Eating Disorders Psychiatrists in Houston, TX

Photo of Arianne Suarez Lago, MD, Psychiatrist
Arianne Suarez Lago
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77024  (Online Only)
Specializing in eating disorders, anxiety, and mood disorders, I bring a compassionate and informed approach to address the complexities of these conditions.
Hello, I'm a board-certified psychiatrist with a focus on serving the mental health needs of children, adolescents, and adults. While much of my current practice is within a partial psychiatric hospital setting, I also maintain a limited private psychiatric practice to cater to a diverse range of patients outside of my typical clinical environment. This allows me to offer a high level of responsiveness and flexibility to those seeking private care.
Specializing in eating disorders, anxiety, and mood disorders, I bring a compassionate and informed approach to address the complexities of these conditions.
Hello, I'm a board-certified psychiatrist with a focus on serving the mental health needs of children, adolescents, and adults. While much of my current practice is within a partial psychiatric hospital setting, I also maintain a limited private psychiatric practice to cater to a diverse range of patients outside of my typical clinical environment. This allows me to offer a high level of responsiveness and flexibility to those seeking private care.
(346) 258-8576 View (346) 258-8576
Photo of Kemi Fawehinmi, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Kemi Fawehinmi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77042  (Online Only)
I am a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I provide psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and work with a wide array of struggles including anxiety, ADHD, depression, panic, PTSD, mood disorders, trauma, eating disorders, self-esteem issues, compulsive behaviors, and adjustment disorders. I use a holistic approach to provide care to my clients and I create a conducive, empathetic environment for them.
I am a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I provide psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and work with a wide array of struggles including anxiety, ADHD, depression, panic, PTSD, mood disorders, trauma, eating disorders, self-esteem issues, compulsive behaviors, and adjustment disorders. I use a holistic approach to provide care to my clients and I create a conducive, empathetic environment for them.
(346) 536-9743 View (346) 536-9743
Photo of Aaron H Fink, MD, Psychiatrist
Aaron H Fink
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77027
I am a board certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist. I use a developmental biopsychosocial model to guide my clinical work. This model integrates biological (e.g. genetics), psychological (e.g. self concept), and sociological (e.g. family roles, culture) aspects of individuals at different stages of their lives. I find this model particularly useful in my work with athletes as well as people with ADHD and eating disorders. I also have a special interest in group psychotherapy and insight oriented individual psychotherapy.
I am a board certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist. I use a developmental biopsychosocial model to guide my clinical work. This model integrates biological (e.g. genetics), psychological (e.g. self concept), and sociological (e.g. family roles, culture) aspects of individuals at different stages of their lives. I find this model particularly useful in my work with athletes as well as people with ADHD and eating disorders. I also have a special interest in group psychotherapy and insight oriented individual psychotherapy.
(281) 940-3554 View (281) 940-3554
Photo of Justina Hicks, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Justina Hicks
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77074
I work with patients with Bipolar Disorders, Depression, Anxiety, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, Psychosis, Eating Disorders, and many more.
I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, with healthcare experience of more than 15 years. Equipped with knowledge and experience in the medical field, working with patients with mental health issues in a collaborative manner is imperative in understanding their diagnoses and establishing a treatment plan to help with their well-being. The treatment of mental health is always advancing, and I believe in evidence-based treatment.
I work with patients with Bipolar Disorders, Depression, Anxiety, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, Psychosis, Eating Disorders, and many more.
I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, with healthcare experience of more than 15 years. Equipped with knowledge and experience in the medical field, working with patients with mental health issues in a collaborative manner is imperative in understanding their diagnoses and establishing a treatment plan to help with their well-being. The treatment of mental health is always advancing, and I believe in evidence-based treatment.
(713) 360-2017 View (713) 360-2017
Photo of Elizabeth Kaluanya, APRN, PMHNPBC, FNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Elizabeth Kaluanya
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNPBC, FNP-C
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77036  (Online Only)
I deliver care through a safe approach and specialize in treating anxiety, depression, panic attacks, OCD, insomnia, bipolar, eating disorders, PTSD, and other mental health problems to adults, teens, and families.
