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Online Therapists

Photo of Judi-Lee Webb, Psychologist in Chatsworth, GA
Judi-Lee Webb
Psychologist, PhD, CEDS-S
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30339
I conduct individual, couples, and family therapy with adolescents and adults and specialize in treating, mood disorders, anxiety, eating disorders, body image issues and obesity issues, relationship issues, family issues, adolescent issues, GLBTQ issues and diversity issues.
I believe in establishing a collaborative approach with my clients to help support the therapeutic process. Using cognitive-behavioral techniques, I help my clients learn to identify and challenge their unhealthy thoughts and behaviors so they can develop fuller, more meaningful lives. I work with clients in managing their emotions, improve their ability to communicate with others, and build healthy and resilient self-concept. Utilizing a direct, interactive approach, with a touch of humor, I teach my clients coping skills so they can pull from their "toolbox" of skills in between sessions and eventually throughout their lives.
I conduct individual, couples, and family therapy with adolescents and adults and specialize in treating, mood disorders, anxiety, eating disorders, body image issues and obesity issues, relationship issues, family issues, adolescent issues, GLBTQ issues and diversity issues.
I believe in establishing a collaborative approach with my clients to help support the therapeutic process. Using cognitive-behavioral techniques, I help my clients learn to identify and challenge their unhealthy thoughts and behaviors so they can develop fuller, more meaningful lives. I work with clients in managing their emotions, improve their ability to communicate with others, and build healthy and resilient self-concept. Utilizing a direct, interactive approach, with a touch of humor, I teach my clients coping skills so they can pull from their "toolbox" of skills in between sessions and eventually throughout their lives.
(770) 450-5912 View (770) 450-5912
Photo of Molly Fine, Pre-Licensed Professional in Chatsworth, GA
Molly Fine
Pre-Licensed Professional, AMFT
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30328
Beginning therapy can be overwhelming and I aim to make the process feel authentic and comfortable. I welcome adult and adolescent clients, their families and significant others who are motivated to learn about themselves, improve their relationships and transform their lives. I am fat-positive and use a Health At Every Size (HAES) approach, am welcoming to all gender and sexual identities, races, religions, and cultural backgrounds and am an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community. I work with clients going through a wide range of difficulties including addiction, grief/loss, eating disorders, negative body image and relationship problems.
Beginning therapy can be overwhelming and I aim to make the process feel authentic and comfortable. I welcome adult and adolescent clients, their families and significant others who are motivated to learn about themselves, improve their relationships and transform their lives. I am fat-positive and use a Health At Every Size (HAES) approach, am welcoming to all gender and sexual identities, races, religions, and cultural backgrounds and am an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community. I work with clients going through a wide range of difficulties including addiction, grief/loss, eating disorders, negative body image and relationship problems.
(678) 737-4014 View (678) 737-4014
Tu Vo
Pre-Licensed Professional, LAPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Marietta, GA 30062
Our expertise lies in the areas of anxiety disorders, parenting issues, teens/adolescents, eating disorders, alcohol/drug abuse/use, couples counseling, family counseling, divorce counseling, life coaching and general life issues, sport psychology, Borderline Personality Disorder, and psychological testing.
While active listening is an important skill for a therapist, listening can only go so far. All of the therapists here believe that what sets us apart from many other therapists is the fact we actually help you help yourself make the necessary changes in your life by giving you techniques, tools, skills, and guidance to achieve your goals. You'll almost always walk out of a session with a new technique or two that you can go home and start using immediately. All eight of our therapists are highly trained, personable, and ready to give you the stills and techniques you need.
Our expertise lies in the areas of anxiety disorders, parenting issues, teens/adolescents, eating disorders, alcohol/drug abuse/use, couples counseling, family counseling, divorce counseling, life coaching and general life issues, sport psychology, Borderline Personality Disorder, and psychological testing.
While active listening is an important skill for a therapist, listening can only go so far. All of the therapists here believe that what sets us apart from many other therapists is the fact we actually help you help yourself make the necessary changes in your life by giving you techniques, tools, skills, and guidance to achieve your goals. You'll almost always walk out of a session with a new technique or two that you can go home and start using immediately. All eight of our therapists are highly trained, personable, and ready to give you the stills and techniques you need.
(678) 515-5823 View (678) 515-5823
Photo of Tara Coppola Croy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chatsworth, GA
Tara Coppola Croy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Norcross, GA 30092
I enjoy assisting people of all ages in overcoming the effects of specialties such as depression, anxiety, physical and sexual abuse, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, Eating Disorders, Addiction, and Behavior Problems.
The challenges of life in today's society presents the need for behavioral and mental health services like never before. I have twenty-four years of experience in providing outpatient therapy to children, adolescents, and adults in order to assist them in overcoming the effects of these challenges. I utilize a solution-focused approach, because I believe that there is always a solution to every problem! I enjoy helping people understand that they have the ability to effectively cope with their emotions and life situations, which therefore enables them to live their best lives.
