For alumni
Our alumni groups are a welcoming space for individuals who have finished treatment at Within and want to stay connected. We’re here to make sure you never feel alone in recovery. Together, we focus on cheering each other on, sharpening the tools you’ve learned, and building a community that truly understands your journey.
Stay connected in recovery
Recovery doesn’t end when treatment does. These groups exist to help you maintain progress, build meaningful relationships, and stay grounded in a supportive environment with people who understand your experience.
What makes our alumni groups unique:
- Ongoing, no-cost support after treatment
- Peer connection with others who share lived experience
- Flexible, drop-in group format
- Specialized groups
- Guest speakers
Unwavering support
Joining an alumni group can provide a sense of belonging and community, especially if you have limited support or lack resources in your area. While not a substitute for therapy or outpatient care, they are powerful sources of encouragement, a sense of belonging, and shared understanding. Together, we create a compassionate space to be heard, to support one another, and to continue growing side by side.
Levels of care and continued support
After completing our enhanced partial hospitalization (PHP) or enhanced intensive outpatient programming (IOP), our alumni groups serve as a step-down support option. This helps to bridge the gap between structured treatment and independent recovery.
Alumni may:
- Continue therapy alongside alumni groups, if necessary
- Use alumni groups as supplemental support
- Stay connected during life transitions or recovery challenges
Our approach
While our alumni groups are not formal clinical treatment, they are deeply rooted in the same evidence-based, compassionate philosophy used across Within programing.
Groups are facilitated by trained clinicians and incorporate elements of:
- Cognitive and behavioral coping strategies
- Relapse prevention tools
- Peer support and shared accountability
- Trauma-informed care principles
This approach helps alumni continue applying recovery skills in real-life settings while staying connected to a supportive community.
Care team
Our dedicated care team facilitates alumni groups, made up of experienced clinicians who specialize in eating disorder treatment and co-occurring mental health conditions.
Your support team may include:
- Therapists
- Mental health specialists
- Group facilitators with expertise in trauma, anxiety, and depression
Our team takes a holistic and personal approach, helping participants feel supported, understood, and empowered long after formal treatment ends.
What the experience looks like
Alumni groups are virtual, accessible, and designed to fit into your life after treatment.
Getting started
Attend an alumni orientation session with our Director of Alumni Programming to learn more about available groups and find the best fit for your needs.
What to expect
- Weekly or bi-weekly group sessions
- Sessions lasting 30–60 minutes
- Facilitated discussions and peer connection
- A safe, judgment-free environment
- Opportunities to share challenges and celebrate progress
Free group offerings
All patients who have completed their treatment at Within are welcome and encouraged to join one of our free alumni groups:
- General adult: Support group for adults.
- Providers: For healthcare providers.
- Adolescent: For 12-17 year olds.
- Recovery at Every Size (RAES): For those in larger bodies.
- Kitchen: Meal support with other members.
- Mature adults: For those 30 years and older.
- LGBTQIA+: For those in the LGBTQIA+ community.
- Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
Attend an alumni orientation session to learn more about the free programs offered to all of our past patients.
Groups schedule
Each group has a set regular schedule with sessions lasting 30 minutes to an hour.
- Alumni orientation: Wednesdays from 2:30-3:00 pm (EST)
- General adult: Thursdays from 8-9 pm (EST)
- Providers: Wednesdays from 4:45- 5:30 pm (EST)
- Adolescent: Every other Tuesday from 7:30-8:30 pm (EST)
- RAES: Tuesdays from 7-8 pm (EST)
- Kitchen: Mondays from 10-10:30 am and Wednesdays from 1:30-2 pm (EST)
- Mature adults: Thursday from 12-12:45 pm (EST)
- LGBTQIA+: Every other Wednesdays from 7-8 pm (EST)
- ARFID: Mondays from 7p-8p (EST)
Who our alumni groups are for
This program is a good fit for individuals who have completed treatment at Within and:
- Are transitioning to independent recovery
- Want continued connection and accountability
- Are seeking community with others who understand eating disorder recovery
- Would benefit from flexible, low-commitment support
Outcomes and benefits
Participants in our alumni groups often experience:
- A stronger sense of community and belonging
- Continued accountability in recovery
- Increased confidence navigating life after treatment
- Ongoing support during challenges or transitions
- Meaningful, lasting relationships
Hear what our patients have to say
Help us understand your needs so we can support you
Call us today to learn more about our personalized treatment programs. A healthier life free from eating disorders is in reach.