How to Find Eating Disorder Treatment Near You: A Guide for Parents
How To Find Eating Disorder Treatment Near You
Finding eating disorder treatment can feel like an overwhelming task—especially when your child is struggling and you don’t know where to start. Whether you’re just beginning to explore concerns or actively seeking support, this post will guide you step-by-step through how to find eating disorder treatment near you. From therapists and dietitians to higher levels of care like residential or inpatient programs, we’ll help you understand your options and how to access them.
Start with an Evaluation (If Possible)
If you’re concerned about your child’s eating behaviors, the first step is to get a professional evaluation. This could begin with your child’s pediatrician, primary care provider, or even a school counselor. These professionals can help you understand whether there are red flags that require specialized treatment and often provide referrals to mental health providers who specialize in eating disorders.
Unfortunately, many mental health and medical professionals are inexperienced with eating disorders. If you feel that the evaluation your child received was insufficient, pursue a second opinion. It's important that you connect with an eating disorder professional before fully ruling out the possibility that your child has disordered eating.
If you notice serious warning signs—such as rapid weight loss, fainting, chest pain, or refusal to eat at all—your child may need immediate medical attention. In these cases, it’s appropriate to go to your nearest emergency room or contact your child’s doctor for urgent evaluation.
When possible, ask your provider for referrals to clinicians who are experienced in treating eating disorders. A strong referral from a trusted professional can help you avoid spending hours sorting through directories or contacting providers who aren’t a good fit.
How to Find an Eating Disorder Therapist
Therapists play a central role in eating disorder recovery. A therapist will help your child address the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that drive the eating disorder, and they often coordinate care with the rest of the treatment team. But not all therapists are trained in eating disorders, so it’s important to find someone with specific experience and training.
Where to Search
Psychology Today (psychologytoday.com) – Use the "Find a Therapist" feature and filter for "eating disorders."
IAEDP Directory (members.iaedp.com) – Search for credentialed eating disorder professionals.
Therapist referrals from other parents in support groups or local community. Eating disorders are common problems, and the odds are good that there is at least one other parent in your social network who has gone through the recovery process.
What to Look For
Experience treating eating disorders (ask directly!)
Training in evidence-based approaches like CBT-E (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders), FBT (Family-Based Treatment), or DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)
Willingness to collaborate with dietitians and medical providers
Comfort working with children or teens (if applicable)
Weight-neutral, Health at Every Size-aligned philosophy
Helpful Search Tip
In Google or a directory, try searching your zip code + keywords like:
"eating disorder therapist near me"
"CBT-E therapist teen eating disorder"
"FBT family eating disorder therapist"
How to Find a Dietitian Who Specializes in Eating Disorders
A registered dietitian (RD or RDN) is another key member of the treatment team. Dietitians provide meal planning, challenge food fears, help normalize eating patterns, and support nutritional rehabilitation. But like therapists, not all dietitians have training in eating disorder treatment—so it’s important to find someone who does.
Where to Search
EDRD Pro Directory (edrdpro.com/find-an-rd)
IFEDD Directory (ifedd.com)
Referrals from your child’s therapist or doctor
Local eating disorder support communities
What to Look For
Experience working with eating disorders
Use of a weight-inclusive, non-diet approach
Comfort supporting families (especially if you’re using FBT)
Willingness to collaborate with your treatment team
Questions to Ask a Potential Dietitian
What experience do you have treating eating disorders?
What approach do you take to meal planning?
Do you work from a weight-neutral or HAES perspective?
How do you involve families in the process?
What If Outpatient Support Isn’t Enough?
Some children and teens need more intensive support than outpatient therapy and nutrition counseling can provide. This is where higher levels of care come in. These include:
IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program): 3–5 days/week, typically 3–4 hours per day. IOPs often include group therapy, individual therapy, nutrition counseling, and meal support.
PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program): 5–7 days/week, typically 6–10 hours per day. PHPs offer more structure and supervision than IOP, often including multiple meals and snacks on-site.
Residential Treatment: 24/7 care in a structured, live-in environment. This level of care is often appropriate when home is not a safe or supportive environment for recovery.
Inpatient Hospitalization: Short-term medical stabilization in a hospital setting. This level is necessary when a child is medically unstable and needs immediate intervention to address life-threatening concerns.
Signs a Higher Level of Care May Be Needed:
Significant weight loss or low weight for age and height
Vital sign abnormalities (low heart rate, low blood pressure, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance)
Severe food restriction or refusal to eat
Ongoing purging, over-exercising, or misuse of laxatives/diuretics
Intense emotional or behavioral symptoms interfering with daily life
Inability to function at school, work, or home
No progress in outpatient care despite consistent support
Safety concerns (e.g., self-harm, suicidal thoughts)
If you’re unsure, ask your current providers or pediatrician whether a higher level of care is recommended. Many eating disorder treatment centers offer free phone assessments or intake screenings that can help determine the most appropriate level of care for your child. Some families also choose to consult with an eating disorder-savvy case manager or navigator to help explore treatment options.
How To Find Residential Treatment For Eating Disorders
How to Find Higher Levels of Care
Finding a higher level of care—such as a residential or inpatient program—can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re already emotionally drained from managing day-to-day treatment needs. The process often involves navigating insurance, waitlists, eligibility criteria, and program philosophies, but there are ways to make it more manageable.
