Eating Disorders Psychiatrists in Lynnwood, WA
![Photo of Heather Siegel, ARNP, PMHNP, FNP, CNM, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d163ff1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Heather Siegel
Psychiatric Nurse, ARNP, PMHNP, FNP, CNM
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Lynnwood, WA 98036
As a psychiatric medication prescriber, I work with children, teens, and adults. I see all psychiatric complaints, including depression, anxiety, panic, ADHD, bipolar, PTSD, OCD, eating disorders, and psychosis. I focus on listening to the patient, thorough care, and helping the patient to live the best life they can live. As a certified nurse midwife, I remain committed to providing high quality mental health care to pregnant, post-partum and breastfeeding moms. I do not prescribe ongoing benzodiazepines for anxiety or sleep.
As a psychiatric medication prescriber, I work with children, teens, and adults. I see all psychiatric complaints, including depression, anxiety, panic, ADHD, bipolar, PTSD, OCD, eating disorders, and psychosis. I focus on listening to the patient, thorough care, and helping the patient to live the best life they can live. As a certified nurse midwife, I remain committed to providing high quality mental health care to pregnant, post-partum and breastfeeding moms. I do not prescribe ongoing benzodiazepines for anxiety or sleep.
![Photo of Amy Zachara, ARNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d6eb68a9-e63e-4181-a8af-3142a3d59711/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I provide medication management and mental health care for adults struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, eating disorders, relationship issues and adjustment to life changes. I have worked with patients from diverse backgrounds and with a variety of mental health challenges. I help to identify goals and a treatment plan to address each individual's needs. I have prescriptive authority and follow evidence-based practice.
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I provide medication management and mental health care for adults struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, eating disorders, relationship issues and adjustment to life changes. I have worked with patients from diverse backgrounds and with a variety of mental health challenges. I help to identify goals and a treatment plan to address each individual's needs. I have prescriptive authority and follow evidence-based practice.
![Photo of Dr. Bridgette Jeffries, DNP, ARNP, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4cc813dc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Bridgette Jeffries
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, ARNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Lynnwood, WA 98036
I am doctorally prepared from the University of Washington and board certified Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Additionally, as a nurse of 30 years, my experience covers a broad spectrum of providing a multitude of services to individuals and families from all walks of life and economic backgrounds. As a board certified PMHNP, my practice will focus on providing services from the adolescent years throughout the life span. My goal is to meet you where you are in your journey and enhance you with tools that will be life changing. We will collaborate together to identify the best holistic approach.
I am doctorally prepared from the University of Washington and board certified Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Additionally, as a nurse of 30 years, my experience covers a broad spectrum of providing a multitude of services to individuals and families from all walks of life and economic backgrounds. As a board certified PMHNP, my practice will focus on providing services from the adolescent years throughout the life span. My goal is to meet you where you are in your journey and enhance you with tools that will be life changing. We will collaborate together to identify the best holistic approach.
![Photo of Anabel Sema - Unique Mental Health Services PLLC, ARNP, PMHNP, BSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a214b4ba-ebd5-4f12-9e28-d1788532542b/1/320x400.png)
Unique Mental Health Services PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ARNP, PMHNP, BSN
Verified Verified
Lynnwood, WA 98036
Accepting new patients 18-60 years. I evaluate, diagnose and treat mental health symptoms of anxiety, depression ADHD, mood/personality disorders and many other mental health illnesses. Seek professional help to safe your relationships, work and maintain equilibrium in your functioning. Some symptoms of concern are; anxiety, depression/prolonged sadness, mood swings, thoughts and statements about suicide or harming self/others and, psychosis. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.
Accepting new patients 18-60 years. I evaluate, diagnose and treat mental health symptoms of anxiety, depression ADHD, mood/personality disorders and many other mental health illnesses. Seek professional help to safe your relationships, work and maintain equilibrium in your functioning. Some symptoms of concern are; anxiety, depression/prolonged sadness, mood swings, thoughts and statements about suicide or harming self/others and, psychosis. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.
