GOALS Program
Intensive Outpatient Treatment for Competitive Athletes
The GOALS Program
Athletes are two to three times more likely than the average person to develop an eating disorder. Those impacted by disordered eating or nutritional deficiencies will become be less competitive in sport, more prone to injury and risk permanent physical damage that, in some cases, can be life threatening.
Walden’s GOALS Intensive Outpatient Program is built specifically for adult athletes (18+) who need guidance on how best to optimize the balance between nutritional needs and performance goals.
Mission
To equip athletes with the mental and nutritional skills to achieve their full athletic potential and sustain a positive mindset.
Expert Team
Our multidisciplinary team of experts includes counselors, sport psychologists, dietitians, and exercise science professionals. As experienced athletes and licensed professionals, they understand the unique challenges, requirements and high demands of competitive sports. Meet the team.
Program Elements
Each athlete receives an individualized assessment, counseling, group education and exposure to essential life skills that allow them to thrive both inside and outside of their sport.
Our curriculum is built on Five Pillars of Strength:
1) Fueling for Sport and for Life
2) Eating Competence
3) Body Esteem
4) Recovery Skills
5) Resiliency
Learn more
In some cases, treatment can be conducted without interruption of training or sport participation. When athletes can benefit from time off, our team works to fully preserve the athlete identity and ensure the strongest possible return to competition. Our certified exercise specialist ensures this smooth transition.
Program Requirements
- Participants must be 18 years or older.
- Current participant in competitive individual or team sport
- Does not require a higher level of care.
Treatment
- Case management, including coordinated care with outpatient team
- Supervision of one therapeutic meal
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
Program Schedule
Individuals attend three nights per week, three hours each night, at Walden’s Waltham clinic. Most insurances accepted. Physician referral not required.
News and Blog Posts Related to the GOALS Program
The Opportunity of a Lifetime – Eating Disorder Treatment Just for Athletes
Healthy minds are equally as important as healthy bodies in achieving optimal performance in sport. Helping clients to understand that eating disorder treatment is just as integral to their athletic trajectory as physical therapy is after an ACL tear can help athletes to feel less shame in seeking support.
Are Competitive Youth Sports Fueling the Development of Eating Disorders?
While participating in sports can be very beneficial for growing children and adolescents, there are pieces of competitive athletics that can take a negative toll on their medical and psychological statuses. Here are some things to consider for parents and coaches of young athletes.
Adam Rippon Opens Up About Starving Himself for a Figure Skater’s Body
“Athletes are at 2 to 3 times increased risk for developing an eating disorder compared to nonathletes,” said Paula A. Quatromoni, DSc, RD, the chair of health sciences at Boston University who helped create GOALS, an eating disorder treatment program for competitive athletes at Walden Behavioral Care in Waltham, MA.