Eating Disorder Treatment in Washington

Virtual Eating Disorder Treatment

From Seattle to Spokane, there are eating disorder treatment centers throughout Washington, but these in-person clinics aren't the only options for seeking care.

Many mental health providers and other healthcare professionals now offer virtual eating disorder treatment for those in need of help. The programs can reach anywhere there's an internet signal, expanding access to care to those in underserved areas or patients with transportation or health concerns that make it hard to attend regular in-person sessions.

Virtual eating disorder treatment uses many of the same methods as in-person care, from individual therapy treatment, such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), to group therapy sessions and nutrition counseling. And studies have already shown that these programs are just as effective as in-person treatment in many cases.²

Additional Washington Eating Disorder Help

Fighting eating disorders can feel so overwhelming; it can be hard to know where to start.

The Washington Department of Health can help you or your loved one begin your journey. The state agency offers help with care coordination and securing referrals to treatment programs or specialists, along with more general information and educational resources.

If you qualify for Washington's Medicaid program, you may have access to even more assistance. The program's behavioral health services can help cover costs for treatments related to eating disorders, including therapist and physician visits. This insurance coverage can extend to mental health concerns related to many eating disorders—such as mood and substance use disorders—as well.

Finding the Best Washington Eating Disorder Centers for You

Seeking help for an eating disorder is a huge step toward eating disorder recovery, but it's also important to make sure the program you work with suits your needs and priorities.

When researching these centers, it may be helpful to keep certain considerations in mind, including:³

• The levels of care provided by the center, and whether they best suit your situation or needs
• Whether the center can or will treat co-occurring conditions
• Any spiritual, religious, or treatment philosophy the center may employ
• How the center defines progress toward recovery, or determines whether a patient is ready for discharge
• Whether the center uses evidence-based treatment, such as nutritional counseling, family therapy, and certain types of individual or group therapy

The additional research may feel like a lot up front, but it can help ensure you or your loved one has a positive relationship with your treatment team, which is a crucial ingredient for long-term recovery.

Reference List

1. Social & Economic Cost of Eating Disorders in Washington. (2018). Harvard University. Accessed June 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 June 2025.