![Photo of Lindsey Oleksa, MSN, ARNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/804336db-89aa-4a81-ab8a-cf56afc4825f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lindsey Oleksa
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, ARNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lynnwood, WA 98036
Lindsey provides comprehensive psychiatric assessments, diagnosis, and treatment for a wide variety of mental health conditions. She provides a holistic approach that integrates medication management, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes to address the many factors impacting her clients' wellbeing.
Lindsey provides comprehensive psychiatric assessments, diagnosis, and treatment for a wide variety of mental health conditions. She provides a holistic approach that integrates medication management, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes to address the many factors impacting her clients' wellbeing.
![Photo of Emmanuel Nwabude - Denmind Psychiatric Solutions PLLC, ARNP, PMHNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e213c788-b5c3-4dac-b89e-13290e726463/1/320x400.jpeg)
Denmind Psychiatric Solutions PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ARNP, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
Lynnwood, WA 98036
Are you having mood swings? Feeling anxious, down, inattentive, overwhelmed with stress, or having the overall feeling that life just keeps getting harder? Have you tried to explain how you feel to friends or family, but no one fully understands? Because you don't want to be a burden, you sometimes hide your true feelings. We understand these struggles, and will love to help you turn things around for the better. We want to see you live life to your fullest potential. If you are looking for a provider who sees you as a person and not just as your diagnosis, condition or past struggles, please feel free to contact us.
Are you having mood swings? Feeling anxious, down, inattentive, overwhelmed with stress, or having the overall feeling that life just keeps getting harder? Have you tried to explain how you feel to friends or family, but no one fully understands? Because you don't want to be a burden, you sometimes hide your true feelings. We understand these struggles, and will love to help you turn things around for the better. We want to see you live life to your fullest potential. If you are looking for a provider who sees you as a person and not just as your diagnosis, condition or past struggles, please feel free to contact us.
![Photo of Dr. Ronil Shah, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1a7ae75f-97c4-47be-bf0d-e5a664733dff/1/320x400.jpeg)
Why choose Dr. Ronil Shah? Because his top-notch expertise combines with compassionate, personalized care. Treatment with Dr. Shah is a two-way collaboration. Working together, you will design a mental wellness strategy that’s tailored just for you. His philosophy? Your path to wellness should be as unique as you are, shaped by empathy and expertise, and empowered by evidence-based insights and tools.
Why choose Dr. Ronil Shah? Because his top-notch expertise combines with compassionate, personalized care. Treatment with Dr. Shah is a two-way collaboration. Working together, you will design a mental wellness strategy that’s tailored just for you. His philosophy? Your path to wellness should be as unique as you are, shaped by empathy and expertise, and empowered by evidence-based insights and tools.
![Photo of Dr. Mercy Omijie, ARNP, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8cc78229-24f0-44fc-b156-97ccf48c5326/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Mercy Omijie
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ARNP, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Lynnwood, WA 98036
Accepting New Client in Washington State! I am a doctoral prepared & board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in the evaluation, diagnosis, & treatment of various psychiatric disorders in individuals of all ages. My approach to assessment is comprehensive & whole-person focused. I take my time to know each of my clients & to address their specific needs. I understand that everyone has their own unique psychological, biological, social & cultural factors that influence their mental health. I consider each of these components when formulating assessments & developing collaborative treatment plans with my clients.
Accepting New Client in Washington State! I am a doctoral prepared & board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in the evaluation, diagnosis, & treatment of various psychiatric disorders in individuals of all ages. My approach to assessment is comprehensive & whole-person focused. I take my time to know each of my clients & to address their specific needs. I understand that everyone has their own unique psychological, biological, social & cultural factors that influence their mental health. I consider each of these components when formulating assessments & developing collaborative treatment plans with my clients.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Shade Bamigbola - Eikon Psychiatry, PLLC, MSN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5c64222d-2700-4e14-8334-a423293ec8f7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Eikon Psychiatry, PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98101 (Online Only)
In my role as PMHNP-BC, I am trained in the treatment of psychiatric illness of individuals across the lifespan (age 6-65), especially those with adjustment disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychotic disorders, bipolar disorders and trauma-related disorders. I have practiced with diverse populations across a variety of settings including: Consult-Liaison Psychiatry Service, Eating disorder, School-Based Psychiatry Program and Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatry Outpatient settings.
