Butterfly Next Steps Outpatient Program

Organisation / Service

Butterfly Foundation


Go to Butterfly Next Steps Outpatient Program (butterfly.org.au)

Next Steps is a virtual, intensive program that can provide you with interim care after inpatient treatment for an eating disorder. The program aims to reduce relapse and readmission after leaving hospital or residential programs to support long term recovery. 

The program aims to provide and develop skills to:

  • Address the various symptoms of an eating disorder
  • Normalise food intake and eating behaviours
  • Reduce psychological and physical contributors or consequences of the eating disorder
  • Provide a step down from residential/inpatient treatment

The program is free to eligible Australians and provides a minimum of 3 hours support per day, 3 days a week, for 8 weeks via a multidisciplinary team, including: 

  • Weekly individual psychology, dietetic and peer worker sessions 
  • Structured meal support and group programs 
  • Weekly psychoeducational sessions and support groups for carers
  • Nursing support and regular case conferencing with a GP or psychiatrist to ensure there is continuity in your treatment plan

Next Steps also provides support for carers through education and the introduction of skills to assist in their loved one’s recovery.

National Strategy Standards and Actions

Community-based intensive treatment

Standard 1: People can access a community-based intensive treatment option delivered close to home or virtually (e.g., day programs, intensive outpatient programs, outreach support).

Action 1.1: Commonwealth, state/territory governments and regional planners to support additional community-based intensive treatment options, due to significant gaps for step-up and step-down treatment. 

Psychosocial and recovery support

Standard 1: People experiencing eating disorders and their families/supports have access to psychosocial and recovery support services and programs, according to their needs. 

Action 1.2: Clinical services to include psychosocial and recovery support providers in the multidisciplinary care team where appropriate. 


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