The Top Virtual Eating Disorder Support Groups
Last Updated: July 31, 2025
Our research team conducted a comprehensive analysis of virtual eating disorder support groups across the United States, evaluating them using 6 weighted factors:
- Years of Operation (15%)
- Professional Facilitator Credentials (25%)
- Schedule Flexibility (20%)
- Specialized Population Coverage (20%)
- User Reviews & Outcomes (5%)
We then selected the 5 top-scoring organizations that provide free eating disorder support groups and provided a detailed analysis of each. The results are presented below:
The Top Virtual Eating Disorder Support Groups: 2025
| Rank | Organization | Schedule | Duration | Additional Focus Groups | Notes | Registration Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ANAD (National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders) |
Monday 6pm ET, 8pm ET, Tuesday 12pm ET, 9pm ET, Wednesday 6pm ET, Thursday 12pm ET, 9pm ET | 75 minute sessions | LGBTQ, BIPOC, Caregivers, Older Adults, Teens & Young Adults, Siblings, People in larger bodies, Men, Binge Eating Disorder, Chronic Illness & Long Term Disability | Largest peer support resource in the country; led by trained volunteers with lived experience | Register here |
| 2 | National Alliance for Eating Disorders | Mon & Fri 12-1PM ET, Tues & Thurs 7-8PM ET, Wed 9-10PM ET, Sat 11AM-12PM ET | 60 minute sessions | N/A | Therapist-led groups, drop-in format with pre-registration | |
| 3 | Eating Recovery Center | Tues 1PM ET, Wed 6PM ET | 60 minute sessions | LGBTQ+, college/early adulthood, people of color, child/adolescents, family/caregivers | Awarded "Best Variety of Groups" by Healthline | |
| 4 | The Eating Disorder Foundation | Tues/Weds/Fri 2:30pm ET, Tues 8pm ET | 60 minute sessions | Ages 30+, 50+, teens 13-17, LGBTQ+, Trans+/Nonbinary, athletes, men, neurodivergent, art journaling | Most comprehensive specialty group offerings | Register here |
| 5 | MEDA (Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association) |
Tuesdays 7-8pm ET *Currently paused for summer 2025 |
60 minute sessions | N/A | Groups led by Master's Level Therapists; structured therapy group format | Register here |
For Comprehensive Peer Support — ANAD (National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders)
ANAD stands as the largest peer support resource for eating disorders in the United States, founded on the principle that lived experience combined with professional training creates powerful healing environments. The organization's development has been driven by decades of advocacy and a deep understanding that recovery is possible with the right support system.
The organization's strength lies in its extensive network of trained volunteers who facilitate support groups using evidence-based peer support models. Their approach combines the authenticity of lived experience with professional oversight, creating safe spaces for individuals at all stages of recovery. ANAD serves individuals with all types of eating disorders and their families, with specialized groups for diverse populations including LGBTQ individuals, BIPOC communities, caregivers, and people in larger bodies.
Their support offerings are comprehensive, consisting of virtual peer support groups, specialized population-specific groups, family and caregiver support, crisis resources, and educational materials. ANAD's vision extends beyond support groups to include advocacy, awareness campaigns, and comprehensive resource development for the eating disorder community.
Schedule: 7 sessions weekly across Monday-Thursday
Group Format: Peer-led by trained volunteers with lived experience
Specializations: Extensive specialty groups for diverse populations and specific needs.
For Professional-Led Support — National Alliance for Eating Disorders
The National Alliance for Eating Disorders is a therapist-led support organization that bridges the gap between peer support and professional treatment. Their approach emphasizes the clinical expertise of licensed mental health professionals while maintaining the accessibility and community aspect of support groups.
The organization's strength lies in providing professionally facilitated groups that offer clinical insight while fostering peer connection. Their drop-in format with pre-registration allows for flexibility while maintaining group consistency. They serve individuals seeking structured support with professional guidance, particularly those who benefit from therapeutic frameworks within a group setting.
