How does Milestones measure success in eating disorder recovery?

Success at Milestones is measured by what happens after you leave — not just whether you finish the program. The goal is long-term freedom from compulsive behaviors and restoration of a life worth living. That means being able to go to a family dinner without panic, walk into a grocery store without feeling overwhelmed, and have a hard day without turning to food to cope.

What aftercare support does Milestones provide after treatment?

Patients leaving Milestones have access to a weekly alumni group led by Dr. Lerner, alumni-run meetings, and an aftercare partnership with Bright Line Eating that provides daily support, tools, and accountability. The relationships built at Milestones with staff and other patients often last well beyond the treatment period.

What would you say to someone who is scared to call an eating disorder treatment center?

You do not need to have it all figured out before you call. One phone call does not commit you to anything — it just opens a door. Almost everyone who has walked through Milestones' doors felt the same fear. The team has helped thousands of people who thought they were too far gone or that recovery was not possible for them.

What should people understand about eating disorder recovery before starting treatment?

Recovery is not about being perfect around food — it is about getting your life back. It means sitting at a dinner table without dread, going on vacation without planning around food, and being present with loved ones. The people who do best at Milestones are not those who arrive with all the answers, but those willing to try.

Milestones Success Stories
Eating Disorder Recovery in Florida

Q: How effective is the Milestones eating disorder program?

Milestones aims for 90% program completion and high patient satisfaction. Patients who complete the program report improved meal consistency, reduced relapse risk, greater stability after discharge, increased personal accountability, and less daily stress around food decisions. Former clients regularly report that the foundation they built at Milestones remained intact years later.

Client Testimonials

We are proud of the milestones our clients have reached in their recovery. Read what our previous clients have to say about their experience below.

       
 Excellent4.830 reviews
 4.8
 Excellent30 reviews
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   Alyssa Saponare 
 21 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Walking through the doors of Milestones and working its program is one of the best decisions I have ever made for myself. As someone who's had the pleasure of attending their residential program twice, I've seen how Milestones can transform lives, including my own. They were able to restore so much hope, community, and healing back into my life when I was at very low points. I felt deeply seen, valued, accepted, and understood in ways that would be impossible for me to explain in this review. Their commitment to maintaining a boutique-style approach also creates a sense of family and sincerity among the staff and patients that you will not find at any other (traditional) treatment center. Not to mention the opportunity to grocery shop with the dietitian, cook your own ingredients/meals in your own apartment kitchen, receive EMDR therapy, leave on pass during the designated pass hours on the weekends, and everything else in between that sets Milestones apart from the traditional care you get at other treatment centers. Milestones is truly an outlier and actively strives towards doing bigger, better, and different.

The methodology behind their program is captured through their acronym SMERF – spirituality, meditation, exercise, rest, and food plan. Anyone with an ED knows that there are more factors that affect recovery than just the food itself. It's nice working with a team that cares not just about what, when, and how much you are eating, but also how you are sleeping, how you are moving and resting, how you are connected spiritually, and how you structure your habits and overall lifestyle. For me, this made the work I was doing with my therapist and dietitian much more individualized, meaningful, and impactful. They also thrive off a healthy balance between structure and flexibility, which is one of the things I love most about this place. It gave me the perfect amount of routine in my day-to-day to help me stabilize, but also enough independence to teach me that if I am capable of doing the work while in treatment, then I am also capable of doing the work once I leave treatment. Their program is intentionally designed to replicate real life as closely as possible so that what you do during your time in treatment is actually applicable to what you are going to be doing once you discharge. They want you to feel prepared for your transition home and to have long-lasting recovery. I also felt like I had a voice in my own recovery journey, which I think is difficult to find specifically in the world of ED treatment. Not once did I feel like I couldn’t speak my truth to my team or that I had to hesitate to say what my goals and desired outcomes were for recovery. They will listen to what you have to say while still using their professional judgment to challenge you when necessary. I’ve worked with a lot of therapists and dietitians before attending Milestones, and I have never come across professionals as good as Sakinah, Leidy, and Nikki. They are passionate about and knowledgeable in what they do, and it bleeds into the care they provide to the patients. They are the best!!!

Highly, highly recommend Milestones to anyone thinking about treatment or even questioning their relationship with food/exercise/body. Once you attend Milestones for the first time, you will forever be a part of the family. Your care extends well beyond your discharge date, and the staff will always welcome you back with open arms in the event you ever need additional support. You deserve to live the life that you are meant to step into, and Milestones will help get you there.
  
 
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   alex gaydos 
 119 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  I suffered from a chronic eating disorder for more than two decades. My first stay at Milestones gave me hope that recovery was possible, and my second stay gave me the time, tools, and willingness to pursue it. Recovery isn't easy, but it's worth every moment of difficulty. Today, I have neutrality around food, and a full and happy life.

I wish more people who suffer from EDs knew about this program and that the broader therapeutic community looked to Milestones (and an addiction model) as the gold standard.
  
 
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Sharon Levan 
 181 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  I really can't put into words how much Milestones has helped me! Nikki, their nutritionist is fabulous in so many ways and their therapists are top of the line! If you need help with an eating disorder, Milestones is the place to go!
  
 
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   info joiunlimited 
 181 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  I highly recommend Milestones’s in recovery I had a meaningful amd impactful experience

Made close friends and truly felt held by the staff with peace and light Joi L.
  
 
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Amber Marie 
 261 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  I’m finding myself recommending Milestones yet again today to someone in need, so I figured I’d pop by and leave a public review. Milestones gives people the tools and support to succeed.
  
