Eating Disorder Treatment in Tennessee

Virtual Eating Disorder Treatment in Tennessee

For some state residents, such as those near Nashville, TN, it may be easier to access in-person eating disorder treatment centers. However, for those living in rural Tennessee who don’t need higher levels of care (i.e., inpatient care), the many benefits of virtual eating disorder treatment may be worth investigating.

With virtual care, patients can access treatment from the comfort of their own home or anywhere they get an internet signal, making it a great option for those in more remote areas or patients with issues around transportation or mobility. Virtual treatment also generally offers a more flexible schedule, making it more convenient for many people. Best of all, studies have shown that virtual eating disorder treatment can be just as effective as in-person care in many cases.²

Other Tennessee Eating Disorder Resources

While there are many top Tennessee eating disorder centers that offer help, the state also has a few programs where residents can find additional care and resources.

Qualifying residents may use the Tennessee Medicaid Behavioral Health Services. This comprehensive state program offers therapeutic support for eating disorders and related mental health conditions, such as substance use.

Those who don't qualify for Medicaid may still utilize the Tennessee Department of Health. While more general, the program can still field behavioral health-related inquiries and can offer information, resources, and referrals to nearby treatment centers or specialists.

Finding the Best Tennessee Eating Disorder Centers for You

Eating disorder recovery is all about finding a supportive environment where you can focus on healing. A caring and knowledgeable treatment team that can put together an individualized treatment plan is also an important part of the process.

When searching for Tennessee eating disorder centers that may be best for you or your loved one, make sure to keep these priorities in mind. You can call ahead or, if you're able, visit the centers to get an idea of what they're like and the general attitude of the staff.

It's also important to determine if a program uses evidence-based therapies and if it's covered by your insurance. You may even want to start the search by calling your insurance company to check what kind of treatment is covered under your plan.

Regardless of where you start your recovery journey, the most important thing is the decision to start. From there, it's just one foot in front of the other on the road to recovery.

Resources

1. Social and Economic Cost of Eating Disorders in Tennessee. (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.