Eating Disorders Psychiatrists in Denver, CO

Photo of Melanie Levine, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Melanie Levine
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80205  (Online Only)
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I understand that navigating mental health challenges can feel overwhelming. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, or co-occurring conditions, I’m here to provide the support you need. My focus is on helping individuals who are seeking clarity, stability, and personalized care. I specialize in medication management, ensuring that your treatment plan is designed specifically for your unique needs and goals. Together, we’ll work to improve your mental health and overall well-being.
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I understand that navigating mental health challenges can feel overwhelming. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, or co-occurring conditions, I’m here to provide the support you need. My focus is on helping individuals who are seeking clarity, stability, and personalized care. I specialize in medication management, ensuring that your treatment plan is designed specifically for your unique needs and goals. Together, we’ll work to improve your mental health and overall well-being.
(720) 605-3968 View (720) 605-3968
Photo of Anita Khanna, MD, Psychiatrist
Anita Khanna
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80246
I have specialized in women's issues, including mood disorders at the onset of menses, eating disorders, medication management during pregnancy, grief issues around infertility, menopause, and trauma.
I look forward to meeting you, hearing your story , and making sense of all that ails you. I feel that medications can provide relief for biological psychiatric conditions, but most of the long term relief comes from working through and reworking unhealthy behavioral patterns. Treating Psychiatric conditions is an art that requires balancing the medical treatments with looking at unconscious maladaptive behaviors. Once patterns are identified, the work we do will lead to change. I take the approach of meeting clients where they are at and working together in a relational model to reprocess and work through trauma.
I have specialized in women's issues, including mood disorders at the onset of menses, eating disorders, medication management during pregnancy, grief issues around infertility, menopause, and trauma.
I look forward to meeting you, hearing your story , and making sense of all that ails you. I feel that medications can provide relief for biological psychiatric conditions, but most of the long term relief comes from working through and reworking unhealthy behavioral patterns. Treating Psychiatric conditions is an art that requires balancing the medical treatments with looking at unconscious maladaptive behaviors. Once patterns are identified, the work we do will lead to change. I take the approach of meeting clients where they are at and working together in a relational model to reprocess and work through trauma.
(720) 463-1683 View (720) 463-1683
Photo of Nichollette Dykes, PMHNP, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Nichollette Dykes
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80212
Clinical interests include PTSD/trauma, ADHD, eating disorders, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders.
Nichollette is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, specializing in medication management. Nichollette’s practice embodies a holistic approach towards psychiatric treatment that focuses on improving the overall mental well-being of an individual, rather than just treating the symptoms. With every patient, Nichollette strives to create a motivating and nurturing environment that is optimal for healing and growth. She utilizes an artful and collaborative process to create an individualized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
Clinical interests include PTSD/trauma, ADHD, eating disorders, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders.
Nichollette is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, specializing in medication management. Nichollette’s practice embodies a holistic approach towards psychiatric treatment that focuses on improving the overall mental well-being of an individual, rather than just treating the symptoms. With every patient, Nichollette strives to create a motivating and nurturing environment that is optimal for healing and growth. She utilizes an artful and collaborative process to create an individualized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
(720) 664-9662 View (720) 664-9662
Photo of Adrienne Long, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Adrienne Long
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80209
In addition to treating common mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety , and OCD, I specialize in eating disorders, PTSD and complex trauma, and perinatal mental health care.
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I view people holistically and individually. I approach client care from the bio-psycho-social framework and with compassion. In addition to prescribing psychiatric medications and ketamine-assisted therapy, I often incorporate genetic testing, brief psychotherapy, and neurofeedback into our sessions. Assessment of other influencing factors to well-being, such as sleep, potential nutritional deficiencies, lifestyle and stress, hormone fluctuations, and genetics is also crucial to a comprehensive and effective treatment plan. I also work closely with my client’s existing team.
In addition to treating common mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety , and OCD, I specialize in eating disorders, PTSD and complex trauma, and perinatal mental health care.
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I view people holistically and individually. I approach client care from the bio-psycho-social framework and with compassion. In addition to prescribing psychiatric medications and ketamine-assisted therapy, I often incorporate genetic testing, brief psychotherapy, and neurofeedback into our sessions. Assessment of other influencing factors to well-being, such as sleep, potential nutritional deficiencies, lifestyle and stress, hormone fluctuations, and genetics is also crucial to a comprehensive and effective treatment plan. I also work closely with my client’s existing team.