In my role as PMHNP-BC, I am trained in the treatment of psychiatric illness of individuals across the lifespan (age 6-65), especially those with adjustment disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychotic disorders, bipolar disorders and trauma-related disorders. I have practiced with diverse populations across a variety of settings including: Consult-Liaison Psychiatry Service, Eating disorder, School-Based Psychiatry Program and Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatry Outpatient settings.
![Photo of Ike Uzowulu, FPMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3facd0d4-3390-4b41-a2ac-6393a420fa93/3/320x400.jpeg)
Ike Uzowulu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FPMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98101 (Online Only)
I am a board-certified family psychiatric nurse practitioner. I have a master's degree in psychiatric nursing specializing in mental and behavioral health medicine. I have verifiable experience in treating variety of psychiatric disorders such as; mood disorders including resistant depression, eating disorders, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, schizophrenia, stress and sleep related disorders
I am a board-certified family psychiatric nurse practitioner. I have a master's degree in psychiatric nursing specializing in mental and behavioral health medicine. I have verifiable experience in treating variety of psychiatric disorders such as; mood disorders including resistant depression, eating disorders, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, schizophrenia, stress and sleep related disorders
![Photo of Charles Maddix, APRN, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e42895cf-37f2-4473-8392-dce3f1dbcfd2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Charles Maddix
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98101
Meet Charles – a board-certified Family Psychiatric NP and a devoted former Navy Corpsman. With 20+ potent years of medical experience, Charles is an alumnus of Saint Louis University holding a Master’s in Nursing. He has championed different branches of medical sciences, including Oncology, ICU, and community mental health. Charles has marked his expertise in treating individuals across all ages, from 5 to adults. Applying a holistic approach, he addresses a diversity of mental health issues, including mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD, eating disorders, trauma, and more.
Meet Charles – a board-certified Family Psychiatric NP and a devoted former Navy Corpsman. With 20+ potent years of medical experience, Charles is an alumnus of Saint Louis University holding a Master’s in Nursing. He has championed different branches of medical sciences, including Oncology, ICU, and community mental health. Charles has marked his expertise in treating individuals across all ages, from 5 to adults. Applying a holistic approach, he addresses a diversity of mental health issues, including mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD, eating disorders, trauma, and more.
![Photo of Brett Lee Wadsworth - Wadsworth Psychiatric Services PLLC, MSN, JD, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4540e7c6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Wadsworth Psychiatric Services PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, JD
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98101
Accepting new patients with appointments available in the same week. Treatment for children and adults with various conditions. Conditions treated but not limited to are: Depression, Anxiety, ADHD (children and adults), Mood Disorders, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Eating Disorders, Schizophrenia, Suboxone Treatment for Opioid Dependence, and Dementia.
Accepting new patients with appointments available in the same week. Treatment for children and adults with various conditions. Conditions treated but not limited to are: Depression, Anxiety, ADHD (children and adults), Mood Disorders, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Eating Disorders, Schizophrenia, Suboxone Treatment for Opioid Dependence, and Dementia.
![Photo of Macbarbara Amaechi - Blissz Psychiatry &Healthcare LLC , Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/220cb1ed-1e4a-467e-a187-ce0a29b081e7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Blissz Psychiatry &Healthcare LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98119 (Online Only)
At Blissz Psychiatry, our team of highly qualified professionals are dedicated to providing evidence-based treatments that are tailored to meet the individual needs and goals of each client. Our providers create a safe and non-judgmental space for each client. Our goal is for the client to be educated on their options, therefore promoting health and wellness in a compassionate, and empathetic setting. The ideal client is one who actively seek support for their mental health. We specialize in treating ADHD, depression, CPTSD, OCD, and Bipolar. Utilizing diagnostic tools with DSM-5 criteria to ensure accuracy. Come let's connect.