Are you going through feelings of no motivation and searching for a psychiatric provider who will listen to you with understanding and address your recovery plan of care? You are on the right track, taking the first step. Everyone is unique, and individualized plans are fully addressed to fit each need. Using a holistic and compassionate approach, your dedicated practitioner Elizabeth, prioritizes your individual needs. Also, educate/empower individuals to be actively involved in their care
I deliver care through a safe approach and specialize in treating anxiety, depression, panic attacks, OCD, insomnia, bipolar, eating disorders, PTSD, and other mental health problems to adults, teens, and families.
Are you going through feelings of no motivation and searching for a psychiatric provider who will listen to you with understanding and address your recovery plan of care? You are on the right track, taking the first step. Everyone is unique, and individualized plans are fully addressed to fit each need. Using a holistic and compassionate approach, your dedicated practitioner Elizabeth, prioritizes your individual needs. Also, educate/empower individuals to be actively involved in their care
(346) 450-8713 View (346) 450-8713
Photo of Francisca Ogu, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Francisca Ogu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77060  (Online Only)
I am Francisca Ogu, a doctoral-prepared nurse practitioner based in Grand Prairie, Texas. I am an experienced psychiatric nurse practitioner with vital academic training and extensive professional background in assessing, diagnosing, and treating psychiatric conditions across the lifespan of individuals. I treat patients with various mental health disorders, such as depression, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, and schizophrenia in ages ten and above.
I am Francisca Ogu, a doctoral-prepared nurse practitioner based in Grand Prairie, Texas. I am an experienced psychiatric nurse practitioner with vital academic training and extensive professional background in assessing, diagnosing, and treating psychiatric conditions across the lifespan of individuals. I treat patients with various mental health disorders, such as depression, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, and schizophrenia in ages ten and above.
(346) 591-0885 View (346) 591-0885
Photo of Elizabeth Kaluanya - Lifeway Mental Health & Wellness Care LLC, APRN, PMHNPBC, FNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Lifeway Mental Health & Wellness Care LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNPBC, FNP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77036  (Online Only)
I deliver care through a safe approach and specialize in treating anxiety, depression, panic attacks, OCD, insomnia, bipolar, eating disorders, PTSD, and other mental health problems to adults, teens, and families.
Are you going through feelings of no motivation and searching for a psychiatric provider who will listen to you with understanding and address your recovery plan of care? You are on the right track, taking the first step. Everyone is unique, and individualized plans are fully addressed to fit each need. Using a holistic and compassionate approach, your dedicated practitioner Elizabeth, prioritizes your individual needs. Also, educate/empower individuals to be actively involved in their care
I deliver care through a safe approach and specialize in treating anxiety, depression, panic attacks, OCD, insomnia, bipolar, eating disorders, PTSD, and other mental health problems to adults, teens, and families.
Are you going through feelings of no motivation and searching for a psychiatric provider who will listen to you with understanding and address your recovery plan of care? You are on the right track, taking the first step. Everyone is unique, and individualized plans are fully addressed to fit each need. Using a holistic and compassionate approach, your dedicated practitioner Elizabeth, prioritizes your individual needs. Also, educate/empower individuals to be actively involved in their care
(346) 742-9663 View (346) 742-9663
Photo of Shayna Labarge, PMHNP, FNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Shayna Labarge
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77081  (Online Only)
I am well-equipped to address a wide range of mental health conditions, such as ADHD, Insomnia, Depression, Female Psychiatry, Mood Disorders, Trauma and PTSD, Substance Abuse, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Eating Disorders, OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder), and many more.
I hold a dual board certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. I have a broad background and have served as a psychiatric care clinician in various health care settings such as outpatient, acute inpatient, group homes, and telemedicine. I am a good listener and am dedicated to finding the best treatment for every patient I care for. Your thoughts and opinions are encouraged during visits. I want you to play a part in your care and help find what works best for you!
I am well-equipped to address a wide range of mental health conditions, such as ADHD, Insomnia, Depression, Female Psychiatry, Mood Disorders, Trauma and PTSD, Substance Abuse, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Eating Disorders, OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder), and many more.
