Eating Disorders Psychiatrists in Smyrna, GA

Photo of Angela Hamm, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Angela Hamm
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Smyrna, GA 30082
Angela Hamm is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner who has been practicing since 2017. She graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus in Family Nurse Practice. She has 10+ years of nursing experience in the inpatient and outpatient settings. As a nurse practitioner, she has experience treating patients across the life span with a wide range of illnesses. Angela enjoys providing individualized care for patients of all ages struggling with anxiety disorders, mood disorders, ADHD and other mental health conditions.
Angela Hamm is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner who has been practicing since 2017. She graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus in Family Nurse Practice. She has 10+ years of nursing experience in the inpatient and outpatient settings. As a nurse practitioner, she has experience treating patients across the life span with a wide range of illnesses. Angela enjoys providing individualized care for patients of all ages struggling with anxiety disorders, mood disorders, ADHD and other mental health conditions.
(877) 265-3058 View (877) 265-3058
Photo of Blessing Anyaiwe Onyekachi - Divine Team Behavioral Health care, DNP, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Divine Team Behavioral Health care
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Smyrna, GA 30080
Dr. Blessing A. Onyekachi is a doctor of psychiatric mental health Nurse Practitioner. DNP, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC. Dr. Blessing is a woman who brings her incredible journey of mental health and culture in a practical curriculum, -addressing the need for utilizing culture, orientation and individuals believe in mental health treatment. Dr. Blessing has been taking care of clients with mental health struggles since 2019. She earned her Doctorate and master’s degree in mental health at Walden University in Minneapolis, MN. Dr. Blessing has experiences in diagnosing and treating all psych/behavioral health issues and Psychotherapy.
Dr. Blessing A. Onyekachi is a doctor of psychiatric mental health Nurse Practitioner. DNP, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC. Dr. Blessing is a woman who brings her incredible journey of mental health and culture in a practical curriculum, -addressing the need for utilizing culture, orientation and individuals believe in mental health treatment. Dr. Blessing has been taking care of clients with mental health struggles since 2019. She earned her Doctorate and master’s degree in mental health at Walden University in Minneapolis, MN. Dr. Blessing has experiences in diagnosing and treating all psych/behavioral health issues and Psychotherapy.
(470) 688-1605 View (470) 688-1605
Photo of Enika Mcclain, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Enika Mcclain
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Smyrna, GA 30082
Enika McClain is a Certified Dual Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner, who has been practicing nursing for 21 years. She graduated from Albany Technical College with a degree in Licensed Practical Nursing in 2001. She then received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Albany State University in 2006. In 2017 she attained a Masters of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Family Nurse practitioner from South University. In August 2021 she received her Post Master's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Liberty University.
Enika McClain is a Certified Dual Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner, who has been practicing nursing for 21 years. She graduated from Albany Technical College with a degree in Licensed Practical Nursing in 2001. She then received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Albany State University in 2006. In 2017 she attained a Masters of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Family Nurse practitioner from South University. In August 2021 she received her Post Master's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Liberty University.
(678) 661-2687 View (678) 661-2687
Photo of Matthew 'dusty' Dowdy, PMHNP, APRN, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Matthew 'dusty' Dowdy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APRN, MSN
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Smyrna, GA 30080
If you are in need of medication evaluation or management for depression, anxiety, ADHD, panic, insomnia, bipolar, schizophrenia, or substance abuse I can help. If you are looking for a provider that looks at the whole person and not just your symptoms, I can help. If you are tired of the stale, nonpersonal relationship with past providers, I can help. I've been a nurse for over 14 years, and a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner for the last 4. If you want more than just a white coat and a prescription pad, I am your guy. I always go the extra mile to ensure my patients are taken care of like family. Hope to see you soon.