At Blissz Psychiatry, our team of highly qualified professionals are dedicated to providing evidence-based treatments that are tailored to meet the individual needs and goals of each client. Our providers create a safe and non-judgmental space for each client. Our goal is for the client to be educated on their options, therefore promoting health and wellness in a compassionate, and empathetic setting. The ideal client is one who actively seek support for their mental health. We specialize in treating ADHD, depression, CPTSD, OCD, and Bipolar. Utilizing diagnostic tools with DSM-5 criteria to ensure accuracy. Come let's connect.
![Photo of Kelley Bitter, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d8cec85f-6204-4e9c-8004-6fd28d9b5d1e/1/320x400.png)
Need URGENT psychiatric care? Call 888-877-7022 now to start your healing journey. We understand how stress, anxiety, ADHD, depression, burnout, & overwhelming emotions can prevent you from living your best life. At AB Holistic, we believe in a compassionate, integrative approach. We offer personalized treatment plans that include traditional medications, therapy, counseling & holistic therapies to address the root causes of your distress. We're dedicated to supporting you every step of the way. Find the relief you deserve. We're conveniently located, offer flexible hours, and have telehealth options available. Call Kelley today.
Need URGENT psychiatric care? Call 888-877-7022 now to start your healing journey. We understand how stress, anxiety, ADHD, depression, burnout, & overwhelming emotions can prevent you from living your best life. At AB Holistic, we believe in a compassionate, integrative approach. We offer personalized treatment plans that include traditional medications, therapy, counseling & holistic therapies to address the root causes of your distress. We're dedicated to supporting you every step of the way. Find the relief you deserve. We're conveniently located, offer flexible hours, and have telehealth options available. Call Kelley today.
![Photo of Roselyne Ogola-Mwangale Dnp Pmhnp, DNP, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/614fae00-c663-417a-a0d1-68e632705709/2/320x400.jpeg)
Roselyne Ogola-Mwangale Dnp Pmhnp
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98101 (Online Only)
Accepting NEW Client's. Dr. Roselyne Ogola-Mwangale DNP, PMHNP-BC is Accepting New Patients.. Email or Call to schedule your initial visit. I am a doctorate board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who believes in a collaborative behavioral health care model that is patient centered, evidence based enabling a holistic team based approach in treating your mental health illness. I have extensive healthcare background and I am honored to be at the foundation of your recovery journey. I completed my Doctorate degree from the University of Michigan. Experienced working with children, teens and adult population
Accepting NEW Client's. Dr. Roselyne Ogola-Mwangale DNP, PMHNP-BC is Accepting New Patients.. Email or Call to schedule your initial visit. I am a doctorate board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who believes in a collaborative behavioral health care model that is patient centered, evidence based enabling a holistic team based approach in treating your mental health illness. I have extensive healthcare background and I am honored to be at the foundation of your recovery journey. I completed my Doctorate degree from the University of Michigan. Experienced working with children, teens and adult population
![Photo of Dr. Rodolfo Aguilar, PhD, MSN, PMHNPBC, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9696253b-0572-460e-b500-e0d87733ac11/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Rodolfo Aguilar
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, MSN, PMHNPBC, APRN
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98101 (Online Only)
Fully licensed in AZ, CO, FL, HI, NM, IL, OR, & WA. GO TO: growtherapy.com/provider/a8dr11m4etff/aguilar My ideal clients seek to clarify how psychiatric medications may or may not help improve their quality of life. We team up to achieve this common goal. I share accurate, updated, evidence-based information to manage experienced symptoms. We don't believe in magic pills but we know pills can help. My ideal clients seek wellness, not just repair sickness, and are ready to sustain lifestyle changes and healthy habits.
Fully licensed in AZ, CO, FL, HI, NM, IL, OR, & WA. GO TO: growtherapy.com/provider/a8dr11m4etff/aguilar My ideal clients seek to clarify how psychiatric medications may or may not help improve their quality of life. We team up to achieve this common goal. I share accurate, updated, evidence-based information to manage experienced symptoms. We don't believe in magic pills but we know pills can help. My ideal clients seek wellness, not just repair sickness, and are ready to sustain lifestyle changes and healthy habits.
