Where is MEDA?
For MEDA’s address, parking information, and public transportation click here
When is MEDA Open?
MEDA is open Monday through Friday, 9-5pm. We can offer evening appointments. Currently our services are available virtually and in-person at our Newton office.
Is MEDA Accessible?
Yes! MEDA is wheelchair accessible. Accessible restrooms are right outside our office. We have chairs, couches, and spaces that provide comfort and ease to a wide variety of body shapes, sizes, and abilities. Our staff is English speaking, but we can help you find non-English speaking supports in the community
Can I Come to MEDA if I am LGBTQIA+, Gender Non-Conforming, or Agender?
Yes! MEDA welcomes people regardless of gender or sexuality (and regardless of age, ability, cultural or ethnic background, race, or socioeconomic status). We provide a safer space where all people feel cared for and accepted. We are sensitive, compassionate, .and celebrate diversity
Does MEDA Accept Insurance?
Yes! MEDA is currently in network with Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, CIGNA, Harvard Pilgrim, Mass General Brigham, Optum Companies, Tufts Health Plans, and Medicare. We are also able to bill PPO plans.
If we are out of network for your insurance company, we can sometimes obtain single case agreements that allow you to use your in-network benefits. The best way to know if we are in network for you is to call the Behavioral Health phone number on the back of your insurance card and inquire. You will need to provide the individual clinician’s name for the insurance company to verify network status.
What are my Rights and Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills?
More information on the NO SUPRISES ACT can be found here
Does MEDA Offer Treatment Scholarships?
For individuals experiencing financial hardships, we can offer full scholarships or reduced fees based on need. If you are interested in applying for a treatment scholarship, please indicate so when filling out the Initial Inquiry Form and our Clinical Care Manager will send you the scholarship application.
What Can I Expect During My Assessment?
When you have an assessment at MEDA you will meet with a clinician who specializes in the assessment of eating disorders. Our clinicians are trained master’s level mental health professionals or advanced master’s level or doctoral students. MEDA’s assessment is a bio-psycho-social exam, which means we are interested in you and your unique concerns. We will ask you questions about your mental health, medical history, and answer any questions that you may have.
Based on the individual assessment, we will make specialized recommendations for next steps – which may mean seeing a MEDA provider, joining a MEDA therapy group, providing a list of eating disorder specialists in your area, recommending higher levels of care, or a variety of other suggestions that are tailored to your needs.
Can I Get Individual Therapy at MEDA?
Yes! MEDA offers individual, family, and group therapy services. We do require an assessment prior to individual and group therapy starting. This allows MEDA to better understand what is going on for you, not just with your eating disorder, but in your life as well. Our therapist will use the information from your assessment to craft an individual treatment plan to help you move forward in your recovery.
Will I Be Weighed?
No, although MEDA clinicians may inquire about your general medical and health history.
I have Medicare/Medicaid. What are Some Treatment Options for Me?
MEDA accepts Medicare for individual therapy, and we hope to be able to accept some Medicaid plans soon. Otherwise, we recommend you browse our Treatment Center and Treatment Provider listings
I Need a Higher Level of Care, but Can’t Afford it and Don’t Have Health Insurance. Does MEDA Offer Financial Assistance?
No, MEDA does not offer financial assistance for higher levels of care. Please see the below list for organizations that provide financial assistance or low cost treatment options:
- Project HEAL: Provides funds for inpatient, residential, intensive outpatient, and outpatient treatment for applicants suffering from an eating disorder who want to recover but cannot afford treatment.
- Manna Scholarship Fund: Foundation offering scholarship funds for inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient eating disorder treatment for individuals who have no or limited insurance coverage.
- Moonshadow’s Spirit: Offers financial assistance to individuals who need treatment at residential facilities or intensive partial hospitalization program facilities.
I’ve Never Been to a Therapy Group. What is it Like?
MEDA’s groups are a safer and confidential space to get support from others who understand the struggle with an eating disorder, as well as guidance from mental health professionals. We use activities, themes, and open processing to help group members create positive change in their lives. The connection and support between the members is where truly meaningful change happens.
Will Being in a Group With Other People with Eating Disorders Make My Eating Disorder “Worse"?
Not in our experience. We meet with every potential group member to ensure that the group is the right level of support for them. We also have firm guidelines to ensure group safety, including appropriate language and behavior. The groups are led by mental health professionals who are highly trained and supervised.
Does MEDA Offer A Way For Me To Connect With Others Working On Recovery?
Yes! We would love for you to check out our Recovery Community. You will find the Community Connections message board forums where you can join in on many different recovery focused conversations. The forums also offer chatrooms and an instant chat feature. The forums are kept safe by a group of dedicated moderators who are either working on their own recovery or are recovered. The community also has a section filled with recovery tools, webinars, inspirational videos, meditations and more to help you move forward in your recovery. Check it out!
We also hold Hope & Inspiration – a free, monthly community event in which an individual shares their recovery story followed by a Q&A and guided discussion.
Also, keep an eye on our Instagram account @recoverwithmeda! We have Instagram Lives featuring professionals in the field, folks in recovery, as well as open Q&As with some of the MEDA staff.
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Every 52 min someone dies from complications due to an eating disorder and 28.8 million people in the US will struggle with an eating disorder.
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