 
 
 
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“Milestones saved my life. I have no words to explain the impact this place has on me. This is the most genuine and caring treatment center with the most amazing professional team of such KINDHEARTED individuals who sincerely understand you and want to be there for you in your journey. The nutritionist, therapists, etc are all passionate about providing you the tools that you deserve in order to heal. They prove that getting help for an eating disorder doesn’t have to be a dark and scary process. This is honestly just such a special place.. the second you walk in, you become a part of the fam. I am forever grateful to be connected with Milestones. I know I am never alone. 💜”

Briele

“Going to Milestones was the BEST thing I ever did in my life! I was killing myself with bulimia, compulsive eating and obesity. Milestones grounded me when I was falling apart and gave me EVERYTHING I needed to kick start an amazing journey of recovery. Today, many years later, I am at a healthy weight, have 15 years of freedom from bulimia, peace around food and an amazing life I never would have had if not for Milestones.”

Sharon

“I cannot thank you enough for the improvements I have seen in my daughter. Every day she seems to be getting a better grasp on her issues. Your program has not been “kind” to her …you have seen and heard all the excuses she has told herself and us, and you have called her out on them-but she is healing. I am forever grateful.”

Jennifer

“I went to Milestones back in 2001 after college when my life was falling apart (and had a couple of other experiences to go back for a re-charge when needed over the years), at the time having been struggling with an eating disorder for at least 10 years with no intention of getting a full recovery and here I am 21 years later having freedom from this challenge. I know that if it wasn’t for the kindness, compassion and deeply talented individuals that met me there in my time of need that there is no way that would have been possible. My life today is nothing short of a miracle and I truly own a great debt of gratitude to those who gave their all and were present for me during that time that enabled me to re-route my life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Patricia

“Milestones completely changed my life. I came here with the intention to simply lose weight, and instead I got so much more – not only did I get a sustainable, balanced food plan (and cooking lessons!), but I also got emotional tools to help me live my best life. As they say, come for the vanity, stay for the sanity!”

Jules

“Milestones saved my life. I have a life today, my experience at Milestones opened my eyes, healed me in a profound way, and gave me connection like nothing else ever has. If you need support, if you feel hopeless, Milestones will help you find a solution. Words alone cannot express my gratitude. I am and always will be FOREVER grateful.”

Susan

What People are Saying
About Milestones....

Frequently Asked Questions About Recovery & Outcomes

Outcomes & Results

How does Milestones measure success? What does recovery look like for your patients?

Success at Milestones is measured by what happens after you leave — not just whether you finish the program. The goal is long-term freedom from compulsive behaviors and the restoration of a life worth living.

That means you can go to a family dinner without panic. You can walk into a grocery store and not feel overwhelmed. You can have a hard day and not turn to food — or avoid food — to survive it. Success looks like a person who has tools, not just rules. Someone who understands themselves better, knows their triggers, and has a plan for real life.

Can you share any data or outcomes that show how effective the Milestones program is?

Milestones aims for 90% program completion, strong outcomes, and high patient satisfaction. At the same time, recovery from eating disorders cannot be reduced to a single number — because food is a required part of daily life, recovery is more complex and ongoing than with many other conditions.

Patients who complete the Milestones program report improved meal consistency, reduced relapse risk, greater stability after discharge, increased personal accountability, and less daily stress around food decisions. Milestones closely tracks patient experience and treats feedback as a tool for continuous improvement.

The program regularly hears from former clients that the foundation they built at Milestones was still intact years after leaving treatment.

What kind of support does a patient have access to after they leave Milestones?

Leaving Milestones does not mean leaving your support system. Patients stepping down to lower levels of care or returning home still have access to professionals, group support, and a strong alumni community.

Dr. Lerner leads a weekly alumni group for former patients, and there are also alumni-run meetings that have been long-running and well-attended. The relationships built at Milestones — with staff and other patients — often last a long time.

Additionally, Milestones has partnered with Bright Line Eating to offer next-level aftercare support. Bright Line Eating was chosen for its strong community and because its principles align closely with the Milestones approach. This partnership provides daily support, tools, and accountability to help people stay on track, feel less alone, and keep building healthy habits in real life.

Considering Treatment?

What would you say to someone who is scared to make the call and unsure if treatment will work for them?

You do not need to have it all figured out before you call. One phone call does not commit you to anything — it just opens a door.

We understand that picking up the phone is terrifying. You might be thinking: what if it does not work? What if I am not sick enough? What if I am too far gone? What if I have to give up the one thing that has helped me cope? Those thoughts are normal. Almost everyone who has ever walked through our doors had them too.

On the other side of that door is a team of people who have helped thousands of others who felt exactly the way you feel right now. People who thought they were too far gone. People who had tried everything. People who were sick and tired of being sick and tired. People who did not believe recovery was possible for them. It was possible for them. It is possible for you.

What is the one thing you wish more people understood about eating disorder recovery?

Recovery is not about being perfect around food — it is about getting your life back. It is about sitting at a dinner table without dread, going on vacation without planning your whole trip around food, and being present with the people you love instead of lost in your own head.

You can experience joy again. You can join family functions, parties, and social gatherings without fear of eating too much or being judged by what you are eating. That is what Milestones is working toward — not a perfect diet, but a life worth living.

The people who do best here are not the ones who arrive with all the answers. They are the ones who arrive willing to try. If you are willing, we can work with that.

Milestones Success StoriesEating Disorder Recovery in Florida