In-Home and Community-Based Eating Disorder Recovery Support

Being a Volunteer

Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope

Eating disorder support can take many different forms, particularly as there are several different options for treatment. Depending on the severity of the illness and the individual needs that a person may have, treatment may range from inpatient to partial hospitalization to outpatient care.

As a person transitions through the various levels of care for eating disorder treatment, needs for support will also change through the process of recovery. For some individuals, more one-on-one support might be needed to navigate through aspects of recovery, such as meal support, restaurant outings, and more.

In-Home Support

Some types of eating disorder treatment programs may offer in-home support that allows a person in the recovery process to successfully transition between the various levels of care. For example, if an individual in recovery is moving to outpatient care after previously being in a more structured program, they may feel more comfortable having professional support during the transition period.

This may be especially true for individuals, who live on their own, are learning how to cook for/feed themselves, or figuring out how to navigate the grocery store. This may also be helpful during an intermittent time of treatment when an individual in recovery is securing their support groups, outpatient providers, etc.

Outpatient Support

Many treatment centers for eating disorders have established connections with outpatient providers within the local community that can also help an eating disorder sufferer with continuum of care when transitioning between treatment centers and/or programs. This may also include outpatient support groups or providers who collaborate with treatment center professionals to ensure a smooth transition between levels of care.

Woman discussing in-home eating disorder challenges with therapist.If you or a loved one is concerned about the support you may have as you work through eating disorder treatment, know that by working with a professional treatment team, you are creating the best possible scenario for yourself.

Transitioning between levels of care may not always be easy, especially when you are accustomed to the safety provided by the structure of higher levels of care. However, this can be accomplished more successfully with the assistance of professionals specialized in eating disorder treatment.

Work closely with your treatment team to determine how to best connect with your outpatient treatment providers and support groups, as well as be aware of any type of additional support that may be available in your community should you need assistance during certain times of your recovery journey.

Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!

What types of support do you seek for eating disorder recovery? Is it in-home support or outpatient support groups? What has worked best for you?


Crystal Headshot 2About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.

As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.


The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on June 8, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com