If you are in need of medication evaluation or management for depression, anxiety, ADHD, panic, insomnia, bipolar, schizophrenia, or substance abuse I can help. If you are looking for a provider that looks at the whole person and not just your symptoms, I can help. If you are tired of the stale, nonpersonal relationship with past providers, I can help. I've been a nurse for over 14 years, and a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner for the last 4. If you want more than just a white coat and a prescription pad, I am your guy. I always go the extra mile to ensure my patients are taken care of like family. Hope to see you soon.
(770) 343-4063 View (770) 343-4063
Photo of Jordan Goad, FNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jordan Goad
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Smyrna, GA 30080  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
My goal for treatment is to help you notice what you're already part of in this life and guide you to find your true strength and confidence within yourself. So many times we view our brain as the enemy, and I believe your overall wellbeing involves the act of using your brain as a tool to better yourself. Our brain can be our friend and through knowledge of physiology and psychology, I can help you find this. I am a dually certified Nurse Practitioner in both Family Practice and Psychiatry, and my heart lies within mental health.
My goal for treatment is to help you notice what you're already part of in this life and guide you to find your true strength and confidence within yourself. So many times we view our brain as the enemy, and I believe your overall wellbeing involves the act of using your brain as a tool to better yourself. Our brain can be our friend and through knowledge of physiology and psychology, I can help you find this. I am a dually certified Nurse Practitioner in both Family Practice and Psychiatry, and my heart lies within mental health.
(423) 445-1792 View (423) 445-1792

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Lois Schwarze - Integrity Psychiatry and Wellness, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Integrity Psychiatry and Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sandy Springs, GA 30342
I work with children, adolescents, and adults who are experiencing depression, anxiety, eating disorders, trauma, gender dysphoria, unmanageable stress, and loss of hopefulness.
Hi, I'm Lois Schwarze, a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I offer medication management and believe that medications work best when they are a part of a wider plan of care. I co-founded Integrity Psychiatry and Wellness with Ella Laura Johannaber, a therapeutic coach and wellness educator, so that our clients have more choices for getting the support they need. I am passionate about mental health and I've witnessed that healing happens through authentic connection. I spend time with my clients, listen, and treat each person as a unique individual.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults who are experiencing depression, anxiety, eating disorders, trauma, gender dysphoria, unmanageable stress, and loss of hopefulness.
Hi, I'm Lois Schwarze, a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I offer medication management and believe that medications work best when they are a part of a wider plan of care. I co-founded Integrity Psychiatry and Wellness with Ella Laura Johannaber, a therapeutic coach and wellness educator, so that our clients have more choices for getting the support they need. I am passionate about mental health and I've witnessed that healing happens through authentic connection. I spend time with my clients, listen, and treat each person as a unique individual.
(404) 383-8756 View (404) 383-8756
Photo of Sydney Rae Rosen, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Sydney Rae Rosen
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30339  (Online Only)
Welcome! I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I offer medication management, diagnosis and evaluation. You can look forward to seeing actual progress in your mental health goals. Whether it's making sure your meds are working right, dealing with any side effects, or just feeling better overall. I treat a wide range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, OCD, mood disorders, PTSD, substance use disorders, insomnia, ADHD, eating disorders, and women’s mental health, with a particular focus on the perinatal period.
Welcome! I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I offer medication management, diagnosis and evaluation. You can look forward to seeing actual progress in your mental health goals. Whether it's making sure your meds are working right, dealing with any side effects, or just feeling better overall. I treat a wide range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, OCD, mood disorders, PTSD, substance use disorders, insomnia, ADHD, eating disorders, and women’s mental health, with a particular focus on the perinatal period.
(470) 634-1323 View (470) 634-1323
Photo of Danielle Vann, PMHNP, CPNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Danielle Vann
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, CPNP
Verified Verified
Austell, GA 30106
I specialize in treating a broad spectrum of conditions, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, ADHD, and various emotional and behavioral disorders.
As a dedicated psychiatric nurse practitioner, I am passionate about delivering comprehensive psychiatric mental health care to individuals across all age groups. With over 15 years of nursing experience, my primary focus has been on pediatric care, complemented by extensive work with adolescents and adults.