(720) 675-7123 View (720) 675-7123
Photo of Jessica Stern - Jessica R. Stern, M.D., LLC, MD, Psychiatrist
Jessica R. Stern, M.D., LLC
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80205
 In addition to mood and all anxiety disorders, I have unique expertise with eating disorders and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
I am board certified in Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, and I am committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive, evidence-based, and collaborative care to children, adolescents, and adults. My training and professional experience emphasize the improved functioning and decreased suffering that psychotherapy can provide to individuals by increasing self-awareness, increasing understanding of interactions with others and the world, and moving towards engaging in life in a way that feels more meaningful. I can also prescribe medications as an additional intervention if needed.
 In addition to mood and all anxiety disorders, I have unique expertise with eating disorders and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
I am board certified in Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, and I am committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive, evidence-based, and collaborative care to children, adolescents, and adults. My training and professional experience emphasize the improved functioning and decreased suffering that psychotherapy can provide to individuals by increasing self-awareness, increasing understanding of interactions with others and the world, and moving towards engaging in life in a way that feels more meaningful. I can also prescribe medications as an additional intervention if needed.
(720) 463-2370 View (720) 463-2370
Photo of Kelsey Horton, PA-C, RD, Physician Assistant
Kelsey Horton
Physician Assistant, PA-C, RD
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80204
I treat a variety of conditions including eating disorders, mood disorders, anxiety, depression, sleep issues, personality disorders, stress, trauma, OCD, life transitions, relationship issues, school and work related challenges, and LGBTQ+ mental health.
In the pursuit of personal growth and healing, we all need authentic and compassionate support. I believe that every client is unique and deserves to be treated with highly individualized care. I take an empathic approach to understanding each individual's internal experience. My clients can expect an environment free of judgment, embracing of subtleties, and open to complementary treatment strategies.
I treat a variety of conditions including eating disorders, mood disorders, anxiety, depression, sleep issues, personality disorders, stress, trauma, OCD, life transitions, relationship issues, school and work related challenges, and LGBTQ+ mental health.
In the pursuit of personal growth and healing, we all need authentic and compassionate support. I believe that every client is unique and deserves to be treated with highly individualized care. I take an empathic approach to understanding each individual's internal experience. My clients can expect an environment free of judgment, embracing of subtleties, and open to complementary treatment strategies.
(720) 807-5695 View (720) 807-5695
Photo of Lindsey Dempster, PMHNP, APRN, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Lindsey Dempster
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APRN, MSN
Verified Verified
17 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80209
My experience working in an inpatient psychiatric unit means I am comfortable diagnosing, assessing, and referring clients to the appropriate level of care, whether that be for addiction management, eating disorders, or other psychiatric emergencies.
Accepting new clients with immediate availability! Medicaid and private insurance are accepted. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2022. My diverse experience spans 12 years and includes emergency medicine, ICU, oncology, psychiatry, and nursing/physician management. I promote growth and change by empowering clients to overcome personal obstacles that interfere with their desired goals, using medications as an adjunct to other meaningful lifestyle changes. Please feel free to book with me directly at www.TrendMentalHealth.com!
My experience working in an inpatient psychiatric unit means I am comfortable diagnosing, assessing, and referring clients to the appropriate level of care, whether that be for addiction management, eating disorders, or other psychiatric emergencies.
Accepting new clients with immediate availability! Medicaid and private insurance are accepted. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2022. My diverse experience spans 12 years and includes emergency medicine, ICU, oncology, psychiatry, and nursing/physician management. I promote growth and change by empowering clients to overcome personal obstacles that interfere with their desired goals, using medications as an adjunct to other meaningful lifestyle changes. Please feel free to book with me directly at www.TrendMentalHealth.com!
(970) 538-9387 View (970) 538-9387
Photo of Victoria Cabral, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Victoria Cabral
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80203
I work with clients from 13 years of age and up who are struggling with mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, sleep disorders, eating disorders, psychotic disorders, and personality disorders.
*Accepting New Clients* I am a Yale University trained and Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over ten years of experience working in the field of mental health. I believe in a holistic and client-centered approach to psychiatric mental health care. In addition to evidenced-based psychiatry and medication management, we will review supplements, vitamins, and other complementary approaches as part of your mental health treatment.
I work with clients from 13 years of age and up who are struggling with mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, sleep disorders, eating disorders, psychotic disorders, and personality disorders.
*Accepting New Clients* I am a Yale University trained and Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over ten years of experience working in the field of mental health. I believe in a holistic and client-centered approach to psychiatric mental health care. In addition to evidenced-based psychiatry and medication management, we will review supplements, vitamins, and other complementary approaches as part of your mental health treatment.