Where to Search
Start with these trusted directories and resources:
The Alliance for Eating Disorders (findEDhelp.com) – This directory allows you to search by level of care and location and includes IOP, PHP, residential, and inpatient options.
National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) (nationaleatingdisorders.org) – Their treatment finder lets you filter by age group, diagnosis, and insurance.
Insurance provider directories – Your health insurance provider may list in-network programs. Call for clarification, as directories are often outdated.
Current treatment team referrals – If your child has a therapist or pediatrician, ask them for recommendations based on clinical fit.
Parent support communities – Other families often have insight into which centers are reputable, which have long waitlists, and which provide strong family involvement.
What to Ask When You Call
As you reach out to programs, keep a notebook or spreadsheet to track details. Important questions to ask include:
Do you treat children or adolescents? What age ranges?
Which eating disorders do you specialize in?
What is the structure of your program (e.g., number of therapy sessions, types of groups, medical oversight)?
How do you involve parents and families in the treatment process?
Are you in-network with our insurance? If not, do you help with out-of-network reimbursement?
What is your average length of stay?
What’s the current wait time or admissions process?
How do you support step-down planning (i.e., transitioning back to outpatient or lower levels of care)?
Tips for Navigating the Process
Act early: If you suspect your child may need a higher level of care, start making calls and gathering information before things reach a crisis point. Some programs have waitlists, especially for adolescent beds.
Ask about virtual assessments: Many programs offer free intake assessments over the phone or via Zoom. These can help determine if the program is a good fit and whether your child meets criteria.
Stay organized: Use a document or spreadsheet to track names, contact numbers, program features, and notes from your calls.
Get support: Consider working with a care coordinator, educational consultant, or eating disorder navigator if you feel overwhelmed.
Choosing a higher level of care doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re meeting your child’s needs at the level that best supports their recovery. These programs can provide a level of structure, safety, and intensive support that outpatient care simply cannot offer—and for many families, they’re a critical part of the healing journey.
How to Know If a Provider is the Right Fit
Once you’ve found a potential therapist, dietitian, or treatment center, it’s okay to ask questions and advocate for your child. Don’t feel pressured to commit immediately—this is an important relationship, and it’s worth taking the time to get it right. A provider who is a good fit should:
Listen to your concerns and take them seriously, without judgment
Be transparent about their treatment philosophy and process
Include you in the conversation and treatment planning, especially if your child is a minor
Have specific training and experience in treating eating disorders, including the type your child is facing
Demonstrate a collaborative approach, showing openness to working closely with other members of your child’s care team
Offer a calm, compassionate presence that helps reduce shame and anxiety for both your child and your family
In addition to a provider’s credentials and approach, pay close attention to how they make you and your child feel. A good provider should help you feel heard, respected, and supported—not rushed, dismissed, or blamed. They should take time to explain their role, listen to your questions with care, and foster an environment where you and your child feel comfortable being honest. Your child may still be guarded or ambivalent about treatment—that's normal—but they should never feel unsafe, criticized, or ignored in session.
Establishing trust is a key part of the recovery process. Good providers know that eating disorders often involve secrecy, perfectionism, and shame. They will respond with warmth, consistency, and curiosity rather than judgment. They may challenge your child at times—that's part of their job—but they should do so with compassion, purpose, and clarity.
On the other hand, there are signs that a provider may not be the right fit for your family. Be cautious if the provider:
Dismisses or minimizes your concerns, especially around medical stability or psychological distress
Places blame on you or your child without offering meaningful support or suggestions for change
Is resistant to involving family, particularly with children and adolescents where family support is a crucial part of recovery
Uses judgmental language about food, such as calling certain foods “bad,” “junk,” or “unhealthy”
Encourages a rigid, numbers-based approach, such as discussing calories, specific weights, or BMI targets directly with your child
Appears unfamiliar with evidence-based treatment models for eating disorders
Avoids or downplays collaboration with other professionals on your team
Fails to create a safe, trauma-informed space for your child
You might also pick up on more subtle red flags: you or your child feel uneasy after appointments, your questions are repeatedly brushed aside, or progress feels stagnant despite your child’s participation. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to pause and reevaluate.
Your intuition as a parent is a valuable tool. Trust your instincts—if a provider makes you or your child feel more confused, invalidated, or ashamed, it may not be the right match. Don’t be afraid to advocate for what your child needs. Eating disorder recovery is challenging, and having the right support can make all the difference. It’s worth taking the time to find someone who fits your family’s needs and values.
Free Support Group For Parents Of Kids With Eating Disorders
Additional Support for Parents
Supporting a child through eating disorder recovery can be incredibly isolating. Many parents feel lost, scared, or unsure whether they’re doing the right thing. That’s why we created The Parent Support Network for Eating Disorder Recovery — a free Facebook group led by eating disorder professionals.
Inside, you’ll find:
Weekly educational content
Emotional support from other parents who "get it"
Direct access to expert guidance
A non-judgmental, compassionate space to ask questions
Join our free group here and connect with others walking the same road.
Final Thoughts
Finding eating disorder treatment near you isn’t always easy—but taking the first step is powerful. Whether you start by reaching out to a therapist, contacting a treatment center, or simply asking your pediatrician for guidance, you’re moving your child toward healing.
Remember, you don’t have to have all the answers today. Just keep going, one step at a time. And if you ever need a place to land, learn, or connect—we’re here for you.