# What a listing is and is not

Lesson 1 of [Read an eating disorder program listing](https://eatingdisorder.fyi/academy/read-an-eating-disorder-program-listing.md), 12 minutes.

This directory lists eating disorder treatment programs in the United States. Each listing is one facility. The facility told the national treatment survey of SAMHSA (N-SUMHSS) that it runs a special program or group for persons with eating disorders. SAMHSA is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a US federal agency. It publishes the facility data on FindTreatment.gov.

## What the flag means

The flag means the facility said it serves persons with eating disorders. It does not say that eating disorders are all the facility treats. It does not name which eating disorders the program treats. Only the program can tell you that. Ask it by name.

## What a listing is not

- It is a record. It is not an endorsement.
- It is not a referral. The directory is not a clinic or a government agency.
- It is not a measure of results. SAMHSA's data does not measure treatment results, so this site does not rank programs by claimed outcomes.
- It is not complete. A facility that treats eating disorders but did not flag this on the survey does not appear.

## Dates matter

SAMHSA updates facility data weekly. This site holds a copy from a set date. Each listing has a source note with the retrieval date. A facility can change its services, phone number or hours after that date. Confirm with the program before you decide.

## In an emergency

This directory is not a crisis service. In a medical or mental health emergency call 911 in the US, or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

## Sources

- Eating Disorder Directory guide: Eating disorder treatment in the United States: what the data shows (updated 2026-10-20)
- SAMHSA FindTreatment.gov, Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator

This course is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice.

Also on the [web page](https://eatingdisorder.fyi/academy/read-an-eating-disorder-program-listing/what-a-listing-is).

> Talk to a doctor or other qualified clinician before you start, stop or change treatment. In a medical or mental health emergency call 911 in the US, or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.