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Anorexia Disorder Treatment In Atlanta

Mental Hygiene: Nourishing Your Mind As You Nourish Your Body

October 28, 2024 By Dominique Munday

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In western culture, we often prioritize physical health while neglecting an equally vital aspect of our well-being: mental hygiene. Just as we practice personal hygiene to keep our bodies healthy, we must also engage in habits that nurture our mental health. For many, it may prove to be beneficial if they frequent mental health providers just as much as they frequent medical/physical health providers. Let's take a deeper dive into what mental hygiene is and how you can incorporate it into your daily life.

What is Mental Hygiene?
Mental hygiene can be referred to as "the practices and habits that promote mental well-being and emotional resilience". It involves maintaining a healthy mental state through self-care, mindfulness, positive thinking, and often times mental health treatment/therapy! By prioritizing mental hygiene, we can reduce stress, improve our mood, and enhance our overall quality of life.

Practices for Mental Hygiene 

Mindfulness and Meditation: Allocate a few minutes a day to engage in mindfulness or meditation. This can help ground you, improve focus, and promote a sense of calm.
Connect With Others: While moments of being alone can be helpful and necessary, it is important to foster healthy relationships and connections with other people. Sometimes a small hug or a quick high five can end up being the highlight of one's day.
Engage in Physical Activity: Exercise can be a useful tool for mental health. Whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga, or dancing, physical activity releases endorphins that boost mood and reduce stress.
Connect with Nature: Spending time outdoors can have a rejuvenating effect on our minds. Nature has a calming influence and can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
Practice Gratitude: Take a moment each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for. This simple practice can shift your focus from negativity to positivity, enhancing your overall outlook on life.
Establish Healthy Routines: Create a daily routine that includes time for self-care, hobbies, and relaxation. Consistency can provide a sense of stability and control in our lives.
Seek Professional Help: If you’re struggling with your mental health, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional. Therapy can provide valuable tools and support for maintaining mental hygiene.

Conclusion
Just as we brush our teeth, wash our hands, and visit our primary care doctor to maintain physical health, we must also take intentional steps to care for our mental well-being. By adopting practices of mental hygiene, we can cultivate a healthier, more fulfilling life. Remember, taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body. A healthy mind leads to a happier, more vibrant life. So, start today—you and your mental health deserve it!

-Zemirah Griffin, Primary Therapist

Filed Under: Health Publications, Mental Health, News & Upcoming Events Tagged With: Anorexia Disorder Treatment In Atlanta, Anorexia Disorder Treatment In Georgia, Binge Eating Disorder Disorder Treatment In Atlanta, mental health, Mental Health Atlanta Ga, Mental Health Treatment

Busting Diet Culture Myths

August 28, 2024 By Dominique Munday

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Busting Diet Culture Myths - Part 1

Diet culture is strong, prevalent, and thrives on the principle of scaring us into following specific rules or buying specific products in order to lose weight. Today, we’re going to bust some common diet culture myths, so you are better able to challenge disordered eating thoughts.

Myth #1: Eating after a certain time will make you gain weight

The body is equipped to metabolize food 24 hours of the day, 7 days a week! It simply cannot tell the difference between minutes or hours. This means our bodies have the ability to digest and absorb food, even late at night. There is no evidence to support the idea that eating late at night is unhealthy, nor that what you eat will automatically be stored as fat. This myth may have originated from other factors, like people tending to eat more late at night if they haven’t eaten enough during the day, or if food is used to cope with stress or boredom.

Myth #2: BMI determines health, or that thinness = health

Body Mass Index (BMI) was created by an astronomer and mathematician in the 1830s, with the original intention of being used as a census tool to identify typical sizes of a population. The majority of this data was drawn from upper-class, white men in the Netherlands. BMI solely compares one’s weight to height ratio and doesn’t take into consideration the complexities of determining one’s health status, such as age, sex, activity level, sleeping habits, or lean body mass. It’s of further note that significant conflicts of interest have been identified in the development of BMI target ranges. Due to these factors, BMI is generally understood to be a poor metric for measuring health. In fact, using BMI and weight status in this way can deter patients from receiving the medical care they need for fear of being shamed for their weight.

