National Eating Disorders Association

You are here

No Insurance

Affordable Care Options and Scholarships

Thank you for contacting NEDA about affordable care for your eating disorder. You are not alone in facing this obstacle. Eating disorders can disrupt lives in many ways including causing financial woes. Regardless of the reason, NEDA is here to help you get the care you need and we are aware of many options to explore. The following list will introduce you to many paths to affordable care. There is no simple one-size-fits-all answer and in many cases patients must make compromises. Still, there are many options and recovery can come in many forms, so you can take strength and comfort knowing that even if we aren’t able to find your ideal option, we may nevertheless find an option that provides you with real support and guidance through the challenging path toward recovery.

Please know that the information we are providing to you does not take the place of your own doctors’ advice, your own decision making, and we are not endorsing or recommending this/these particular provider(s) for your situation.  We are offering this particular information, as given to us by the provider, based upon your questions and on the express understanding that you agree to the terms of our disclaimer (for a full explanation and the terms of our disclaimer, please clickhere.) By accepting this email it is our understanding that you accept that NEDA has no liability for any acts, omissions, decisions or services attributable to this information, the facilities or treatment providers listed.

1.   Finding Affordable Insurance: For many families, insurance is a more affordable option than they realize, and a good first step to getting affordable care. If you are considering buying insurance, there is a federal government website that can help you explore your options:https://www.healthcare.gov/ or call (800)318-2596. You may need to pay special attention to coverage as all plans do not equally provide for eating disorders. We provide important relevant information in the insurance section (section 3) of NEDA’s Parent Toolkit, which is free to download from the NEDA website:https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/toolkits-0

2.   Finding a Charitable Clinic: For medical services, the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics website has a search tool to find clinics that offer services to individuals who are uninsured, underinsured and/or have limited or no access to primary, specialty or prescription health care.http://nafcclinics.org/or call 703-647-7427

3.   Federally Funded Health Centers: For medical issues, this service can help you find care, even if you have no health insurance. You pay what you can afford, based on your income. Health centers provide checkups when you're well treatment when you're sick, prescription drugs and mental health and substance abuse care if you need it.https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/ or call (877) 464-4772, press 5

4.   Research Studies: There are research studies that provide options for suitable patients seeking affordable care. For a list of research studies see the following government website:https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?cond=Eating+Disorders

5.   Medical Schools:  Similar to research studies, some medical schools and even psychology programs have a teaching clinic where you can receive low-cost or free treatment. Here are a few specific options to take a look at:

 

6.   Outpatient Treatment on a Sliding Scale:  Another option is finding an outpatient treatment provider who offers a “sliding scale” fee.  This means that they can reduce the amount they charge based on your income to make their services more affordable to you.  Follow the instructions above for searching for research studies, but choose “treatment providers” and your state. When you click on the provider’s name, it will say whether or not they offer a sliding scale.

7.   Residential Programs:  If you are seeking intensive treatment or residential care, some inpatient programs will offer financial aid or discounts when you ask them about it.

8.   Low-Income Counseling: There may be affordable mental health clinics in your community that offer counseling for low, or no cost.  Clinicians may not have a specialty in eating disorders, but may be able to help you address other issues that may be related to the eating disorder, such as depression and anxiety. In many cases community mental health clinics include medication consultation.  

9.   College Counseling Services:  If you are in school at a college or university, you are probably eligible for free or low-cost therapy through your school’s mental health services.  You can contact your school’s health services or go to their website for more information. Some colleges are well-equipped to help students struggling with an eating disorder and may offer support groups as well.

10.   Free Support Groups:  Although support groups are not a substitute for treatment for an eating disorder, they can be a helpful adjunct to some of the suggestions listed above.  Many people find it encouraging meeting with other individuals struggling with similar issues and some support groups are even led by trained therapists.

It’s good to know that you are not alone! To find out more follow the same instructions given for research studies above.

You can search for support groups on our website at:https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/support-groups-research-studies

1) In the drop down menu for ‘Search For,’ please select “Support Group”
2) Select the state you are searching in
3) Click "Search"

11.   Group Therapy:  Similar to support groups, group therapy brings together individuals all struggling with similar issues, in this case eating disorders.  Unlike support groups, group therapy offers professionally led structure and guidance. There is usually a charge for group therapy, but it is usually much less than one-on-one therapy.  This may not suffice for the treatment you need, but may be a beneficial step or addition to the above options. 

12.   Scholarships for Treatment:  At the bottom of this email you will find a list of organizations that operate independently of NEDA and offer scholarships and affordable care across the country. Some of the organizations offer financial assistance. Others host affordable or free programs.

 

Overcoming an eating disorder and taking the necessary steps toward recovery takes courage and tenacity.  Any step you take is a step toward recovery. Studies have shown that recovery starts the moment you decide to work toward recovery. That means that everything you are doing now is part of your recovery. You’re not just waiting for the solution to come your way. You are reaching out, being resourceful and searching for the support that will give you control of your life again. We encourage you to continue seeking treatment and professional support!

          

Scholarships & Financial Aid for Eating Disorders Treatment

Please understand that the list we have collected below consists entirely of independent organizations with no affiliation with NEDA. NEDA’s volunteer team has researched online and provided the list that we found to you. We do not screen the organizations or provide any evaluation or endorsement. If you choose to apply for the services provided by the organization, please choose carefully.

 

Scholarships:

 

Hello Life

https://helloliferecovery.org/

Specifically for Cowlitz County, WA area and it is for individuals who cannot access medical, dental or mental health treatment

 

The Project Heal

Website: www.theprojectheal.org

Notes: Needs to be insured to be eligible

If uninsured, will need to submit a separate form 

 

The Manna Fund

Website: www.mannafund.org

Phone: 770-495-9775 x107

Notes: Covers inpatient/residential treatment. Does not apply to those currently in inpatient/residential treatment

 

Moonshadows Spirit

Website: www.moonshadowsspirit.org

Notes: Funds are distributed quarterly

Only for residential or partial hospitalization programs

 

Eating Disorder Recovery Support

Website: www.edrs.net

Notes: Only for California residents; need both client and clinician applications filled out.

 

Rebecca’s Eating Disorder Foundation

Website: https://rebeccaseatingdisorderfoundation.org/scholarships/

Phone: (949) 391-2669

 

Mary Rose Foundation

Website: https://maryrosefoundation.org/

 

Free Treatment/Financial Assistance

Mercy Multiplied

Website: https://mercymultiplied.com/

Notes: Christian-based residential program available to women ages 13 to 32

Location: Nashville, TN

 

Rogers Behavioral Health

Website: https://rogersbh.org/what-expect/financing-your-care/financial-assistance-program

Notes: They will provide care for emergency mental health conditions to individuals regardless of their eligibility for financial assistance or for government assistance. Following medical evaluation, non-emergent patients in inpatient and residential treatment requiring financial assistance consideration will be reviewed and approved before additional services are provided.

 

Multiple locations

 

© Copyright 2022 National Eating Disorders Association Privacy Policy