Eating Disorders Psychiatrists in Parker, CO
![Photo of Alyssa Jennings, PMHNP-B, MSN, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a8dfd38d-7246-48d5-bbe8-106b31cae60b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Alyssa Jennings
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-B, MSN, APRN
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Parker, CO 80134
Accepting New Patients! Now accepting Anthem, United, Cigna, Colorado Medicaid, and Self-Pay clients! Specializing in all ages from children to adults with mental health concerns. I have worked with individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, attention disorders, trauma disorders, eating disorders, and a variety of other mood disorders. I have experience in both inpatient and outpatient care.
Accepting New Patients! Now accepting Anthem, United, Cigna, Colorado Medicaid, and Self-Pay clients! Specializing in all ages from children to adults with mental health concerns. I have worked with individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, attention disorders, trauma disorders, eating disorders, and a variety of other mood disorders. I have experience in both inpatient and outpatient care.
![Photo of Alexa Potts, DNP, APN, PMHNPBC, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d9f5542b-7974-4930-a499-e72fab5d7a20/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alexa Potts
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APN, PMHNPBC, MSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Parker, CO 80134
I have experience with eating disorders/disordered eating, depression, anxiety, military and first responder related concerns, PTSD, and mood disorders.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS *Accepts Medicaid including CO Access, Health First, RMHP, CHP+ Anthem/BCBS, United, and limited Cigna/Evernorth* I'm a Board Certified Doctor of Nursing Practice who believes that heart, soul, hope, and intention are just a few curative factors that can facilitate healing. I make listening to my patients my top priority, and I stand by providing kind, safe, ethical, and honest care, which includes providing adequate medication education. I believe in a whole-person, humanistic approach. Please find our website at www.rockyheightswellness.com.
I have experience with eating disorders/disordered eating, depression, anxiety, military and first responder related concerns, PTSD, and mood disorders.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS *Accepts Medicaid including CO Access, Health First, RMHP, CHP+ Anthem/BCBS, United, and limited Cigna/Evernorth* I'm a Board Certified Doctor of Nursing Practice who believes that heart, soul, hope, and intention are just a few curative factors that can facilitate healing. I make listening to my patients my top priority, and I stand by providing kind, safe, ethical, and honest care, which includes providing adequate medication education. I believe in a whole-person, humanistic approach. Please find our website at www.rockyheightswellness.com.
![Photo of Sarah Clark, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fe061553-41d3-4423-96f1-9398819e72cb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sarah Clark
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Parker, CO 80134
My experience includes working with patients with mood and anxiety disorders as well as eating disorders.
Hi there, my name is Sarah. I was born in California but grew up in Northern Colorado. I have over 10 years of nursing experience in medical/surgical, post-partum/NICU care and pediatrics. I have also worked at an inpatient facility specializing in the treatment of eating disorders for adults and child/adolescents. I became a Nurse Practitioner because I love helping others and wanted to provide mental health services to my community. I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who focuses on treating patients across the life span, providing mental health care to adolescents and adults.
My experience includes working with patients with mood and anxiety disorders as well as eating disorders.
Hi there, my name is Sarah. I was born in California but grew up in Northern Colorado. I have over 10 years of nursing experience in medical/surgical, post-partum/NICU care and pediatrics. I have also worked at an inpatient facility specializing in the treatment of eating disorders for adults and child/adolescents. I became a Nurse Practitioner because I love helping others and wanted to provide mental health services to my community. I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who focuses on treating patients across the life span, providing mental health care to adolescents and adults.
![Photo of Angela Graham, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d9bc8bf4-88ba-444a-b867-70b180e0ec8e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Angela Graham
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Parker, CO 80134 (Online Only)
I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and the founder of authentic mental health, PLLC. I am a compassionate, down-to-earth provider, who is dedicated to helping individuals manage their mental and emotional well-being while creating healthy, fulfilling lives. I specialize in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of mental health conditions within a safe and supportive environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their concerns and working towards their mental health goals. I believe in fostering a strong therapeutic alliance and involving clients in their own treatment plans.
I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and the founder of authentic mental health, PLLC. I am a compassionate, down-to-earth provider, who is dedicated to helping individuals manage their mental and emotional well-being while creating healthy, fulfilling lives. I specialize in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of mental health conditions within a safe and supportive environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their concerns and working towards their mental health goals. I believe in fostering a strong therapeutic alliance and involving clients in their own treatment plans.
