Eating Disorder Treatment in Philadelphia

When does someone with an eating disorder need a hospital or residential program?

Someone with an eating disorder in Philadelphia needs hospital care when the body is in danger, so a medical evaluation should come before choosing any program. Eating disorders can cause medical emergencies, and residential care becomes an option when round-the-clock structure is needed but hospital-level monitoring is not.

Fainting, chest pain, confusion or a racing or very slow heartbeat call for 911 or the nearest emergency department, not an urgent care clinic. For emotional crisis, call or text 988, or the city’s Suicide Crisis and Intervention Hotline at 215-686-4420.

The city’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services also lists adult Crisis Response Centers open 24/7 in Germantown, Northeast Philadelphia, Center City, North Philadelphia and West Philadelphia. Below hospital and residential care sit partial hospitalization with supported meals, intensive outpatient and regular outpatient therapy with dietitian visits.

Medical Assistance members get behavioral health coverage through Community Behavioral Health, which can explain the levels of eating disorder care a plan pays for and any referral step. Some programs treat an eating disorder and an addiction together, but many focus on one, so asking the admissions team directly saves time.

How the levels of care differ

Philadelphia families usually see five levels of care. Outpatient care means scheduled therapy and dietitian visits while living at home. Intensive outpatient adds several sessions a week. Partial hospitalization runs most of the day with supported meals. Residential programs provide round-the-clock structure, and inpatient units add hospital-level medical care. Telehealth can support outpatient work. It does not replace in-person or hospital care when a doctor says medical monitoring is needed.

Does Medicaid or private insurance pay for eating disorder treatment in Philadelphia?

Medicaid and most private plans can pay for eating disorder treatment, though each plan sets its own approval steps. Philadelphia residents on Pennsylvania Medical Assistance get behavioral health coverage through Community Behavioral Health (CBH), reachable 24/7 for non-emergency services at 1-888-545-2600. Physical health coverage in the Southeast zone runs through plans such as Keystone First, Jefferson Health Plans EverWell, Geisinger Health Plan, UPMC for You and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. Ask CBH which levels of eating disorder care it authorizes and whether a referral is needed. More on coverage is on the Medicaid page.

Federal mental health parity law generally means a private plan cannot set tighter limits on eating disorder care than on comparable medical care. Listings also note Medicare, TRICARE and self-pay options where providers report them.

Can eating disorders and substance use be treated at the same Philadelphia program?

Some programs treat eating disorders and substance use together, but many focus on one, so ask the admissions team directly. Depression, anxiety and trauma are often treated alongside both; dual diagnosis listings in Philadelphia show providers reporting combined care. Pennsylvania’s Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs licenses drug and alcohol treatment programs. A provider treating both conditions should be able to name the state license it holds. Listings also show Joint Commission or CARF accreditation where reported.

Philadelphia listings can show whether a program serves adolescents or adults, offers gender-specific or LGBTQ+ groups, speaks Spanish or other languages, and involves families in treatment. National family groups such as ANAD and F.E.A.S.T. offer support for parents and partners. For programs across Pennsylvania, see eating disorder treatment in Pennsylvania, or browse all Philadelphia treatment listings.