Revolutionizing Eating Disorder Care: Kristina Saffran’s Vision with Equip
In response to the alarming surge in eating disorders among U.S. teenagers during the pandemic, Equip has emerged as a pivotal force in providing accessible treatment options. Recent statistics underscore a troubling trend, with hospital visits for eating disorders among teens doubling from 2019 to 2022. Unfortunately, the soaring costs associated with traditional treatment centers have made effective care unattainable for many individuals. Addressing this critical gap, Equip, under the leadership of CEO Kristina Saffran, has positioned itself as the nation’s largest treatment provider, achieving coverage across all 50 states in 2022.
What sets Equip apart in the realm of healthcare solutions is its unique and entirely online approach to eating disorder treatment. Founded by Kristina Saffran, whose personal experience as a teenager undergoing treatment for anorexia inspired the platform, Equip employs a family-based therapy model. This distinctive approach involves connecting each patient, aged 6 to 24, with a dedicated five-person team responsible for coordinating their care.
The expansion of Equip’s services across all states marks a significant leap toward bridging the accessibility gap in eating disorder treatment. By embracing innovative online solutions and adopting a patient-centered approach rooted in evidence-based and community-oriented principles, Equip is not only addressing the immediate challenges posed by the pandemic but also revolutionizing the landscape of eating disorder care in the United States.
As Equip celebrates its national reach on its one-year anniversary, it serves as a testament to the potential of technology and evidence-based practices in creating positive impacts on mental health outcomes. The dedication of CEO Kristina Saffran and the entire Equip team underscores a commitment to making quality eating disorder care accessible to individuals across the nation.