I specialize in treating a broad spectrum of conditions, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, ADHD, and various emotional and behavioral disorders.
As a dedicated psychiatric nurse practitioner, I am passionate about delivering comprehensive psychiatric mental health care to individuals across all age groups. With over 15 years of nursing experience, my primary focus has been on pediatric care, complemented by extensive work with adolescents and adults.
(470) 748-6904 View (470) 748-6904
Photo of Chidimma Nzoiwu, MSN, PMHNP-C, FNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Chidimma Nzoiwu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP-C, FNP-C
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Marietta, GA 30067
We see clients with mental health disorders such as Depression, Anxiety Disorders, PTSD, ADHD, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder,s Eating Disorders, & Substance Abuse Disorders.
Welcome to HealthStat Psychiatry LLC. At HealthStat Psychiatry, we offer outstanding Psychiatric-Mental Health Services tailored to your needs via In-Person Office Visits and Telehealth. Our patient population is across the Lifespan. Our goal is to help our clients improve their overall mental health and quality of life by providing evidence-based, Integrative, empathetic, and individualized care. Chidimma Nzoiwu is a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with outstanding 5 years of practicing experience in Family Practice. She earned her MSN from Chamberlain University and PMHNP Post Cert. from Valdosta
We see clients with mental health disorders such as Depression, Anxiety Disorders, PTSD, ADHD, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder,s Eating Disorders, & Substance Abuse Disorders.
Welcome to HealthStat Psychiatry LLC. At HealthStat Psychiatry, we offer outstanding Psychiatric-Mental Health Services tailored to your needs via In-Person Office Visits and Telehealth. Our patient population is across the Lifespan. Our goal is to help our clients improve their overall mental health and quality of life by providing evidence-based, Integrative, empathetic, and individualized care. Chidimma Nzoiwu is a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with outstanding 5 years of practicing experience in Family Practice. She earned her MSN from Chamberlain University and PMHNP Post Cert. from Valdosta
(678) 931-9002 View (678) 931-9002
Photo of Holly Hart, PMHNP, APRN, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Holly Hart
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APRN, MSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30328
Holly Hart graduated from Vanderbilt University with a Master’s of Science in Nursing and is a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. She treats adults with a wide range of conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, substance abuse, and eating disorders using a combination of treatment options, including medication, supplements, therapy, psycho-education, and more. Services offered include psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy.
Holly Hart graduated from Vanderbilt University with a Master’s of Science in Nursing and is a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. She treats adults with a wide range of conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, substance abuse, and eating disorders using a combination of treatment options, including medication, supplements, therapy, psycho-education, and more. Services offered include psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy.
(678) 929-5776 View (678) 929-5776
Photo of Cynthia McNeill, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Cynthia McNeill
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30326  (Online Only)
Dr. McNeill, NP, specializes in family medicine and psychiatry in adults (18+), focusing on anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and eating disorders. She holds a PhD in Human Services (Health Care Administration) from Capella University, an MSN in family practice from the University of South Alabama, an MBA and BsIT from AIU, and a BSN from Emory University, along with a post-masters certificate in psychiatric mental health from Washburn University.
Dr. McNeill, NP, specializes in family medicine and psychiatry in adults (18+), focusing on anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and eating disorders. She holds a PhD in Human Services (Health Care Administration) from Capella University, an MSN in family practice from the University of South Alabama, an MBA and BsIT from AIU, and a BSN from Emory University, along with a post-masters certificate in psychiatric mental health from Washburn University.
(770) 249-5506 View (770) 249-5506
Photo of Richa Maheshwari, MD, MPH, Psychiatrist
Richa Maheshwari
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30309
Waitlist for new clients
I work with people on relationship issues, addictions, eating disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, OCD, ADHD, and trauma-related disorders.
I am a board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist licensed in both New York and Georgia. I enjoy working with people at every life stage, and I believe psychotherapy is an effective tool to help us lead more meaningful and productive lives. As a physician I also prescribe medications when appropriate.
I work with people on relationship issues, addictions, eating disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, OCD, ADHD, and trauma-related disorders.
