LGBTQ+ Affirming Eating Disorder Treatment
Recovery takes a community
At Alsana, we believe that healing happens in relationships. All of our in-person and virtual programs are inclusive, welcoming all genders and sexual orientations. Clients who identify as LGBTQ+ are never segregated. Every client is embraced and appreciated as an integral part of our eating recovery community
LGBTQ+ Perception of Care Survey
LGBTQ+ clients from all Alsana programs were surveyed. Perception of Care data below reflect responses collected from January through October 2020.
More than 25 percent of our clients identify as LGBTQ+.
91% of respondents would recommend the Alsana facility where they received care to other individuals seeking treatment for an eating disorder.
93% of respondents would describe Alsana's treatment environment as accepting and affirming.
92% of respondents felt they were respected and able to show up authentically during treatment.
98% of respondents said their sexual identity was respected and affirmed during treatment.
92% of respondents said their gender identity was respected and affirmed during treatment.
LGBTQ+ Safe Space
Statistics show that eating disorders are much more prevalent in the LGBTQ community than in the general population.
- Gay males are estimated to make up only 5% of the total male-identifying population, but 42% of men with diagnosed eating disorders identify as gay.
- Members of the LGBTQ+ community face many access-to-care barriers, one of them being a lack of culturally-competent providers.
- Trauma is a common obstacle among people with eating disorders. LGBTQ-identifying individuals face higher rates of gender violence.
- 71% of transgender individuals between the ages of 13 and 24 have diagnosed eating disorders.
For a space to be truly safe for the LGBTQ population, it must be more than physically safe and generally respectful. It must be affirming, intentional, and compassionate— taking safety and respect to a new level.
NEW Eating Disorder Screening App
The Alsana Assured™ Eating Disorder Evaluator App will help you determine whether you or your loved one needs eating disorder treatment, as well as which level and method of care may be right for you.
Eating disorder treatment during COVID-19
Here’s what one client had to say about their experience receiving in-person eating disorder treatment at Alsana in Santa Barbara during COVID-19.
I was referred to Alsana by my inpatient treatment team. They said they had a lot of good experiences working with Alsana and when I was considering my options, the team at Alsana was so welcoming and got back to me quickly. I just felt good about it…
I would say that this program is taking things seriously and quarantine, in general, is very isolating and difficult. Having an eating disorder just makes that experience even harder, and there is the added anxiety about going outside and interacting with other people. If you have an eating disorder you don’t need yet another reason not to go to the supermarket. Being in treatment provides an opportunity to get support. Especially if you are all alone, this is the time you need that extra support. I can’t imagine having to go through this without the support of my team…
Contact Us
We’re here to support you while you regain balance.
We are Alsana, and we would like to be your eating recovery community.
