Health at Every Size: How to Find HAES‑Aligned Providers Near You

Feb 27

therapist office for someone looking for health at every size (HAES) therapy approach

The search for compassionate, weight‑inclusive healthcare can feel overwhelming—especially if you’ve experienced weight stigma in medical settings before. The Health at Every Size (HAES®) movement offers an alternative: a framework that prioritizes respectful care, body autonomy, and evidence‑based practices without focusing on weight as the primary indicator of health.

If you’ve ever typed “HAES providers near me” or “weight‑inclusive doctors in my area” into Google and come up empty, you’re not alone. This guide is designed to help you understand what HAES‑aligned care looks like and how to find providers who truly support your well‑being.

If you or a loved one is seeking support finding a HAES-aligned provider, call NJCCBT today at 201-669-1369 x1 to learn more about our services.

What Is Health at Every Size (HAES)?

Health at Every Size is a philosophy and approach to healthcare that emphasizes:

Respect for body diversity
Access to compassionate, non‑judgmental care
Evidence‑based health interventions that don’t rely on weight loss
Support for intuitive eating and sustainable movement
Recognition of social, economic, and environmental factors that influence health

HAES is not about claiming that every body is automatically healthy. Instead, it challenges the assumption that weight is the most important measure of health and encourages providers to focus on behaviors, mental well‑being, and individualized care.

Why Finding HAES‑Aligned Providers Matters

Many people avoid medical care because of past experiences with weight stigma, unsolicited diet advice, or providers who focus solely on the scale. HAES‑aligned providers aim to create a safer, more supportive environment by:

Listening without judgment
Offering treatment options that don’t require weight loss
Respecting your goals and boundaries
Understanding the harm caused by weight‑centric care
Providing trauma‑informed, inclusive support

This approach can lead to better health outcomes, improved trust, and more consistent engagement with healthcare.

How to Find HAES‑Aligned Providers Near You

Searching for “HAES providers near me” or “weight‑inclusive therapists and doctors” is a great start, but you may need more targeted strategies. These steps can help you locate professionals who align with HAES principles.

If you’ve read this far, you may want to speak with an expert. Contact North Jersey Center for CBT today for a complimentary consultation or to schedule an appointment with a therapist. Call 201-669-1369 or click the button below to get started.

Use HAES‑Focused Directories and Databases

Several organizations maintain directories of weight‑inclusive providers. These listings often include:

Therapists
Dietitians
Primary care physicians
Gynecologists
Physical therapists
Health coaches

Search terms that can help you find these directories include:

“HAES provider directory”
“weight‑inclusive therapist near me”
“fat‑positive healthcare providers”
“non‑diet dietitian in my area”

These directories typically allow you to filter by location, specialty, and insurance.

Look for Keywords That Signal Weight‑Inclusive Care

When browsing provider websites, look for language that reflects HAES values. Helpful keywords include:

Weight‑inclusive
Non‑diet approach
Intuitive eating
Body neutrality
Fat‑positive
Anti‑diet
Trauma‑informed
Size‑inclusive practice

Providers who use these terms are more likely to align with HAES principles.

Ask Direct Questions Before Booking an Appointment

It’s completely appropriate to ask questions before committing to a provider. You can email, call, or use a contact form to ask things like:

“Do you practice a weight‑inclusive or HAES‑aligned approach?”
“How do you address health concerns without focusing on weight loss?”
“What is your experience working with clients in larger bodies?”
“Do you use non‑diet or intuitive eating frameworks?”

Their responses can help you gauge whether they’re a good fit.

Search for HAES‑Aligned Therapists and Mental Health Providers

Mental health professionals are often early adopters of HAES‑aligned care. Searching for terms like:

“HAES therapist near me”
“body‑positive counselor”
“fat‑positive therapy”

can lead you to clinicians who understand the emotional impact of weight stigma and diet culture.

Explore Local Social Media Groups and Community Recommendations

Local community groups—especially those focused on body liberation, intuitive eating, or fat acceptance—often share recommendations for HAES‑aligned providers. Try searching:

Facebook groups
Reddit communities
Local wellness collectives
Instagram accounts run by HAES‑aligned professionals

These spaces can offer honest reviews and personal experiences.

Consider Telehealth Options for HAES‑Aligned Care

If you live in an area with limited weight‑inclusive providers, telehealth can expand your options. Many HAES‑aligned therapists, dietitians, and coaches offer virtual sessions across state lines (depending on licensing laws).

Search terms like:

“online HAES therapist”
“virtual intuitive eating dietitian”
“telehealth weight‑inclusive provider”

can help you find remote support.

What to Expect from a HAES‑Aligned Provider

A HAES‑aligned provider typically:

Does not weigh you unless medically necessary—and will ask for consent
Focuses on your symptoms, not your size
Offers treatment options that don’t require dieting
Encourages sustainable, enjoyable movement
Supports intuitive eating and body trust
Understands the impact of weight stigma and trauma

You should feel respected, heard, and empowered—not judged or pressured.

Benefits of Working with HAES‑Aligned Providers

People who switch to HAES‑aligned care often report:

Reduced anxiety about medical appointments
Improved mental health
Better relationships with food and movement
More trust in their providers
Increased engagement in preventive care
A sense of safety and autonomy

When you’re treated with respect, you’re more likely to seek care when you need it.

Final Thoughts: You Deserve Weight‑Inclusive, Compassionate Care

Finding HAES‑aligned providers near you can transform your healthcare experience. Whether you’re looking for a therapist, dietitian, primary care doctor, or specialist, weight‑inclusive care is possible—and you deserve it.