I enjoy assisting people of all ages in overcoming the effects of specialties such as depression, anxiety, physical and sexual abuse, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, Eating Disorders, Addiction, and Behavior Problems.
The challenges of life in today's society presents the need for behavioral and mental health services like never before. I have twenty-four years of experience in providing outpatient therapy to children, adolescents, and adults in order to assist them in overcoming the effects of these challenges. I utilize a solution-focused approach, because I believe that there is always a solution to every problem! I enjoy helping people understand that they have the ability to effectively cope with their emotions and life situations, which therefore enables them to live their best lives.
(678) 853-7669 View (678) 853-7669
Photo of Rachel Thomas, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chatsworth, GA
Rachel Thomas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30324
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker whose practice offers a warm, nonjudgmental environment for anyone seeking insight, balance, and growth in their lives. I most often work with those experiencing concerns related to depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, life transitions, and eating disorders. I have a special interest in working with individuals seeking to heal or balance their relationship with body image, food and exercise.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker whose practice offers a warm, nonjudgmental environment for anyone seeking insight, balance, and growth in their lives. I most often work with those experiencing concerns related to depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, life transitions, and eating disorders. I have a special interest in working with individuals seeking to heal or balance their relationship with body image, food and exercise.
(678) 673-3880 View (678) 673-3880
Photo of Counseling Services of Atlanta, Licensed Professional Counselor in Chatsworth, GA
Counseling Services of Atlanta
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Marietta, GA 30064
We treat: Depression, Anxiety, Anger, Stress, relationship issues, Parenting, Divorce, Couples, Mood Disorders, Childhood abuse, Sexual Abuse, Trauma, PTSD, OCD, Loneliness, Grief, Eating disorders, Addiction (all forms), ADHD/ADD, Women's Issues, LGBT Issues, Men's Issues,Teen Issues, Bipolar, Play therapy/social skills for ages 3 and up, and Life coaching.
Counseling Services of Atlanta offers individual, couples, and family therapy. We offer therapy and counseling services for both adults and children of all ages including video sessions. We now have 4 male therapists and 20 female therapists! We can treat a wide variety of mental health concerns and sessions are available by phone if needed. We are centrally located to provide services for Marietta, East Cobb, West Cobb, Smyrna, Vinings, Kennesaw, Powder Springs, Austell, Mableton, Dallas, Douglasville, Hiram, Acworth, Atlanta, Peachtree Corners, Lawrenceville, Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Duluth, and Tucker areas.
We treat: Depression, Anxiety, Anger, Stress, relationship issues, Parenting, Divorce, Couples, Mood Disorders, Childhood abuse, Sexual Abuse, Trauma, PTSD, OCD, Loneliness, Grief, Eating disorders, Addiction (all forms), ADHD/ADD, Women's Issues, LGBT Issues, Men's Issues,Teen Issues, Bipolar, Play therapy/social skills for ages 3 and up, and Life coaching.
Counseling Services of Atlanta offers individual, couples, and family therapy. We offer therapy and counseling services for both adults and children of all ages including video sessions. We now have 4 male therapists and 20 female therapists! We can treat a wide variety of mental health concerns and sessions are available by phone if needed. We are centrally located to provide services for Marietta, East Cobb, West Cobb, Smyrna, Vinings, Kennesaw, Powder Springs, Austell, Mableton, Dallas, Douglasville, Hiram, Acworth, Atlanta, Peachtree Corners, Lawrenceville, Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Duluth, and Tucker areas.
(678) 394-3719 View (678) 394-3719
Photo of Dorothea E Lotze, Marriage & Family Therapist in Chatsworth, GA
Dorothea E Lotze
Marriage & Family Therapist, ThM, LMFT
Verified Verified
Tucker, GA 30084  (Online Only)
I am a licensed Marriage and Family therapist in Georgia and journey with individuals age 18 and older. Clients who come to me are going through transitions, seeking to recover from anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, find their gender/sexuality identity or have suffered trauma. I specialize working with couples and with survivors of narcissistic abuse. I approach our therapeutic relationship with utmost sensitivity and respect to multi/cross-cultural factors. You can bring your personal values and spirituality and integrate them into our healing work. I am here to support you as you are finding your authentic self.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family therapist in Georgia and journey with individuals age 18 and older. Clients who come to me are going through transitions, seeking to recover from anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, find their gender/sexuality identity or have suffered trauma. I specialize working with couples and with survivors of narcissistic abuse. I approach our therapeutic relationship with utmost sensitivity and respect to multi/cross-cultural factors. You can bring your personal values and spirituality and integrate them into our healing work. I am here to support you as you are finding your authentic self.
(404) 609-0596 View (404) 609-0596
Photo of Coping & Healing Counseling, Licensed Professional Counselor in Chatsworth, GA
Coping & Healing Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Alpharetta, GA 30022  (Online Only)
Our experience enables us to offer effective client, individualized, psychotherapy care. We treat a number of mental health disorders, and provide a neutral ground to individuals, families, and couples in-person or via secured telehealth technologies.
