Eating Disorder Treatment in California

Virtual Eating Disorder Treatment

From Los Angeles and San Diego to Sacramento and San Luis Obispo, California, eating disorder centers can be found throughout the state. But that doesn't mean everyone who needs them will be able to access them.

Virtual eating disorder treatment is a great way to help level the playing field, expanding access to care to anyone with an internet signal, regardless of where they live or other challenges they may face around regularly attending in-person sessions.

These programs use the same evidence-based therapies as many in-person inpatient and outpatient programs, including individualized care, group therapy, and nutritional support. And studies have already shown that a virtual treatment program can be just as effective as in-person care in many cases.²

Additional Eating Disorder Help in California

If you or your loved one is in need of specialized eating disorder care but isn’t sure where to start, there are some state agencies that may be able to point you in the right direction.

The California Department of Health is available to all residents and may be able to help coordinate care with a nearby day treatment program or secure referrals for other types of care. The department also offers general information on eating disorders and eating disorder symptoms.

If you qualify for the state's Medicaid program, you may have additional options. The program may cover certain eating disorder treatments, such as therapy sessions or medical evaluations. It can also help cover costs for treating commonly co-occurring mental health concerns, such as substance use disorder and mood disorders.

Finding the Best California Eating Disorder Centers for You

When there are many California eating disorder centers to choose from, it can make the positive step of seeking treatment feel intimidating or challenging. But it's important to push past that fear.

Keeping some considerations in mind may help you prioritize which centers are best for you:

• The level of care required. This makes an impact on how intensive the treatment will be. Levels of care include, residential treatment, partial hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient programs, outpatient programs
• Whether the program works with your preferred in-network provider. Making sure a program works with your health insurance is a crucial way to ensure treatment can be provided through completion.
• The estimated treatment length and how a center determines when a patient is ready for discharge.
• Whether friends or family are allowed to participate in treatment.

Eating disorder recovery can be a long and sometimes difficult journey. A comprehensive care program, along with some patience, support, and love, can make the hard parts a little less hard and provide the strength to keep moving toward reaching long-term recovery.

Reference List

1. Social & Economic Cost of Eating Disorders in California. (2018). Harvard University. Accessed June 2025.
2. Steiger H, Booij L, Crescenzi O, Oliverio S, Singer I, Thaler L, St-Hilaire A, Israel M. In-person versus virtual therapy in outpatient eating-disorder treatment: A COVID-19 inspired study. International Journal of Eating Disorders; 55(1):145-150.