Center for Discovery Review 2024: Pros & Cons, Cost, & Who It’s Right For

Center for Discovery Key Takeaways

• Center for Discovery offers online eating disorder treatment with flexible scheduling.
• Virtual intensive outpatient (IOP) program is the same treatment program they use for their in-person eating disorder treatment.
• Virtual programs are available in the following seven states: California, Connecticut, Florida (PHP and IOP), Georgia (PHP and IOP), Maryland, New Jersey, Washington
• In-person residential care, partial hospitalization (PHP) and IOP are available in the following eight states: Arizona, Illinois, Kansas, New York, Oregon, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin
• Center for Discovery Alumni services include around-the-clock private, online peer eating disorder support, nationwide alumni events, free weekly in-person and online support groups run by a licensed psychologist and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS)

What is the Center for Discovery?

Center for Discovery offers in-person and virtual eating disorder treatment for adults (18+) with a variety of eating disorders. Center for Discovery’s online eating disorder treatment program aims to reduce barriers to traditional, in-person treatment options. At this time, the Center for Discovery virtual treatment is available in seven states and is in-network with most major insurance plans.

Center for Discovery treats the following eating disorders:

• Anorexia nervosa
• Bulimia nervosa
• Binge eating disorders
• Orthorexia nervosa
• ARFID
• OSFED

Center for Discovery also treats any co-occurring disorders and primary mental health diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, personality disorders, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, and trauma-related disorders. Center for Discovery eating disorder programs are primarily for adults (18+), however, the Discovery Mood and Anxiety program is available for children, teens, and adults.

The first step in the admission process is to contact the eating disorder admissions department by calling (855) 376-4632 or visiting the Center For Discovery website to submit a request for more information online. When you call the admissions line, you will encounter an automated system where you leave a voicemail and someone will return your call. A therapist will be assigned to you for the intake process and they will help walk you through all the details.

The majority of the online eating disorder treatment programs with the Center for Discovery are considered Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP). IOP treatment is less intensive treatment than Residential or Partial Hospitalization (PHP).

Center for Discovery’s virtual IOP program includes:

• 12-16 week long treatment programs
• Meetings for 3 hours, 3-5 evenings weekly
• One-on-one therapy with a therapist and dietician
• Support groups for meals and snacks with peers
• Discovery App for alumni and family members.

Center for Discovery believes in “recovery for life” meaning patients and families that have received treatment have access to free aftercare through their free mobile Discovery app. The Discovery alumni community offers around-the-clock private, online peer eating disorder support, nationwide alumni events, and free weekly in-person and online support groups run by a licensed psychologist and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS).

How Much Does the Center for Discovery Cost?

The Center for Discovery costs are not clear at this time. However, they are in-network with most insurance companies. Out-of-pocket costs depend on the length of your treatment plan and the type of treatments you are seeking.

Does the Center for Discovery Accept Insurance?

Yes, the Center for Discovery accepts most major insurance plans. They accept plans from Cigna, Kaiser, Magellan, Optum, and much more. When you submit your insurance information for verification, Center for Discovery’s insurance verification specialists will not only verify the level of care or service you are seeking but also whether or not there will be out-of-pocket costs.

Out-of-Network Benefits

During the admissions process, you will speak with an insurance verification specialist to gather as much information regarding the cost of treatment depending on your program. Patients can request a superbill as needed to submit claims to their insurance for possible reimbursement.

What Is The Admissions Process With Center for Discovery?

The admissions process with the Center for Discovery begins with a referral from your primary care provider or based on self-identification of need. Potential patients will schedule a consultation call and discuss which program may be suitable for them with a specialist.

Follow these steps to complete the admission process:

1. Go to the Center for Discovery website and click “Contact Us.”
2. Fill out the contact form with information like your name, email, zip code, and what treatment is needed.
3. An admissions specialist will call and gather presenting concerns and recommend a treatment program.
4. Discuss your costs and insurance benefits with an insurance verification specialist.
5. Schedule an intake call and obtain the specifics of the treatment program that has been recommended.
6. Begin your treatment program.

