In a significant development for the world of mental health and eating disorder treatment, Equip, the trailblazing virtual care provider, has announced the expansion of its services to treat adults struggling with eating disorders. Originally founded to support individuals under the age of 24, Equip recognized a growing demand for care among the adult population, prompting the company to broaden its scope. This exciting expansion is backed by new funding from General Catalyst, one of Equip’s Series B investors, ensuring the company can better serve this underserved demographic.
While the exact amount of funding remains undisclosed, SEC documents have revealed that this new round of investment is valued at approximately $20 million. This financial backing enables Equip to significantly extend its reach and offer virtual eating disorder treatment for adults, a convenient and accessible option that could change the trajectory of their recovery. The expansion will provide adults who have long struggled without sufficient care options access to virtual treatment, an option that helps overcome barriers to traditional in-person care.
Eating disorders, which include a range of conditions like anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder, affect nearly 30 million Americans during their lifetime. These disorders typically begin in childhood or adolescence, but many adults continue to face the devastating effects of untreated eating disorders. For too long, the conversation around eating disorders has been dominated by myths that these conditions only affect younger individuals. However, Erin Parks, co-founder and chief clinical officer at Equip, pushes back on this misconception: “There’s a prevailing myth that eating disorders only affect young people, but that’s just simply not true. Just as we want a 10-year-old to be happy and free from the destructive thoughts of food and body image, we want the same for 35-year-olds, 45-year-olds, and 55-year-olds.”
Equip’s new program for adults is a direct response to this gap in care. With over 15 contracts with major payers, including most national insurance providers and a few Medicaid plans, Equip is making a strong push to ensure that more adults have access to the care they need. The company is committed to continuing to expand its payer network, making virtual eating disorder treatment for adults a viable option for a broader population.
The reality of eating disorder treatment in the U.S. is that there simply aren’t enough providers to meet the overwhelming demand. This has led to long waitlists, delayed care, and difficulty coordinating treatment through multiple providers. Equip’s virtual platform addresses these challenges head-on by offering patients a flexible and convenient way to receive care. As Parks explains, “Virtual should be the first choice. It allows treatment to fit into your life instead of rearranging life for your treatment schedule. When treatment is convenient, people are more likely to stick with it.”
Equip’s virtual model has proven successful. Since its founding in 2019, the company has treated over 2,000 patients, boasting an impressive 92% improvement rate through its evidence-informed, fully digital treatment system. A key benefit of the virtual approach is that it allows patients’ support systems—whether that’s family members, close friends, or other loved ones—to engage in the treatment process. This inclusive approach increases the likelihood of a full recovery, as it ensures that the patient has a strong network behind them throughout their healing journey.
In preparation for this expansion, Equip made a significant strategic move by hiring Nikia Bergan as its first-ever president in June. Bergan’s experience in healthcare and leadership will be invaluable as the company continues to evolve and grow. Additionally, Equip has shifted its continuing education program to focus exclusively on treating adults. Employees are now required to complete three hours of supervision and training each week to ensure they are fully equipped to support adult patients.
Equip’s treatment model for younger patients has primarily been based on family-based therapy (FBT), which involves the patient’s family in structuring their daily routines and supporting the development of pro-health behaviors. However, adults often have different support systems in place, which is why Equip will incorporate cognitive behavior-enhanced (CBT-E) therapy into its adult-focused program. While the core of Equip’s treatment remains centered on individualized care, the company will continue to involve family members or other significant figures in a patient’s life to ensure a holistic approach to recovery.
The decision to expand into the adult market has been in the works for some time, and Equip’s leadership is excited to finally offer care to a broader population. Parks noted, “The longer that we think that eating disorders are just in white young women, the longer most people with eating disorders will suffer because eating disorders affect everyone.” This statement emphasizes the company’s commitment to providing care to diverse populations, ensuring that those who need it most are able to access it.
With over $75 million raised since its inception, Equip is committed to making a meaningful impact on the eating disorder treatment landscape. As it moves forward, Equip’s focus will remain on serving adults with eating disorders and helping underserved populations. The company has no plans to diversify into other types of expansion until it has maximized its impact in this critical area of need.
The expansion into adult care is an exciting step forward, not only for Equip but also for the eating disorder treatment landscape as a whole. By offering virtual care, Equip is challenging the traditional treatment model and making recovery more accessible to people who may have previously struggled to find the support they need. With over 2,000 patients treated to date and an evidence-based approach that has proven to be effective, Equip is setting a new standard for eating disorder care—one that is flexible, inclusive, and accessible. Virtual eating disorder treatment for adults is now within reach, bringing hope to those who might otherwise have gone without care.
As the company continues to grow and evolve, it is clear that Equip is committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of those struggling with eating disorders. By offering virtual eating disorder treatment for adults, expanding access to care, and embracing an inclusive approach, Equip is helping to redefine what it means to receive eating disorder treatment in the modern age. This pivotal moment in virtual care could mark the beginning of a broader shift in how adults approach recovery, providing them with the tools they need to heal.
