The Truth About Online Therapy for Eating Disorders: Does It Work?
If you or a loved one is considering treatment for an eating disorder, you may be wondering: “Is online therapy as effective as in-person treatment?” With the rise of telehealth after COVID-19, many people are turning to virtual options for care. The good news is that research shows online eating disorder therapy can be just as effective as in-person treatment.
What the Research Says About Virtual Eating Disorder Treatment
A recent study compared outcomes between in-person multidisciplinary eating disorder treatment and the same team-based care delivered virtually. Researchers found no significant difference between the two groups. In both, patients showed:
Reduced eating disorder symptoms
Positive weight outcomes
Improvements in overall mental health and wellbeing
Decreases in perfectionism traits at discharge
This evidence suggests that telehealth for eating disorders is a viable, evidence-based option for many individuals seeking care.
(Levinson et al., 2021)
Benefits of Online Therapy for Eating Disorders
Virtual treatment can make recovery more accessible, flexible, and effective. Some of the key benefits include:
Access to specialists – If there are no eating disorder therapists near you, telehealth expands your options.
Flexibility – Online therapy makes it easier to fit treatment into your schedule, which is especially helpful if you’re also seeing a dietitian, physician, or psychiatrist.
Reduced barriers – Virtual care eliminates commuting and may reduce costs related to transportation or time off work.
Real-world therapy opportunities – Online sessions can allow therapists to integrate exposure therapy and other interventions in the comfort of your home environment.
Is Online Therapy Right for You?
Online therapy for eating disorders can be an excellent option if:
You don’t have access to local specialists
You need more flexible scheduling
You’re balancing multiple providers on your treatment team
You face barriers like transportation, location, or finances
Final Takeaway
Eating disorders are serious, but recovery is possible with the right support. Online eating disorder therapy is a proven, effective option that provides flexibility, accessibility, and evidence-based care. If you or someone you love is struggling, reaching out for help is a powerful first step toward healing.
Reference
Levinson, C. A., Spoor, S. P., Keshishian, A. C., & Pruitt, A. (2021). Pilot outcomes from a multidisciplinary telehealth versus in-person intensive outpatient program for eating disorders during versus before the Covid-19 pandemic. The International Journal of Eating Disorders, 54(9), 1672–1679. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.23579