Eating Disorder Treatment in Montana

Virtual Eating Disorder Treatment

Montana is famous for its Big Sky, but the state is also known for big open spaces. While beautiful and important, these stretches can also make it harder to connect with in-person care for eating disorders.

Thankfully, virtual treatment for eating disorders offers a direct line to support for anyone with a working internet connection. These programs can help anyone connect to transformative care regardless of where they live, what their schedule looks like, or whether they have complications around transportation or mobility.

While virtual eating disorder treatment is still relatively new, studies have already shown that it can be just as effective as in-person care in many cases.²

Other Montana Eating Disorder Resources

It's not just the top eating disorder centers in Montana that offer help.

The state's Department of Health provides general services to all residents, including recommendations or referrals to nearby programs, assistance with care coordination, and additional educational resources and information.

Certain residents will also qualify for Montana's Medicaid Behavioral Health Services. This program offers more direct assistance through coverage for specific behavioral health services, including therapy sessions and potential medical care. Medicaid may also be able to assist with specific eating disorder-related care and support with related issues, such as substance use.

Finding the Top Eating Disorder Centers in Montana for You

Finding the top eating disorder treatment centers in Montana is one thing; choosing which center you want to join is another. The process can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with the unpleasant symptoms of eating disorders.

If you or a loved one are struggling to find the best treatment program, asking these questions may help you get a better idea of what you're looking for and what the program has to offer:³

• Does the center provide the level of care you or your loved one requires? These include:
  1. Residential treatment
  2. Partial hospitalization programs
  3. Intensive outpatient programs
  4. Outpatient care
  5. Group therapy
• Does the center use evidence-based therapies or alternative treatments, or specialize in a particular form of care?
• Will the center treat co-occurring disorders, such as substance use or mood disorders?
• Will the center work with your primary care physician, employer, school, and others to streamline treatment?

The recovery journey is often long and can be full of ups and downs, but finding a center you feel comfortable with is an important first step. With the right kind of support, they can help you find your way toward eating disorder recovery and a healthier future.

Reference List

1. Social & Economic Cost of Eating Disorders in Montana. (2018). Harvard University. Accessed May 2025.
2. 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.
3. Questions to Ask Treatment Providers. (n.d.) National Eating Disorders Association. Accessed May 2025.