Eating Disorders Psychiatrists in Chicago, IL
![Photo of Kim Dennis, MD, CEDS, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1556d35f-0593-475c-a4f5-5e7a113b0903/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kim Dennis, MD, CEDS is a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in treating addictions, eating disorders, and co-occurring disorders. She has helped thousands of remarkable people with their illnesses. Her knowledge of eating disorders and addiction isn’t just limited to her academic and clinical experience, having had her own personal experience as a woman in recovery from an eating disorder and alcoholism. She is able to combine her personal journey with her medical training to help SunCloud Health patients become emotionally strong, responsible problem-solvers, who are inspired to create fulfilling lives for themselves.
Kim Dennis, MD, CEDS is a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in treating addictions, eating disorders, and co-occurring disorders. She has helped thousands of remarkable people with their illnesses. Her knowledge of eating disorders and addiction isn’t just limited to her academic and clinical experience, having had her own personal experience as a woman in recovery from an eating disorder and alcoholism. She is able to combine her personal journey with her medical training to help SunCloud Health patients become emotionally strong, responsible problem-solvers, who are inspired to create fulfilling lives for themselves.
![Photo of Amy Yang - Amy J Yang MD LLC, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44abe2df-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in treatment depression, anxiety, mood disorder, eating disorders, psychosomatic, mood disorder related to medical issues, and substance and behavioral addictions.
I work with people interested in forming a relationship, primarily through therapy or therapy combined with medication work. I employ a whole-body approach and I can incorporate complementary modalities for integrative healing. I approach with understanding mental health issues through individual lens as well as family, social and cultural context. I love working with students, those from different cultural backgrounds, as well as those in the education and medical/mental health professions. My goal is to facilitate each person to find their own path in the midst of their healthcare journey.
I specialize in treatment depression, anxiety, mood disorder, eating disorders, psychosomatic, mood disorder related to medical issues, and substance and behavioral addictions.
I work with people interested in forming a relationship, primarily through therapy or therapy combined with medication work. I employ a whole-body approach and I can incorporate complementary modalities for integrative healing. I approach with understanding mental health issues through individual lens as well as family, social and cultural context. I love working with students, those from different cultural backgrounds, as well as those in the education and medical/mental health professions. My goal is to facilitate each person to find their own path in the midst of their healthcare journey.
![Photo of Ejaz Jafri, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1a9bf3b8-2daf-4ae6-98c0-f68b16073660/1/320x400.png)
Hi there, I'm Ejaz! Hello, my name is Ejaz Jafri, and I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a clinical career in outpatient & inpatient settings. I specialize in managing the care of adolescents & adults with depression, bipolar, anxiety, panic, PTSD, ADHD, substance use, mood disorders, personality disorders, schizoaffective disorder, eating disorders, schizophrenia, and adjustment disorders. I provide extensive psychiatric evaluations, psychotherapy, and psychopharmacological treatment initiation, monitoring, and management.
Hi there, I'm Ejaz! Hello, my name is Ejaz Jafri, and I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a clinical career in outpatient & inpatient settings. I specialize in managing the care of adolescents & adults with depression, bipolar, anxiety, panic, PTSD, ADHD, substance use, mood disorders, personality disorders, schizoaffective disorder, eating disorders, schizophrenia, and adjustment disorders. I provide extensive psychiatric evaluations, psychotherapy, and psychopharmacological treatment initiation, monitoring, and management.
![Photo of Lauren Kofod, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53831faa-6d71-47b7-a56e-0b2707edbb57/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a double board certified psychiatrist with nearly 20 years of experience in treating adults with mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, eating disorders, and addictions. I have board certification in general psychiatry as well as consultation liaison psychiatry, which is the branch of psychiatry that focuses on how the mind and body interact in illness and in stress. My goal in working with patients is to listen and connect, helping to guide effective treatment which is both evidence-based as well as in line with the values of the patient.
