Addressing unmet needs in adolescent eating disorder treatment with an ongoing remote-access peer support group

Emily Baronfeld

doi:10.1921/gpwk.v30i3.2259

Authors

Emily Baronfeld University of Southern Maine, Programme Manager/Case Management https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3512-9150

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1921/gpwk.v30i3.2259

Keywords:

eating disorder, recovery, online treatment, adolescents, peer support, barriers to service, evidence-based treatment

Abstract

There is a lack of services for individuals recovering from an eating disorder once a person leaves initial treatment, especially among certain populations. Financial limitations, location, insurance requirements, and transportation issues are some of the barriers people face when trying to access services; for teenagers, these barriers can be magnified if there is little to no family support. Recovery can take years, whereas initial intensive treatment programs generally last weeks to months, leaving an unmet need in eating disorder treatment. Peer support programs have been shown to be an effective way for individuals to maintain recovery once they return to their communities. The current article aims to address the need for ongoing treatment of eating disorders for adolescents between the ages of 13 to 19. An internet-based peer support group for adolescents addresses current barriers to treatment since it is accessible from home and requires no budget. Current evidence-based eating disorder treatments and specific issues related to the adolescent population are discussed, along with research on peer support and mentorship. The article offers an outline for the creation of an online peer support group to include group composition, norms, and evaluation, offering universal availabilityeati

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