Center for Discovery Virtual IOP: Detailed Review

Center for Discovery’s virtual intensive outpatient (IOP) program is typically 12-16 weeks long, 3 hours per day, for 3-5 days per week. They accept almost all insurance plans and specific out-of-pocket costs will vary.

What is Intensive Outpatient Treatment With Center for Discovery?

Center for Discovery recommends patients and families directly contact them for the most accurate and up-to-date information on treatment availability and wait times. Most of the virtual programs for eating disorders will be an intensive outpatient program, with select states offering online partial hospitalization (PHP).

Center for Discovery’s virtual IOP program includes:

• 12-16 week long treatment programs
• Meetings for 3 hours, 3-5 evenings weekly
• One-on-one therapy with a therapist and dietician
• Support groups for meals and snacks with peers
• Discovery App for alumni and family members.

Due to the nature of their program, I was unable to get a behind-the-scenes look at their online virtual platform. However, I did find their website to be extremely comprehensive and thorough. I even found a Center for Discovery patient brochure that discusses the different treatments available.

It was difficult for me to get in contact with someone from Center for Discovery. I sent an online contact form and I left a voicemail explaining my review of the company. I did not receive any callbacks from these attempts. However, I very luckily met Shelly Gavin, Center for Discovery’s VP of Marketing & Brand Experience, during an in-person function for mental health professionals. After emailing her, I was able to learn more, but I wish I had been able to see a behind-the-scenes experience.

Who Is Center for Discovery Right For?

The Center for Discovery’s virtual IOP program would be a good fit for those who have completed residential or PHP treatment, those with transportation or schedule constraints, and for those uncomfortable leaving home.

Step-Down From Residential or PHP Treatment

Center for Discovery virtual eating disorder program is primarily designed for those who are ready to step-down in care from residential or PHP treatment. The virtual IOP program provides more support through program lasting 12-16 weeks, 3-5 days per week, 3 hours at a time, in addition to sessions with your therapist and dietician.

Transportation or Schedule Constraints

Individuals who may want to attend an eating disorder program may not have reliable access to transportation. Some individuals also have other obligations and factors to consider, such as work, school, or childcare. The ability to attend an online eating disorder program allows flexibility for those with busy schedules and provides the same level of high quality care.

Uncomfortable Leaving Home

While Center for Discovery takes great pride in making their in-person facilities as comfortable and nurturing as possible, leaving home and going somewhere else for treatment might feel uncomfortable for many individuals. The option to participate in online eating disorder treatment allows individuals to seek recovery within the comfort of their own homes.

Who Might Want an Alternative to Center for Discovery?

While the virtual program from Center for Discovery is great for select groups, there are others who will need a different solution. Those needing care outside the geographic coverage, children and teens, and those living in unsupportive environments will want to seek out an alternative.

Those Outside Center for Discovery’s Geographic Coverage

Center for Discovery only offers the virtual IOP program in the following seven states: California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey and Washington. For those looking for a virtual IOP or PHP eating disorder treatment program available in almost all states, a platform like Within Health would be ideal.

You can learn more about this online eating disorder service by reading our comprehensive review of Within Health.

Children & Teens Seeking Virtual Eating Disorder Treatment

Although Center for Discovery does offer programs for children and teens, these are only available in-person. For parents seeking a fully virtual eating disorder treatment program, we highly recommend checking out Equip Health. Equip offers online eating disorder treatment for kids and young adults up to age 24.

You can read more about this youth-centered program by reading our in-depth Equip Health review.

Those In An Unsupportive Environment

Your living environment plays a significant role in your recovery journey. If your environment is surrounded by people who are unsupportive or doubtful of your recovery, then a virtual program may not be ideal. Attending an in-person treatment program will help you work on establishing a solid, resilient foundation and help you learn to cope with triggers in your environment.

