Eating Disorders Psychiatrists in Lisle, IL
![Photo of Kirsten Book, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d000a60-48ef-4641-af95-ccbd09615bdb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kirsten Book
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lisle, IL 60532
I enjoy working with adolescents above the age of 12 and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, ADHD, substance abuse, trauma, self-harm behaviors, and mood disorders.
**Please email me to set up an appointment ** I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I integrate a combination of evidence- based psychopharmacologic management, psychotherapy, motivational interviewing, and other cognitive modalities to aid in recovery. I am confident that combining medication with other treatments is more effective than medication alone. I also believe a multidisciplinary treatment team approach with therapists and other professionals is optimal for the patient's recovery.
I enjoy working with adolescents above the age of 12 and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, ADHD, substance abuse, trauma, self-harm behaviors, and mood disorders.
**Please email me to set up an appointment ** I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I integrate a combination of evidence- based psychopharmacologic management, psychotherapy, motivational interviewing, and other cognitive modalities to aid in recovery. I am confident that combining medication with other treatments is more effective than medication alone. I also believe a multidisciplinary treatment team approach with therapists and other professionals is optimal for the patient's recovery.
![Photo of Kirsten Book - Kirsten Book, LLC, MSN, PMHNP, FNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/61b96c20-7f12-485e-ab38-5b13c68ed9d1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kirsten Book, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Lisle, IL 60532
I enjoy working with adolescents above the age of 12 and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, ADHD, substance abuse, trauma, self-harm behaviors, and mood disorders.
Licensed in AZ, WA, and IL. I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. My treatment philosophy includes a combination of evidence-based psychopharmacologic management, psychotherapy, motivational interviewing, and other cognitive modalities to aid in recovery. I am confident that combining medication with other treatments is more effective than medication alone. I also believe a multidisciplinary treatment team approach with therapists and other professionals is optimal for the patient's recovery.
I enjoy working with adolescents above the age of 12 and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, ADHD, substance abuse, trauma, self-harm behaviors, and mood disorders.
Licensed in AZ, WA, and IL. I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. My treatment philosophy includes a combination of evidence-based psychopharmacologic management, psychotherapy, motivational interviewing, and other cognitive modalities to aid in recovery. I am confident that combining medication with other treatments is more effective than medication alone. I also believe a multidisciplinary treatment team approach with therapists and other professionals is optimal for the patient's recovery.
![Photo of Andrea Uribe, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a5d2b59e-11c1-4557-a203-a3e2329f2209/2/320x400.png)
Andrea Uribe, DO, treats patients age five to 25 suffering from anxiety, depression, mood and bipolar disorders, disruptive behavior, autism, OCD, ADHD, and more. She has served DuPage County since 2007 and is double board-certified in both adult and child and adolescent psychiatry. Her years of experience includes private practice, community health, and educating primary care providers to foster their knowledge of treating psychiatric conditions in outpatient practice. She is also a member of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
Andrea Uribe, DO, treats patients age five to 25 suffering from anxiety, depression, mood and bipolar disorders, disruptive behavior, autism, OCD, ADHD, and more. She has served DuPage County since 2007 and is double board-certified in both adult and child and adolescent psychiatry. Her years of experience includes private practice, community health, and educating primary care providers to foster their knowledge of treating psychiatric conditions in outpatient practice. She is also a member of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
![Photo of Devika R Patel, FNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/71038181-554a-497f-9f03-dcd3f49d0eaf/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am currently accepting new patients. I have been providing excellent care for over 5 years with great compassion. I provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management for patients age of 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 5 years with great compassion. I provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management for patients age of 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 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 Ruhina Ali, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/330b4afa-3d6f-44d4-a7af-d8a5214577b4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Ruhina N. Ali is a Psychiatrist in Illinois. She studied General Psychiatry and completed a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Virginia Tech Carilion Clinic and graduated from St. Matthew's College of Medicine. Dr. Ali looks at the whole person, the family, and all environmental factors when she approaches patient care. She uses the latest scientific research and evidence-based practice to build a treatment plan with the patient and family. And Dr. Ali uses compassion and empathy to help patients and families heal.
