Monte Nido logo
Treatment
What we treat
What we treatAnorexia NervosaAtypical AnorexiaBulimia NervosaBinge Eating
See all
Who we serve
Who we serveAdolescentsAll gendersFamilies and loved onesAthletes
See more
Programs
Our programsVirtual treatmentDay treatmentResidential treatmentInpatient treatment
Admissions
AdmissionsInsurance CheckerFinancial considerationsFAQ
APPROACH
Our approachTherapeutic philosophyNutrition

Do I have an eating disorder?

This 2-minute quiz can help you see if you or your loved one might have an eating disorder.

Take the screening assessment
Locations
ArizonaArizona
CaliforniaCalifornia
ColoradoColorado
ConnecticutConnecticut
FloridaFlorida
GeorgiaGeorgia
IdahoIdaho
IllinoisIllinois
MaineMaine
MarylandMaryland
MassachusettsMassachusetts
MissouriMissouri
MontanaMontana
NevadaNevada
New HampshireNew Hampshire
New JerseyNew Jersey
New YorkNew York
North CarolinaNorth Carolina
OhioOhio
OregonOregon
PennsylvaniaPennsylvania
Rhode IslandRhode Island
South CarolinaSouth Carolina
TennesseeTennessee
TexasTexas
UtahUtah
VermontVermont
VirginiaVirginia
WashingtonWashington
VirtualVirtual
a map of the united states of the united states

Discover the Nearest Location

Get matched with our nearest location by sharing a bit about yourself.

Find a locationSeek virtual care
For You
For loved ones
Arrow Right
For clients & alumni
Arrow Right
Caring for loved onesVirtual support groupsResources for loved ones
For alumni
Post-treatment supportVirtual support groups for alumniResources
Documents
Request a medical record

Latest content for loved ones

See all
May 15, 2025
Causes of Body Image Issues in Adolescence
May 12, 2025
6 Facts About Binge Eating Disorder You Might Not Have Known
May 9, 2025
What to Do If You Think Your Child Has Bulimia Nervosa

Latest content for you

See all
May 19, 2025
Eating Disorders and Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions
May 12, 2025
6 Facts About Binge Eating Disorder You Might Not Have Known
March 17, 2025
How a Dietitian Can Help with Eating Disorders
Placeholder
For Providers
Referrals 101
Outpatient ProvidersFacilities & Hospitals
Continuing educationMeet our Outreach Team
Refer now: Outpatient Providers
Refer now: Facilities & Hospitals

Latest content for providers

See all
May 14, 2025
Unpacking Asian American Eating Disorders and Cultural Influences
April 9, 2025
What is ARFID? Understanding Diagnosis and Treatment
March 12, 2025
Attention Needed: Navigating ADHD and Eating Disorders
About Us
About us
What Monte Nido isOur latest outcomes reportTrusted outcomesLeadershipAdvocacy
Reference
TestimonialsOur work in the newsBlog
Admissions
AdmissionsInsurance CheckerFinancial considerationsFAQ
Join
Careers
Reach out to us
888-228-1253
Reach out to us
Home
Blog
Transforming Treatment: Gender-Informed Care and Eating Disorders
Home
Blog
Transforming Treatment: Gender-Informed Care and Eating Disorders
For providers

Transforming Treatment: Gender-Informed Care and Eating Disorders

June 13, 2024

6 min read

Monte Nido

On June 13th, 2024, Monte Nido Fellow, Advocate, Educator, and Author, Schuyler Bailar, and Chief Clinical Officer at Monte Nido, Melissa Spann, PhD, MBA, CEDS-C, joined forces to present an enlightening CE webinar titled "Transforming Treatment: Gender-Informed Care and Eating Disorders." The event focused on the unique challenges faced by transgender individuals when seeking care for eating disorders and the importance of adopting a gender-informed approach to treatment.

Watch a quick recap video: 

‍

‍

Key Statistics on Eating Disorders

According to a NEDA x Trevor Project survey of over 1,000 trans youth, 54% reported an eating disorder diagnosis, with an additional 21% suspecting they had an eating disorder. The survey also revealed that 71% of transgender individuals who identified as straight reported having an eating disorder. Monte Nido's own outcomes data shows that 35% of adults and 37.7% of adolescents admitted to eating disorder residential treatment centers over the past five years identified as LGBTQ+.