Myth #3: 2,000 calories is the amount of calories most people need

The idea of eating 2,000 calories/day began in the 1990s in an attempt by the FDA to simplify nutrition facts labels. This benchmark number was determined based on self-reported surveys of the general public’s typical intake. The problem with this data, and self-reported data in general, is people are known to under-report how much they’ve eaten. The survey results actually indicated an average of more than 2,000 calories/day, but the simplicity of an even 2,000 lead to this number be chosen instead. In reality, there is no one ideal number of calories. Needs will vary from person-to-person and even day-to-day.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, there is no secret formula or set of rules for leading a healthy lifestyle. Rather, it should be individualized, with options that are sustainable and enjoyable for each person. Our bodies are great at communicating with us. They should be honored and listened to, rather than trying to force them into following a set of rules society says is “right.”

-Rachel Orton, MS, RD, LD

Keep an eye out for Part 2 of "Busting Diet Culture Myths" coming soon! We’ll explore more of the harmful misconceptions diet culture spreads and offer tips on safeguarding your mental and physical well-being.

Filed Under: Mental Health, Health Publications Tagged With: Anorexia Disorder Treatment In Atlanta, Anorexia Nervosa Disorder Treatment In Georgia, Binge Eating Disorder Disorder Treatment In Atlanta, busting diet myths, Christian Eating Disorder, eating disorder recovery, Eating Disorder Treatment In Atlanta, Mental Health Atlanta Ga

Navigating Adolescence: A Guide to Mental Health

May 28, 2024 By Dominique Munday

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Navigating Adolescence: A Guide to Mental Health

Talking about mental health has been a taboo issue for years, but this is starting to change. We hear a lot more about mental health and the stigma surrounding it. Many people have struggled with their mental health for years without understanding what was happening. Adolescents, in particular, experience many changes with their bodies and emotions that can be difficult to understand. And because they have never ever been teens before, “Parents just don’t understand”; or so most teens seem to think.

Adolescent mental health encompasses a wide range of experiences, from everyday stressors to more serious conditions like anxiety and depression. It's essential to recognize that mental health challenges during adolescence are common and treatable. Factors such as hormonal changes, academic pressures, social media influence, and family dynamics can all impact mental well-being during this stage of life.

Signs

Some signs that your child may be struggling with their mental health may look like:

1. Changes in behavior: Sudden or significant changes in behavior patterns such as withdrawal from social activities, increased irritability, aggression, or mood swings.

2. Academic decline: Decrease in academic performance, lack of interest in schoolwork, or frequent absences from school.

3. Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or oversleeping, which can lead to fatigue and daytime drowsiness.

4. Appetite changes: Noticeable changes in eating habits, such as loss of appetite or overeating, leading to weight gain or loss.

5. Physical complaints: Frequent complaints of headaches, stomachaches, or other physical symptoms without apparent medical cause.

6. Substance use: Experimentation or increased use of alcohol, drugs, or other substances as a coping mechanism for emotional distress.

7. Self-harm behaviors: Engaging in self-harm behaviors such as cutting, burning, or scratching oneself, which may indicate underlying emotional pain.

8. Social isolation: Withdrawing from friends, family, or social activities, preferring to spend time alone rather than engaging in social interactions.

9. Persistent sadness or anxiety: Expressing feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, or despair that persist over time and interfere with daily functioning.

10. Risk-taking behaviors: Engaging in risky behaviors such as reckless driving, unsafe sexual practices, or dangerous stunts, which may reflect a lack of concern for personal safety.

While these are some symptoms, it is important to note that these signs can vary greatly among individuals, and not all adolescents experiencing mental health issues will display the same symptoms.

Support

Creating a supportive environment is key to promoting adolescent mental health. Encouraging open communication, fostering a sense of belonging, and validating adolescents' experiences are essential components of support.

· Open Communication: Create a safe and supportive environment where adolescents feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, feelings, and concerns without fear of judgment.

· Active Listening: Listen attentively and empathetically to a child's experiences, validating their emotions and showing understanding.

· Validation and Encouragement: Acknowledge and validate your child's feelings, experiences, and struggles, offering reassurance and encouragement without minimizing their concerns.

· Empowerment: Encourage autonomy and decision-making, involving adolescents in discussions about their mental health and treatment options, empowering them to take an active role in their own care.

· Model Healthy Coping: Serve as positive role models by practicing healthy coping skills, self-care strategies, and effective communication in managing stress and emotions.