Dr. Ruhina N. Ali is a Psychiatrist in Illinois. She studied General Psychiatry and completed a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Virginia Tech Carilion Clinic and graduated from St. Matthew's College of Medicine. Dr. Ali looks at the whole person, the family, and all environmental factors when she approaches patient care. She uses the latest scientific research and evidence-based practice to build a treatment plan with the patient and family. And Dr. Ali uses compassion and empathy to help patients and families heal.
![Photo of Petrit Ndrio - Advanced Behavioral Health Services, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b959b9e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Advanced Behavioral Health Services is guided by the principle of giving people the best possible service. Our mission is to help people enjoy life to the fullest. We are committed to helping people cope with their behavioral and mental health issues so that they are able to live independently and - if possible - take a proactive stance on their own treatment. Advanced Behavioral Health Services puts the welfare of their clients first. Our specialists take time to establish rapport and get to know each client. This way, we are able to determine early on if our professional relationship would lead to progress in the client's quality of life. Each expert at Advanced Behavioral Health Services operates from the perspective that each client is our partner in treatment. After all, it is the client's response to treatment that determines our success or failure.
Advanced Behavioral Health Services is guided by the principle of giving people the best possible service. Our mission is to help people enjoy life to the fullest. We are committed to helping people cope with their behavioral and mental health issues so that they are able to live independently and - if possible - take a proactive stance on their own treatment. Advanced Behavioral Health Services puts the welfare of their clients first. Our specialists take time to establish rapport and get to know each client. This way, we are able to determine early on if our professional relationship would lead to progress in the client's quality of life. Each expert at Advanced Behavioral Health Services operates from the perspective that each client is our partner in treatment. After all, it is the client's response to treatment that determines our success or failure.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Chiedza Nwakudu, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f807d492-7a52-4aa0-9b19-99ae3495528e/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a double board certified psychiatric mental health and primary care nurse practitioner experienced in medication management of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, mood, and eating disorders, substance abuse, anger and stress management, and ADHD. I completed a Master's in Nursing Science degree from Rush University in Chicago, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and the psychiatric mental health certificate from Lewis University in Illinois.
I am a double board certified psychiatric mental health and primary care nurse practitioner experienced in medication management of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, mood, and eating disorders, substance abuse, anger and stress management, and ADHD. I completed a Master's in Nursing Science degree from Rush University in Chicago, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and the psychiatric mental health certificate from Lewis University in Illinois.
![Photo of Doris Nwoko, MSN, PMHNPBC, APN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/36b0832a-3886-490d-bedc-24d7dcfb7cfc/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have partnered with individuals to diagnose and successfully treat symptoms of depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, bipolar, mood disorders, eating disorders, ADHD, autism, behavior problems, alcoholism, and substance misuse or abuse disorders.
Have you ever wondered if you are being heard or searched for a care provider who can relate to your challenges? Are you in need of medication management - initiation, adjustments, and maintenance? I have several years of psychiatric and mental health experience working with individuals aged 5 to 65 and older adults in inpatient, residential, and outpatient settings with various mental health issues. My treatment approach embodies the individual's developmental and bio-psycho-social histories and how they contribute to illness.
I have partnered with individuals to diagnose and successfully treat symptoms of depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, bipolar, mood disorders, eating disorders, ADHD, autism, behavior problems, alcoholism, and substance misuse or abuse disorders.
Have you ever wondered if you are being heard or searched for a care provider who can relate to your challenges? Are you in need of medication management - initiation, adjustments, and maintenance? I have several years of psychiatric and mental health experience working with individuals aged 5 to 65 and older adults in inpatient, residential, and outpatient settings with various mental health issues. My treatment approach embodies the individual's developmental and bio-psycho-social histories and how they contribute to illness.
![Photo of Johnny Williamson - Spectrum Behavioral Health, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ef4de78a-4716-4457-8f34-5fe914cb4279/3/320x400.jpeg)
Spectrum Behavioral Health
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Hinsdale, IL 60521 (Online Only)
Johnny Williamson, MD is board certified in General Psychiatry, and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He has a breadth of experience treating children and adults of all ages. He provides psychotherapy and psychotropic medication management to treat attention deficit disorders, autism, anxiety, mood disorders, bipolar disorder, school phobia, and specializes in the treatment of PTSD and eating disorders. He believes in a holistic approach that combines appropriate therapeutic modalities treating individuals, families, and groups; and, where indicated, effective medication strategies.
