HOW applying for
SUPPORT WORKS
>>

  • Once you submit your application and supporting documents, you will receive an automatic message confirming your submission from our application platform, Submittable.

    We review applications on a monthly basis. All applications submitted prior to the first of the month will be reviewed during the first half of that month. For example, an application submitted in March (prior to 4/1) will be reviewed during the first half of April; applications submitted in April (after 4/1) will be reviewed during the first half of May. All applicants will be contacted about next steps by the second half of the following month. Please note that this timeline is an estimate, and the exact timing of our responses will depend largely on the amount of applications we receive.

    Take as long as you need to complete the forms; however, please note that your application will only be reviewed once all required forms are completed and submitted.

    We appreciate your patience as we work to review your application and make equitable decisions with the limited resources we have available.

  • Project HEAL’s Treatment Access Support programs are accessible to all people in the U.S. with eating disorders who are experiencing prohibitive barriers to treatment. There isn’t one person who is struggling with an eating disorder who doesn’t deserve access to treatment. The main reason Project HEAL exists is because we know the American healthcare system is failing millions of people, and we want to do whatever we can in helping as many people as possible have a different experience.

    Anyone who is experiencing significant financial hardship and/or insurance barriers qualifies to apply for support. However, please note that an application does not guarantee that support will be granted. Unfortunately, due to high demand and limited resources, we must prioritize the distribution of our resources based on our organizational values of equity.

  • • Health insurance information (if applicable)

    • Resource assessment (includes statement of financial resources and other considerations impacting your ability to pay for treatment)

    • Treatment Access needs

    • List of current providers (if applicable)

    • Clinical self-assessment (unless Clinical Assessment is provided by Project HEAL)

    • Letters of recommendation (1-2)

  • Read the FAQ below. If you still don’t see an answer to your question, send us an email at scholarship@theprojectheal.org

FAQ FOR project heal PROGRAMS

Who can apply?

Anyone living in the United States may apply. If you are a parent of a minor or hold the status of Power of Attorney for an adult, you may apply on their behalf.

Do you have information to help me navigate ED insurance?

Yes! Reviewing our Insurance Navigation guides is a great first step and may answer your questions and eliminate the need to apply for direct treatment access support.

How do your programs help people access treatment?

If you have insurance but need help maximizing it, we will assign one of our Insurance Navigation Specialists to help you each step of the way. If selected for a treatment placement, we will place you at the clinically appropriate level of care (inpatient, residential, PHP, IOP, IFT, or OP) with one of our HEALers Circle treatment partners. If a treatment facility is far away, Project HEAL will pay for your travel expenses. If you do not have an eating disorder treatment team that’s in-network with your insurance, we can help you find a qualified one. 

How do you decide
who you say “yes” to?

This is the hardest part. The shortest and most honest answer is that if we have the ability to help someone, we always do. If we have the staff time, financial resources, or appropriate HEALers Circle partnerships available to help someone based on their specific application, we say yes! If we say “no,” it has nothing to do with your worthiness of support, treatment, or healing. If we don’t have the resources to help, we always offer alternatives, referrals, and/or next steps.

What levels of care do
you place beneficiaries in?

We help connect patients to all levels of care: inpatient, residential, intensive family treatment, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, or outpatient sessions with therapists, dietitians, nutritionists, and coaches. We are working on dentists — stay tuned!

How often may I
apply for help?

Please wait at least one year from the date of your last submission before applying again. If you are not sure when you last applied, please contact us. If you started an application, but could not complete it, then you may submit a new one.

What considerations do you make when reviewing applications?

  • True financial need 

  • Significant insurance barriers

  • Marginalized identities within the eating disorder narrative

  • Cultural and systemic barriers to quality healthcare

  • Personal motivation, resilience, and commitment to recovery

  • Clinical appropriateness

Which eating disorders
are considered?

Any and all eating disorders as identified in the DSM 5.

When will I be notified
of the status of my application?

All people with completed applications will receive an automated email confirming receipt of the application. All applications submitted within one month will be reviewed the following month - please anticipate the application review and follow-up process to take up to a month or more, depending on the number of applications received. 

What documents may be required in my application?

  • 1-2 letters of recommendation

  • Proof of insurance (if applicable)

  • Documentation of financial resources (recent bank statement, last year's tax return, SSI/SSDI letter, or similar)