Paying for Eating Disorder Treatment: Understanding Options, Challenges, and Support
Eating disorder treatment can be life-saving—and also incredibly expensive. From medical stabilization to residential care, therapy, nutrition counseling, and aftercare, the costs add up quickly. For many families, figuring out how to pay for treatment becomes one of the most stressful parts of the recovery journey.
In this post, we’ll break down the costs, insurance issues, and resources available to help you or your loved one access the care you need—without being overwhelmed or blindsided.
Why Is Eating Disorder Treatment So Expensive?
Eating disorders often require multi-disciplinary, long-term care, which may include:
Medical monitoring (labs, vitals, weight restoration)
Psychiatric support and medication management
Individual therapy
Family therapy
Nutrition counseling and meal support
Higher levels of care: IOP (intensive outpatient), PHP (partial hospitalization), residential treatment, or inpatient hospitalization
Treatment across these levels can range from $500 to $2,000+ per day at some facilities, especially in private or out-of-network programs. Even outpatient care—like weekly therapy and dietitian visits—can total $500–$1,500/month.
Will Insurance Cover Treatment?
The answer is: maybe. Insurance coverage for eating disorder treatment depends on:
Your specific plan and provider
The level of care needed (outpatient vs. residential)
Whether the treatment center or provider is in-network
Pre-authorization and medical necessity criteria
Common issues families face:
Denials for higher levels of care (especially residential)
Insurance covering only part of the treatment team (e.g., therapist but not dietitian)
Limited sessions per year
Disputes over “medical necessity” if the patient’s weight is within “normal” range
Pro tip: Eating disorders are mental and physical illnesses. Ask your provider to write a letter that clearly outlines medical risk, functioning, and DSM-5 diagnosis.
Types of Insurance to Explore
Employer-based or private insurance (PPO plans often offer more flexibility)
Medicaid/CHIP (coverage varies by state, but many cover outpatient care and sometimes PHP/IOP)
Marketplace/ACA plans (some offer decent behavioral health benefits)
Student health plans (for college-aged individuals)
If You’re Paying Out of Pocket
Many families are faced with partial or full out-of-pocket payments. Some steps to help:
1. Ask about financial assistance or scholarships
Some treatment centers offer:
Sliding scale rates
Scholarships for partial or full stays
Payment plans over time
Don’t be afraid to ask—even high-cost centers often have funds set aside for families in need.
2. Use HSA/FSA funds
Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts can often be used for:
Therapy
Dietitian appointments
Psychiatry
Lab tests
Nutritional supplements (if prescribed)
3. Negotiate out-of-network benefits
If your provider is out-of-network:
Call your insurance to ask about “gap exceptions” or single-case agreements
Some families successfully get out-of-network providers reimbursed at in-network rates
Request a superbill from your provider and submit claims manually
Additional Support Resources
National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)
🔗 www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
Offers treatment locators, helpline, and insurance guidance.
Project HEAL
🔗 www.theprojectheal.org
Provides treatment grants, peer mentorship, and support for individuals facing financial and systemic barriers to care.
FAIR Health
🔗 www.fairhealthconsumer.org
Helps you estimate out-of-pocket costs for medical procedures based on location and insurance.
Health Advocacy Services (e.g., Denials Management)
Some companies specialize in fighting insurance denials for behavioral health care. These advocates may charge a fee but can help families save thousands.
What If We Can’t Afford Full Treatment?
You still have options:
Step-down care (e.g., outpatient team + virtual support instead of residential)
University clinics (often provide low-cost therapy from supervised trainees)
Community mental health centers (some offer eating disorder-informed services)
Telehealth providers offering lower-cost, accessible options
Nonprofit programs with reduced fees or pro bono care
Even partial care is better than no care. Recovery is still possible with a creative, committed team.
Final Thoughts
Paying for eating disorder treatment can feel overwhelming—but you're not alone, and help is available. Whether through insurance, advocacy, payment plans, or grants, there are often more options than families realize.
The most important investment is getting started. Even one supportive provider—a therapist, dietitian, or doctor—can begin the healing process and help you navigate the rest.
You don’t have to have it all figured out to take the first step. Start with care. Start with connection. The rest can be built from there.