I am a double board certified psychiatrist with nearly 20 years of experience in treating adults with mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, eating disorders, and addictions. I have board certification in general psychiatry as well as consultation liaison psychiatry, which is the branch of psychiatry that focuses on how the mind and body interact in illness and in stress. My goal in working with patients is to listen and connect, helping to guide effective treatment which is both evidence-based as well as in line with the values of the patient.
![Photo of Karyn Morgan, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c786c1db-c34a-4be1-a084-57f3f1ef3ae7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Karyn Morgan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60631 (Online Only)
As a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I have worked with patients of all ages and in multiple settings. I have 13 years of nursing experience working in various areas including home health, psychiatric in/outpatient settings, eating disorders, residential, and substance abuse. Based out of a Chicago suburb, I have experience working with multiple diagnosis including but not limited to depression, anxiety, ADHD, substance abuse, and PTSD. I try to bring a holistic approach to my patient's care and ongoing treatment. I like to set the tone with a safe, honest, open, and non-judgmental environment.
As a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I have worked with patients of all ages and in multiple settings. I have 13 years of nursing experience working in various areas including home health, psychiatric in/outpatient settings, eating disorders, residential, and substance abuse. Based out of a Chicago suburb, I have experience working with multiple diagnosis including but not limited to depression, anxiety, ADHD, substance abuse, and PTSD. I try to bring a holistic approach to my patient's care and ongoing treatment. I like to set the tone with a safe, honest, open, and non-judgmental environment.
![Photo of Tina Iyer, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dd7801f3-bb70-46a0-9dc1-0d151731c3dc/1/320x400.jpeg)
I work with children (6+), adolescents, as well as adults suffering from a variety of emotional, behavioral, or learning disorders, including but not limited to ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, PTSD, autism, eating disorders, mood disorder, sleep issues, and OCD.
I work with children (6+), adolescents, as well as adults suffering from a variety of emotional, behavioral, or learning disorders, including but not limited to ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, PTSD, autism, eating disorders, mood disorder, sleep issues, and OCD.
![Photo of Pooja J Patel, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/32b78caa-e132-4c92-aa29-51e8e9f65b87/1/320x400.jpeg)
Pooja J Patel
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60631
My specialty Addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders, Psychosis, Bipolar disorder, and Autism.
I have been working in a psychiatric setting for a few years now. I have experienced in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I am skilled in providing individual and comprehensive care including prescribing medications and therapeutic approaches. I believe, mental health is just as important as any other medical issue. It plays an important role in the way we deal with daily life stress, how we relate to others, and the decisions we make. I believe in giving the best quality of care that my patient desires. I am friendly and approachable, with my warm nature I am easily get connected with children and adults.
My specialty Addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders, Psychosis, Bipolar disorder, and Autism.
I have been working in a psychiatric setting for a few years now. I have experienced in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I am skilled in providing individual and comprehensive care including prescribing medications and therapeutic approaches. I believe, mental health is just as important as any other medical issue. It plays an important role in the way we deal with daily life stress, how we relate to others, and the decisions we make. I believe in giving the best quality of care that my patient desires. I am friendly and approachable, with my warm nature I am easily get connected with children and adults.
![Photo of Ronke Oshibajo, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c6edf15e-5da9-47f0-becd-993d57e9b85f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ronke Oshibajo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60620
I am skilled in Adolescent & Adult Psychiatric assessments and treatments. With a comprehensive approach to healthcare, I support adults and children through their unique journeys toward mental wellness. My expertise spans a wide range of conditions, including ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Binge Eating Disorders, PTSD, OCD, Insomnia, and more. We Are Now Accepting New Patients!
I am skilled in Adolescent & Adult Psychiatric assessments and treatments. With a comprehensive approach to healthcare, I support adults and children through their unique journeys toward mental wellness. My expertise spans a wide range of conditions, including ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Binge Eating Disorders, PTSD, OCD, Insomnia, and more. We Are Now Accepting New Patients!
