Eating Disorder Recovery In College: Is It Possible?
Written by Dr. Colleen Reichmann, owner and clinical director of Wildflower Therapy
College can be an incredibly exciting and transformative time. For many, it’s the beginning of a new season- one where people get that very first taste of independence. It’s a season of those very first steps into adulthood. It’s a season of more freedom-freedom to choose your own classes, your own meals, and your own path forward.
But for those struggling with an eating disorder, college (or the transition to college) can be uniquely overwhelming and isolating. In fact, between academic pressure, social expectations, and the stress of navigating campus life, it's not uncommon for eating disorder symptoms to intensify or first emerge during college. At Wildflower Therapy (our eating disorder-specialized therapy group in center city Philadelphia), we actually also see many students who experience their first eating disorder symptoms in the coming months and weeks before leaving for college- a fact that speaks to how anxiety provoking this whole transition can be.
The good news? Recovery is possible. Yes, even while you're in school. And we would know. We work with college students throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding areas (as well as virtually in a variety of other states) who experience all kinds of eating disorders (at all different levels of severity). We routinely help them to recover- yes, even during this uniquely triggering and engulfing season of life.
Why Eating Disorders Often Surface in College
So why is college such a risk period for the development of eating disorders? The answer is complicated, but essentially, a huge factor is that college is a time of change-physically, emotionally, socially, and psychologically. It's also a time of immense pressure. Students often face:
• A lack of structure around meals for the first time
• High academic and extracurricular demands
• Exposure to diet culture and body ideals on campus and social media
• Difficulty managing anxiety, depression, or trauma
• Changes in friendships and support systems
• A campus environment that glorifies “the grind” and pedestalizes ignoring your own needs.
All of these can contribute to the development or worsening of disordered eating behaviors. If you’re struggling, know that you’re not alone. And please know that help is available.
You Deserve Support: Getting Help in College
One of the biggest myths we hear from students is, “I’m too busy for therapy” or “If I admit I have a problem, I’ll have to drop out.” The reality is, with the right support, many students can receive treatment for their eating disorder while continuing their education.
Most college students can receive outpatient eating disorder therapy, meaning they can stay in school, attend classes, and live on or near campus while receiving care. This approach often includes:
• Individual therapy with a licensed therapist who specializes in eating disorders
• Nutritional counseling with a registered dietitian
• Support from a physician or medical provider who understands the medical aspects of eating disorders (sometimes this can happen via the student health center)
• Family involvement, when appropriate
This “team approach” to outpatient care is essential. Eating disorders affect every part of the body and mind, so effective treatment truly must involve multiple specialists working together. Is it more time consuming that traditional outpatient therapy for other mental health issues? Absolutely. But if students are able to set this time aside (and view it as non-negotiable), then they often are able to access stability and recovery. The comprehensive and individualized support is absolutely crucial though!
When a Higher Level of Care Is Needed
Are there times when outpatient therapy is not enough? Absolutely. Some students need more intensive support, even after they put their all into the recovery process. This is by no means a failure on the part of the student. We will say that again, for anyone in the back- needing to leave for the semester for a more intensive level of care is NEVER a failure. In fact, it is often the most courageous move of a student’s life.
If you’re experiencing any of the following, a higher level of care might be needed.
• Dangerously low weight
• Fainting or dizziness
• Constant obsessive thoughts about food, body, or exercise that interfere with daily functioning (and makes classes and exams feel impossible).
• Repeated purging, over-exercising, or use of laxatives/diuretics (especially daily)
• Ongoing suicidal thoughts or self-harm
In these cases, treatment may involve a more structured setting such as:
• Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP): Usually 3-5 days/week, several hours per day. Students can often continue classes part-time.
• Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP): Typically 5-6 days/week, full-day programs. Students usually take a leave of absence from school during PHP.
• Residential or Inpatient Programs: 24/7 care for those needing medical or psychiatric stabilization.
Taking time off school for treatment can feel scary. But healing is worth the pause. Many students return stronger, more connected to themselves, and more capable of thriving both academically and emotionally. But again, please know that this step is often avoidable, especially with early intervention and intensive, specialized team support.
How to Know if You Need Help
It’s not always easy to know if your relationship with food or your body is unhealthy. If you’re wondering whether you might need support, ask yourself:
• Do I feel out of control around food?
• Am I constantly thinking about my body or trying to change it?
• Do I avoid meals with friends or isolate myself around food?
• Have others expressed concern about my eating habits or appearance?
• Do I use exercise, restriction, purging, or other behaviors to manage my emotions?
• Do I feel consumed by this part of my life (food, body image, or exercise)
If you answered yes to any of these, consider reaching out to a specialized eating disorder therapist. Early intervention can make a huge difference in recovery.
How Wildflower Therapy Supports College Students
At Wildflower Therapy in Philadelphia, we specialize in eating disorder treatment and offer warm, inclusive care for students across Pennsylvania (and virtually in various other state). Our therapists understand the unique stressors of college life and tailor treatment to fit your academic and emotional needs.
We often work with students from:
• University of Pennsylvania
• Drexel University
• Temple University
• Villanova University
• Bryn Mawr College
• Haverford College
• Swarthmore College
• Saint Joseph’s University
• Rutgers University
• University of Delaware
• Princeton University …and many others!
You Often Don’t Have to Choose Between Recovery and School
We know how hard it can be to balance healing with the demands of college. But you don’t have to do it alone. With the right support team and a flexible, compassionate approach to treatment, it is possible to recover while continuing your education. And it IS possible for school to feel easier than this. It’s possible to get to that place where going out to froyo with your friends does not derail the day.
Whether you’re just beginning to question your relationship with food or have been struggling for years, there is hope. You deserve to feel at home in your body, to enjoy meals with friends, to focus in class, and to live fully.
If you're a college student looking for eating disorder therapy in Philadelphia, or elsewhere, we’re here for you. Reach out to Wildflower Therapy to schedule a free consultation or learn more about how we can support your recovery.
You are not alone. Life CAN feel better than this.