Bridging the Gap: How Virtual IOP and PHP Expand Access to Eating Disorder Treatment for College Students Nationwide 

For many college students, access to consistent, specialized eating disorder treatment is limited by geography, class schedules, or campus culture. Traditional in-person care may not be feasible for a student who is balancing coursework, social pressures, jobs, and campus life. Fortunately, virtual intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) and partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) are emerging as accessible, flexible, and evidence-based solutions that meet students where they are, both emotionally and logistically. 

A Growing Mental Health Crisis on Campus 

College is a time of transition and self-discovery, but for many students, it also marks the onset or worsening of eating disorders. According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), eating disorders are most likely to develop between the ages of 18 and 21,¹ precisely when many young adults begin college. Factors like newfound independence, academic pressure, athletic performance, and social comparison in the digital age can heighten body image concerns and disordered eating behaviors. 

Yet students often struggle in silence. Stigma, lack of specialized campus resources, or long waitlists for university counseling services can delay intervention. Even when a student is ready to seek help, they may face another barrier: limited access to the level of care they need. 

Virtual IOP and PHP Explained

Virtual IOP and PHP programs offer structured, intensive care for students who need more support than weekly outpatient therapy but who do not require inpatient hospitalization or residential treatment. These programs provide multiple therapeutic touchpoints throughout the week, including: 

• Individual therapy: One-on-one sessions with a licensed therapist specializing in eating disorders 
• Group therapy: Peer connection and support, fostering community and accountability 
• Family therapy: When appropriate, sessions that include family members or support systems 
• Nutrition counseling: Support from registered dietitians to develop personalized meal plans and challenge food-related fears 
• Skills groups: Evidence-based curriculum including dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focused on emotion regulation, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness 

Delivered virtually, these services allow students to receive the care they need without leaving campus or interrupting their academic journey. Students can join sessions from a dorm room, apartment, or library study room—eliminating the need for commutes and fitting seamlessly into their existing routine. 

Meeting Students Where They Are 

Virtual IOP and PHP offer a culturally competent and developmentally appropriate approach tailored to the unique challenges of emerging adulthood. Group sessions often address: 

• Navigating body image in the context of social media and dating 
• Coping with academic stress and perfectionism 
• Dealing with roommate dynamics and peer relationships 
• Processing family expectations and evolving identity 

Therapists attuned to this stage of life can help students not only reduce symptoms but also build the emotional regulation and self-advocacy skills that are foundational for adulthood. 

Common Concerns About Virtual Care

• Privacy: Some students worry about confidentiality when attending sessions from shared spaces. Virtual programs often provide tips for finding private, secure locations, such as unused classrooms, cars, or using headphones with noise-canceling features. 
• Technology: Concerns about access to and literacy in technology are valid. Many programs include onboarding support and access to tech assistance, ensuring students feel confident using the platforms. 
• Engagement: Some parents or providers worry that students will struggle to stay engaged virtually. However, many students report feeling more empowered in their recovery when given the autonomy and flexibility to engage on their terms. 

When to Consider Virtual IOP or PHP for a Student 

Virtual IOP or PHP may be appropriate for students who: 

• Need more support than weekly therapy can provide 
• Are returning to school after a higher level of care 
• Are experiencing escalating symptoms but want to avoid inpatient hospitalization 
• Have limited access to in-person eating disorder care 
• Thrive with structure and accountability, but need scheduling flexibility 

In-Person vs. Virtual Care: Key Differences 

While both in-person and virtual formats offer valuable support, virtual treatment provides additional advantages for students balancing academic responsibilities. Virtual care:

• Eliminates the need for transportation
• Offers flexible scheduling (often during evenings)
• Enables continuity of care without requiring a leave of absence from school

Students still benefit from deep therapeutic relationships and group support, often finding it easier to open up in the comfort of their own space. 

A National Need, A National Solution 

College students across the U.S. deserve access to eating disorder treatment that fits their lives. With nearly 20 million students enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities, and rising rates of eating disorders among this population, virtual care offers a scalable and sustainable solution. 

As more universities collaborate with virtual providers, and as students themselves continue to advocate for holistic mental health support, virtual IOP and PHP can become not just a fallback option, but a gold standard in accessible care. 

Lee Neagle, MA, LPC

Lee is a behavioral healthcare executive, clinician, and licensed eating disorder specialist in Madison who has focused on developing and consulting with quality treatment programs across the country. Lee co-founded Inner Haven Wellness with the intention of providing a community-driven option to individuals who are seeking treatment for eating disorders and co-occurring disorders, so they may engage in a life that is meaningful and fulfilling to them as defined by them.

Prior to co-founding Inner Haven Wellness, Lee co-founded Certa Scientia Consulting, a nationally recognized behavioral health consulting firm that provides quality assurance and performance improvement services to treatment facilities. Before creating his own companies, Lee served in several high-level executive and clinical positions at large behavioral healthcare facilities across the country, which provided him with opportunities to create a safe and operationally efficient environment through his ability to instill organizational values as a foundation for clinical excellence.

Lee has previously served on the REDC (formerly the Residential Eating Disorder Consortium) Board of Directors and continues to be a member of their ethics subcommittee. Lee is dedicated to the safe, ethical, and value-driven treatment of all people who are experiencing mental health disorders. In addition to his work as Inner Haven’s executive director and as a licensed eating disorder specialist in Madison, Lee lectures nationally on a wide range of topics, including emergency management, behavioral health compliance, eating disorder awareness/identification, shame, perfectionism, and living a value-based life.