I hold a dual board certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. I have a broad background and have served as a psychiatric care clinician in various health care settings such as outpatient, acute inpatient, group homes, and telemedicine. I am a good listener and am dedicated to finding the best treatment for every patient I care for. Your thoughts and opinions are encouraged during visits. I want you to play a part in your care and help find what works best for you!
(602) 671-3837 View (602) 671-3837
Photo of Mosunmola Ogunyinmi - Cedarwood, PMHNP , Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Cedarwood
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77084  (Online Only)
A compassionate, dedicated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner highly regarded for 5+ years of success providing advanced, comprehensive care with a high degree of positive outcome. Are you tired of second-guessing yourself, feeling disorganized, or powerless? Are you ready to experience healthier relationships with others with a higher quality and balanced life? I specialize in helping people stay on track, clarify their goals, and co-create the life they want in a safe and healthy environment. We treat Depression, ADHD, PTSD, Bipolar, Anxiety, Eating Disorders. Virtual Appointments Only (Telehealth)
A compassionate, dedicated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner highly regarded for 5+ years of success providing advanced, comprehensive care with a high degree of positive outcome. Are you tired of second-guessing yourself, feeling disorganized, or powerless? Are you ready to experience healthier relationships with others with a higher quality and balanced life? I specialize in helping people stay on track, clarify their goals, and co-create the life they want in a safe and healthy environment. We treat Depression, ADHD, PTSD, Bipolar, Anxiety, Eating Disorders. Virtual Appointments Only (Telehealth)
(469) 217-5800 View (469) 217-5800
Photo of Francisca Ogu, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Francisca Ogu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77002  (Online Only)
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a wealth of experience in delivering excellent nursing care. I treat patients with various mental health disorders such as Depression, Mood Disorders, Anxiety, Eating disorders, PTSD, OCD, Schizophrenia, etc.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a wealth of experience in delivering excellent nursing care. I treat patients with various mental health disorders such as Depression, Mood Disorders, Anxiety, Eating disorders, PTSD, OCD, Schizophrenia, etc.
(817) 587-0750 View (817) 587-0750
Photo of Yaa Brago - Harmony Neuro Behavioral Care, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Harmony Neuro Behavioral Care
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77004
Specializes in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders, general Mental health, Anxiety and panic Disorders, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), substance related disorders, Alcohol abuse, oppositional Defiance, psychosis, ADHD, eating disorders, suicidal Ideation, obsessive-compulsive (OCD).
Yaa B. is a board certified nurse practitioner who offers compassion,empathy and a sense of humor, making it easy to communicate with all patients and families across the lifespan. She has worked in a variety of setting such as psychiatric emergency, inpatient hospital, and rehabilitation. She has a strong passion for helping Patients get better on a personal level.
Specializes in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders, general Mental health, Anxiety and panic Disorders, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), substance related disorders, Alcohol abuse, oppositional Defiance, psychosis, ADHD, eating disorders, suicidal Ideation, obsessive-compulsive (OCD).
Yaa B. is a board certified nurse practitioner who offers compassion,empathy and a sense of humor, making it easy to communicate with all patients and families across the lifespan. She has worked in a variety of setting such as psychiatric emergency, inpatient hospital, and rehabilitation. She has a strong passion for helping Patients get better on a personal level.
(214) 466-2205 View (214) 466-2205
Photo of Geoffrey Agwata, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Geoffrey Agwata
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77098  (Online Only)
Among the disorders/illness include: Anxiety disorders, Behavioral and emotional disorders, Bipolar disorders, Depression, Dissociation and dissociative disorders, Eating disorders, Obsessive compulsive disorder, Paranoia, and Alcohol use disorders.
Geoffrey Agwata, ANCC board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with profound experience in the management and treatment of mental health illness in all ages.
Among the disorders/illness include: Anxiety disorders, Behavioral and emotional disorders, Bipolar disorders, Depression, Dissociation and dissociative disorders, Eating disorders, Obsessive compulsive disorder, Paranoia, and Alcohol use disorders.
