How We Can Help
Our Services & Support
Our Services & Support
MEDAL Training
Speaking Engagements
Resources & Referrals
Support & Community
Free Virtual Support Groups
Connecting with organizations to bridge, gaps in accessible and vital resources for the military community.
High-Weight & Larger Bodies
National Alliance For Eating Disorders – Larger Bodied Individuals Support Group
ANAD – People in Larger Bodies Support Group
Project HEAL
Sea Waves spotlights Project HEAL's clinical assessment and meal support programs, which offer free support to tackle significant gaps in the military healthcare system by expanding access to mental health resources, with a focus on eating disorder prevention and early detection. SEA WAVES is referring military service members, veterans, and their families to Project HEAL’s Clinical Assessment Program, which offers free, one-hour virtual clinical assessments for those struggling with their relationship with food and their body. This initiative ensures access to essential screenings for individuals who may not have routine opportunities for such care.
Body Liberation
Liberating Jasper – Fat Liberation Support Group
NAAFA – Fat Fridays Social Club
A New Kind of Support: Eating Disorder Coaching with the Carolyn Costin Institute
At SEA WAVES, we’re always looking for powerful, practical tools to support our military-connected community—and eating disorder coaching is one of the most game-changing resources available today.
Much like sober coaching in addiction recovery, eating disorder coaches offer hands-on, real-time support that bridges the gap between therapy and day-to-day life. Whether it’s helping someone stick to a meal plan, offering text support in moments of struggle, joining them at the grocery store or during meals, or guiding them through challenges after residential treatment—coaches show up when and where they’re needed most.
The Carolyn Costin Institute (CCI) is the gold standard in this space. Founded by one of the leading voices in eating disorder treatment, CCI offers rigorous training, supervised internships, and continuing education to ensure coaches are fully equipped to support recovery—ethically, compassionately, and effectively.
For military families navigating the pressure of perfection, the fear of stigma, and the lack of consistent care, this kind of support can be life-changing. Coaches don’t replace clinical professionals—they enhance the treatment team by walking alongside individuals in their real-world recovery journey.
Learn more about how coaching works and how to find a certified CCI coach at carolyncostin.com.
Because no one should have to fight this battle alone.
LGBTQ+
National Alliance For Eating Disorders – LGBTQ+ Pro-Recovery Group
ANAD – LGBTQ+ Eating Disorder Support Group
FEDUP Collective – Closed Support Group for Gender-Diverse Folx
FEDUP Collective – Closed Support Group for QTBIPOC with Eating Disorders
Liberating Jasper – Queer Peer Eating Disorder Support Group
The ED Foundation – Trans+ & Nonbinary Support Group
The ED Foundation – Support Group for LGBTQ+ Individuals (18+)
Eating Recovery Center - LGBTQ+ Eating Disorder & Body Image Support Group
Crisis Text Line
At SEA WAVES, we understand that seeking help is a courageous step, and we're here to support you every step of the way. That's why we're proud of our groundbreaking partnership with Crisis Text Line, a vital resource available to you worldwide, 24/7, free and 100% confidential.
Despite its name, Crisis Text Line is not just for moments of extreme crisis –
it's for anyone who needs a listening ear, a guiding hand, or a safe space to talk.
No issue is too small, and no problem is insignificant.
Crisis Text Line specializes in helping you transition from a hot moment of distress to a cool, calm state of well-being. Through active listening and empathetic conversations, they provide you with invaluable support and suggest appropriate referrals when needed, including resources specifically tailored to eating disorders.
We want to emphasize that reaching out has absolutely zero impact on your career or the vital work you do in the military. It's a brave step towards taking care of yourself, and we're here to encourage and support you every step of the way.
So please, don't hesitate to use Crisis Text Line whenever you need someone to talk to. We're here for you, worldwide, around the clock, because your well-being matters!
Neurodivergent
Liberating Ja sper – Neurodivergent Eating Disorder Support Group
The ED Foundation – Neurodivergent Folx
Military OneSource
Military OneSource is a free service provided by the Department of Defense to service members and their families to help with a broad range of concerns including money management, spouse employment and education, parenting and childhood services, relocation, deployment, reunion and the particular concerns of families with special-needs members.
