Bridging the Gap: Increasing Access to Eating Disorder Care in BIPOC Communities

Oct 21

Eating disorders don’t discriminate—they affect individuals across all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Yet, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities face significant barriers to accessing treatment, leading to underdiagnosis, delayed care, and poorer outcomes.

This blog explores the disparities in eating disorder care within BIPOC communities and highlights actionable steps organizations, churches, and mental health professionals can take to create equitable access to treatment.

Understanding the Disparity

Eating Disorders in BIPOC Communities: The Statistics

Prevalence: Studies show that eating disorders are as common, if not more prevalent, in BIPOC populations compared to white populations.
Diagnosis Delays: BIPOC individuals are significantly less likely to receive a diagnosis or treatment for eating disorders.
Stigma and Misinformation: Cultural taboos around discussing mental health and body image often delay help-seeking behaviors.

Barriers to Treatment

Cultural Bias in Diagnosis: Stereotypes about eating disorders being “white women’s diseases” lead to underdiagnosis in BIPOC individuals.
Limited Representation in Treatment Settings: Few eating disorder specialists reflect the cultural and racial diversity of their clients, which can create barriers to trust and understanding.
Financial and Geographic Challenges: Many BIPOC communities lack local, affordable treatment options, leaving care out of reach.

The Intersection of Culture and Eating Disorders

Eating disorders don’t exist in a vacuum—they’re influenced by cultural norms, values, and systemic inequities. For example:

Cultural Pressures: Body ideals within certain communities may differ from mainstream ideals, yet pressures to conform can still lead to disordered eating behaviors.
Food as Identity: Food often holds deep cultural significance in BIPOC communities, which can complicate the conversation around disordered eating.
Racial Trauma: Experiences of racism and discrimination can exacerbate the risk factors for eating disorders, including anxiety and depression.

To address these challenges, we must adopt culturally competent approaches that honor individuals’ lived experiences and identities.

Actionable Steps to Bridge the Gap

1. Provide Culturally Competent Training for Providers

Healthcare providers must be equipped to recognize and address eating disorders in BIPOC individuals with sensitivity and understanding.

Educational Workshops: Train providers to identify the unique ways eating disorders may present in BIPOC clients.
Ongoing Learning: Encourage clinicians to engage with research on the intersection of race, culture, and eating disorders.
Representation Matters: Recruit and support BIPOC clinicians to ensure clients see themselves reflected in the professionals providing care.

2. Partner with Trusted Community Spaces

Collaborate with organizations and faith-based institutions that already serve BIPOC communities to expand access and reduce stigma.

Churches as Gateways to Care: Work with churches to host workshops or provide mental health resources, emphasizing the connection between faith and holistic well-being.
Community Centers: Offer free or low-cost screenings, consultations, and informational sessions in accessible locations.
Schools and Universities: Partner with educational institutions to educate students and staff about eating disorder awareness.

3. Promote Education and Awareness

Combat stigma and misinformation by increasing public knowledge about eating disorders in BIPOC communities.

Social Media Campaigns: Share culturally relevant content that normalizes seeking help and highlights recovery stories from diverse voices.
Storytelling Events: Host events where individuals share their journeys, helping to break down stigma and inspire others to seek care.
Culturally Sensitive Messaging: Avoid using language or imagery that reinforces stereotypes about who can have an eating disorder.

4. Expand Access to Care

Reducing barriers to treatment means making care more affordable, accessible, and inclusive.

Telehealth Options: Offer virtual therapy sessions to reach clients in underserved areas.
Sliding Scale Payment Models: Work with providers to make care financially accessible for all income levels.
Scholarships and Grants: Partner with organizations to create funding opportunities for BIPOC individuals seeking treatment.

5. Address Systemic Issues in Healthcare

Advocate for systemic changes that improve access to care for BIPOC populations.

Policy Changes: Push for legislation that mandates equitable funding for eating disorder treatment in marginalized communities.
Provider Networks: Build directories of culturally competent eating disorder specialists for referral purposes.
Accountability Metrics: Encourage treatment centers to track and publicly report on their efforts to reduce disparities.

Faith-Based Interventions: Churches Leading the Charge

Churches are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap in eating disorder care, particularly in BIPOC communities. Here’s how:

Creating Safe Spaces: Offer prayer groups or support ministries focused on mental health and body image issues.
Educating Leadership: Train pastors and ministry leaders to recognize signs of disordered eating and provide referrals.
Collaborating with Clinicians: Partner with therapists and dietitians to offer integrated care rooted in both faith and science.

Together, We Can Close the Gap

Addressing eating disorders in BIPOC communities requires a collective effort from organizations, providers, and faith leaders. By promoting education, expanding access, and fostering cultural competency, we can ensure no one is left behind in their journey toward recovery.

Interested in partnering to increase access to care in your community? Contact Therapist Bestie to learn how we can help you create meaningful change.