· Seek Professional Help: Take proactive steps to seek professional help from mental health professionals if needed, demonstrating a proactive approach to addressing mental health concerns.

· Non-judgmental Support: Offer non-judgmental support and acceptance, letting the adolescent know they are valued and cared for regardless of their struggles.

· Active Presence: Be present and available to listen when the adolescent needs someone to talk to, whether it's in person, over the phone, or through messaging.

· Empathy and Understanding: Show empathy and understanding by validating experiences and emotions, even if you may not fully understand what they're going through.

· Routine and Structure: Establish consistent routines and boundaries to provide stability and predictability, which can help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of security.

· Respect Boundaries: Respect boundaries and privacy, understanding that they may not always want to talk about their struggles or may need space at times.

· Educate Yourself: Take the initiative to educate yourself about adolescent mental health issues, treatment options, and available resources to better support their child's needs.

Ending the Stigma

One of the biggest barriers to adolescent mental health care is the stigma surrounding mental illness. By promoting open dialogue, challenging stereotypes, and advocating for mental health education in schools and communities, we can break down these barriers and create a more supportive environment for young people struggling with their mental health.

Adolescence is a time of growth, exploration, and self-discovery, but it can also be challenging, especially when it comes to mental health. By understanding the unique needs of adolescents, providing support, and promoting positive coping strategies, we can help young people thrive during this critical stage of development. Together, let's work towards a future where adolescent mental health is prioritized and supported by all.

Ta’Neja Rodgers, MSW, Primary Therapist, Adolescent IOP Director

Filed Under: Mental Health Tagged With: Adolescent IOP Atlanta, Adolescent IOP Duluth Ga, adolescent mental health, adolescent mental health atlanta, Anorexia Disorder Treatment In Atlanta, Binge Eating Disorder Disorder Treatment In Atlanta, Eating Disorder Treatment In Atlanta, mental health and teens, Mental Health Atlanta Ga, Mental Health for Teens, trauma recovery

Adolescent IOP

Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program

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Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

A structured three day per week, three hours per day program (Tuesday through Thursday, 4-7pm) designed to support adolescents who are not able to meet their mental health needs on an hour per week basis.

This program is for adolescent mental health needs, including depression, social or other anxiety, coping with family issues (divorce, loss, etc), or other behaviors that are difficult to stop (except alcohol/drug addiction).

If there is an eating disorder concern, we are able to help support you in our comprehensive Eating Disorder PHP or IOP program.

Congratulations for taking a hard and necessary step! Please call our office at (770) 495-9775.

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Clients shall be considered for admission to the Intensive Outpatient Program when they meet the following criteria:

1. Are age 13 to 18 years old (if 18, must still be in high school). 12-year-olds will be considered on an individual basis.

2. The adolescent exhibits psychological or behavioral symptoms that significantly impair their functioning in two or more areas of life: home, school, occupational, and/or other important areas of functioning.

3. Program attendance is expected to improve or maintain the individual's current behavioral functioning and prevent any further decline, which would result in being referred to a higher level of care.

adolescent IOP
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Unleashing Healing: The Therapeutic Power of Dogs in Counseling

May 1, 2024 By Dominique Munday

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Unleashing Healing: The Therapeutic Power of Dogs in Counseling

Often beginning therapy can be an incredibly overwhelming experience for people. Individuals are consumed with anxiety, depression, trauma symptoms, unsure of how to understand themselves; let alone the apprehension of entrusting a random stranger with the intricate pieces of one’s life. It has been found that using a dog in a therapeutic setting offers a bridge to help connect the client and clinician. Trust within a therapeutic dynamic is essential for any effective therapy to be completed; however, it can be difficult to build if it has been shattered previously in a person’s life. Canines can help foster a sense of safety and help clients open up and become more vulnerable in session which helps improve the overall effectiveness of therapy.

Research has found that “Petting an animal while discussing traumatic memories may even help those memories feel less painful.” This is a beneficial aspect to helping clients who participate in Manna’s Eating Disorder and Trauma IOP/PHP programs. Some benefits to having CGC animals in a therapeutic setting are:

· Helps to release “happy” hormones such a serotonin (helping to regulate mood), dopamine, and oxytocin.

· Reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms

· Lower cortisol levels which is the stress hormone

· Decrease blood pressure

· Improve pain management

· Assist in recall of painful memories

· Slow breathing

· Improve social skills related to confidence

· Helps foster and build sympathy and empathy

· Provides a sense of comfortability and safety when talking about one’s emotions

Scout is a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) who accompanies Suzanne, one of Manna’s part time therapists, in both individual and group settings at Manna. She is a 2.5-year-old Brittany doodle whose breed is known for their intelligence and high energy. She is quick to be the first one to greet you and is known to give lots of snuggles on the couch or pets within the group room. Scout went through a rigorous training course created by the American Kennel Club to certify her as a CGC dog. When Scout is not at work, she loves to play fetch and snuggle on the couch. She is a silly but sweet girl and has a lot of love for everyone she meets.

"One of my favorite things," Suzanne says, "is to watch Scout create and build bonds with clients when talking about hard things. I can see walls come down almost instantly. It is exciting to watch her explode with joy when she encounters a client when they walk into their therapy session. Scout has learned commands to help provide a sense of comfort by gentling placing her head in your lap or leaning her body against a client’s leg; sometimes she enjoys just being close by and taking a nap whether that be on the couch or in her kennel."

Suzanne is cautious to take into consideration the different emotional and physical needs of clients. Scout is not desired in all sessions which is understandable and has a kennel when needed. She is hypoallergenic making her accessible for comfort to most people. Suzanne monitors Scouts needs within session and will remove her and give her breaks as needed (just as we all need).

Suzanne aspires to one day obtain an Animal Assisted Therapy certification for Scout to provide specific counseling interventions for clients. For now, she is a friendly face to help greet, bring comfort, joy, and sometimes laughter to difficult moments.

-Suzanne Smith MS, LAPC

Filed Under: Mental Health Tagged With: animals and recovery, Anorexia Disorder Treatment In Atlanta, Anorexia Disorder Treatment In Georgia, Anorexia Nervosa Disorder Treatment In Georgia, Binge Eating Disorder Disorder Treatment In Atlanta, Canine Good Citizen (CGC), CGC Animals, Counseling animals, Dogs and counseling, Eating Disorder Treatment In Atlanta, The Therapeutic Power of Dogs in Counseling

Body Image and Self-Worth

March 22, 2024 By Dominique Munday

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Body Image and Self-Worth: Take Charge of How You See Yourself!

Statistics about how people view their bodies are heartbreaking! According to the NOW Foundation (National Organization for Women Foundation), “53% of American girls are 'unhappy with their bodies.' This grows to 78% by the time girls reach seventeen.” Body dissatisfaction is not only observed in women, it is a struggle for all genders. Additionally, the diet industry makes over $70 billion yearly in America and over $270 billion worldwide, and these numbers are steadily rising. Although we know there are many other contributing factors to the development of disordered eating and eating disorders, it is no wonder the prevalence is so high in our culture!

The way we view ourselves changes over time. Have you seen a young child grinning from ear to ear as they admire their outfit and reflection in the mirror? Maybe you can remember feeling this way about yourself early in life. Sadly, at some point, so many of us are negatively impacted by unrealistic “beauty ideals” and messages we receive about how we are "supposed' to be from other people. These spoken or unspoken messages about our appearance and how we are “supposed” to be “different” ultimately damage our self-worth, and faulty beliefs can develop about WHO we are.

In the busyness of life, it is easy for our mental health to take a backseat. Critical thoughts about outer appearance can lead to faulty beliefs about self-worth. Left unchallenged, these harmful beliefs about WHO we are can fuel maladaptive behaviors, including disordered eating, self-harm, and substance use/abuse. Sometimes, because of a mental health disorder, such as an eating disorder or body dysmorphia, someone does not see themselves accurately, even as other people see them. If you are struggling with body image and self-worth in a way that impacts your ability to live a joy-filled life, I urge you to seek the assistance of a counselor who can help you sort through beliefs about yourself and build skills that can help you heal. Manna would love to walk alongside you on this journey!

At Manna, we teach a variety of approaches and skills to combat poor body image and low self-worth. Here are a few examples of effective tools:

★ Challenge the concept of an “ideal beauty standard”. Remind yourself that this “standard” has changed dramatically, over and over again, throughout history. If we take a snapshot of one particular time period, any beauty “standard” is subjective, as it differs depending on which group of people we ask. Even within the same culture, ideas about “beauty” can vary drastically.