Geoffrey Agwata, ANCC board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with profound experience in the management and treatment of mental health illness in all ages.
(682) 243-5105 View (682) 243-5105
Photo of Karen Ding, MD, Psychiatrist
Karen Ding
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77005  (Online Only)
At Flourishing Mind Psychiatry, I believe in a holistic approach to psychiatric care. I combine evidence-based treatment methods with a compassionate and personalized touch. I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals can flourish and achieve their optimal mental well-being. Experience the convenience and flexibility of telepsychiatry with Flourishing Mind Psychiatry via a secure and confidential platform for virtual psychiatric consultations and follow up sessions. Whether you are in Houston or anywhere else in Texas, I am here to support your mental health journey through innovative technology.
At Flourishing Mind Psychiatry, I believe in a holistic approach to psychiatric care. I combine evidence-based treatment methods with a compassionate and personalized touch. I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals can flourish and achieve their optimal mental well-being. Experience the convenience and flexibility of telepsychiatry with Flourishing Mind Psychiatry via a secure and confidential platform for virtual psychiatric consultations and follow up sessions. Whether you are in Houston or anywhere else in Texas, I am here to support your mental health journey through innovative technology.
(346) 818-2741 View (346) 818-2741
Photo of Robbie Wright, MD, Psychiatrist
Robbie Wright
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77027
Thank you for taking the time to read about my practice. I provide psychiatric evaluations for children, adolescents and adults. My areas of expertise include ADHD (both in children and adults) , Autism (childhood), Depression and Anxiety Disorders. As a Board Certified Psychiatrist, I have the expertise to diagnose psychiatric disorders and prescribe medication if needed.
Thank you for taking the time to read about my practice. I provide psychiatric evaluations for children, adolescents and adults. My areas of expertise include ADHD (both in children and adults) , Autism (childhood), Depression and Anxiety Disorders. As a Board Certified Psychiatrist, I have the expertise to diagnose psychiatric disorders and prescribe medication if needed.
(713) 597-8520 View (713) 597-8520
Photo of Sidonie B. Ngankeu, APN, FNP-C, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Sidonie B. Ngankeu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN, FNP-C, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77077  (Online Only)
Hi, my name is Sidonie, Are the stressors in your life affecting your health and preventing you from having a work-life balance? Are you struggling to show Grace to yourself? If you answered "Yes" to any of the above, then you have come to the right place! Together we will formulate a holistic treatment plan that targets your situation and hopefully gets you back to firing on all cylinders. Together we will formulate a treatment plan that benefits you and your diagnosis. Feel free to express yourself & I will use proven evidence-based techniques, spiced with the right dose of both compassion and empathy to help you in your healing.
Hi, my name is Sidonie, Are the stressors in your life affecting your health and preventing you from having a work-life balance? Are you struggling to show Grace to yourself? If you answered "Yes" to any of the above, then you have come to the right place! Together we will formulate a holistic treatment plan that targets your situation and hopefully gets you back to firing on all cylinders. Together we will formulate a treatment plan that benefits you and your diagnosis. Feel free to express yourself & I will use proven evidence-based techniques, spiced with the right dose of both compassion and empathy to help you in your healing.
(281) 393-4693 View (281) 393-4693
Photo of Ayesha Rashid, MD, Psychiatrist
Ayesha Rashid
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77058
Dr. Ayesha Rashid, MD is a licensed Adult, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. She received her training in Adult Psychiatry at State University of New York, Upstate University Hospital at Syracuse, NY where she went on to complete her fellowship training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She worked in the capacity of Attending Physician, Psychiatry at Syracuse Veterans Hospital before moving to Houston.
Dr. Ayesha Rashid, MD is a licensed Adult, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. She received her training in Adult Psychiatry at State University of New York, Upstate University Hospital at Syracuse, NY where she went on to complete her fellowship training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She worked in the capacity of Attending Physician, Psychiatry at Syracuse Veterans Hospital before moving to Houston.