![Photo of Shani Alam, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1cf26dc2-2c42-4894-9e22-bbfce057a433/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have been practicing general adult psychiatry since 1997 and have extensive expertise in evaluating and treating individuals of all ages, as well as treating a wide variety of emotional and mental conditions that range from mood/anxiety disorders, substance abuse, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, and eating disorders to consulting with clients about grief, trauma, work stress, relationship problems, adoption, legal cases, disability, and other major life changing events. I utilize biopsychosocial approach to mental illness that takes into account each individual's physical health, environment, and psychological experiences throughout their life.
I have been practicing general adult psychiatry since 1997 and have extensive expertise in evaluating and treating individuals of all ages, as well as treating a wide variety of emotional and mental conditions that range from mood/anxiety disorders, substance abuse, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, and eating disorders to consulting with clients about grief, trauma, work stress, relationship problems, adoption, legal cases, disability, and other major life changing events. I utilize biopsychosocial approach to mental illness that takes into account each individual's physical health, environment, and psychological experiences throughout their life.
![Photo of JOSEPH Spagnola, PMHNPBC, NP, FPA, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0d6702a6-56ba-4f29-ac72-1cca1d7f463b/2/320x400.jpeg)
JOSEPH Spagnola
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC, NP, FPA
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60601
Joseph is well-versed in the evidence-based treatment of ADHD, OCD, PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance abuse and chemical dependency, manic depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and more.
Joseph Spagnola III, delivers extensive and holistic psychiatric care for those who are 16 years old and older. Joseph works carefully with each of his clients to ensure that they are meeting their unique health and wellness goals. Joseph pioneers the increasing of awareness for behavioral and mental health disorders. Joseph is a clinical preceptor supervising nurse practitioner PMHNP students at universities such as NKU, EKU, Walden University, and Herzing University.
Joseph is well-versed in the evidence-based treatment of ADHD, OCD, PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance abuse and chemical dependency, manic depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and more.
Joseph Spagnola III, delivers extensive and holistic psychiatric care for those who are 16 years old and older. Joseph works carefully with each of his clients to ensure that they are meeting their unique health and wellness goals. Joseph pioneers the increasing of awareness for behavioral and mental health disorders. Joseph is a clinical preceptor supervising nurse practitioner PMHNP students at universities such as NKU, EKU, Walden University, and Herzing University.
![Photo of Debora Ellis, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d3537820-dca8-4d8c-a506-806607534ec6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Debora Ellis
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60603
Waitlist for new clients
Debora Ellis is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner who treats a broad range of mental illnesses in patients of all ages. Dr. Ellis completed her Doctorate of Nursing Practice, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree at Rush University in Chicago. Her areas of interest include personality disorders, PTSD, psychotic disorders, mood disorders, eating disorders, and addictions. Dr. Ellis’ philosophy of patient care is based on establishing a collaborative, therapeutic relationship with the patient that is founded on effective communication and honesty.
Debora Ellis is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner who treats a broad range of mental illnesses in patients of all ages. Dr. Ellis completed her Doctorate of Nursing Practice, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree at Rush University in Chicago. Her areas of interest include personality disorders, PTSD, psychotic disorders, mood disorders, eating disorders, and addictions. Dr. Ellis’ philosophy of patient care is based on establishing a collaborative, therapeutic relationship with the patient that is founded on effective communication and honesty.
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![Photo of Semone West, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/10a8a1ac-d867-4725-b5e9-847fbfc7efc1/2/320x400.jpeg)
She specializes in treating trauma, substance abuse, self-injury, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, attention deficit disorders, and other co-occurring mental illnesses.
Semone West, MD is board certified in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Adult Psychiatry. She attended medical school at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, MA. She completed a psychiatry residency at Duke University in Durham, NC; and a child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine in Chicago, while also serving as an associate professor.
She specializes in treating trauma, substance abuse, self-injury, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, attention deficit disorders, and other co-occurring mental illnesses.
