Demi Lovato Reflects on Time at Timberline Knolls

Tucked away in a secluded woodland area off New Avenue, Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Facility enjoys a relatively quiet existence, often going completely unnoticed by local residents.

Last November, however, a number of Internet sites reported that the Lemont facility —18-year-old Disney star Demi Lovato.

At the time, Lovato's representatives said she had left a tour with the Jonas Brothers to receive treatment for "emotional and physical issues she has dealt with for some time."

Recently, Lovato opened up about her experiences in interviews with People magazine and ABC's 20/20, admitting she had received treatment at Timberline Knolls for cutting, bulimia and anorexia.

She also learned she was suffering from bipolar disorder, she said.

"I had no idea that I was even bipolar until I went into treatment," she told Robin Roberts during the 20/20 interview that aired Friday.

From Oct. 30 to Jan. 27, Lovato received intense in-patient treatment at Timberline Knolls, which specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, substance abuse and addiction, and mood disorders in women.

"I worked harder in those three months than I ever did in my life," Lovato told People. "I basically went through hours of therapy every day. ... It was a battle, but I stuck it out."

Since completing treatment, Lovato continues to work with a therapist nutritionist and sponsor in Los Angeles, People reports. She recently announced she was leaving her Disney Channel show, Sonny With a Chance, to focus on music and her recovery.

"I've never been more peaceful or happy in my life," Lovato said. "What's important is to help others get to this place."

Timberline Knolls

Timberline Knolls is a 43-acre facility located in Lemont. It was founded in 2005 by a team of psychiatrists, psychologists and clinicians as a residential treatment center for women dealing with trauma, eating disorders and drug addiction.

"Our residents — adult women and adolescent girls — come to us when they need immediate, life-saving and life-changing help," according to the center's website. "Our vision is to help residents achieve lifelong recovery by bringing together clinical treatment with spiritual and emotional growth."

In February, Timberline Knolls by hosting a number of special programs and guest speakers to “educate the public on eating disorders and body image issues while reducing the stigma surrounding eating disorders and improving access to treatment.”

More Information on Bipolar, Eating Disorders

According to the National Institure of Mental Health, bipolar disorder is a manic-depressive illness that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks."

For more information visit the NIMH website or the website for the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.

For more information on bulimia or anorexia, visit the National Eating Disorders Association.