![Photo of Samrawit Mersha, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c55def3e-33fd-4fdd-9b6a-bc15342648b3/2/320x400.png)
I pursued a career in mental health because I care deeply about the impact it can have on individuals and society. I greatly value the opportunity to give others life-changing support and offer compassionate and individualized care. I value empathy, competence, flexibility and building a therapeutic relationship that always prioritizes patients.
I pursued a career in mental health because I care deeply about the impact it can have on individuals and society. I greatly value the opportunity to give others life-changing support and offer compassionate and individualized care. I value empathy, competence, flexibility and building a therapeutic relationship that always prioritizes patients.
![Photo of Vanda VanBibber, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/71cd6858-27db-4e56-b7c6-27febf6bcdcd/1/320x400.jpeg)
Vanda VanBibber is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Colorado who has been practicing since 2023. Vanda has a passion for helping people with mental health challenges. This passion is fueled by empathy, allowing her to understand and truly connect with my patients. Empathy is a cornerstone of effective mental health care, as it enables Vanda to see the world through her patients’ eyes, understand their struggles, and provide the support and guidance they need. In addition to empathy, Vanda brings dedication to her work as a PMHNP.
Vanda VanBibber is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Colorado who has been practicing since 2023. Vanda has a passion for helping people with mental health challenges. This passion is fueled by empathy, allowing her to understand and truly connect with my patients. Empathy is a cornerstone of effective mental health care, as it enables Vanda to see the world through her patients’ eyes, understand their struggles, and provide the support and guidance they need. In addition to empathy, Vanda brings dedication to her work as a PMHNP.
![Photo of Briana Haight, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/55115887-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
*Accepting New Clients* Hello, I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I provide treatment including medication management for all age ranges from childhood onward. Specializing in mental health allows me to provide excellent care for problems involving depression, sleep, anxiety, attention/concentration, mood disorders including bipolar and schizophrenia, trauma, addictions, behavioral issues and any emotional disturbances that may be experienced. I am conservative in my prescribing practices and prefer frequent follow ups.
*Accepting New Clients* Hello, I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I provide treatment including medication management for all age ranges from childhood onward. Specializing in mental health allows me to provide excellent care for problems involving depression, sleep, anxiety, attention/concentration, mood disorders including bipolar and schizophrenia, trauma, addictions, behavioral issues and any emotional disturbances that may be experienced. I am conservative in my prescribing practices and prefer frequent follow ups.
![Photo of Brittany Nielsen - Wolf Pack Mind & Body, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, PNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/169005ae-4485-476a-883a-74fae5e2f734/1/320x400.jpeg)
Wolf Pack Mind & Body
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, PNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Parker, CO 80134
Accepting New Patients! Are you, your child or teenager experiencing difficulties navigating everyday life? No matter what stage of life you or your loved one are in, we can help navigate through it together. While we see individuals as young as 5 years old and up to 64 years old, we do specialize in children, adolescents and young adults. We strive to break down the mental health stigma and truly listen to others to understand their needs. As a dual board-certified Nurse Practitioner, we work to bring mind and body together incorporating primary care providers and specialists when appropriate.
Accepting New Patients! Are you, your child or teenager experiencing difficulties navigating everyday life? No matter what stage of life you or your loved one are in, we can help navigate through it together. While we see individuals as young as 5 years old and up to 64 years old, we do specialize in children, adolescents and young adults. We strive to break down the mental health stigma and truly listen to others to understand their needs. As a dual board-certified Nurse Practitioner, we work to bring mind and body together incorporating primary care providers and specialists when appropriate.
![Photo of Clarisa Hernandez-Koogle, MSN, PMHNP-, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c71f7b9e-a3db-4ab0-adeb-4543e3e53f41/1/320x400.jpeg)
Clarisa Hernandez-Koogle
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP-
Verified Verified
Parker, CO 80138
Clarisa Hernandez-Koogle is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who is dedicated to helping patients define and live their best lives by providing empathetic, non-judgmental, and patient-centered mental health care. Serving the communities in Colorado, she tailors her assessments and treatments to meet the unique needs of each individual, ensuring that every patient receives the optimal care they deserve. Specializing in substance abuse and medication management, Clarisa offers comprehensive support to those struggling with addiction, anxiety, and depression.
