Eating disorder support groups
Eating disorders can be isolating. Support groups offer a place to connect with people who may understand the complicated realities of recovery, supporting a loved one, or living with difficult thoughts about food and body.
This directory includes Maine and New England resources, free virtual groups, diagnosis-specific options, identity-based groups, and groups for family members, friends, and caregivers.
You do not always need a formal diagnosis to participate. Review each organization’s eligibility information before registering.
Browse groups by category
Maine + New England resources
Publicly listed, recurring eating disorder support groups can be limited in Maine. These resources can help Mainers find regional, virtual, peer, and professionally facilitated support.
Eating Disorders Association of Maine
EDAM connects people throughout Maine with eating disorder education, treatment resources, community information, and opportunities for connection.
- For individuals, loved ones, providers, and community members
- Includes Maine treatment and support resources
- Contact EDAM to ask about newly added local groups
MEDA Recovery Support
MEDA is based in Massachusetts and offers virtual recovery support that may be accessible to people living throughout New England, including Maine.
- Free virtual recovery-focused drop-in group
- Options for adults and loved ones
- Some groups are moderated by a therapist or clinical intern
Maine Group Listings
Psychology Today maintains searchable listings for therapy and support groups offered by clinicians and practices throughout Maine.
- Listings may include in-person and virtual options
- Fees and insurance participation vary
- Contact the facilitator directly before attending
Know of a Maine support group? EDAM would like to make this directory more complete. Group facilitators and community organizations can contact us with current meeting and registration information.
Free virtual support groups
These national organizations provide virtual groups that can make support more accessible to people who live far from specialized eating disorder resources.
ANAD Peer Support Groups
Free virtual peer groups for people seeking community while navigating eating disorder recovery or a difficult relationship with food and body.
- Led by trained volunteers with lived recovery experience
- General and focused support groups available
- Formal diagnosis is not required
Pro-Recovery Support Groups
Free, therapist-led support groups for adults experiencing or recovering from eating disorders.
- Open to adults age 18 and older
- Weekly virtual options available
- Discussion-based support rather than formal group therapy
Eating Recovery Center Support Groups
Free support groups for people experiencing eating disorders and for families and caregivers supporting a loved one.
- No formal diagnosis required for many groups
- Open to all genders
- Groups are led by trained facilitators
Project HEAL Support Group Directory
A broad directory of free eating disorder support groups offered by nonprofit organizations, treatment providers, community organizations, and peer-led programs.
- Includes many virtual options
- Search for specialized communities and experiences
- Group schedules and availability may change
Diagnosis + experience-specific groups
Some people feel more understood in a group centered around a particular diagnosis, behavior, age, profession, or recovery experience. Group offerings may rotate throughout the year.
ARFID Support Groups
Groups focused on avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder may address sensory sensitivity, fear of consequences, low interest in eating, nourishment challenges, and recovery support.
- Options may be available for individuals or caregivers
- Age and participation requirements vary
- Check the current calendar for active offerings
Binge Eating and Bulimia Support
Focused groups may offer a less shame-based space to discuss binge eating, purging, restriction, compensatory behaviors, urges, and the emotional experience of recovery.
- Diagnosis-specific offerings may rotate
- General groups are also open to these experiences
- Peer support is not a substitute for medical care
Clinicians in Eating Disorder Recovery
A specialized virtual group for healthcare and mental health professionals navigating their own eating disorder recovery.
- For clinicians and healthcare professionals
- Centers professional identity and lived experience
- Confirm the current schedule before registering
Adolescent and Teen Support
Some organizations offer groups specifically designed for adolescents or teens who need age-appropriate peer connection during recovery.
- Age requirements differ between organizations
- Parent or guardian permission may be required
- Confirm whether the group is peer or clinician facilitated
Identity + affinity groups
Eating disorder experiences are shaped by identity, access, discrimination, culture, gender, sexuality, body size, disability, and community. Affinity groups can create space for these overlapping experiences.
LGBTQ+ Pro-Recovery Support Group
A free virtual group for LGBTQ+ adults experiencing or recovering from eating disorders, facilitated by queer therapists.
- For LGBTQ+ adults age 18 and older
- Virtual through Zoom
- Pre-registration is required
BIPOC Recovery and Affinity Groups
The Project HEAL directory includes group offerings centered on the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and other people of color navigating eating disorders and recovery.
- Offerings are hosted by different organizations
- Facilitation and eligibility vary
- Verify that the listing is currently active
Recovery in a Larger Body
Weight-inclusive groups may provide space to discuss eating disorder recovery while navigating weight stigma, anti-fat bias, medical discrimination, and pressure to pursue weight loss.
- Look for explicitly weight-inclusive facilitation
- Ask whether intentional weight-loss talk is permitted
- Group offerings may change throughout the year
Gender-Specific and All-Gender Groups
Some people prefer a group centered around men’s experiences, while others feel safest in explicitly all-gender or gender-expansive spaces.
- Review each group’s gender eligibility language
- Many general recovery groups welcome all genders
- Specialized groups may be offered seasonally
Family, friends + caregivers
Supporting someone with an eating disorder can bring fear, uncertainty, grief, frustration, and exhaustion. Caregiver groups can provide education, connection, and space to care for your own needs.
Friends and Family Support Group
A free virtual group for friends, family members, partners, coaches, teachers, and others supporting someone experiencing or recovering from an eating disorder.
- Designed for supporters rather than the individual in recovery
- Facilitated by trained eating disorder clinicians
- Younger participants may need an adult present
Caregiver Support Groups
Facilitator-led virtual groups for parents, partners, family members, and other caregivers supporting a person with an eating disorder.
- Connection with other caregivers
- Supportive discussion and shared experiences
- Multiple group options may be available
MEDA Family and Friends Support
Free support offerings for people who care about someone with an eating disorder, with themes that may include self-blame, empowerment, boundaries, forgiveness, and self-care.
- Virtual access may be available
- Open to different types of loved ones and supporters
- Check MEDA’s calendar for upcoming dates
ANAD Caregiver and Sibling Groups
Peer support opportunities for caregivers and siblings seeking connection with others who understand the challenges of supporting someone through an eating disorder.
- Virtual participation
- Led by trained volunteers
- Interest or registration form may be required
Would you like your support group added?
If you facilitate an eating disorder support group that is available to people in Maine, we would be glad to learn more about it and consider adding it to this page.
Please send us the group name, facilitator or organization, intended participants, location or virtual format, cost, current schedule, registration link, and a brief description.
Contact EDAM
We review listings before adding them. Inclusion does not represent an endorsement, guarantee of availability, or substitute for verifying a facilitator’s credentials and group policies.
Submit a support groupA support group does not replace eating disorder treatment
Support groups can reduce isolation and offer meaningful community, but they generally do not provide medical monitoring, individualized nutrition care, psychotherapy, or crisis intervention.
If you are severely restricting, frequently purging or binge eating, unable to nourish yourself consistently, experiencing rapid changes in your health, or concerned about your immediate safety, contact a qualified healthcare provider or seek urgent support.