Peer Support Groups
ANAD pioneered peer support groups for eating disorders, and today we are the largest resource of our kind in the country. Our peer groups provide a free, virtual space where anyone can find community. We believe that everyone deserves a place to feel seen and supported, providing an accessible environment for all stages of the journey toward healing.
Already opted in?
The September registration email went out on 8/28. Keep an eye out for the October registration email on 9/25.
To let us know you’re interested in a group, fill out the form below and register for the dates you plan to attend. Please opt in & register at least four hours before the group begins, and only register for the groups you plan to attend. You’ll get an email with the group join info 15 minutes before the start time. Be punctual! Late admittance is not allowed. Attended a group before? Skip this step, and look for an email from to register for some or all of the month’s groups!
To opt into a new one, use the buttons below on this page.
How to Attend
- Choose your group with the interest form on this page
- Register using the email we send you
- Join! The link will be in your inbox 15 minutes before the start of the group
ANAD Peer Support
Group Features
- Meet weekly for 75 minutes on Zoom
- Groups will be locked one minute after the start time, with no late admittance! We encourage you to log on early.
- Led by trained volunteers with lived experience of eating disorder recovery
How can support groups help me?
ANAD support groups are often a first step for those navigating body image concerns, disordered eating, or eating disorders—as well as those committed to long-term recovery and everyone in between.
Our groups provide a space where everyone shares a common thread of experience. For many, this is the first time they have met others who truly understand the complexities of food and body concerns. Being able to share feelings and experiences without having to explain or justify them can be a powerful catalyst for healing.
Our groups are led by trained volunteers who have navigated their own healing journey. These spaces are open to anyone regardless of diagnosis or where they are at in their journey.
While our groups are a complement to—not a replacement for—clinical therapy, they offer a unique form of community that is essential to the healing process.
Whatever your story or struggle may be, we invite you to join us and find the community you deserve.
Weekly Support Group Schedule
(*) – Group Meets Every Other Week
Monday
5pm ET/2pm PT: LGBTQIA+
6pm ET/3pm PT: General
8pm ET/5pm PT: BIPOC*
8pm ET/5pm PT: Caregivers w/ F.E.A.S.T.
8pm ET/5pm PT: General
Tuesday
12pm ET/9am PT: General
1pm ET/10am PT: Older Adults
6pm ET/3pm PT: Athletes
7pm ET/4pm PT: Teen & Young Adult (13-24)
8pm ET/5pm PT: Siblings w/ F.E.A.S.T (15+)
9pm ET/6pm PT: General
Wednesday
6pm ET/3pm PT: General
7pm ET/4pm PT: Men*
7:30pm ET/4:30pm PT: People in Larger Bodies
8pm ET/5pm PT: ARFID*
Thursday
12pm ET/9am PT: General
2pm ET/11 am PT: Caregivers w/ F.E.A.S.T.
7pm ET/4pm PT: Binge Eating Disorder
8pm ET/5pm PT: Chronic Illness/Long-Term Disability
9pm ET/6pm PT: General
ANAD Affiliate Groups
ANAD Affiliate Group are led by mental health professionals affiliated with ANAD. Affiliate groups have their own schedules. Please consult the spreadsheet for contact info to learn current status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! All support groups are free. However, ANAD is a donation-based community organization, so we do rely on donations from anyone involved in our services. Donate what you can, when you can!
No. Support groups are open to anyone. The people who attend are of all ages, races, genders, and experiences. Some people are currently in treatment, others may only be starting to realize that they have a problem. No matter where someone is on their journey, they are welcome.
ANAD Peer Support Groups have roughly the same format for each group. They are 75 minutes long, meet weekly, are kept small to allow for everyone’s participation, and use communication guidelines for a safe space. ANAD Affiliate Groups, which are run by clinical professionals at different organizations, have different formats, but often involve a check in & discussion. Members can draw on the support and experience of others.
Yes, groups are confidential. While we do encourage video usage, especially when speaking, it is not required in order to participate. We also include a statement at the beginning of each group asking people to respect the confidentiality of the group.
Yes, you need to be at least 18 to participate in ANAD peer support groups, with the exception of our Adolescent/Teens support group.
We have rules in place to maintain the safety of the group and well being of participants. Should you join us, you will have the opportunity to learn them.
Zoom links will be emailed about 15 minutes ahead of each group for everyone who completed the registration process. Please click on the link prior to the start time of your meeting. We recommend joining up to 10 minutes in advance, no late attendance is allowed.
Groups are locked one minute after the start time to make sure everyone hears the guidelines, and group flows smoothly. We encourage you to join early.
No. Our peer support groups are only open to community members with eating disorders and not open to the public for observation.
ANAD Partners: Support Group Sponsors