Clarisa Hernandez-Koogle is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who is dedicated to helping patients define and live their best lives by providing empathetic, non-judgmental, and patient-centered mental health care. Serving the communities in Colorado, she tailors her assessments and treatments to meet the unique needs of each individual, ensuring that every patient receives the optimal care they deserve. Specializing in substance abuse and medication management, Clarisa offers comprehensive support to those struggling with addiction, anxiety, and depression.
![Photo of Lindsey Steigerwald, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0c281389-62e4-423b-b327-0f8b580d5907/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lindsey Steigerwald
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Parker, CO 80134
Hello, my name is Lindsey. I see kids in the PARKER location. I was born and raised in the state of Colorado. I have 15 years of healthcare experience working directly with patients across the lifespan. Throughout my career, I worked as a nursing assistant, a burn care technician, and a registered nurse. I have worked in multiple settings such as the Neuro ICU, the Burn Unit, as well as the Operating Room. During my nursing career, I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to travel to different surgical centers and hospitals around Colorado and Vermont.
Hello, my name is Lindsey. I see kids in the PARKER location. I was born and raised in the state of Colorado. I have 15 years of healthcare experience working directly with patients across the lifespan. Throughout my career, I worked as a nursing assistant, a burn care technician, and a registered nurse. I have worked in multiple settings such as the Neuro ICU, the Burn Unit, as well as the Operating Room. During my nursing career, I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to travel to different surgical centers and hospitals around Colorado and Vermont.
![Photo of Briana Haight - Briana Haight Rocky Heights Wellness , PMHNPBC, APRN, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42920bed-466c-4ee5-b22a-cf86cfef2a56/2/320x400.jpeg)
Briana Haight Rocky Heights Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC, APRN, MSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Parker, CO 80134
*ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS* OFFERING BOTH IN PERSON AND TELEHEALTH. IMMEDIATE APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE. In network with Cigna, Anthem and United as well as accepting medicaid! Specializing in children and adolescents as well as adults of all ages with mental health concerns. I have worked with individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, attention disorders, trauma disorders and a variety of other mood disorders. I have experience in inpatient, outpatient, crisis stabilization units, and emergency room settings. I also worked in an inpatient eating disorder unit for many years.
*ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS* OFFERING BOTH IN PERSON AND TELEHEALTH. IMMEDIATE APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE. In network with Cigna, Anthem and United as well as accepting medicaid! Specializing in children and adolescents as well as adults of all ages with mental health concerns. I have worked with individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, attention disorders, trauma disorders and a variety of other mood disorders. I have experience in inpatient, outpatient, crisis stabilization units, and emergency room settings. I also worked in an inpatient eating disorder unit for many years.
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Mind and Soul Psychiatry
![Photo of Lisa Brown, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d7df1767-8d2e-4028-a256-5375f46f1f1c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lisa Brown, PMHNP Lisa Brown is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Colorado who has been practicing since 2020. She completed the Master's program at Walden University and earned her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner license. Lisa's philosophy is to approach the person as a whole, with physical, emotional spiritual, culture, and environment as factors. Lisa tries to create a balanced home life/work life. She and her husband like to cook, hike, camp, and practice yoga. They have a very rich social life where they spend time with family, friends, and neighbors.
Lisa Brown, PMHNP Lisa Brown is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Colorado who has been practicing since 2020. She completed the Master's program at Walden University and earned her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner license. Lisa's philosophy is to approach the person as a whole, with physical, emotional spiritual, culture, and environment as factors. Lisa tries to create a balanced home life/work life. She and her husband like to cook, hike, camp, and practice yoga. They have a very rich social life where they spend time with family, friends, and neighbors.
![Photo of Michele Groetzinger, FNP-C, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/638f8344-156b-4c22-b4fa-97005d8b88fd/1/320x400.jpeg)
Michele Groetzinger
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-C, PMHNP
Verified Verified
20 Endorsed
Parker, CO 80138 (Online Only)
My experience as a nurse expends 20 years and includes nursing education and emergency room practice. My experience as a provider is 10 years and includes emergency medicine, family practice, geriatrics and practicing as a sexual assault nurse examiner for almost 18 years. My hobbies include cooking and traveling with family and friends. I am a dog lover and proud mother to 2 english bulldogs and 3 human children.