★ Determine whether you have beliefs about how you “should” look or be “different”? Examine the messages you have chosen to believe about yourself, where these messages have come from, and decide which are beneficial and which need to be challenged/discarded. A counselor can help you use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to dig deeper to find the core beliefs you have about your worth and challenge them with truth.

★ Set boundaries in the areas where you are receiving negative messages about body image and self-worth. For instance, boundaries are necessary with people who are critical of you. Boundaries in other areas, such as social media, may also be needed.

★ Make a function and gratitude list. If you struggle with body image related to a specific body part, write down all the reasons you are thankful for the functionality of that part of your body. For example, if you do not like the size of your legs, remind yourself of the purpose of your legs and write down all of the things you enjoy doing with your legs (e.g. walking, hiking, riding a bike, snow skiing).

★ Give yourself grace, as thoughts and beliefs about yourself will not change overnight. Just as it takes time for negative body image and poor self-worth to develop, it takes time to challenge and replace the messages that are causing distress and to notice body image and self-worth improving.

The reason I am so passionate about helping others with body image and self-worth is because I have experienced the freedom and joy that result from working through my own challenges in these areas. It is my absolute joy to teach others how to love themselves for who they truly are, instead of holding onto beliefs that degrade their worth.

I work with clients of all faith backgrounds, including clients who do not believe in God. Since I am a Christian, I choose to challenge my own faulty beliefs (LIES) with the way I believe God sees me (TRUTH). Examples of my truth statements are:

• My Heavenly Father created me exactly as I am supposed to be, including my physical body and inner characteristics.

• I am valued by God, despite my many mistakes and imperfections.

• I am accepted, loved, and ENOUGH, just as I am.

Struggles with body image and self-worth do not need to continue to derail your joy, and it IS possible to learn to believe the truth about yourself. You are uniquely amazing!

Christie Payne, LPC RD LD

Filed Under: Mental Health Tagged With: Anorexia Disorder Treatment In Atlanta, Anorexia Disorder Treatment In Georgia, Anorexia Nervosa Disorder Treatment In Atlanta, Anorexia Nervosa Disorder Treatment In Georgia, Binge Eating Disorder Disorder Treatment In Atlanta, Body Image, Eating Disorder Treatment In Atlanta, Self Worth, trauma recovery duluth ga

Virtual Eating Disorder IOP

Virtual Eating Disorder IOP

An Online Program Designed to Help Nourish the Body and the Soul.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” -Romans 12:2

What To Expect:

  • A fully virtual program for all therapy sessions and groups to make treatment more accessible
  • Weekly 1 hour individual sessions with a primary therapist that you will be connected with at the start of treatment
  • Weekly individual sessions with a registered dietitian for meal planning and nutrition counseling
  • Biweekly appointment with board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with potential for medication management as needed
  • Family therapy & education
MORE ABOUT FAMILY IOP
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Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday: 4pm-7pm EST

Our multidisciplinary team uses evidence-based interventions to treat the following eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other disordered eating patterns. As treatment encourages you to become free from your eating patterns, we invite you to step into who you were meant to become.

At Home Monitoring: 

MyClearStep - MyClearStep is a display free, numberless scale that captures measurement and sends the data to be accessed by your treatment team through a HIPAA compliant portal.

We understand that monitoring weight from home and the topic of weight in general can pose a variety of challenges during the recovery journey. Manna is excited to utilize MyClearStep products for this program to help decrease potential stressors related to medical monitoring at home. All of our clients at Manna will receive a discount code for the numberless scale and blood pressure cuff upon registering for the program. For more information and to purchase your scale and BP cuff please visit: https://www.myclearstep.com/

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Recovery Record -  An easy-to-use app for monitoring, meals and snacks, thoughts and emotions, and eating disorder behaviors, as well as the opportunity to ask questions and receive support from your treatment team.

We accept most major insurances for program including: Aetna, Alliant, Anthem (BCBS), Carelon Behavioral Health (Beacon Health Options), Cigna, Humana, Multiplan/PHCS, Oscar, Tricare, UHC/Optum. If you have questions about your insurance plan, please email:  insurance@mannatreatment.com

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SIGN UP FOR TREATMENT

If you have any questions about our Virtual IOP, please call our office at (770)-495-9775.

