Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Anna Westin House?
We are located on the corner of Buford and Cleveland Avenues in the Saint Anthony Park neighborhood of St. Paul, across the street from the University of Minnesota’s St. Paul campus. Our address is 1449 Cleveland Avenue North, Saint Paul, MN 55108.
Does the Anna Westin House take men?
Yes, we serve females and males with eating disorders from adolescence through adulthood. We admit new residents after we take into consideration the current population.
How long do people stay at the Anna Westin House?
We tailor the length of stay to meet the unique needs of each resident. Some residents stay less than a month and others stay several months.
Can I be a vegetarian at the Anna Westin House?
Our chef and dietitians can work with a variety of dietary needs. They will work with you and your family to meet your specific needs.
Can I have visitors while I am at the Anna Westin House?
Visitors are welcome during non-programming times; primarily in the evenings and on the weekends.
How much does the Anna Westin House cost?
Cost depends on how long you stay. Our staff will gladly help you determine and maximize your insurance benefits. If you need to pay out of pocket, we are also happy to set up a payment plan.
Are scholarships available?
Not at this time. However, we are working with the Emily Program Foundation to establish a scholarship fund for those without adequate insurance benefits.
Who is Anna Westin?
Anna Selina Westin was born in 1978 and lived in Chaska, Minnesota most of her life. She died in 2000 after struggling for five years with anorexia, a deadly disease that affects millions of Americans.
A graduate of Chaska High School, she was a student at the University of Oregon who loved life. Her many interests and talents included music, photography, hiking, backpacking, reading, writing, fishing, traveling, volunteering, and best of all, spending time with family and friends. She made and sent beautifully decorated cards and letters to family and friends throughout her life.
She was thoughtful, compassionate, generous with her time, and had a talent for making everyone feel special and important.
Anna's family is very proud of her accomplishments, including her hard work to overcome anorexia. Anna suffered from a serious, often fatal, illness that needs to be treated with the same urgency as other life-threatening diseases. The duration of the illness, high cost of treatment, and lack of knowledge about eating disorders cause immense suffering.
To help other families, Anna's family speaks openly about her life and death, and opened the Anna Westin House in 2002. They continue to advocate for eating disorder research, prevention, treatment, and adequate insurance coverage through the Emily Program Foundation.
What do you mean by “complementary” therapies?
They are therapies that compliment traditional medical approaches and are effective with eating disorders. We use massage, meditation, yoga, acupuncture, acupressure, Traditional Chinese Medicine, healing touch, music therapy, art therapy, spirituality, and movement therapy.
What do I have to bring to the Anna Westin House?
Bring comfortable clothing, typical toiletries, and some personal items to help you feel secure away from home (e.g., a favorite pillow or blanket, a few photos, or other personal decorative items).
Will I have passes or time away from the program?
From day one, we develop a strong transition plan to optimize your recovery. We regularly have group outings—and you also have some individual free time to spend with friends and family. Both can help you develop the independent living skills essential to recovery.
Can I have my cell phone with me at the Anna Westin House?
Yes, and you may use it during non-programming times. There is also a residents' phone line where families and friends can leave messages and where you can make local calls or use a long-distance calling card.
Will I have access to the internet while at the Anna Westin House?
We have a residents’ PC for internet, email, and general computing. Many residents bring a small USB storage device for documents or other files they create here.
Can I have a car at the Anna Westin House?
We develop individualized vehicle use plans, based on where you are in the treatment process. Residents rarely need a car while at the House and no on-site parking is available for them.
Are there laundry facilities at the Anna Westin House?
Yes; and there is no additional cost.
Do I need spending money?
Residents typically bring some spending money for toiletries, reading materials, craft materials, etc.
Can I use musical instruments and art supplies during free time?
Yes! We encourage you to develop or continue creative and soothing interests and hobbies during free time, such as music, art, and writing. We have art and writing supplies, a keyboard, drums, and other percussion instruments.
