Last week, we had the pleasure of bringing together a wonderful group of eating disorder professionals from the Princeton and greater New Jersey area for an evening of connection, conversation, and collaboration!

A special thank you to Paulina Syracuse, PsyD, MS and Amanda Turco, MS, LPC from Evidence Based Besties - Center for Hope and Health for partnering with Blue Ridge to make this evening possible!

We’re also so grateful to everyone who took time out of their busy schedules to join us.

Evenings like these are such an important reminder that strong relationships between providers lead to stronger, more connected care for the individuals and families we serve.

Here’s to continued collaboration, meaningful partnerships, and more opportunities to come together! 💙

10/12/2026

OCD is more than a stereotype.

When people hear Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), they often think of cleanliness, organization, or someone who likes things a certain way.

But OCD can be so much more complex.

It can involve intrusive, unwanted thoughts, persistent doubt, overwhelming anxiety, and compulsions that aren't always visible to others.

For adolescents navigating eating disorders, co-occurring OCD can add another layer of complexity to recovery. Rigid routines, fears, rituals, and the need for certainty can sometimes overlap with eating disorder symptoms, making individualized assessment and treatment especially important.

At Blue Ridge, we recognize that an eating disorder may be the primary diagnosis, but it isn't always the only challenge a young person is facing.

Our multidisciplinary team works together to support both eating disorder recovery and the unique psychiatric and emotional needs of each adolescent.

During OCD Awareness Week (October 11–17), we're helping challenge misconceptions, reduce stigma, and remind families that understanding what someone is experiencing is an important part of supporting them.

💙 Look beyond the stereotypes. See the whole person. 💙

10/08/2026

Every adolescent who comes through our doors has a story that goes beyond their eating disorder. Their emotions, relationships, challenges, and hopes all deserve to be understood. 🧡

At Blue Ridge, we provide specialized eating disorder treatment with support for co-occurring psychiatric, emotional, and behavioral health needs—helping teens feel seen and supported as they work toward recovery.

Because caring for the whole person means making room for the whole story.

Learn more: www.blueridgetreatment.com

10/05/2026

A big thank you to the wonderful ladies from Seeds of Hope Brooke Grossman, RDN, LDN / High Focus Centers Jessica Lyman M.S. for spending time with us at Blue Ridge last week!

Collaboration across levels of care is such an important part of supporting individuals and families throughout the recovery journey. When providers take the time to connect, understand one another’s programs, and build strong relationships, we can help make transitions in care feel more thoughtful, connected, and supported.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to share more about Blue Ridge, learn from one another, and continue strengthening a relationship centered around what matters most — providing compassionate, collaborative care for those we serve.

Thank you for making the trip to visit us! We loved having you at Blue Ridge and look forward to continuing to work together!

10/01/2026

Recovery doesn’t look the same in every season.

Sometimes progress feels easier to see. Other times, recovery may mean slowing down, leaning a little more on your support system, or simply continuing to choose recovery even when it feels difficult.

Every part of that journey matters.

As the seasons change, we’re reminded that growth doesn’t always happen in the same way or at the same pace. Healing can have quieter seasons, too—and those moments are still part of moving forward.

This fall, give yourself and the people you love permission to meet recovery exactly where it is.

There is no wrong season for healing.

09/26/2026

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make today’s Enhancing Family Feeding Skills event possible. 💜

We’re so grateful to Anna Lutz, MPH, RD, CEDS-C and Elizabeth Davenport, MPH, RD, LD, CEDS for sharing their expertise and leading such a thoughtful, practical training.

Thank you to our sponsors for continuing to support accessible eating disorder education and connection in our community, and to Friends Center for hosting us in Philadelphia.

09/24/2026

Cuddles, connections, and a wonderful afternoon with fellow professionals! 🐐

Thank you to the Iaedp Southwest Philly Chapter for putting together such an amazing event last week. We loved the chance to connect with others who share our commitment to eating disorder care.

Here are a few photos of the Blue Ridge team enjoying the day! 💙