They can also include more complex issues like relationships, stress and grief. Services are available 24 hours a day—by telephone with professionally trained consultants and online. Many Military OneSource staff members have military experience (veterans, spouses, Guardsmen, Reservists), and all receive ongoing training on military matters and military lifestyle. The program can be especially helpful to service members and their families who live at a distance from installations.
Toll-Free: 800-342-9647
En español llame al: 800-342-9647
TTY/TDD: 866-607-6794
Call 800-342-9647 from your computer using VoIP
For more information, visit Military OneSource
BIPOC
National Alliance For Eating Disorders – BIPOC Pro-Recovery Support Group
ANAD – BIPOC Eating Disorder Support Group
FEDUP Collective – QTBIPOC Eating Disorder Support Group
Sage and Spoon – BIPOC Support Group (18+)
Sunrise Nutrition – Community Table BIPOC Meal Support
The National Alliance for Eating Disorders
The National Alliance for Eating Disorders is the leading national nonprofit organization providing referrals, education, and support individuals experiencing eating disorders and their loved ones.
The Alliance offers comprehensive services, including:
- Educational presentations and training days
- Free, weekly, therapist-led support groups nationwide (virtual and in-person) for those experiencing eating disorders and for their loved ones.
- Support and referrals through both the free help-line and comprehensive referral website/app
For more information, visit The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness
Clinicians in Recovery
The ED Foundation – Mental Health Professionals in Recovery
Eating Recovery Center - Clinicians in Eating Disorder Recovery
ANAD Helpline
The ANAD Helpline offers a warm voice when you need it as well as connections to eating disorder support near you. The helpline is available Monday through Friday from 9a to 9p CT at 1-888-375-7767. ANAD is the leading nonprofit in the U.S. that provides free, peer support services to anyone struggling with an eating disorder, regardless of age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or background.
ANAD Support Groups provide a free, virtual space where people can come together to find community in recovery. These peer led groups fill a gap in care, providing an accessible, understanding space for folks at every stage.
To learn more about ANAD programs including their peer mentorship program and treatment directory, visit their website at ANAD.org.
Age-Specific
Alaska Eating Disorders Alliance - Adult Support Group 18+
ANAD – Teens & Young Adults (24 and younger) Eating Disorder Support Groups
ANAD – Older Adults Eating Disorder Support Groups
Center For Discovery – Adolescent Individuals in Recovery
Eating Recovery Center - 30+ Eating Disorder Support Group
Renewed - Co-ED: College Women's Support Group
Renewed - SupportED: Women's 40+ Support Group
The ED Foundation – Support Group for Individuals 18+
The ED Foundation – Support Group for Individuals 30+
The ED Foundation – Support Group for Individuals 50+
The Objective Zero
The Objective Zero App offers free tools, training, and resources for active duty service members, veterans, their families, and caregivers 18 years and older. Whether you seek support or want to give it, the app connects you to peers or valuable resources when needed through voice, text, or video chat.
Read more here.