Johnny Williamson, MD is board certified in General Psychiatry, and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He has a breadth of experience treating children and adults of all ages. He provides psychotherapy and psychotropic medication management to treat attention deficit disorders, autism, anxiety, mood disorders, bipolar disorder, school phobia, and specializes in the treatment of PTSD and eating disorders. He believes in a holistic approach that combines appropriate therapeutic modalities treating individuals, families, and groups; and, where indicated, effective medication strategies.
![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 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
Hinsdale, IL 60521
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.
![Photo of Sarah Sims, PMHNP, BC, FPA, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/513695a1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sarah Sims
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC, FPA
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Specialty include but not limited to: Depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, addiction, eating disorders, schizophrenia, postpartum, professionals in recovery, disease with underlying symptoms including, shame, guilt, sexual issues, self-defeating behavior; intimacy issues, dissociation, emotional dysregulation.
Sarah Sims is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Transcendent Psychiatry treats pediatric, adolescents, and adults. In her practice, she integrates a combination of evidence-based psychopharmacologic management, psychotherapy, compassionate trauma informed care and various cognitive modalities to help you heal. She believes that high quality psychiatric care is more than just treating mental illness. It is a patient centered journey through transitioning mental illness to into mental wellness. Feel free to email us to schedule an intake.
Specialty include but not limited to: Depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, addiction, eating disorders, schizophrenia, postpartum, professionals in recovery, disease with underlying symptoms including, shame, guilt, sexual issues, self-defeating behavior; intimacy issues, dissociation, emotional dysregulation.
Sarah Sims is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Transcendent Psychiatry treats pediatric, adolescents, and adults. In her practice, she integrates a combination of evidence-based psychopharmacologic management, psychotherapy, compassionate trauma informed care and various cognitive modalities to help you heal. She believes that high quality psychiatric care is more than just treating mental illness. It is a patient centered journey through transitioning mental illness to into mental wellness. Feel free to email us to schedule an intake.
![Photo of Mia Jelovac, PA-C, CSR, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c02bf8f8-7806-44e0-bc15-a963129b8ccf/1/320x400.png)
Hello! I'm Mia Jelovac and I'm a psychiatric physician assistant. I strive to provide empathetic, patient-centered care with the desire to help my patients achieve their goals and improve their overall mental well-being. Being aware of the stigma that surrounds mental health, I am dedicated to breaking these barriers, especially in adolescents and young adults.
Hello! I'm Mia Jelovac and I'm a psychiatric physician assistant. I strive to provide empathetic, patient-centered care with the desire to help my patients achieve their goals and improve their overall mental well-being. Being aware of the stigma that surrounds mental health, I am dedicated to breaking these barriers, especially in adolescents and young adults.
![Photo of Dima Arbach, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6aca8c07-a583-4555-b441-3330f4f00173/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Arbach worked for years with war victims and developed a longstanding experience in treating trauma and adversity related issues. Dr. Arbach focuses on a wellness and whole person approach to mental health. She is active locally and nationally in physician wellness activities by leading support groups and seminars on the topic of professionals' wellness. Dr. Arbach believes in integrating nutritional and lifestyle assessments with biological, psychological, and social factors in the healing process.
Dr. Arbach worked for years with war victims and developed a longstanding experience in treating trauma and adversity related issues. Dr. Arbach focuses on a wellness and whole person approach to mental health. She is active locally and nationally in physician wellness activities by leading support groups and seminars on the topic of professionals' wellness. Dr. Arbach believes in integrating nutritional and lifestyle assessments with biological, psychological, and social factors in the healing process.
![Photo of Elizabeth Wengel, DNP, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7f6eb5f3-090b-4d6e-aa67-88d8efc23ea2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Elizabeth Wengel
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
My name is Elizabeth Wengel and I am a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner with experience in psychiatric evaluations and medication management. My goal is to put patients at ease by creating a supportive environment to address their concerns. I offer medication management and supportive therapy to improve self esteem and alleviate symptoms.
