Eating Disorder Treatment in District of Columbia

Virtual Eating Disorder Treatment

In-person care for eating disorders is an excellent option for many, but not everyone lives close to an eating disorder treatment center or can otherwise access these programs. For those patients—or even those who would simply prefer another format of treatment—virtual eating disorder care can be a great alternative.

These programs require only an internet signal to participate, increasing access to care for patients all over the District of Columbia. While virtual treatment for eating disorders is still relatively new, studies have already shown that it can be just as effective as in-person treatment in many cases.¹

Still, virtual mental health services aren't the best option for everyone. Those who struggle with severe eating disorder symptoms may still do better with in-person treatment. Before enrolling in a virtual program, it's important to be evaluated by a professional.

Eating Disorders in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. may not take up much space geographically, but the District still has a lot to lose from undiagnosed eating disorders.

It's estimated that up to 9% of residents in Washington—or 61,835 people—will face an eating disorder at some point in their lifetimes. Sadly, those numbers contribute to the 10,200 eating disorder-related deaths that occur nationally.²

Eating disorders treated in the District also make an economic impact. Hospital visits, including both ER trips and longer-term hospitalization, cost more than $513,000 annually, with families and other caregivers taking on huge personal losses. All told, treating eating disorders and adjusting to the loss of productivity can create a large damaging loss in the community.

These are all reasons why it's so important to find the best District of Columbia eating disorder therapists and dietitians, treatment programs, and other mental health professionals for you. Eating disorder recovery can be a difficult journey, but with the right kind of help, it's always possible.

Resources

1. Steiger H, Booij L, Crescenzi O, Oliverio S, Singer I, Thaler L, St-Hilaire A, Israel M. (2022). In-person versus virtual therapy in outpatient eating-disorder treatment: A COVID-19 inspired study. International Journal of Eating Disorders; 55(1):145-150.
2. Social & Economic Cost of Eating Disorders in Washington, D.C. (2018). Harvard University. Accessed April 2025.