Semone West, MD is board certified in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Adult Psychiatry. She attended medical school at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, MA. She completed a psychiatry residency at Duke University in Durham, NC; and a child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine in Chicago, while also serving as an associate professor.
![Photo of Nicole Demikis-Bayron, PA, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9d48f104-3d07-44fd-9fea-82363131ffd3/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Physician Assistant and have been providing psychiatry services for 2 years in outpatient, in home and treatment settings. I see adults 18 and over and address depression, mood disorders, disordered eating, anxiety, PTSD/trauma, insomnia, personality disorders, and other mental health differences.
I am a Physician Assistant and have been providing psychiatry services for 2 years in outpatient, in home and treatment settings. I see adults 18 and over and address depression, mood disorders, disordered eating, anxiety, PTSD/trauma, insomnia, personality disorders, and other mental health differences.
![Photo of Olivia Lee, DNP, PMHNP, CEDS-S, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c20e5f50-5dda-443b-9d2b-6c4a4d5252d5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Olivia Lee
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, CEDS-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60607 (Online Only)
If you are experiencing stress, struggling with low self-esteem or are having difficulty navigating professional challenges or life transitions and need support, I can provide individualized and holistic treatment. In a nurturing yet structured manner, I encourage emotional, behavioral, social and spiritual growth that will bring you closer to achieving your goals.
If you are experiencing stress, struggling with low self-esteem or are having difficulty navigating professional challenges or life transitions and need support, I can provide individualized and holistic treatment. In a nurturing yet structured manner, I encourage emotional, behavioral, social and spiritual growth that will bring you closer to achieving your goals.
![Photo of Idowu O Oshokoya, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/68c862ff-636b-4483-b53e-f5c569352e5e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Idowu O Oshokoya
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60603 (Online Only)
Idowu Oshokoya is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Chicago, IL. He works with adolescents, adults, and older adults, and provides care for patients who are battling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, Bipolars, and other mental disorders. Idowu studied at Walden University, where he obtained a Master of Science in PMHNP. He has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain University. He has extensive training and 10 years of experience with behavioral health. He has provided cares for Veterans, minorities, children, homeless, and others at over 6 different teaching hospitals.
Idowu Oshokoya is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Chicago, IL. He works with adolescents, adults, and older adults, and provides care for patients who are battling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, Bipolars, and other mental disorders. Idowu studied at Walden University, where he obtained a Master of Science in PMHNP. He has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain University. He has extensive training and 10 years of experience with behavioral health. He has provided cares for Veterans, minorities, children, homeless, and others at over 6 different teaching hospitals.
![Photo of Abhijit A. Shinde - Aayu Clinics, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53dd4fae-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
We are a primary care group that cares for individuals with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, B.E.D., and other diagnoses. We primarily work with our patients to identify and diagnose the condition followed by the appropriate medication management. We believe in a holistic approach - combining lifestyle, exercise, mindfulness, psychotherapy and when needed, medications. Every person is unique and the key is in personalizing the right medication and the right dose. We use gene-drug information to guide the correct medication choice for the individual, instead of trying different medications to find the right one.
We are a primary care group that cares for individuals with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, B.E.D., and other diagnoses. We primarily work with our patients to identify and diagnose the condition followed by the appropriate medication management. We believe in a holistic approach - combining lifestyle, exercise, mindfulness, psychotherapy and when needed, medications. Every person is unique and the key is in personalizing the right medication and the right dose. We use gene-drug information to guide the correct medication choice for the individual, instead of trying different medications to find the right one.
![Photo of Heta Shah, FNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/eb53e7e4-e674-41d9-9b0c-de57c487aa15/2/320x400.jpeg)
Heta Shah is accepting new patients. Heta is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with experience in treating children, adolescents and adults with a wide range of mental health conditions. She is known for her compassionate and patient-centered approach, taking the time to listen to her patients’ concerns and develop individualized treatment plans that meet their unique needs. Her comprehensive assessments, evidence-based treatment plans, and ongoing support aim to promote mental wellness and improve the overall quality of life for her patients.