Barriers to Eating Disorder Care for Transgender Individuals

The presenters highlighted several barriers transgender individuals face when seeking treatment for eating disorders, including:

  • Fear of and/or experiences of adverse consequences from healthcare providers or within healthcare communities
  • Internalized negative messages/beliefs about oneself
  • Discrimination while in care or perceptions of providers
  • Inability to access care due to a lack of resources
  • Homelessness or unsafe home environments
  • Discriminatory legal practices in some states that prohibit affirming care
  • Unwillingness or unavailability of loved ones for support

Effective Gender-Informed Treatment Approaches

Schuyler Bailar and Dr. Spann emphasized the importance of adopting a gender-informed approach to treating eating disorders within the LGBTQ+ community. Essential components of effective treatment include:

  • Interruption of ED behaviors and stabilization
  • Decreasing isolation and connecting patients to LGBTQ+ specific resources
  • Identifying core values to support recovery versus values that reinforce eating disorder behaviors
  • Exploring intersectional identities
  • Supporting safe and effective practices for changing body
  • Meeting needs across the lifespan and various developmental stages
  • Assessing needs using the Gender Minority Stress and Resilience (GMSR) Model (Testa, 2017)
  • Trans-Affirming cognitive behavioral therapy (TA-CBT) (Austin & Craig, 2015)

Clinical Tools and Best Practices

The presenters also shared valuable clinical tools and best practices for creating inclusive and safe environments for LGBTQ+ patients seeking treatment. Some recommendations include:

  • Using inclusive language, such as asking for pronouns and using open-ended questions
  • Respecting the terminology a transgender person uses to describe their identity
  • Avoiding gendered language when addressing groups
  • Asking open-ended questions to create a more inclusive environment

Resources

The presenters provided a list of valuable resources that can be accessed via the links below:

  • https://www.pinkmantaray.com/resources/ed
  • https://www.thetrevorproject.org/research-briefs/eating-disorders-among-lgbtq-youth-feb-2022/

Conclusion

The "Transforming Treatment: Gender-Informed Care and Eating Disorders" webinar provided critical insights into the unique challenges faced by transgender individuals with eating disorders and emphasized the importance of adopting a gender-informed approach to treatment. By understanding and addressing these specific needs, healthcare providers can work towards creating inclusive and effective treatment environments that promote lasting recovery for all individuals seeking care.

Visit the Continuing Education section of our website to review and register for our future CE offerings. We look forward to seeing you there!

Most recent articles

illustration of people profiles
For you
May 19, 2025
7 min read

Eating Disorders and Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions

Read more
Young girl with headphones looking mirror taking a selfie
For loved ones
May 15, 2025
8 min read

Causes of Body Image Issues in Adolescence

Read more
For providers
May 14, 2025
10 min read

Unpacking Asian American Eating Disorders and Cultural Influences

Read more
Monte Nido
Text Link
For providers

Everybody deserves a full life

Recovery is possible for everyone. We’re here to help you get started.
  • - -
  • Level of care client is interested in

  • By submitting this form, I agree to Monte Nido's Privacy Policy & Terms of Use

  • Should be Empty:
or call
888-228-1253
to speak confidentially with one of our eating disorders specialists to start the road to recovery.
Treatment
  • What we treat
  • Who we serve
  • Our programs
  • Admissions
  • Financial considerations
  • FAQ
  • Our approach
  • Eating disorder quiz
Locations
  • All locations
  • Arizona
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • Virtual
For You
For loved ones
  • Caring for loved ones
  • Virtual support groups
  • Resources for loved ones
For clients & alumni
  • Post-treatment support
  • Virtual support groups for alumni
  • Request a medical record
  • Resources
for providers
  • Referrals 101
  • Continuing education
  • Meet our Outreach Team
About Us
  • What Monte Nido is
  • Trusted outcomes
  • Leadership
  • Advocacy
  • Testimonials
  • Our work in the news
  • Blog
  • Glossary
  • Careers
Contact Us
  • Reach out to us
  • Request a medical record
Monte Nido logo
Monte Nido Walden LogoMonte Nido Clementine LogoMonte Nido Rosewood Logo
Accredited by Joint Commission, and proud members of the Residential Eating Disorder Consortium and Eating Disorders Coalition
REDC, EDC, APA logos
888-228-1253
© 2024 Monte Nido. All rights reserved.
Accessibility Policy
Data Notification
Privacy Policy
Privacy Practices
Terms and Conditions