I am a board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist licensed in both New York and Georgia. I enjoy working with people at every life stage, and I believe psychotherapy is an effective tool to help us lead more meaningful and productive lives. As a physician I also prescribe medications when appropriate.
(929) 538-3076 View (929) 538-3076
Photo of La-Vonnie Joiner - The Neuropsychiatric Clinic of Atlantis, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
The Neuropsychiatric Clinic of Atlantis
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Lithia Springs, GA 30122
La-Vonnie Joiner, APRN, PMHNP-BC adept at building strong therapeutic alliances with clients, cultivating a compassionate and nonjudgmental therapeutic environment where individuals feel heard, supported, and empowered to achieve their mental health goals. I prioritize holistic wellness and strive to address the underlying factors contributing to mental health challenges, advocating for a biopsychosocial-spiritual model of care that encompasses the mind, body, and spirit. With over 15 years of experience in psychiatric nursing, I possess a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding mental health disorders.
La-Vonnie Joiner, APRN, PMHNP-BC adept at building strong therapeutic alliances with clients, cultivating a compassionate and nonjudgmental therapeutic environment where individuals feel heard, supported, and empowered to achieve their mental health goals. I prioritize holistic wellness and strive to address the underlying factors contributing to mental health challenges, advocating for a biopsychosocial-spiritual model of care that encompasses the mind, body, and spirit. With over 15 years of experience in psychiatric nursing, I possess a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding mental health disorders.
(678) 840-8446 View (678) 840-8446
Photo of Diana Manjarres - The Neuropsychiatric Clinic of Atlantis, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
The Neuropsychiatric Clinic of Atlantis
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Lithia Springs, GA 30122
Diana Manjarres is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner authenticated by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). She worked as a critical care nurse for many years. She noticed how patients with histories of mental illness (from anxiety, depression, to schizophrenia) were easily dismissed in hospital settings. She found herself being an advocate for this patient population. She hopes to help her patients take a pause and just breathe again. She says "Sometimes, we go through life surviving and I hope that, through my services, I can help people start living - truly living for themselves."
Diana Manjarres is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner authenticated by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). She worked as a critical care nurse for many years. She noticed how patients with histories of mental illness (from anxiety, depression, to schizophrenia) were easily dismissed in hospital settings. She found herself being an advocate for this patient population. She hopes to help her patients take a pause and just breathe again. She says "Sometimes, we go through life surviving and I hope that, through my services, I can help people start living - truly living for themselves."
(678) 840-8446 View (678) 840-8446
Photo of Beatrice Okoye - Georgia  Healthy Minds, DNP, FNP-C , PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Georgia Healthy Minds
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP-C , PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
14 Endorsed
Marietta, GA 30064
At Georgia Healthy Minds, we recognize that sometimes, having mental illness can be a consuming and overwhelming challenge, which requires a lot of courage and strength. Our goal is to promote the improved mental well-being of our clients and their families, by providing comprehensive, compassionate, supportive care and high-quality treatment, that is non-judgmental and patient-centered. Together, we will create a plan that is personalized, that will help you achieve your goals.
At Georgia Healthy Minds, we recognize that sometimes, having mental illness can be a consuming and overwhelming challenge, which requires a lot of courage and strength. Our goal is to promote the improved mental well-being of our clients and their families, by providing comprehensive, compassionate, supportive care and high-quality treatment, that is non-judgmental and patient-centered. Together, we will create a plan that is personalized, that will help you achieve your goals.
(678) 506-7665 View (678) 506-7665
Photo of Namita Rajouria-Malla, MD, FAPA, Psychiatrist
Namita Rajouria-Malla
Psychiatrist, MD, FAPA
Verified Verified
Marietta, GA 30062
Dr. Rajouria-Malla has exceptional credentials and is triple board certified (Adult, Child-Adolescent & Addiction). She is a graduate of Columbia Univ and Emory Univ Fellowship Programs, and has completed Fellowship in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy from NYU. In addition to an excellent medical foundation, she has unparalleled and diverse experience in psychiatry since 2004. She has worked in CSB, in-patient, PHP/IOP, VA, residential, and group-practice settings and has served as a consultant for Disaster Psychiatry team. She brings all this experience to her solo practice where she can do the work she loves, caring for her patients.