Disability & Chronic Illness
ANAD - Chronic Illness & Long Term Disability
SupportED Spoonies - Navigating Eating Disorder Recovery with Chronic Illness
Parents Helping Parents (general mental health)
Male-Identifying
Eating Recovery Center - Men's Support Group
Renewed - EmpowerED: Men's Support Group
ANAD - Men’s Support Group
General Eating Disorder Support
National Alliance For Eating Disorders – Pro-Recovery Support Group
Alsana – Eating Disorder Recovery Support Group
ANAD – General Eating Disorder Support Group
BALANCE – Contemplating Recovery Support Group
Carolina Resource Center for Eating Disorders – Adult Support Group
Center For Discovery – Individuals in Recovery
Eat Breathe Thrive - Yoga for Eating Disorder Recovery (free monthly course)
EDRC– Body Image and Eating Disorder Support Group
Many Roads Recovery - Eating Disorder Recovery Peer Group
MEDA – Body Image Group
MEDA – Getting Unstuck Group
The ED Foundation – Art Journaling Support Group
The Lotus Collaborative – Eating Disorder Recovery Support Group
The New Beginnings Center – Eating Disorder Support Group
Well Williamsburg – Eating Disorder Recovery Support Group
Spanish-Speaking
Center For Discovery – Spanish-Speaking Individuals in Recovery
Center For Discovery – Spanish-Speaking Loved Ones of Individuals in Eating Disorder Recovery
Family, Friends & Support People
Alaska Eating Disorders Alliance - Family & Friends Support Group
National Alliance For Eating Disorders – Friends and Family Group
Anxiety Experts - Caregiver Webinars
Center For Discovery – Eating Disorder Support Group for Family and Friends
EDRC – Family & Friends Support Group
Equip - F.E.A.S.T. x Equip Monthly Workshop
F.E.A.S.T. – Around the Dinner Table Online Forum
FEDUP Collective – FEDUP Support Group for Support People
Renewed - Families Supporting Families: Family & Friends Support Group
The Eating Disorder Recovery Roadmap for Parents - Online Program
The ED Foundation – Support Group for Family & Friends
The Emily Program – Friends and Family Sessions
Meal Support
Center For Discovery – Community Meal Support Group
Center For Discovery – Alumni Meal Support Group
Nutrition Hive - Daily Meal Support through partnership with Project HEAL. Find out more here.
Nutrition Improvement Center - Weekly Meal Support
Sunrise Nutrition – Community Table BIPOC Meal Support
Resources
Supporting Your Journey
We offer specialized programs and resources to help military personnel and their families overcome eating disorders and thrive.
News Articles and Press Releases
Resident Helps Fellow Veterans Through Nonprofit
This article covers Leah Stiles, a U.S. Navy veteran who founded SeaWaves, a nonprofit that raises awareness about eating disorders in the military. Drawing from her own experiences, she created the organization to provide support and resources for veterans and service members facing similar challenges.
Read More
SEA WAVES Helps Military and Veterans Fight Eating Disorders on Coast Live
This article highlights Leah Stiles, founder of SEA WAVES, discussing the nonprofit's efforts to raise awareness and provide support for eating disorders in the military community. The organization focuses on breaking stigma and offering treatment resources for veterans and service members.
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Paradoxical Coexistence: Brave Service Members Can Still Struggle with Eating Disorders
This article by Leah Stiles, founder of SEA WAVES, discusses the hidden challenges faced by veterans dealing with eating disorders. Drawing from her own experiences in the U.S. Navy, Stiles emphasizes the importance of acknowledging vulnerability and seeking help. She highlights the need for increased awareness and support for service members facing these issues.
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Pentagon Approves Eating Disorder Nonprofit for Military Families
This article covers SEA WAVES' recognition by the Pentagon as an official resource for military families dealing with eating disorders. Founded by Leah Stiles, the nonprofit provides vital support and resources to service members and their families.
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Washing Away Eating Disorder Stigma: The Sea Waves Mission
This article from Military Mom Collective discusses Sea Waves, a nonprofit organization founded by Navy veteran Leah Stiles, dedicated to raising awareness about eating disorders within the military community. The piece highlights the organization's efforts to combat stigma, provide support, and offer resources for service members and their families dealing with eating disorders.
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Washing Away Eating Disorder Stigma: The Sea Waves Mission
This article covers Sea Waves, a nonprofit founded by Leah Stiles, focused on raising awareness and providing support for eating disorders within the military community. It emphasizes combating stigma and offering resources for service members and their families.
Read More
Lifeline: How a Veteran-Created Nonprofit Saves Lives
This article from Veteran Lifestyle Magazine shares the story of Ana Cintra, a teenager battling anorexia, and how SEA WAVES, founded by Leah Stiles, became a crucial resource for her and her family. After struggling with limited treatment options, they reached out to SEA WAVES, which connected them with necessary care and support. Ana’s family credits the nonprofit with providing life-saving guidance and resources during a challenging time.