My name is Elizabeth Wengel and I am a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner with experience in psychiatric evaluations and medication management. My goal is to put patients at ease by creating a supportive environment to address their concerns. I offer medication management and supportive therapy to improve self esteem and alleviate symptoms.
![Photo of Sarah Purdy - Today Telemedicine , PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4845fabc-99d7-4709-bfa5-f0293a4a52ab/1/320x400.jpeg)
Full virtual telemedicine medical office specializing in psychiatry (anxiety, depression, bipolar ect), ADHD non stimulant care ( strattera, wellbutrin ect) , weight loss management ( semaglutide, tirzepatide) , urgent care (UTI, cough, injury ect), Primary care (birth control, blood work ect) . Offering Genesite genetic medication testing, ADHD computer testing and much more! Self-schedule from our website www.TodayTelemedicine.com and be seen this week!
Full virtual telemedicine medical office specializing in psychiatry (anxiety, depression, bipolar ect), ADHD non stimulant care ( strattera, wellbutrin ect) , weight loss management ( semaglutide, tirzepatide) , urgent care (UTI, cough, injury ect), Primary care (birth control, blood work ect) . Offering Genesite genetic medication testing, ADHD computer testing and much more! Self-schedule from our website www.TodayTelemedicine.com and be seen this week!
![Photo of Francesco Incandela, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f5c0a8d9-87dc-4edd-ba91-8c1b593753da/2/320x400.jpeg)
I’m Dr. Incandela, a psychiatrist committed to helping people achieve their mental health goals and wellness. I graduated from psychiatry residency in 2023 and began practicing that same year. I collaborate with each person to develop a comprehensive and wholistic treatment plan that is tailored to the individual while incorporating evidence-based treatment models. For me, the wholistic process includes working to understand and target mental health concerns from a biological, psychological, and social perspective understanding that many things affect a person's mental health that medication alone may not address.
I’m Dr. Incandela, a psychiatrist committed to helping people achieve their mental health goals and wellness. I graduated from psychiatry residency in 2023 and began practicing that same year. I collaborate with each person to develop a comprehensive and wholistic treatment plan that is tailored to the individual while incorporating evidence-based treatment models. For me, the wholistic process includes working to understand and target mental health concerns from a biological, psychological, and social perspective understanding that many things affect a person's mental health that medication alone may not address.
![Photo of Amy Drescher-Crumpley, DNP, CNM, PMHNP, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d17c49a6-529f-434f-9b50-9c28dd5a6ee3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Amy Drescher-Crumpley
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, CNM, PMHNP, APRN
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, (PMHNP-BC). My goal is to build a strong alliance with patients and provide them with hope, knowledge and tools to participate effectively in their own unique healing process. I can address a broad range of mental health issues. My scope of practice includes men and women 12 years old and up. I have over 20 years’ experience in health care including my years as a nurse midwife.
As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, (PMHNP-BC). My goal is to build a strong alliance with patients and provide them with hope, knowledge and tools to participate effectively in their own unique healing process. I can address a broad range of mental health issues. My scope of practice includes men and women 12 years old and up. I have over 20 years’ experience in health care including my years as a nurse midwife.
![Photo of Muhammad Nouman Azhar - Shifa Therapeutics LLC, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43a2c519-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
SHIFA THERAPEUTICS LLC HAS IN OFFICE AND TELEHEALTH APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE FOR PSYCHIATRIC AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION TREATMENT. INITIAL APPOINTMENT MUST BE IN OFFICE (630) 761-5670.
SHIFA THERAPEUTICS LLC HAS IN OFFICE AND TELEHEALTH APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE FOR PSYCHIATRIC AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION TREATMENT. INITIAL APPOINTMENT MUST BE IN OFFICE (630) 761-5670.
See more therapy options for Lisle
Nearby Eating Disorders Psychiatrists Searches for Lisle
- Aurora
- Downers Grove
- Elmhurst
- Geneva
- Hinsdale
- Lombard
- Naperville
- Oak Brook
- Oakbrook Terrace
- Warrenville
- Westmont
- Wheaton
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.