Eating Disorder Treatment in New York

Virtual Eating Disorder Treatment

While there are many eating disorder treatment programs found throughout New York, these establishments aren't the only places to seek out help. Virtual eating disorder treatment has become an increasingly popular way to receive care for these conditions.

Virtual treatment programs use the same evidence-based care as in-person facilities, including individual and group therapy, family therapy, and nutritional counseling—but they do it all online.

The format extends access to care to many patients who would otherwise face challenges making it to in-person care on a regular basis. And virtual eating disorder treatment has been shown in studies to be just as effective as in-person treatment in many cases.²

Additional Help for Eating Disorders in New York

If you or a loved one needs help with an eating disorder but isn't sure where to get started, there are a few state agencies that may be able to help.

The New York Department of Health is available for all residents. The program offers general information on eating disorders and can also help with coordinating care or securing referrals for treatment programs or specialized treatment options.

If you qualify for Medicaid in New York, you may also benefit from that program's behavioral health services. The program can cover costs for certain eating disorder treatments, such as individual therapy and medical consultations. It can also work towards commonly co-occurring mental health conditions, such as substance use or mood disorders.

Finding the Best New York Eating Disorder Centers for You

Having many New York eating disorder centers to choose from is undoubtedly a good thing, but it can make the process of choosing the best center for you or your loved one feel overwhelming.

While researching which center you'd like to work with, it can be helpful to keep a few considerations in mind, such as:³

• How long the center has been treating eating disorders.
• The level of care and types of treatment available at the center.
• Whether the center works with religious or spiritual treatment philosophies.
• How the center determines progress toward recovery, or when a patient is ready to be discharged.

Eating disorder recovery can be a difficult journey, but with the right kind of supportive environment, it's possible to move, step by step, toward a healthier and happier future.

Reference List

1. Economic and Social Costs of Eating Disorders in New York. (2018). Harvard University. Accessed June 2025.
2. Steiger H, Booij L, Crescenzi O, Oliverio S, Singer I, Thaler L, St-Hilaire A, Israel M. 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 Providers. (n.d.) National Eating Disorders Association. Accessed June 2025.