Patient Advocacy + Education
Beginning eating disorder recovery can be overwhelming. There are a variety of eating disorder treatment options, phone numbers to call, questions to ask, provider acronyms to decode, and insurance obstacles to navigate.
But ANAD is here to help! In addition to our helpline, treatment directory and support groups, we’ve created this page to help you navigate your recovery and healing journey.
Listen to our conversation with Dr. Rebecca J. Lester to explore patient advocacy in eating disorder treatment and gain practical self-advocacy tips.
Common Questions for Patients & Loved Ones
Where do I start?
A medical evaluation is important because having an eating disorder can cause medical complications and even life-threatening conditions. Talking with a medical provider can sometimes feel intimidating. However, always remember you are the expert on your body. You are the only one who truly knows the entire history and experience of your physical and emotional self! This is empowering! Take confidence in knowing this truth.
What do all of these eating disorder provider acronyms mean?
When it comes to mental health and eating disorder treatment options, there are a lot of different provider acronyms out there! We’ve compiled a list of definitions to help you understand the different type of provider options available.
What type of eating disorder options treatment are there?
Eating disorder treatment can be delivered in a variety of settings. You may find yourself or your loved one changing levels of care throughout the recovery journey. It is important to understand these treatment settings.
How should I prepare for an appointment?
Talking with a medical provider can feel intimidating but knowing what to expect and preparing ahead of time can help you become your own advocate in a medical setting.
ANAD volunteer Allison Haener MSN, FNP-BC suggests preparing a list and prioritizes your top concerns to ensure they are addressed first. Consider bringing a notebook for recommendations and a supportive friend or family member; clarify beforehand if you need them for emotional comfort or practical tasks like note-taking.
During the visit, advocate for your needs by asking questions, seeking clarification, or requesting a second opinion if necessary. Before leaving, repeat the follow-up plan back to your provider to ensure you are both in agreement. You deserve to feel heard and confident in your care.
Looking for a provider? We can help with that!
We believe eating disorder treatment should be accessible to all, which is why we created the ANAD Treatment Directory to connect folks to those who can help. ANAD is always looking for new eating disorder treatment providers across the country so that we can better connect anyone experiencing an eating disorder with professional treatment options in their area.
Navigating Insurance & Financial Barriers to Eating Disorder Treatment
Individuals seeking treatment for eating disorders often encounter the same insurance hurdles common in mental health care. However, they also face specialized barriers, such as a lack of qualified in-network specialists, frequent claim denials, and lengthy prior authorization wait times. Furthermore, care can be hindered by restrictive coverage limits or a misunderstanding of medical lab results that fail to reflect the severity of the illness.
Cover My Mental Health
Cover My Mental Health is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals, families, and clinicians overcome insurance barriers to mental health and substance use treatment.
Project HEAL Insurance Resource Hub
Financial barriers should never stand in the way of life-saving treatment. That’s why our friends at Project HEAL created this Insurance Resource Hub—a comprehensive guide designed to help you understand how insurance works for eating disorder treatment and to equip you with the tools you need to advocate for coverage.
Want to learn more about eating disorders?
Education is empowerment! Learn more about eating disorder warning signs, types, and more in our ANAD Learning Library!