Are Clients Being Improperly Denied Coverage for an Eating Disorder When in a Residential Treatment Center?

ABSTRACT

Individuals struggling with eating disorder diagnoses purse higher levels of care to treat the medical, behavioral, and psychiatric aspects of their disorders. The criteria for coverage at a higher level of care often overlooks the holistic nature of treatment required for long-lasting recovery. The following piece will explore clinical information related to the true nature of an eating disorder, criteria for insurance coverage, and specific cases that show denials of care and the implication for clients seeking out support as well as an outline of necessary changes.

KEYWORDS:

• Eating disorders
• Anorexia Nervosa
• Bulimia Nervosa
• residential treatment center
• adolescents
• mental health

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Temimah Zucker

Temimah Zucker, LCSW is an adjunct professor at Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Yeshiva University and works in private practice as a psychotherapist specializing in eating disorders.

Daniel Pollack

Daniel Pollack, MSSA (MSW), Esq. is a professor at Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Yeshiva University, New York.