Kristina Saffran

Kristina Saffran is the co-founder and CEO of Equip, a pioneering virtual program providing evidence-based eating disorder treatment to patients of all ages and diagnoses across all 50 states. Under Kristina’s leadership, Equip secured $110 million in total funding from prominent investors including F-Prime Capital, The Chernin Group, Tiger Global, Optum Ventures, and General Catalyst. This funding underscores Equip’s rapid expansion and success.

Since its founding in 2019, Equip has become a leader in eating disorder care, known for its innovative, evidence-based approach. The program utilizes family-based treatment (FBT), enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-E), and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to support patients in achieving lasting recovery from home. Equip’s multidisciplinary care team includes therapists, dietitians, medical providers, and mentors with lived experience, setting new standards for effective treatment.

Kristina's commitment to transforming eating disorder treatment stems from her personal experience overcoming an eating disorder. After she was diagnosed with anorexia at age 10, Kristina spent years in and out of treatment before discovering evidence-based treatment that worked. She realized that lasting recovery was possible for everyone struggling with an eating disorder, but most people weren’t able to access effective treatment. This realization was the spark behind her professional mission—and the mission of Equip—to make eating disorder treatment that works accessible to everyone who needs it.

Kristina and her co-founder, Erin Parks, identified critical gaps in existing treatments and built Equip to address those needs. Their partnership began through early networking at academic conferences and is driven by a shared mission to transform the treatment landscape. Equip’s entirely virtual model proved to be especially adaptable and effective during the COVID-19 pandemic, positioning the company as a pioneer in telehealth for eating disorders.

As a thought leader, Kristina actively participates in high-profile discussions, podcasts, and public speaking engagements, sharing insights on evidence-based treatment, healthcare system challenges, and the future of mental health care. Her past speaking engagements include FORTUNE Brainstorm Health, APA Annual Meeting, Collision Conference, HLTH, and AHIP.

Looking ahead, Kristina envisions continuing to expand Equip’s partnerships with insurance providers and Medicaid to allow more people to access evidence-based treatment. She aims for Equip to be an available and known treatment option for patients of all backgrounds, ages, and identities.

Before co-founding Equip, Kristina co-founded Project HEAL, a leading non-profit organization that breaks down systemic barriers to eating disorder treatment by providing resources and support to those in need. Her work with both Project HEAL and Equip reflect her deep dedication to breaking down stereotypes about who gets eating disorders, dismantling stigma around eating disorders and mental health, and eliminating the treatment gap that leaves too many people suffering from a curable illness.

Kristina also acts as a mentor to other entrepreneurs in the mental health startup space, drawing from her experiences to build and scale successful ventures.

Personal Life

Kristina resides in San Diego with her husband, Ryan, her son, Henry, and their Bernedoodle, Walter. Her personal experiences continue to drive her professional mission to ensure that every individual with an eating disorder receives effective and compassionate care.

Recognitions and Awards

• Forbes 30 Under 30 Social Entrepreneur (2017)
• Fortune 40 Under 40 (2022)
• Business Insider 30 Under 40 (2022)
• Inc. Female Founders (2022)
• LA Times’ Inspirational Women Award (2022)
• Ashoka Fellow
• Facebook Community Leadership Fellow