What is your opinion on "eating disorders" units in "state" mental hospital for those with no insurance?

For people like me that suffer from one of the many different types of eating disorders. I have neither the money nor the insurance to get into a treatment facility that will help me. I've tried turning to my local state mental hospital since I don't have either any money or any type of insurance, but unfortunately the "do not" treat people with eating disorders. An eating disorder is both physical and psychological so why doesn't the state accept it as a mental illnes?? In my research I've found that you either have to pay $1500.00 a "day" to get into a treatement center or have good health insurance. If you don't have either there's no place for you to go and I want to change that. What do you think about putting and eating disorders unit in a "state" run facility so even.."poor"...people suffering from an eating disorder have somewhere to go?

Out of curiosity, to which state and which eating disorder do you refer? If you have a government-sponsered insurance policy (e.g., medicaid), you should be able to present that card for both outpatient and inpatient (when indicated) treatment at a state facility for DSM-IV-tr diagnosable eating disorders. In fact, many private psychiatric hospitals accept medicaid and/or medicare.

Is it possible that you would qualify for medicaid? Unless you have medicaid/medicare, the existence of a state-run facility for the treatment of EDs would be of no help to you.

You may want to look into outpatient therapy at a local college or university. Many will treat even non-students on a sliding scale basis (some even free), and most are all too familiar with EDs. In addition, there are occaissionally inpatient services available to ED patients who are willing to participate in research protocols.

Best of luck to you,
~M~

Contact the NAMI, and your Governor's office.

thats a great idea i had compulsive eating disorder and i could not affort to get into rehab and i tried therapy but my case was really bad. I am still suffering and could die anyday at any time. It scares me sometimes but if i had help i would be better. In my case it was all about the money. You should host an organization to raise money to start a rehab centar which is of no pay. Like in March Of Dimes people walk to raise money 4 premuture babbies i bet u any1 would walk for eating disorders.

God Luck!!! if u need any ideas to start something feel free to email me i would really like to help people suffering.

I believe eating disorders ought to be treated as any other life threatening mental or physical health problem. I absolutely think treatment needs to be available to everyone regardless of insurance coverage.