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Virtual Eating Disorder Recovery Meal Support Group

Virtual Eating Disorder Recovery Meal Support Group

Online Therapy
SIGN UP HERE

Upon completing the Survey above, you will receive a link to Setmore via email where you have access to sign up for available meal group slots. A minimum of 2 participants is needed for each group to run. You will be notified at least 24 hours in advance if group is not able to run. The card on file will be billed at the time of service.

Cancellation Policy: All cancelations must be made at least 48 hours in advance to avoid a late cancellation fee.

Virtual Eating Disorder Recovery Meal Support Group

Who it is for:

  • You are in need of extra support around eating meals in addition to other therapy/nutrition you are doing
  • You would like practice mindful eating and have support navigating and honoring hunger/fullness cues
  • You would benefit from a safe and supportive space to have meals with others that are also working on their recovery journey

 

What does a meal support group look like:

  • A time to check in, assessing hunger level, as well as any thoughts and feelings around the meal
  • A 1 hour group that offers a safe and supportive environment for eating and processing
  • The group will be facilitated by a registered dietitian with time and space to ask questions and have discussion with others on their recovery journey
  • A time to notice fullness level and feelings at the end of the hour
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Mental Health Treatment For Eating Disorders, Trauma Recovery, Medication, Anxiety & Depression

Welcome to Manna Treatment

Program of Manna Scholarship Fund

Mental Health Treatment For Eating Disorders, Trauma Recovery, Medication, Anxiety & Depression

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Manna Treatment is an outpatient facility in the greater Atlanta area that provides mental health treatment for eating disorders, trauma recovery, and other mental health concerns (anxiety, depression, and the like).

Manna Treatment's core staff have a common core belief in the Christian faith. Like Jesus, we accept all individuals who have differing beliefs to participate in our programs. We do not force our beliefs on others and we are also willing to share our relationship with you if you want to understand it better.

We try to create a healthy staff environment in order to create a healthy environment for your treatment process. We focus on the principles of love, respect, and safety.

Please see our "Schedule Appointment" Tab for more information on connecting with Manna for treatment.

If you are interested in being an intern at Manna, please see this PAGE.

Appointment Request

What is Manna?

Manna Treatment is a program under the nonprofit organization, Manna Scholarship Fund. Manna Treatment is a psychotherapy practice located in Gwinnett County, northeast of Atlanta. Manna Treatment offers three levels of care: Outpatient that encompasses most mental health issues (e.g., depression, anxiety, grief, and family issues), and provides higher-level treatment programs (IOP, PHP) that specialize in trauma, eating disorders and adolescent mental health.

Eating disorder treatments include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder for all ages and genders. We have created well-planned and effective treatment programs for those who need Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP).

Manna provides additional IOP treatment for:

  • Trauma-Recovery for Women - a 13-week program that focuses on providing coping skills, but will also address common issues that emerge as a result of PTSD, dissociation, and other issues related to trauma.
  • Adolescent Mental Health - for common issues that may have reached new levels for both families and teens (anxiety, depression, trauma, and the like). Teens who are struggling with coping with most daily issues (school relationships, family) that may engage in unhelpful coping (suicidal thoughts or actions, cutting, self-injury, sexual acting out) are best for this program.
  • Family Coping - for all families of individuals who are in any of our other programs, you may find more intensive support to cope with the changes you are going through.
  • PTSD Recovery for Vets and First Responders - this program will roll out in early summer, 2025. This will provide support for those who have risked everything and still struggle with some of the aftermath of their service.

Manna utilizes principles based on the Bible in the therapeutic process. We strive to be a safe environment where individuals struggling can process their feelings, learn new ways of coping and facilitate change. Our therapeutic approach is to show others how we believe that Jesus treated people, not through force or lectures.

In the Bible, "Manna" literally means "What is it?" It was in reference to the food supplied by God to the Israelite's when they were in the desert for forty years.

He rained down manna for the people to eat, he gave them the grain of heaven. Psalm 78.24

God knew what the people needed, how much they needed and provided. At Manna Treatment, that is what we believe about how food is to be used. It is from God, for us and is made to meet our needs. In the New Testament, Jesus becomes the "Manna" - "For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." John 6:33

Therefore, Manna Treatment was designed to replace the "addictive process" of eating disorders with the true Manna, which is Christ himself.

