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Eating disorders

Outpatient Therapy Reduces Rehospitalization Risk for Youth With Eating Disorders

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A recent study from the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) has found that increased outpatient psychotherapy following hospitalization can significantly reduce the risk of rehospitalization for youth with eating disorders. The research, led by Erin C. Accurso, examined the impact of outpatient therapy on rehospitalization rates among California Medicaid enrollees aged 7 to 18 years with diagnosed eating disorders.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that youth who received 4 to 7 sessions of outpatient therapy in the 90 days after hospitalization had a significantly reduced readmission risk in the subsequent 90 days, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.46 (95% CI, 0.23-0.91; P = .026).
  • Youth who received 8 or more sessions of therapy had an even further reduced risk of rehospitalization, with a HR of 0.04 (95% CI, 0.004-0.34; P = .003).
  • Cost savings associated with 8 or more therapy sessions were estimated at nearly $70 000 per youth.
  • Despite the significant benefits of outpatient therapy, only a small minority of the study population (4.5%) received at least 8 sessions, with the modal number of sessions being zero.
  • The study's findings suggest that even a moderate amount of outpatient therapy can substantially reduce rehospitalization in publicly insured youth with eating disorders.

Statistics:

  • 920 participants were included in the study, all of whom were California Medicaid enrollees aged 7 to 18 years with diagnosed eating disorders.
  • 4.5% of the study population received at least 8 sessions of outpatient therapy.
  • The cost savings associated with 8 or more therapy sessions were estimated at nearly $70 000 per youth.
  • The hazard ratios for rehospitalization were 0.46 and 0.04 for 4-7 and 8 or more sessions of therapy, respectively.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Recent Findings from University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Has Provided New Information about Eating Disorders (Outpatient Therapy and Risk of Rehospitalization for Youth With Eating Disorders). Psychology & Psychiatry Journal. November 1, 2025; p 674.
  • Accurso, E. C., et al. "Outpatient Therapy and Risk of Rehospitalization for Youth With Eating Disorders." Pediatrics, 2025;156(2).

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