Eating disorder treatment in Alabama

Alabama's residential eating disorder care is near Birmingham. Alsana in Birmingham offers adult residential treatment along with partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs. Magnolia Creek in Columbiana provides residential and partial hospitalization care for women and girls. Residential options are limited relative to the state's population, so some families travel within Alabama or out of state for a specific level of care or an age-appropriate program. The directory above lists residential, day-treatment, and outpatient options.

Yes, through the behavioral health benefit. Coverage is broadest for children and certain adult groups, so eligibility is worth checking for your situation. Coverage mainly reaches children (through Medicaid and ALL Kids), pregnant women, low-income parents of dependent children, and people who are aged, blind, or disabled. For those who qualify, it covers outpatient therapy and inpatient psychiatric care through community providers. Eating disorder care is covered under the behavioral health benefit when it is medically necessary, rather than listed as its own service.

Alabama's in-person specialty programs are near Birmingham, with Auburn adding a university-affiliated outpatient option. Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, the Black Belt counties, and the Wiregrass have far fewer in-person options, and a drive to Birmingham can take several hours. If you live outside the Birmingham area, one option is a virtual outpatient or intensive outpatient program licensed for Alabama residents, along with travel for any in-person care you need. Alabama Medicaid covers telehealth, including audio-only services in many cases.