Dr. Rajouria-Malla has exceptional credentials and is triple board certified (Adult, Child-Adolescent & Addiction). She is a graduate of Columbia Univ and Emory Univ Fellowship Programs, and has completed Fellowship in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy from NYU. In addition to an excellent medical foundation, she has unparalleled and diverse experience in psychiatry since 2004. She has worked in CSB, in-patient, PHP/IOP, VA, residential, and group-practice settings and has served as a consultant for Disaster Psychiatry team. She brings all this experience to her solo practice where she can do the work she loves, caring for her patients.
(404) 974-2065 View (404) 974-2065
Photo of Olajide Opaleye - Sophroneo Behavioral Health & TMS, MSN, PHMNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Sophroneo Behavioral Health & TMS
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PHMNP
Verified Verified
Powder Springs, GA 30127
An illness of the mind can be challenging and prevent people from achieving their full potential. Whether you are struggling with mental health issues or need assistance with your mental health, I am here to help. As a mental health professional, I am passionate about helping people function at their optimal level. My specialties include treating ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Substance use disorders, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) disorders, schizoaffective disorder, and Schizophrenia.
An illness of the mind can be challenging and prevent people from achieving their full potential. Whether you are struggling with mental health issues or need assistance with your mental health, I am here to help. As a mental health professional, I am passionate about helping people function at their optimal level. My specialties include treating ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Substance use disorders, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) disorders, schizoaffective disorder, and Schizophrenia.
(678) 390-3636 View (678) 390-3636
Photo of Pristella Ohanaja, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Pristella Ohanaja
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Powder Springs, GA 30127  (Online Only)
Pristella. Ohanaja, DNP, PMHNP-BC and FNP-C, licensed to provide services to adults, children, adolescents, and their families.
Pristella. Ohanaja, DNP, PMHNP-BC and FNP-C, licensed to provide services to adults, children, adolescents, and their families.
(470) 664-2692 View (470) 664-2692
Photo of Meghan Blankmann - CapeSide Psychiatry & CapeSide Addiction Care, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
CapeSide Psychiatry & CapeSide Addiction Care
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Marietta, GA 30007
Capeside Psychiatry is committed to providing comprehensive mental health services to children, adolescents, and adults. We provide evaluations, psychological assessments, therapy, and medication management for a range of psychological and behavioral health disorders.
Capeside Psychiatry is committed to providing comprehensive mental health services to children, adolescents, and adults. We provide evaluations, psychological assessments, therapy, and medication management for a range of psychological and behavioral health disorders.
(910) 407-7358 View (910) 407-7358
Photo of Okah Justin Anyokwu - Avant Interventional Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist
Avant Interventional Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Austell, GA 30106
At Avant Interventional Psychiatry we have a passion for clear minds and better lives. We specialize in TMS Therapy for Treatment Resistant Depression. We also specialize in Addiction and Suboxone Therapy. Our interdisciplinary team of psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, therapists, and medical assistant staff are here to serve all of your psychiatric needs. We see children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients who are dealing with any psychiatric conditions or behavioral disorders. We currently have three (3) office locations in Georgia: Austell, Fayetteville, and Marietta.
At Avant Interventional Psychiatry we have a passion for clear minds and better lives. We specialize in TMS Therapy for Treatment Resistant Depression. We also specialize in Addiction and Suboxone Therapy. Our interdisciplinary team of psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, therapists, and medical assistant staff are here to serve all of your psychiatric needs. We see children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients who are dealing with any psychiatric conditions or behavioral disorders. We currently have three (3) office locations in Georgia: Austell, Fayetteville, and Marietta.
(678) 607-9135 View (678) 607-9135
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.