lgbtq+ group of friends talking

What Is LGBTQ+ Inclusive Eating Disorder Care?

Eating disorders do not happen in isolation. For many LGBTQIA+ people, experiences of stigma, discrimination, or internalized shame can heighten the risk of developing unhealthy patterns with food and body image. Inclusive care means treatment that honors both your recovery and your identity, creating a safe space where every part of you is supported.

This care is especially helpful for:

  • Teens and young adults navigating identity and eating disorder symptoms
  • Adults seeking treatment that feels affirming and safe
  • Nonbinary and transgender individuals who need gender-affirming spaces
  • Families who want to support and understand their LGBTQIA+ loved ones

At NewCircle, recovery is about more than symptom relief. It is about building confidence, safety, and lasting healing in a space where you can be your true self.

What to Expect in Eating Disorder Treatment for LGBTQ+ Individuals

While every plan is customized to your needs and identity, a typical day in treatment may include:

  • Individual therapy and psychiatric check-ins focused on both recovery and identity support
  • Skills-based group sessions such as DBT, CBT, body image work, and emotion regulation
  • Family therapy and caregiver support to help loved ones affirm and understand your experience
  • Creative and movement-based groups like art, yoga, and mindfulness practices
  • Supported meals and snacks with a registered dietitian or therapist, along with opportunities to practice skills at home
  • Care team coordination to ensure therapy, medical care, and nutritional guidance work together

Meals play a crucial role in treatment. Some sessions are supported directly in session to build confidence and structure, while others take place at home, providing you with space to practice and strengthen recovery skills in real-life settings.

group therapy for lgbtq+ eating disorder treatment.

Benefits of LGBTQ+ Affirming Eating Disorder Treatment

Safe and Inclusive Environment

You will heal in a space free from judgment or discrimination, where your identity is respected and your safety is prioritized.

Identity-Affirming Care

Treatment is designed to honor who you are, helping you feel seen, valued, and supported throughout every step of recovery.

Improved Relationship with Self

Recovery fosters confidence and resilience, enabling you to cultivate a healthier, more compassionate relationship with your body and identity.

Stronger Connections

You will have opportunities to engage with peers, families, and communities who affirm your experience and provide meaningful support.

Treatment Options

Select the level of support that best suits your individual treatment needs. Options range from highly structured daytime care to more flexible programs that allow you to stay connected to your daily life.

Sustainable Recovery Skills

With practical coping strategies and tools, you will be better prepared to maintain progress and navigate challenges in everyday life.

Begin Recovery
With Inclusive Support

You do not have to choose between being yourself and getting the care you need. Our LGBTQ+ inclusive programs provide the safety of affirming spaces and the strength of evidence-based treatment. At NewCircle, we honor every identity and support your healing with compassion, respect, and a sense of community.

How It Works

Admissions & Assessment

We begin with a compassionate intake process to learn about your history, current needs, and identity. This helps us create a treatment plan tailored just for you.

Active Treatment

You will participate in therapy, nutritional care, and group support in affirming spaces that celebrate and honor who you are. Treatment may be inpatient or outpatient, depending on your needs.

Step-Down & Aftercare

As you make progress, we will prepare you for the next level of care. This may include outpatient therapy, community support, or follow-up care designed to maintain sustainable recovery.

What Happens After Treatment?

Healing does not stop when formal treatment ends. As you progress to the next stage of recovery, our team will guide you with care and reassurance, helping you transition into outpatient therapy or ongoing nutritional and psychiatric support tailored to your needs.

We will work with you to design an aftercare plan that feels realistic and sustainable. This may include regular follow-up sessions, affirming peer groups, or resources that bring structure and encouragement into your daily life. You will always have support as you continue building a healthy, lasting recovery.

portrait of a girl at a pride street party.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Inclusive treatment goes beyond addressing eating disorder symptoms by also supporting identity-related challenges, ensuring care feels safe, affirming, and comprehensive.

People of any age, background, or identity. Our programs are especially supportive for LGBTQIA+ teens, young adults, and adults who seek care that fully honors their identity.

Absolutely. Family therapy and education are available to help loved ones understand, affirm, and support their loved ones’ recovery journey.

The length of care depends on your unique needs and progress. Many people begin with structured programs and then step down into outpatient therapy or community-based support as they grow more independent in recovery. Typical timelines include Residential (30–90 days), PHP (30–90 days), and IOP (30–120 days). Your care plan is designed to be flexible and responsive, supporting you at every stage.

Many insurance plans cover eating disorder treatment. Our team can help verify your benefits and walk you through the process.