Their support structure includes multiple weekly virtual therapy groups, drop-in accessibility, professional facilitation by licensed therapists, and flexible scheduling options. The organization focuses on creating therapeutic community experiences that complement individual treatment plans.
Schedule: 6 sessions weekly across Monday-Saturday
Group Format: Therapist-led with drop-in flexibility
Registration: Individual session registration required for each meeting.
For Specialized Population Focus — Eating Recovery Center
Eating Recovery Center has earned recognition from Healthline as offering the "Best Variety of Groups" due to their comprehensive approach to serving diverse populations within the eating disorder community. Their support groups are designed to complement their broader treatment services while being accessible to the wider community.
The organization's strength lies in their deep understanding of how eating disorders affect different populations uniquely, leading to specialized groups for LGBTQ+ individuals, college students, people of color, adolescents, and families. Their approach combines clinical expertise with community support, creating targeted healing environments for specific populations.
Their offerings include specialized virtual support groups, population-specific programming, family and caregiver support, and integration with broader treatment resources. Eating Recovery Center's vision focuses on eliminating barriers to support by ensuring every individual can find a group where they feel understood and supported.
Schedule: 2 sessions weekly (Tuesday and Wednesday)
Group Format: Professionally facilitated with population-specific focus
Target Populations: LGBTQ+, college students, people of color, adolescents, families.
For Comprehensive Specialty Offerings — The Eating Disorder Foundation
The Eating Disorder Foundation offers the most comprehensive specialty group offerings in the virtual support landscape, with programming designed to meet the unique needs of specific age groups, identities, and interests. Their approach recognizes that recovery looks different for everyone and that specialized support can be crucial for lasting healing.
The organization's strength lies in their extensive range of specialized groups, from age-specific support (teens, 30+, 50+) to identity-focused groups (LGBTQ+, Trans+/Nonbinary) to interest-based programming (athletes, art journaling). Their approach combines peer support with specialized understanding of how eating disorders intersect with various life experiences and identities.
Their comprehensive programming includes age-specific support groups, identity-focused groups, activity-based support (art journaling), athlete-specific programming, neurodivergent support, and extensive specialty group offerings. The foundation's vision centers on ensuring that every individual can access support that speaks to their specific experience and needs.
Schedule: 4 sessions weekly across Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
Group Format: Specialty-focused with diverse programming options
Unique Features: Most comprehensive specialty offerings including art journaling and athlete-specific support.
For Structured Therapeutic Support — MEDA (Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association)
MEDA provides structured therapy group experiences led by Master's Level Therapists, offering a more clinical approach to group support while maintaining accessibility through their free programming. Their model bridges traditional therapy groups with community support, creating structured healing environments.
The organization's strength lies in their structured therapeutic group format that provides clinical oversight while fostering peer connection. Their approach emphasizes evidence-based group therapy techniques within a supportive community framework, serving individuals who benefit from more structured therapeutic environments.
Their support structure includes Master's Level Therapist-led groups, structured therapy group formats, seasonal programming adjustments, and integration with broader eating disorder resources. MEDA's approach focuses on providing high-quality therapeutic group experiences that are accessible to the community.
Schedule: 1 session weekly (currently paused for summer 2025)
Group Format: Structured therapy groups led by Master's Level Therapists
Approach: Most clinical format with evidence-based group therapy techniques.
Sources
- ANAD (National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders). "Support Group Registration." anad.org. Accessed July 2025. https://anad.org/support-group-registration-form/
- National Alliance for Eating Disorders. "Virtual Support Groups." allianceforeatingdisorders.com. Accessed July 2025.
- Eating Recovery Center. "Support Groups." eatingrecoverycenter.com. Accessed July 2025.
- The Eating Disorder Foundation. "Virtual Support Groups." eatingdisorderfoundation.org. Accessed July 2025. https://eatingdisorderfoundation.app.neoncrm.com/forms/virtual
- MEDA (Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association). "Calendar of Events." medainc.org. Accessed July 2025. https://www.medainc.org/calendar/
- Healthline. "Best Online Eating Disorder Support Groups." healthline.com. 2024.