(720) 358-7434 View (720) 358-7434
Photo of Cicely B. Hooten - Cicely Hooten - Complete Behavioral Health, PLLC, PMNHP, ACNS, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Cicely Hooten - Complete Behavioral Health, PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMNHP, ACNS
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80222  (Online Only)
We provide psychiatric services to patients ages 18 and older for a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to: anxiety, depression, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, mood disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders, autism spectrum disorders, personality disorders, psychosis, schizophrenia, PTSD, ADHD and insomnia.
Complete Behavioral Health, PLLC is envisioned to provide a supportive, non-judgmental atmosphere that recognizes and appreciates your shared experiences. Complete Behavioral Health promotes inclusivity and recognizes marginalized groups. These include people with disabilities and members of the LGBTQ+ community who are seeking gender affirming services. Every story matters to us! Cicely also has extensive experience working with individuals who have experienced traumas, including Veterans. Her ideal patient-provider relationships are communicative and long-lasting.
We provide psychiatric services to patients ages 18 and older for a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to: anxiety, depression, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, mood disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders, autism spectrum disorders, personality disorders, psychosis, schizophrenia, PTSD, ADHD and insomnia.
Complete Behavioral Health, PLLC is envisioned to provide a supportive, non-judgmental atmosphere that recognizes and appreciates your shared experiences. Complete Behavioral Health promotes inclusivity and recognizes marginalized groups. These include people with disabilities and members of the LGBTQ+ community who are seeking gender affirming services. Every story matters to us! Cicely also has extensive experience working with individuals who have experienced traumas, including Veterans. Her ideal patient-provider relationships are communicative and long-lasting.
(303) 622-0498 View (303) 622-0498
Photo of Ike Uzowulu, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Ike Uzowulu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80202  (Online Only)
I am a board-certified family psychiatric nurse practitioner. 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 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.
(720) 743-5311 View (720) 743-5311
Photo of Judy Kwedar - Judy Kwedar - Denver Wellness Associates, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Judy Kwedar - Denver Wellness Associates
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80209
I have been practicing as a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner in the Denver area since 2019. I offer psychiatric medication evaluations and treatment for various conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and PTSD. I value practicing safe-competent care that incorporates current evidence-based practice. I hope to provide my clients with a comfortable environment where we can collaborate together to create an individualized treatment plan. I believe medication is just one of the many tools involved in treating mental health conditions.
I have been practicing as a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner in the Denver area since 2019. I offer psychiatric medication evaluations and treatment for various conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and PTSD. I value practicing safe-competent care that incorporates current evidence-based practice. I hope to provide my clients with a comfortable environment where we can collaborate together to create an individualized treatment plan. I believe medication is just one of the many tools involved in treating mental health conditions.
(720) 605-6460 View (720) 605-6460
Photo of Anna Schaller - Haelen Mental Health - Anna Schaller, MSN, RN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Haelen Mental Health - Anna Schaller
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, RN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80231
Helping people get the root of their issues is what I aim to do in the evaluation process. There are a multitude of reasons why people seek care and I take time to explore the challenges and struggles that bring people into my office and identifying contributing causes, like the use of substances, chronic poor sleep, lifestyle factors, before jumping to medications alone. As an experienced mental health provider, I have worked with neurodivergent individuals, those with eating disorders and other mental health issues like depression or anxiety. I'm glad to work with children, teens and adults on their mental health needs!
Helping people get the root of their issues is what I aim to do in the evaluation process. There are a multitude of reasons why people seek care and I take time to explore the challenges and struggles that bring people into my office and identifying contributing causes, like the use of substances, chronic poor sleep, lifestyle factors, before jumping to medications alone. As an experienced mental health provider, I have worked with neurodivergent individuals, those with eating disorders and other mental health issues like depression or anxiety. I'm glad to work with children, teens and adults on their mental health needs!
(720) 902-9228 View (720) 902-9228
Photo of Ike Uzowulu, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Ike Uzowulu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80246  (Online Only)
I am a board-certified family psychiatric nurse practitioner. 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 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.
(719) 427-6106 View (719) 427-6106
Photo of Alyssa Jennings, PMHNP-B, MSN, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Alyssa Jennings
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-B, MSN, APRN
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80210
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.
(970) 627-4370 View (970) 627-4370
Photo of Jessica Stuenzi, MSN, MACP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jessica Stuenzi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, MACP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80123  (Online Only)
I work fairly extensively with folks who are neurodivergent, those with intellectual or developmental disabilities, the LGBTQ+ community, and those struggling with eating disorders (HAES approach).
