Eating Disorder Treatment in Missouri

Where Else to Find Help for Eating Disorders in Missouri

Missouri eating disorder centers can provide a supportive environment for the recovery process and specialized care, like therapeutic treatment options and medication management, but they're not the only places in Missouri where help is available.

The state's Department of Health offers a number of behavioral health initiatives and may be able to assist with further education, referrals, and other resources. Some Missouri residents may also utilize the state's Medicaid Behavioral Health Services, which offers different types of therapy and other mental health support.

Missouri also benefits from the Missouri Eating Disorders Council, a group that meets several times annually to evaluate current available services and promote useful treatments and programs. The non-profit Missouri Eating Disorders Association (MOEDA) is another place where both patients and their loved ones can access information, education, and other resources, especially in the St. Louis area.

Virtual Eating Disorder Treatment in Missouri

While in-person eating disorder treatment centers are helpful for many people, they are no longer the only place where someone can access care.

Virtual eating disorder treatment has become increasingly common since the pandemic. These programs are great options for those who live far from in-person programs, have complicated schedules, or experience challenges around transportation or mobility.

While this type of care is still relatively new, virtual eating disorder treatment programs have been found to be just as effective as in-person programs, shown to match even higher levels of care like an intensive outpatient program or partial hospitalization treatment.¹

What's the Best Eating Disorder Treatment for You?

Eating disorders are among the most complex types of mental illness, and finding the right kind of care for you or your loved one can be tricky. When researching the best Missouri eating disorder centers, it may be helpful to keep specific questions in mind, such as:²

• How long have you been practicing this type of treatment?
• What criteria do you use to determine progress or treatment outcomes?
• What types of therapy are available? (Family therapy? Group therapy? Individual therapy?)
• Do you work with my insurance company?

Finding a treatment center is an important step toward eating disorder recovery, but on what is typically a long and often bumpy journey, it's almost just as important to maintain hope.

Remember: Healing is always possible.

Resources

1. Van Huysse JL, Prohaska N, Miller C, Jary J, Sturza J, Etsell K, Bravender T. (2023). Adolescent eating disorder treatment outcomes of an in-person partial hospital program versus a virtual intensive outpatient program. The International Journal of Eating Disorders; 56(1):192–202.
2. Questions to Ask Treatment Providers. (n.d.) National Eating Disorders Association. Accessed March 2025.