Eating Disorder Treatment in Minnesota

Virtual Eating Disorder Treatment in MN

Not all the top eating disorder centers in Minnesota need to be attended in person. Virtual eating disorder treatment has become an increasingly common way for people to seek treatment for these issues.

If you live far from in-person facilities, have issues around transportation or mobility, or prefer the convenience and flexibility of virtual care, online eating disorder treatment services are a great option. Studies have even shown that virtual treatment can be just as effective as in-person care in many cases.¹

Still, those with severe eating disorder symptoms may be better suited for more intensive care, such as a residential treatment program. Getting evaluated by a doctor before enrolling in any type of program is the best way to ensure you get the type of help you need.

Other Minnesota Eating Disorder Treatment Resources

Outside the top eating disorder centers in Minnesota, residents may be able to access help from certain state agencies.

The Department of Health, based in Minneapolis, MN, has many general mental health services, including referral programs, public education initiatives, and additional resources for both those struggling with eating disorders and their caretakers and loved ones.

Certain residents can also benefit from Minnesota's state medicaid program. Qualifying residents can access therapy sessions and support for related mental health concerns, such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). The program can also refer patients to specialized providers or treatments, such as family therapy. Depending on your health insurance coverage, the program may also cover specific treatments or medications.

Finding the Best Treatment Center for You

Finding the best medical treatment in the behavioral healthcare world can feel overwhelming, especially while dealing with something as intensive as an eating disorder.

If you're having trouble narrowing down the top eating disorder treatment centers in Minnesota, asking these types of questions can help you arrive at the best option for you or your loved one:²

• Do your treatments include evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and nutritional counseling?
• How do you evaluate the healing journey? What benchmarks do you use to determine when someone is making efficient progress?
• Do you offer group therapy as well as individual therapy sessions?
• Do you help with after-care, such as offering meal planning advice?
• Do you work with patients with very low body weight, extreme eating patterns, or other severe physical symptoms?
• Do you have an overarching philosophy? Do you use any spiritual or religious practices?

It isn't always easy to treat eating disorders, and recovery rarely happens in a straight line. But with the right kind of help and support, overcoming these conditions and committing to a healthier future is 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. Questions to Ask Treatment Providers. (n.d.) National Eating Disorders Association. Accessed April 2025.