So with that caveat out of the way, the trick in searching for treatment options is to prepare for your search the way you would with a job interview, or a date for that matter. Make a list of your priorities – you may remember that I talked about finding your ‘key(s) to life’ in my presentation, and that a ‘key to life’ is the thing or things that matters more to you than your eating disorder, that is worth fighting for. So write down why you want to recover – what you are fighting for.

Next, make a list of goals you have for your recovery – what you would like to accomplish. The more specific you can be, the better. This will help you pinpoint the treatment professionals who have the right background and skill set to help you accomplish your goals.

Finally, brainstorm about different ways you, in lieu of or in addition to a treatment professional, can help yourself to accomplish these goals. You are right that one way is by building a quality treatment team – and you are also right to point out that this can look daunting and unaffordable without medical coverage (another issue you and I share – I too was without financial means to pay for therapy throughout much of my recovery journey).

So, like I had to do when I stood in your shoes, think of ways to accomplish the same recovery goals through alternate routes. I read a lot of books and actually practiced the exercises in them! I journaled a lot. I became a student of myself – investigating the ‘whys’ behind my choices and actions like a scientist would study an unknown species. I became aware of my patterns, then worked hard to change those patterns when they sabotaged my recovery efforts. I studied about the nutritional properties of food and used my knowledge to convince my mind that it wanted – needed – to eat properly in order to accomplish its goals (until MY ‘key to life’ became ITS ‘key to life’ too!)

You can access a website that offers state and city-specific information on treatment providers HERE – you can also find additional web resources that may have listings for qualified care on my website HERE. And you may want to contact one of my favorite non-profits, Ophelia’s Place, which is located in up-state NY but offers anyone who needs it free information about treatment programs all over the country.

Most importantly, you must not give up until you have found the right team for you. If you are worried about finances, then ask if there is a way to work around that issue – some providers will be willing to offer reduced rates, payment plans, or sliding scales for clients without insurance coverage. Be willing to place recovery ahead of finishing school on your priority list – if a treatment program is the means you need to achieve recovery, then search EVERYWHERE until you find the one that will work with you to get you the help you need. If the program that offers payments you can afford is far away from your school, then take care of your recovery first and school must wait. There is nothing more important than your recovery.

Keep in touch and let me know how we can support you – much love,

Shannon

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