LGBTQ+ Affirming Eating Disorder Treatment

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

• 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.

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…