![Photo of Pascale Davis - VirtualPsychiatricCare.com, MSN, PMHNP, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/475784ef-411e-4b25-978d-e5697790a38c/2/320x400.jpeg)
VirtualPsychiatricCare.com
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, APRN
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98101 (Online Only)
We are board-certified to treat Children and Adults. Accepting new patients via telehealth visits in Washington state for psychiatric evaluations and medication management. Our clients are looking to be properly diagnosed and treated using the safest prescribing principles. Make your appointment on our website. Evening and weekend hours are available. Affordable rates. Also accepting some insurance plans.
We are board-certified to treat Children and Adults. Accepting new patients via telehealth visits in Washington state for psychiatric evaluations and medication management. Our clients are looking to be properly diagnosed and treated using the safest prescribing principles. Make your appointment on our website. Evening and weekend hours are available. Affordable rates. Also accepting some insurance plans.
![Photo of Davonna Wilson - Balance Psychiatric Services, DNP, CRNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5de26141-b11b-4551-9efd-a941a3b16dc5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Balance Psychiatric Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, CRNP
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98144 (Online Only)
We understand that you are coming to us at one of the most vulnerable and difficult times in your life. We will listen to your concerns without judgement and offer a safe space to overcome your unique challenges. We are here to help if you are struggling with overwhelming feelings of sadness, irritability, anxious thoughts, or chaotic shifts in your mood. We can assess for ADHD if you feel unable to focus or struggle with completing tasks without distraction. We are experienced in providing trauma informed care.
We understand that you are coming to us at one of the most vulnerable and difficult times in your life. We will listen to your concerns without judgement and offer a safe space to overcome your unique challenges. We are here to help if you are struggling with overwhelming feelings of sadness, irritability, anxious thoughts, or chaotic shifts in your mood. We can assess for ADHD if you feel unable to focus or struggle with completing tasks without distraction. We are experienced in providing trauma informed care.
![Photo of Ugonna Rose Okafor, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/79b0ac45-f529-4c9f-990a-48b2f8b485e6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ugonna Rose Okafor
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98144 (Online Only)
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides diagnostic services, medication management and Psychotherapy to individuals from 13 years old to older adults via telehealth in Texas, Washington and Arizona. I utilize evidence based practice and patient preference to give all my patient the best care possible. I have more than 7 years extensive psychiatric experience in various setting. At this time, I am only providing virtual visits. At every visit, Ugonna provides individualized therapy that is specific and tailored to your treatment goals.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides diagnostic services, medication management and Psychotherapy to individuals from 13 years old to older adults via telehealth in Texas, Washington and Arizona. I utilize evidence based practice and patient preference to give all my patient the best care possible. I have more than 7 years extensive psychiatric experience in various setting. At this time, I am only providing virtual visits. At every visit, Ugonna provides individualized therapy that is specific and tailored to your treatment goals.
![Photo of Kathryn Molczan, CRNP, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dc230b6f-48f5-4a67-a279-eac1cb39c3dc/1/320x400.png)
Kathryn Molczan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98103 (Online Only)
Are you so anxious that you worry about your worry? You may be fed up with the constant anxious thoughts bombarding your mind, feeling tired, agitated, and overwhelmed. You might not remember a time when you didn’t feel this way. But there is one thing you know without question, you are ready for an end to the racing thoughts. You’re ready to experience calm and peace. You are ready to enjoy moments without fear. Most of all, you are ready to live life confidently.
Are you so anxious that you worry about your worry? You may be fed up with the constant anxious thoughts bombarding your mind, feeling tired, agitated, and overwhelmed. You might not remember a time when you didn’t feel this way. But there is one thing you know without question, you are ready for an end to the racing thoughts. You’re ready to experience calm and peace. You are ready to enjoy moments without fear. Most of all, you are ready to live life confidently.
See more therapy options for Lynnwood
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.