Whether you’re looking for a support group or want to learn more about eating disorders, there are many options online. These groups offer a chance to connect with others going through the same things and find a common support system.
Some of these groups are led by clinicians, while others are peer-to-peer. You should also look for groups that cater to the specific disorder you have.
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The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness
The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness is a nonprofit organization that offers educational workshops and presentations, free support groups, advocacy for eating disorders and mental health legislation, a national toll-free phone help line, referrals, training, and support. Founded in October 2000, The Alliance works to raise awareness and eliminate secrecy and stigma; promote access to care; and support those susceptible to, currently struggling with and recovering from eating disorders.
The organization also advocates for federal policies that benefit those with eating disorders and their families. Twice a year, it sponsors National Lobby Days in Washington, DC and encourages constituents to contact their members of Congress about eating disorder policy issues through regular action alerts.
The Center for Discovery
The Center for Discovery offers several online support groups that provide a space for people to connect with others who have experienced eating disorders. These groups are broken down into various communities and specialties, so you can find one that suits your needs best.
They offer weekly and bi-weekly general online support group meetings as well as more specific ones for adolescents, BIPoC, caregivers, clinicians, and more. Each meeting has a maximum of 15 participants, so everyone gets a chance to participate.
Located in Long Island, Center for Discovery Hamptons treats adolescent and adult clients struggling with eating disorders. The program offers evidence-based treatment modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure & response prevention (ERP), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and family therapy.
The center also offers a residential and transitional program for adolescents. The program aims to help clients learn to eat healthfully, maintain healthy relationships with food and exercise, and cope with traumas.
The 18percent
Touted as the online home of the best free online eating disorders treatment programs in the country, 18percent is not your average run-of-the-mill mental health clinic. Its signature program is a web-based, virtual eating disorder treatment and recovery program that treats adults and teens alike. Founded in 1999, The 18percent boasts some of the most highly trained and credentialed clinicians and support staff in the business. Their flagship treatment center, EDCare, has four locations in the greater Boston area and maintains a solid list of accolades and awards. In addition to the top notch online programs, The 18percent offers a number of onsite group and one-on-one counseling sessions in locations nationwide.
Alsana
Eating disorders are treatable conditions that can affect millions of people every year. They include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other specific feeding or eating disorders.
A plethora of things can contribute to the development of an eating disorder, including genetics, family history, and socioeconomic circumstances. However, if someone is diagnosed with an eating disorder, it is important to seek treatment immediately.
Personalized treatment programs that focus on total health and wellbeing, meet clients where they are in their recovery journey, and empower them with the ability to manage medical, therapeutic, relational, nutritional, and movement practices, are key to lasting recovery from an eating disorder.
Alsana specializes in treating eating disorders for people 18 and older of all genders. It utilizes the Adaptive Care Model, a five-point approach that empowers clients to heal from the underlying causes of their disorder.