Heta Shah is accepting new patients. Heta is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with experience in treating children, adolescents and adults with a wide range of mental health conditions. She is known for her compassionate and patient-centered approach, taking the time to listen to her patients’ concerns and develop individualized treatment plans that meet their unique needs. Her comprehensive assessments, evidence-based treatment plans, and ongoing support aim to promote mental wellness and improve the overall quality of life for her patients.
![Photo of Devika Patel, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/03838c8f-46b7-40ef-bea2-c0ff7ff38ce5/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am currently accepting new patients** I have been providing excellent care for over 4 years with great compassion. I provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management for patients 5 years and older with Anxiety Disorders, Depression, ADHD, Mood disorder, PTSD, Opioid Use Disorder, and other mental health problems. I treat each patient as an individual and work together in developing treatment plans. I spend the time needed with each patient to get to know them and understand the source of their struggles.
I am currently accepting new patients** I have been providing excellent care for over 4 years with great compassion. I provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management for patients 5 years and older with Anxiety Disorders, Depression, ADHD, Mood disorder, PTSD, Opioid Use Disorder, and other mental health problems. I treat each patient as an individual and work together in developing treatment plans. I spend the time needed with each patient to get to know them and understand the source of their struggles.
![Photo of Jennifer Osborne, DNP, PMHNP, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b4b7739b-2f41-4d89-9e77-0ff10b3e595c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Osborne
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, APRN
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60602
Have you been blaming yourself for the actions, behaviors or even the emotions of other people around you? You may be feeling like everything is your fault, like you are just not good enough. You feel as though your worth is only based on how you perform in school or at work, the way you look, or how much you do for others rather than WHO you are? Maybe thinking that if you’re perfect everything will be OK, having the perfect body, being the perfect student, employee, partner, friend, child or parent. If you’re perfect you won’t hurt anymore, won’t be lonely anymore, won’t be afraid anymore.
Have you been blaming yourself for the actions, behaviors or even the emotions of other people around you? You may be feeling like everything is your fault, like you are just not good enough. You feel as though your worth is only based on how you perform in school or at work, the way you look, or how much you do for others rather than WHO you are? Maybe thinking that if you’re perfect everything will be OK, having the perfect body, being the perfect student, employee, partner, friend, child or parent. If you’re perfect you won’t hurt anymore, won’t be lonely anymore, won’t be afraid anymore.
![Photo of Danielle Silva, PMHNP, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/63daccf8-a305-445f-b6b5-dde6d9e0fb41/1/320x400.png)
Danielle Silva
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APRN
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60629 (Online Only)
Hello, I'm Danielle Silva, a licensed and board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner serving clients in Illinois and New York. I specialize in providing compassionate care and evidence-based therapies to support individuals in managing mental health challenges. I'm dedicated to collaborating with my patients to develop personalized treatment plans that promote healing and enhance overall well-being. You can be booked within five days. I offer 60-90 minute initial visits, 30-45 minute follow-ups, and collaborate with your therapist for optimal treatment.
Hello, I'm Danielle Silva, a licensed and board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner serving clients in Illinois and New York. I specialize in providing compassionate care and evidence-based therapies to support individuals in managing mental health challenges. I'm dedicated to collaborating with my patients to develop personalized treatment plans that promote healing and enhance overall well-being. You can be booked within five days. I offer 60-90 minute initial visits, 30-45 minute follow-ups, and collaborate with your therapist for optimal treatment.
See more therapy options for Chicago
Nearby Eating Disorders Psychiatrists Searches for Chicago
- Des Plaines
- Elmhurst
- Evanston
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- Lombard
- Oak Brook
- Oak Park
- Oakbrook Terrace
- Orland Park
- Park Ridge
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- Wilmette
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.