Last updated: March 2026
How Much Does Eating Disorder Treatment Cost?
Cost Breakdown by Type
| Type / Procedure | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Outpatient Treatment (weekly, per month) | $1,000 – $3,000 | $200 – $800 |
| Intensive Outpatient Program (per month) | $5,000 – $12,000 | $1,000 – $4,000 |
| Residential Treatment (per month) | $20,000 – $60,000 | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Partial Hospitalization (per month) | $10,000 – $30,000 | $2,000 – $8,000 |
CPT/ADA Code: 90834, 96152
What Affects the Cost
- Provider credentials and experience
- In-person vs. telehealth sessions
- Session length (30, 45, or 60 minutes)
- In-network vs. out-of-network
- Geographic location (major cities cost more)
- Type of therapy or treatment approach
Insurance Coverage
Typical coverage: Eating disorder treatment is covered by most health insurance plans. The ACA and Mental Health Parity Act require coverage for mental health conditions including eating disorders.
Under the ACA and Mental Health Parity Act, insurance must cover mental health treatment at the same level as physical health. In-network copays are $20-$75 per session. Out-of-network providers may be reimbursed at 50-70%. Many plans now cover telehealth therapy at $0 copay.
How to Save Money
- Online therapy platforms (BetterHelp, Talkspace) cost $60-$100/session
- Open Path Collective: $30-$80/session ($65 lifetime membership)
- Sliding-scale therapists adjust fees based on income
- University training clinics offer $10-$30/session
- Community mental health centers provide low-cost services
- Ask about out-of-network reimbursement from your insurance
Related Procedures & Costs
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the ACA requires coverage for eating disorder treatment. However, getting authorization for higher levels of care can be challenging and often requires clinical documentation.
Recovery is a long-term process. Residential treatment stays average 30 to 90 days. Full recovery often takes 1 to 7 years with ongoing outpatient support.
Treatment covers anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, ARFID, and other specified feeding and eating disorders.