“HeaHea” eating disorder retreat to return to Owego

OWEGO, N.Y. (WBNG) -- HeaHea, a healing and health retreat, is making its return to the Owego community on January 8. The week-long program aims to assist adolescents ages 11 through 17 with navigating various eating disorders.

The clinic previously closed months after opening in 2023 following administrative issues, according to officials.

President and program director Nadia Constant said admission to the program does not require a diagnosis and starts with a free consultation.

“Eating well and having a healthy relationship is something that’s important to accompany us throughout our life for prevention,” Constant said. “Especially for young people, they deserve a healthy start.”

The partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs last between three to eight hours each day, using cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapies and more to help patients heal from anorexia, bulimia, and other disorders.

The partial hospitalization program licensing fills what COO George Oswald called a desperate need in the area.

“There is one in Rochester, but most of them are in Connecticut, Massachusetts or Philadelphia. Really far,” Oswald said. “For the parents, this is dramatic. Before we created HeaHea, there was no solution. None.”

Treatment takes place at the retreat site on Glen Mary Drive in Owego. Constant said the setting is essential for patient comfort.

“We try to make it as pleasant as possible. This is why we create a retreat setting,” Constant said. “We’re not just treating a disease; we’re looking at the person and empowering them and focusing on the preservation of health.”

More information on the therapy clinic can be found here.