Goodness can life be hard! While knowing that each of us experience difficulties in different ways throughout our lives, a few things that I believe can buffer some of life’s challenges include kindness, relationship, and self-care. I am glad that you are here, and I would be honored to be a part of your support system if that feels helpful. My primary role is to discuss and prescribe medications that may support you physiologically and therefore emotionally, should you choose medication as a tool in reaching your treatment goals. It would be a privilege to walk alongside you in the journey.
I work fairly extensively with folks who are neurodivergent, those with intellectual or developmental disabilities, the LGBTQ+ community, and those struggling with eating disorders (HAES approach).
Goodness can life be hard! While knowing that each of us experience difficulties in different ways throughout our lives, a few things that I believe can buffer some of life’s challenges include kindness, relationship, and self-care. I am glad that you are here, and I would be honored to be a part of your support system if that feels helpful. My primary role is to discuss and prescribe medications that may support you physiologically and therefore emotionally, should you choose medication as a tool in reaching your treatment goals. It would be a privilege to walk alongside you in the journey.
(720) 790-3566 View (720) 790-3566
Photo of Dr. Erin Knopf, MD, FAAP, DBPN, CEDS, Psychiatrist
Dr. Erin Knopf
Psychiatrist, MD, FAAP, DBPN, CEDS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80202  (Online Only)
Dr. Erin Knopf is a Board-Certified Pediatrician, Adult Psychiatrist, and Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist, as well as an iaedp Certified Eating Disorder Specialist. She specializes in treating eating disorder behaviors and comorbid symptoms of anxiety, depression, OCD and more. She is the co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of VERY (Virtual Eating Recovery for You). VERY provides virtual eating disorder care services (psychiatry, therapy, dietary, medical) in 10 states (CO, WA, UT, KY, IN, OH, TN, TX, NJ, NY). We work with your outside providers to ensure cohesive care!
Dr. Erin Knopf is a Board-Certified Pediatrician, Adult Psychiatrist, and Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist, as well as an iaedp Certified Eating Disorder Specialist. She specializes in treating eating disorder behaviors and comorbid symptoms of anxiety, depression, OCD and more. She is the co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of VERY (Virtual Eating Recovery for You). VERY provides virtual eating disorder care services (psychiatry, therapy, dietary, medical) in 10 states (CO, WA, UT, KY, IN, OH, TN, TX, NJ, NY). We work with your outside providers to ensure cohesive care!
(720) 790-4316 View (720) 790-4316
Photo of Nicoline Frinwie - Nicoline Frinwie--Larson Mental Health, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Nicoline Frinwie--Larson Mental Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80238
Accepting New Patients, Book online at www.larsonmentalhealth.com/scheduling-information. I specialize in treating patients ages 8+ with psychiatric, chemical dependency, and dual diagnosis concerns including but not limited to Depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Substance Abuse, Anxiety, ADHD, Schizophrenia/Psychosis, and Bipolar Disorder. I am driven to build strong relationships with patients and their families. My goal is to act as a patient advocate to achieve the best possible outcomes. If you are looking for a new provider, I am here to listen.
Accepting New Patients, Book online at www.larsonmentalhealth.com/scheduling-information. I specialize in treating patients ages 8+ with psychiatric, chemical dependency, and dual diagnosis concerns including but not limited to Depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Substance Abuse, Anxiety, ADHD, Schizophrenia/Psychosis, and Bipolar Disorder. I am driven to build strong relationships with patients and their families. My goal is to act as a patient advocate to achieve the best possible outcomes. If you are looking for a new provider, I am here to listen.
(720) 619-8854 View (720) 619-8854
Photo of Robert H Benge, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Robert H Benge
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80205  (Online Only)
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 16 years of experience in mental healthcare. I specialize is in diagnosing and treating depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and ADHD. Prior to becoming a Nurse Practitioner, I worked as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse for 10 years.
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 16 years of experience in mental healthcare. I specialize is in diagnosing and treating depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and ADHD. Prior to becoming a Nurse Practitioner, I worked as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse for 10 years.
(720) 797-5476 View (720) 797-5476
Photo of Angela Graham, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Angela Graham
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80219  (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.
(719) 297-6213 View (719) 297-6213
Well Nourished LLC
Physician Assistant
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80014
Now welcoming new clients! Offering virtual consultations throughout Colorado and in-person sessions. Are you ready for a tailored, holistic approach to overcome mental challenges and reclaim your desired path? Your growth and healing are my top priorities.
Now welcoming new clients! Offering virtual consultations throughout Colorado and in-person sessions. Are you ready for a tailored, holistic approach to overcome mental challenges and reclaim your desired path? Your growth and healing are my top priorities.
(720) 599-2488 View (720) 599-2488
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.