(281) 335-4000 View (281) 335-4000
Photo of Daniela White, MD, Psychiatrist
Daniela White
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77024
Dr. Daniela White is Board Certified in General Psychiatry and Board-Certified in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She has been practicing since she received her training in general psychiatry at Baylor College of Medicine and followed it with her fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Daniela believes in addressing psychiatric conditions with pharmacotherapy and complementary alternative therapies ( light therapy, exercise, supplement augmentation, and neuromodulation through Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation).
Dr. Daniela White is Board Certified in General Psychiatry and Board-Certified in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She has been practicing since she received her training in general psychiatry at Baylor College of Medicine and followed it with her fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Daniela believes in addressing psychiatric conditions with pharmacotherapy and complementary alternative therapies ( light therapy, exercise, supplement augmentation, and neuromodulation through Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation).
(832) 662-1929 View (832) 662-1929
Photo of Dr. Nkechi Ukomadu - Eshcol Clinic LLC, DNP, PMHNP-, FNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Eshcol Clinic LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP-, FNP-C
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77036  (Online Only)
We are accepting patients. I am a Doctor of Nursing Practice with certification in FNP and Family Psychiatry. I have been practicing for over 9 years as a Certified NP and over 30 years as a BSN RN. Recognizing that health is wealth, it is imperative that your mentally ill health is taken seriously because the disease of the mind is the disease of the body. As a mentally ill, you do not have to be stigmatized. You have equal opportunity and the right to access the mental health care that you need. The world we live in is full of challenges that contribute to mental illness, and we consider those when providing your care.
We are accepting patients. I am a Doctor of Nursing Practice with certification in FNP and Family Psychiatry. I have been practicing for over 9 years as a Certified NP and over 30 years as a BSN RN. Recognizing that health is wealth, it is imperative that your mentally ill health is taken seriously because the disease of the mind is the disease of the body. As a mentally ill, you do not have to be stigmatized. You have equal opportunity and the right to access the mental health care that you need. The world we live in is full of challenges that contribute to mental illness, and we consider those when providing your care.
(281) 916-3143 View (281) 916-3143
Photo of Jamie Fauth, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jamie Fauth
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77035  (Online Only)
Hi, I’m Jamie. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 9 years of experience in the field. I specialize in treating women’s issues, depression, ADHD, and mood disorders as well as working with the LGBTQIA+ community. During sessions, I use a compassion focused and client centered therapeutic approach. I take a holistic perspective on mental health medication treatment and will carefully evaluate your background, lifestyle, and health history to help you choose the right medication.
Hi, I’m Jamie. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 9 years of experience in the field. I specialize in treating women’s issues, depression, ADHD, and mood disorders as well as working with the LGBTQIA+ community. During sessions, I use a compassion focused and client centered therapeutic approach. I take a holistic perspective on mental health medication treatment and will carefully evaluate your background, lifestyle, and health history to help you choose the right medication.
(346) 476-5016 View (346) 476-5016
Photo of Dr. Ifeoma Ude-Okoro, DNP, APRNCNP, FNP-C, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Dr. Ifeoma Ude-Okoro
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRNCNP, FNP-C, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77036  (Online Only)
Meet Dr. Ifeoma Ude-Okoro, DNP! Sometimes in life, humans do not have control over what life throws at them, but collaborating with an experienced Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner like myself we can work together to chart an effective, realistic, and affordable way forward. Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, eating disorder, bipolar disorder, LGBTQ+ issues, gender dysphoria, please schedule an appt, let's work together. She uses client-centered approach to get you to your highest level of functionality. Dr. Ifeoma agrees that one size does not fit all in the mental illness journey. No Controlled Substance pls!
Meet Dr. Ifeoma Ude-Okoro, DNP! Sometimes in life, humans do not have control over what life throws at them, but collaborating with an experienced Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner like myself we can work together to chart an effective, realistic, and affordable way forward. Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, eating disorder, bipolar disorder, LGBTQ+ issues, gender dysphoria, please schedule an appt, let's work together. She uses client-centered approach to get you to your highest level of functionality. Dr. Ifeoma agrees that one size does not fit all in the mental illness journey. No Controlled Substance pls!
(832) 479-3733 View (832) 479-3733
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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.