Arise, a new virtual eating disorder startup, is stepping into the digital mental health space with $4 million in funding to expand access to personalized, community-focused virtual eating disorder care. Launched in New York and North Carolina this fall, and planning expansion into Texas, Arise aims to serve individuals aged 16 and older with a treatment model designed around the complex and varied nature of eating disorders.
The digital mental health industry is booming, with over $5.1 billion invested last year alone. This surge reflects growing investor and consumer interest in specialized, accessible care for conditions like eating disorders, OCD, and insomnia. Arise’s focus on tailored interventions comes from the belief that virtual eating disorder care must meet patients where they are with targeted treatments to be truly effective.
Personalized and Inclusive Virtual Eating Disorder Care
Eating disorders are not a single condition but a spectrum of disorders requiring nuanced care. Amanda D’Ambra, CEO and co-founder of Arise, emphasized this complexity: “Eating disorders are not one thing. They’re a category of conditions. Part of why treatment often fails is that people aren’t receiving targeted, tailored interventions.” Arise’s approach centers on individualized treatment plans developed alongside care advocates, recognizing that effective virtual eating disorder care integrates clinical expertise with psychosocial support.
Understanding that eating disorders are deeply connected to social and environmental factors, Arise ensures patients are supported by care advocates who help navigate all aspects of recovery. D’Ambra explains, “Eating disorders are not just brain disorders; they’re psychosocial. That’s why the care advocate role is so important.” This holistic approach is a key element of their model, which blends community care with clinical treatment.
Bridging Disparities Through Diversity and Peer Support
Certain populations face greater risk for eating disorders but often lack access to appropriate care. For example, 20% to 30% of adults with an eating disorder also have autism, and people of color are half as likely to be diagnosed or treated. Arise prioritizes hiring a diverse provider network to ensure patients receive culturally sensitive virtual eating disorder care from providers who reflect their backgrounds.
Peer support is another pillar of Arise’s model, offering patients access to support groups tailored by demographic similarities. Joan Zhang, chief product officer and co-founder, said, “By centering the individual’s experiences and voice, we create more effective, longer-term treatment.” These peer connections provide social support, which is critical in the healing journey and complements clinical care.
Strategic Partnerships and Broader Accessibility
Still in beta, Arise plans to partner with commercial insurers and Medicaid, focusing on direct collaboration with health plans rather than employer networks. D’Ambra stated, “We want broad coverage so virtual eating disorder care is affordable and accessible to as many people as possible—not just those employed within specific employer networks.”
The startup’s model also offers an alternative to traditional Family Based Therapy (FBT), which requires family involvement. Zhang shared that for some, family participation can be harmful due to trauma. Arise’s diverse care modalities allow patients to find the best fit for their unique circumstances, increasing access to effective treatment.
Competing with Established Providers with a Fresh Approach
Arise competes with established virtual eating disorder providers like Equip, which operates in all 50 states using a family-based model. However, Arise differentiates itself by offering a diversity of providers and treatment options, emphasizing community care and peer support.
Zhang explained, “You need a diversity of providers and care approaches to serve the broad range of needs. We don’t anchor on any one care modality.” This flexibility positions Arise to meet the needs of a wide spectrum of patients seeking virtual eating disorder care.
Looking Forward: Growth and Impact in Virtual Eating Disorder Care
With solid funding and a clear vision, Arise is poised to expand its reach and reshape the landscape of virtual eating disorder care. By combining personalized clinical treatment, diverse providers, care advocacy, and peer support, the startup aims to make effective, accessible eating disorder care a reality for more people.
As digital mental health continues to evolve, Arise’s integrated approach offers a promising new model that could set a new standard for treating eating disorders virtually—one that respects individual experiences, breaks down barriers, and supports recovery in a comprehensive way.
