Eating Disorder Resources in BC and Across Canada
Finding the right support for an eating disorder can feel overwhelming, whether you're looking for yourself or for someone you love. Wait times can be long, referral pathways aren't always clear, and it's not always obvious where to start. We put this list together to make that first step a little easier. It includes crisis support, treatment programs, counselling, peer support, caregiver resources, meal support, and education, organized so you can find what fits your situation.
If you're not sure where to begin, the BC Crisis Line and NEDIC helpline below are good starting points. Both can help point you toward the right next step.
If you need support right now
BC Crisis Line: 310-6789 (no area code needed), available 24/7
9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 9-8-8, available 24/7 across Canada
NEDIC Helpline and live chat: 1-866-NEDIC-20 (1-866-633-4220), or chat at nedic.ca. Staffed Monday to Thursday 9am to 9pm and Friday 9am to 5pm ET
911 or your nearest emergency room for a medical emergency
Treatment and medical care in BC
Provincial Adult Tertiary & Specialized Eating Disorders Program (PATSED), St. Paul's Hospital: assessment and treatment for adults 17+ with anorexia, bulimia, binge-eating disorder, or OSFED. A referral from a physician or nurse practitioner is required. providencehealthcare.org
BC Children's Hospital Eating Disorders Program and the Looking Glass Residence: tertiary residential treatment for youth 16 to 24, run in partnership with the Provincial Health Services Authority. Access is by referral from a regional eating disorders program.
Regional Eating Disorders Programs: most health authorities in BC have their own program. You can find the one closest to you, or get help figuring out where to start, through Kelty Eating Disorders (keltyeatingdisorders.ca) or by calling Kelty Mental Health at 604-875-2084 or 1-800-665-1822.
Counselling and therapy support in BC
Looking Glass Foundation, Bridge the Gap: low-cost one-to-one counselling for BC residents 19 and older, delivered by supervised practicum students and overseen by a registered clinician. $35/hour, with a small number of bursaries available. lookingglassbc.com
Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre: connects children, youth, and families across BC with appropriate eating disorder resources and services, and hosts free educational events for families, educators, and clinicians. keltymentalhealth.ca
Peer support and community
Looking Glass online peer support: moderated, chat-based support groups for ages 14+ across Canada, including a 2SLGBTQIA+ group and a binge eating group
Looking Glass Hand in Hand: peer mentorship pairing individuals 16+ with a trained volunteer for ongoing in-person or virtual support
NIED (National Initiative for Eating Disorders): professionally facilitated virtual workshops and drop-in support groups for individuals, caregivers, and providers across Canada. nied.ca
Body Brave Recovery Support Program: free, self-guided virtual program for ages 14+ across Canada. No diagnosis needed and self-registration is available. bodybrave.ca
Caregiver and family support
F.E.A.S.T. (Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders): an international, parent-led community offering support groups, family guides, and the Around the Dinner Table online forum. feast-ed.org
NIED Caregiver Support Program: free virtual program with self-guided modules and access to virtual support groups
Body Brave Caregiver Support Program: free virtual program to help caregivers across Canada feel more informed and supported
Kelty Mental Health parent peer support: one-to-one peer support for parents and caregivers of children and youth up to age 24 in BC
Meal support
Looking Glass Residence: meal support and nutrition are built into the 24/7 residential program for youth 16 to 24, alongside individual, group, and family therapy
Body Brave nutrition support groups: led by a registered dietitian, focused on general meal planning principles rather than individual meal plans (Ontario-based, some programming available across Canada)
PATSED at St. Paul's Hospital: meal support is integrated into the day and residential components of the adult program
Education and prevention
Embody (formerly Jessie's Legacy): BC-based education and prevention program for youth, families, educators, and professionals, run by Family Services of the North Shore. embodybc.com
Provincial Eating Disorders Awareness Week (PEDAW) and Love Our Bodies, Love Ourselves: a province-wide campaign with free workshops and resources for schools, families, and workplaces
NEDIC community education: workshops for schools and professionals, plus Beyond Images, a media literacy curriculum for grades 4 to 8
National information and directories
NEDIC (National Eating Disorder Information Centre): Canada's helpline, live chat, and a searchable directory of more than 700 resources and treatment services across the country. nedic.ca
Eating Disorders Association of Canada / Association des troubles alimentaires du Canada (EDAC-ATAC): the national professional association for clinicians working in the field
Eating Disorders Foundation of Canada (EDFC) and the Canadian Eating Disorder Alliance (CEDA): national advocacy groups that coordinate resources and push for better access to care
This list is meant as a starting point, not a substitute for professional care. If you're in crisis, please use one of the resources at the top of this page or go to your nearest emergency room. If you're looking for ongoing individual support in BC, we're here too.
