LGBTQ+ Inclusive Eating Disorder Care

LGBTQ+ Inclusive Eating Disorder Care

LGBTQ+ folx experience unique triggers, stressors, and stigmas that contribute to the development of some mental health conditions - including eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors, which are more prevalent among LGBTQ+ individuals than in their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts.

In addition to these challenges, many LGBTQ+ individuals struggle to access culturally competent, affirming care.

At Alsana, we are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, affirming treatment environment where adult clients of all genders and sexual identities can heal, connect, and recover. Our clinicians are trained to provide individualized, gender-inclusive, trauma-informed treatment so clients can focus on healing.

of men who have eating disorders identify as gay, even though gay men only represent 5% of the total male population.

16%

42% of transgender individuals struggle with eating disorders, and 40% of transgender adults attempt suicide.

32%

of transgender people report using their eating disorder to modify their body without hormones.

AL SNAA® ®

2022 Perception of Care

LGBTQ+-Identifying Clients

92%

I would describe Alsana as an accepting and affirming environment.

99%

46% of survey respondents identified as LGBTQ+

91%

I was able to show up authentically and be respected.

96%

My gender identity was respected and affirmed by Alsana staff.

89%

I would recommend this program to other individuals seeking treatment for an eating disorder.

“Oppression, trauma, and a general lack of support put LGBTQ+-identifying individuals at higher risk for developing body image distortions and eating disorders. As treatment providers, it is vital that we provide all clients with the safe, affirming, inclusive treatment environments they deserve and the compassionate care they need to trust the recovery process and to know they are not alone."

Heather Russo, LMFT, CEDS-S, Chief Clinical Officer

Alsana provides annual, mandatory staff training on working with gender-expansive and trans clients.

Program staff attends frequent and ongoing training from professionals with lived experience in creating an inclusive environment for diverse client populations.

We honor clients' diverse experiences and address experiences of discrimination, oppression, and trauma as part of the treatment process.

When it comes to residential living accommodations, the safety of our gender-expansive and trans clients is always prioritized.

All Alsana restrooms are gender-neutral.

We respect and adapt to the complex nutritional needs of our transgender clients. Our nutrition program rejects "one-size-fits-all" approaches in favor of meeting clients where they are in their transition.

Programming includes Gender, Sexuality, and Intersectionality Group. The goal of which is to develop an awareness of how lived experiences of gender, sexuality, and intersectionality serve as historical influences and interact with the development of eating disorder behaviors.

My sexual identity was respected and affirmed by Alsana staff.

An Inclusive, Affirming Treatment Environment