EATING DISORDER PROGRAMS EXECUTIVE SEARCH

Clinical and Executive Leadership for ED Programs

CEOs, Program Directors, Clinical VPs, Medical Directors, and Dietitian leadership for residential, PHP, and IOP eating disorder programs.

We Understand the Clinical Complexity

Since 2014, Spartan Strategics has recruited leadership for eating disorder operators across levels of care — from residential 24-hour programs to community-based PHP and IOP. We understand what makes ED distinct from general behavioral health: the multidisciplinary staffing model (clinical, medical, dietary), the census sensitivity to reimbursement policy, the concentrated payer landscape (Cigna, Aetna, Optum specialty carveouts), and the specific credentialing requirements for CEDS and RD leadership.

Every candidate we present has run an eating disorder program — not just a psychiatric facility. When you’re hiring a Clinical Director for a residential ED program, the difference between a general mental health VP and someone who has directed refeeding protocols, family-based treatment (FBT), and medical stabilization is the difference between a hire that lasts and one that doesn’t.

EXPERTISE THAT SHOWS UP DAY ONE

We know refeeding protocols, family-based treatment, and specialty payer carveouts.

The candidates we present to eating disorder operators have directed residential ED programs, managed CEDS-certified clinical teams, and navigated the concentrated ED payer landscape — Cigna, Aetna, Optum, and the specialty carve-outs.

ROLES WE RECRUIT

At Every Level

Executive search is our specialty — but we routinely place therapists, nurses, admissions counselors, program coordinators, billing / AR-AP clerks, and other clinical and program staff as well.

Operational Leadership

CEO · COO · CFO · Executive Director · Program Director · Regional VP

Clinical Leadership

VP Clinical Services · Clinical Director · Medical Director · Director of Nursing · Dietary Director (RD/CEDS-C)

Growth & Revenue

VP Admissions · Director of Outreach · Alumni & Referral Leadership · Payer Contracts Leadership

WHY ED OPERATORS CALL US

Multidisciplinary teams. Complex census. Concentrated payer landscape.

The candidates we present have run the clinical, medical, and dietary teams that ED programs require. They have navigated the CEDS credentialing landscape, the FBT vs enhanced CBT model debates, and the tight specialty payer contracts that define ED reimbursement.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked

What levels of care does Spartan recruit for in eating disorders?

All levels: residential (24-hour), partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and outpatient specialty clinics. Our network includes program leadership with hands-on experience at each level, plus multi-site operators managing programs across the full continuum.

Can you find leaders with CEDS or CEDS-C credentials?

Yes. Our clinical and dietary leadership network includes candidates with Certified Eating Disorders Specialist (CEDS) and CEDS-Supervisor (CEDS-C) credentials from IAEDP. When your search requires certified specialists, we source specifically against that criterion.

Do you work with PE-backed eating disorder operators?

Yes. Several of the largest ED platforms in the U.S. are private equity-backed and we’ve supported executive searches for sponsors across the space. We understand the operator-sponsor dynamics, the payer contract sensitivities, and the confidentiality standards these engagements require.

What geographies do you cover for ED searches?

Nationwide. The largest ED programs are concentrated in a handful of geographies (Southeast, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast), and we’ve placed leaders in each. We evaluate for relocation, remote leadership models, and multi-site regional oversight.