My experience as a nurse expends 20 years and includes nursing education and emergency room practice. My experience as a provider is 10 years and includes emergency medicine, family practice, geriatrics and practicing as a sexual assault nurse examiner for almost 18 years. My hobbies include cooking and traveling with family and friends. I am a dog lover and proud mother to 2 english bulldogs and 3 human children.
![Photo of Carol Dowd, PMHNPBC, MSN, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/900da34e-fce0-4854-8ed2-0d154da35346/1/320x400.jpeg)
Carol Dowd
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC, MSN, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Parker, CO 80134
Carol Dowd is a board-certified Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who has a passion for helping people in all stages of life. Through her extensive nursing experience, she has gained valuable insights into the unique mental and emotional challenges individuals face. Her empathetic approach and commitment to providing holistic care makes her a trusted ally in promoting mental well-being.
Carol Dowd is a board-certified Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who has a passion for helping people in all stages of life. Through her extensive nursing experience, she has gained valuable insights into the unique mental and emotional challenges individuals face. Her empathetic approach and commitment to providing holistic care makes her a trusted ally in promoting mental well-being.
![Photo of Marianne Strauman (Med Management - Accepting New Clients!), MSN, APRN, PMHMP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cc5af361-1cfd-44cb-993c-348bec87355b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Marianne Strauman (Med Management - Accepting New Clients!)
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHMP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Parker, CO 80134
NOW Accepting New Clients! Link in bio to schedule online instantly! > Marianne is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a degree as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with over 12 years of experience in the medical profession. She began her career as a bedside nurse in the Intensive Care Unit, and then went on to obtain her Masters's Degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She has worked in primary care as well as palliative care, helping care for patients and families with multiple medical conditions and emotional needs.
NOW Accepting New Clients! Link in bio to schedule online instantly! > Marianne is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a degree as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with over 12 years of experience in the medical profession. She began her career as a bedside nurse in the Intensive Care Unit, and then went on to obtain her Masters's Degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She has worked in primary care as well as palliative care, helping care for patients and families with multiple medical conditions and emotional needs.
![Photo of Jeanna Lee Dietz, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8268df9b-147e-427a-a01d-b71333e0c2ad/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jeanna Lee Dietz
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Parker, CO 80134 (Online Only)
I have a true passion for mental health and for helping others. People often ask why I chose Psychiatry, and I respond that it chose me. I was a registered nurse for 17 years prior to embarking on this journey as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I've taught mental health to nursing students for several years, then started working as a Psych NP in 2018. I've worked with patients of all acuities and diagnoses, including substance abuse, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, OCD, PTSD, and ADHD. I am comfortable treating children and adults and have additional training in perinatal psychiatry(pregnancy and post-partum)
I have a true passion for mental health and for helping others. People often ask why I chose Psychiatry, and I respond that it chose me. I was a registered nurse for 17 years prior to embarking on this journey as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I've taught mental health to nursing students for several years, then started working as a Psych NP in 2018. I've worked with patients of all acuities and diagnoses, including substance abuse, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, OCD, PTSD, and ADHD. I am comfortable treating children and adults and have additional training in perinatal psychiatry(pregnancy and post-partum)
![Photo of Bealis Burger, MSN, PMHNP, BC, FNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2420ba55-ee62-46c0-9b03-ef5f556d416b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Bealis Burger
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, BC, FNP-C
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Parker, CO 80134 (Online Only)
Hello! I'm Bea, and I'm dedicated to helping you enhance your mental health and well-being. As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I've learned that providing support and understanding is key to finding peace and purpose in life. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or other challenges, my goal is to create a warm and welcoming environment where you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and concerns.
Hello! I'm Bea, and I'm dedicated to helping you enhance your mental health and well-being. As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I've learned that providing support and understanding is key to finding peace and purpose in life. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or other challenges, my goal is to create a warm and welcoming environment where you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and concerns.
![Photo of Chelsie Monroe, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1dac8f8c-c463-445d-a7d0-eb247307b0c8/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am the founder of Balanced Mental Wellness and have been a psychiatric nurse practitioner for over 10 years. I currently consult other practices and speak professionally on psychiatric medication and therapy topics throughout the country. I supervise and collaborate with our clinicians at Balanced Mental Wellness, ensuring that all clients receive the highest standard of care from a holistic and patient centered perspective. We offer medication management and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy for various mental health concerns across the lifespan.