Center for Discovery User Reviews

The reviews found online for Center for Discovery were overall a positive experience, however, most centered on in-person experiences. Furthermore, most of this reviews were a few years old and some anonymous reviews on Instagram raised a few concerns.

Helpful In Their Recovery

Most positive reviews spoke highly of their experience working with therapists and helped on their journey of recovery. These reviews are generalized to Center for Discovery, versus their online treatment program. Certain locations may have better experiences than others, as well as the type of treatment program.

Clean Environment and Friendly, Professional Staff

Several users mention the residential and partial hospitalization stays were great. These reviews talked about the cleanliness and professionalism of the facility and staff. Certain locations may have different experiences than others.

Anonymous Complaints on Instagram

The Center for Discovery Truths account on Instagram details personal stories of patients’ in-person experiences. These stories may be triggering to some and should be read at your own discretion. Furthermore, this Instagram page is not run or associated with Center for Discovery.

Center for Discovery Vs. Competitors

Center for Discovery, Eating Recovery Center, and Within Health all offer virtual eating disorder programs, with varying state availability. Choosing which is best for you or your loved ones needs will depend on personal preferences, needs, insurance coverage, and care level required.

Center for Discovery Vs. Eating Recovery Center

Center for Discovery and Eating Recovery Center offer virtual programs, however, the state availability varies. Additionally, Eating Recovery Center offers programming for children, teens, and adults in majority of their virtual programs. Similar to Center for Discovery, Eating Recovery Center is in network with most commercial insurance networks.

Center for Discovery Vs. Within Health

Center for Discovery and Within Health offer reputable eating disorder treatment options. Center for Discovery provides a wider range of care levels and is available in multiple states, while Within Health specializes in personalized online eating disorder treatment. The choice depends on individual preferences, needs, your insurance plan, and the level of care required. Both the Center for Discovery and Within Health have insurance specialists to answer your questions.

For more information about how their virtual program works, you can read our in-depth review of Within Health.

Final Verdict on Center for Discovery

Center for Discovery has been a trusted, in-person treatment facility for eating disorders since 1997. While their virtual program only began in 2020, it is still run by the same licensed clinicians and treatment providers as the in-person treatment facilitiles. Overall, their online eating disorder program has helped make eating disorder recovery even more accessible than before and I look forward to their continued expansion in more states.

Summary Table of What Center for Discovery Offers

History of the Center for Discovery

The Center for Discovery and Discovery Mood and Anxiety Program were established by Dr. Craig Brown in 1997 bringing “real-life recovery” to their residential, PHP, and IOP programs. It wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 that a virtual program became available and became recognized as a main treatment option for Center for Discovery and Discovery Mood and Anxiety. Center for Discovery continues to work on expanding both virtual and in-person treatment centers nationwide.¹

Frequently Asked Questions About Center for Discovery

What Credentials do Center for Discovery Providers Hold?

Center for Discovery’s leaders and clinicians are actively involved in the eating disorder community and field, serving as directors, board members, and leaders across many organizations including: International Association for Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP), The Alliance for Eating Disorder Awareness, Academy for Eating  Disorders (AED), Behavioral Health Nutrition (BHN), International Federation of Eating  Disorder Dietitians (IFEDD), the Residential  Eating Disorder Consortium (REDC), and more.²

How Am I Connected With a Provider on Center for Discovery?

You are matched with a treatment team based upon your admissions process.

Can I Change Providers?

Yes, you may change providers, but you must contact someone on your treatment team or supervisor to request this change.

Can I use my FSA or HSA Funds?

Yes, you can using your HSA for mental health funds to pay for services with Center for Discovvery.

Can I Leave Treatment Early?

No, it is not advisable for you to leave your treatment program early. If you feel like leave treatment early you should discuss your feelings with your treatment team so they can help you.

Is Center for Discovery HIPAA Compliant?

Center for Discovery’s online virtual program is powered through a HIPAA-compliant company, Kipu Health. If you have further concerns about Center for Discovery’s Privacy Policy contact their Privacy Officer at (714) 828-1800 ext. 385.