In order to expand our scope of services and provide additional resources for individuals within the community, Manna Treatment has come under the umbrella of our nonprofit, Manna Fund.

Manna Fund's mission is:

To provide mental health treatment for those with eating disorders at the Partial Hospitalization, Intensive Outpatient, and Outpatient levels of care, utilizing multiple sources of revenue, for as long as the client needs such treatment.  Manna Treatment desires to support the client from surviving to thriving to leading.

CARF Corner

It's CARF Re-accreditation Time!

Manna Treatment is a participating organization under the Committee on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).  Manna obtained its inaugural certification with CARF in December 2017 and obtained our second accreditation in April 2021. We successfully obtained our third three-year accreditation in April, 2024.

CARF is an international accreditation program and has more than 1,300 standards that organizations must meet in order to create and maintain a professional, ethical, and supportive environment.  Because of our CARF accreditation status, we are able to provide Intensive Outpatient and Partial Hospitalization services with insurance companies.

What does this mean?

Manna staff, clients, and stakeholders will be reviewed by two different CARF assessors: one for business practices and one for clinical services. At Manna Treatment, we strive to create an environment of safety, acceptance, and excellence - in creating a sustainable business with excellence in all business practices, in creating a healthy environment in which clients, staff, and stakeholders can feel respected and supported, and in utilizing our resources wisely.

What can I do?

You can help support Manna! We would love to have your feedback: positive, constructive criticism, suggestions for growth, or the like. If you would like to provide feedback, please do here:

    • Clients (past and current): Provide Feedback HERE

 

    • Referral Sources: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MannaStakeholderfeedback

 

We would also love to have your input on our updated Strategic Plan:

    • Download 2023-2025 Strategic Plan

 

If you would like to receive treatment or refer a client to Manna, please click on either of the following links, and our Front office Administrators will be glad to get you connected:

    • Client intake link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MannaRegistration

 

    • Therapist referral link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MannaProviderReferral

 

Manna's current response to the COVID19 Pandemic:

    • The leadership at Manna have maintained the safety standards of the CDC while we have been enduring this pandemic. Currently, Manna Staff and clients are required to check in and take their temperature each time that they enter the building; they are not allowed to enter if their temperature is above 99.5 degrees.  In addition, Manna is doing the following to ensure the safety of everyone:
        • Requiring all to wear their mask while they are traveling in common areas throughout the building (hallways, lobby, bathrooms, etc.)

       

        • Engaging in a cleaning schedule every three hours to disinfect commonly used areas

       

        • Asking every person who uses the bathrooms to complete a checklist prior to leaving the bathroom to ensure the safety of others

       

        • Providing touchless sanitizers in the lobby and near the bathrooms

       

      Manna is providing online and in-person treatment options for each person's personal comfort.  We will continue to engage in these practices (as suggested by the CDC) for as long as is recommended by the CDC. The CDC's recommended procedures for remaining virus-free is HERE

      More on Manna's COVID Policies HERE

 

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Trauma Recovery IOP

Trauma Recovery Intensive Outpatient Program

Trauma Recovery Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Healing After Hurt: A Women's Recovery Program 

 

Manna Treatment would like to introduce our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for recovering from trauma for women 18 and up. Traumatic experiences take more than just time to heal. Sometimes, additional group support and intentional skills training is needed to cope with flashbacks, triggers, or anxiety.

We know that recovery can drain you physically, emotionally, and sneak up without warning! We have created this program as an alternative to feeling fearful and hopeless. Our hope for you is to achieve the following goals:

  1. Process your trauma with DBT, ACT, and CBT trained therapists
  2. Learn ways to cope with uncomfortable emotions and self-destructive behaviors
  3. Safely express thoughts and emotions in a compassionate environment
  4. Practice interpersonal skills
  5. Take care of yourself during this process.

The program is four mornings per week: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm. It is preferred that you attend in person, however, when necessary, you may attend the meeting virtually.

 

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We want this program to be helpful and educational for those who have unresolved trauma. Individual therapy, of course, is crucial in addressing a traumatic event, and sometimes more support is still needed. Our hope is that the care provided by trained therapists in this program will allow you to share your journey and process your healing with other people going through similar situations.

Congratulations for taking a hard and necessary step! Please call our office at (770) 495-9775.

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