I am the founder of Balanced Mental Wellness and have been a psychiatric nurse practitioner for over 10 years. I currently consult other practices and speak professionally on psychiatric medication and therapy topics throughout the country. I supervise and collaborate with our clinicians at Balanced Mental Wellness, ensuring that all clients receive the highest standard of care from a holistic and patient centered perspective. We offer medication management and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy for various mental health concerns across the lifespan.
![Photo of Amanda Wisian, PMHNP, LPC, NCC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b1cbf12e-445c-4644-846a-54ec0c9b7e8b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hiya! My name is Amanda and I love working in the mental health field. After many years of travelling and living across the United States, I am happy call Colorado home and have lived here for over a decade so far. Having had the opportunity to live among many other cultures and those with different lifestyles and values has provided me with a broad humanistic perspective, burgeoning empathy, and a wealth of experience that have positively impacted my work with those in need.
Hiya! My name is Amanda and I love working in the mental health field. After many years of travelling and living across the United States, I am happy call Colorado home and have lived here for over a decade so far. Having had the opportunity to live among many other cultures and those with different lifestyles and values has provided me with a broad humanistic perspective, burgeoning empathy, and a wealth of experience that have positively impacted my work with those in need.
![Photo of Annmarie Kropp, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/681294a9-3039-46d7-8c15-3d39893b792d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Annmarie Kropp
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Parker, CO 80138 (Online Only)
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner based in Denver, Colorado. I received my doctorate degree in family nursing practice from The University of Arizona in 2016. After completing my degree, I worked in pediatric neurology for over 4.5 years. I have always had an interest in psychiatry which prompted me to pursue my postgraduate certificate in psychiatric mental health. I gained most of my psychiatric experience during my clinical rotations.
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner based in Denver, Colorado. I received my doctorate degree in family nursing practice from The University of Arizona in 2016. After completing my degree, I worked in pediatric neurology for over 4.5 years. I have always had an interest in psychiatry which prompted me to pursue my postgraduate certificate in psychiatric mental health. I gained most of my psychiatric experience during my clinical rotations.
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Eating Disorders Psychiatrists
What happens in therapy for eating disorders?
In therapy for eating disorders, patients typically describe their eating and exercise behaviors, their patterns of eating in relation to stress, their beliefs about their body, the ways their eating behavior affects their relationships, and their desire (or lack of it) to change. Such information helps the therapist understand the origins of the disorder and the role it plays in the patient’s life, important for guiding treatment. Attitudes and feelings about food and eating, body weight, and physical appearance are common topics of discussion throughout treatment.
What therapy types help with eating disorders?
Once any acute medical or psychiatric emergency is resolved, psychoactive medication is often prescribed, requiring the supervision of a psychiatrist. In addition, patients receive some form of nutritional counseling along with one or more forms of psychotherapy. For adolescents, family-based treatment is empirically validated and considered the first line of treatment; parents and their children meet weekly with a clinician as the adults are coached on how to nourish and psychologically support the young patient. Adults typically receive some form of individual psychotherapy, intended to resolve the cognitive and behavioral disturbances that underlie the disorder and to relieve the mood disturbances that accompany it. In addition, patients may also be helped by group therapy.
What is the goal of therapy for eating disorders?
The most immediate goal of treatment for eating disorders is to save the life of people who are on a path of starving themselves to death or engaging in eating patterns that are doing irreparable physical harm to their body. Once the acute medical danger is past, therapy is required to understand the nature of the disordered eating and/or exercise patterns, establish healthy eating behavior, and to tackle the many erroneous beliefs and distorted self-perceptions that underlie eating disorders and continue to pose a threat to health and life. Therapy also addresses the impaired mood that not only accompanies eating disorders but intensifies the danger to health and life.
What are the limitations of therapy for eating disorders?
Therapy can be very helpful for eating disorders—but that can happen only after people recognize they have a condition that must be treated. Especially with anorexia, the distortions in self-image that accompany the disorder can keep people from acknowledging they have a problem. Individuals may in fact see their eating disorder as a badge of self-control. Those with binge-eating disorder may feel too ashamed to seek help. Therapy cannot help those who do not avail themselves of it.
How long does therapy last for eating disorders?
Because of their complexity, recovery from eating disorders is usually a long-term process—measured in months and years— often marked by setbacks and relapse. Some form of help, such as individual or group therapy, may be advisable for much of that time. It is a general rule of thumb that the longer the illness has endured and the dysregulated eating behavior has taken root, the longer treatment is likely to be needed.