Our experience enables us to offer effective client, individualized, psychotherapy care. We treat a number of mental health disorders, and provide a neutral ground to individuals, families, and couples in-person or via secured telehealth technologies.
(678) 647-7409 View (678) 647-7409
Photo of Marnie Ellis Fulton, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chatsworth, GA
Marnie Ellis Fulton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CPRP, MAC
Verified Verified
Dunwoody, GA 30338
I'm passionate about working collaboratively with all of my clients, especially: clients of all ages with autoimmune, other chronic or potential life-limiting illness; teens/college students and parents with concerns related to academic and/or behavioral issues and in strengthening relationships; clients with mood, anxiety and addiction issues; clients with grief and loss issues and clients contemplating separation and/or divorce. I can objectively mediate a separation or divorce to each parties satisfaction.
I'm passionate about working collaboratively with all of my clients, especially: clients of all ages with autoimmune, other chronic or potential life-limiting illness; teens/college students and parents with concerns related to academic and/or behavioral issues and in strengthening relationships; clients with mood, anxiety and addiction issues; clients with grief and loss issues and clients contemplating separation and/or divorce. I can objectively mediate a separation or divorce to each parties satisfaction.
(404) 643-9889 View (404) 643-9889
Photo of Beautiful Dreamers Behavioral and Educational Cent in Chatsworth, GA
Beautiful Dreamers Behavioral and Educational Cent
MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Buford, GA 30518
At times, life presents challenges that impact the quality of our relationships and daily functioning. Counseling can help to ease the overwhelming feelings associated with life transitions, grief, depression, parenting, anxiety, anger, family, low self-esteem, and other interpersonal relationship concerns. At Beautiful Dreamers Behavioral and Educational Center, we offer comprehensive therapeutic, psychological, psychiatric, medication management, nursing service, and psycho-educational services. Whether individual, family or group, our mission is to provide a collaborative and encouraging environment that encourages personal growth. Our team of expert therapists possesses a variety of specialties and certifications that focus on the needs of the individual regardless age (including preschoolers) and area of struggle. Beautiful Dreamers Behavioral and Educational Center also provides comprehensive psychological educational evaluations for children and adults in the areas of intellectual functioning, academic, behavioral, vocational, and forensics. Our psycho-educational assessments are highly detailed and identify any underlying impairments affecting school performance.
At times, life presents challenges that impact the quality of our relationships and daily functioning. Counseling can help to ease the overwhelming feelings associated with life transitions, grief, depression, parenting, anxiety, anger, family, low self-esteem, and other interpersonal relationship concerns. At Beautiful Dreamers Behavioral and Educational Center, we offer comprehensive therapeutic, psychological, psychiatric, medication management, nursing service, and psycho-educational services. Whether individual, family or group, our mission is to provide a collaborative and encouraging environment that encourages personal growth. Our team of expert therapists possesses a variety of specialties and certifications that focus on the needs of the individual regardless age (including preschoolers) and area of struggle. Beautiful Dreamers Behavioral and Educational Center also provides comprehensive psychological educational evaluations for children and adults in the areas of intellectual functioning, academic, behavioral, vocational, and forensics. Our psycho-educational assessments are highly detailed and identify any underlying impairments affecting school performance.
(470) 215-1788 View (470) 215-1788
Photo of Allyn St. Lifer, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chatsworth, GA
Allyn St. Lifer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, M Ed, CPCC
Verified Verified
Marietta, GA 30062  (Online Only)
Being a clinical social worker for more than 30 years as well as a Life, Health and Well-Being Coach, I have a great deal of experience working with individuals, couples, and families. My specialties include:anxiety, depression, relationship issues, divorce, life stresses, codependency, loss and grief, disordered eating, trauma, and addiction.By taking a positive, supportive, and compassionate approach, I provide a safe, nurturing environment in which women and men can heal old wounds, recognize and change old patterns, and identify and transform negative beliefs about themselves in order to create the life they desire most.
Being a clinical social worker for more than 30 years as well as a Life, Health and Well-Being Coach, I have a great deal of experience working with individuals, couples, and families. My specialties include:anxiety, depression, relationship issues, divorce, life stresses, codependency, loss and grief, disordered eating, trauma, and addiction.By taking a positive, supportive, and compassionate approach, I provide a safe, nurturing environment in which women and men can heal old wounds, recognize and change old patterns, and identify and transform negative beliefs about themselves in order to create the life they desire most.
(678) 925-3516 View (678) 925-3516
Photo of Healing Minds Institute, Licensed Professional Counselor in Chatsworth, GA
Healing Minds Institute
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD , LPC , LCMH, SAP, MAC
Verified Verified
Suwanee, GA 30024
HMI has a diverse group of therapists that can meet your personal goals, needs, and all of your expectations. No matter what your issues may be HMI has trained staff that can help you recover from any traumatic event in your life. HMI is based on the belief that "We're here to help you become a better you" and will do everything within the legal parameters to help you achieve your goals.
HMI has a diverse group of therapists that can meet your personal goals, needs, and all of your expectations. No matter what your issues may be HMI has trained staff that can help you recover from any traumatic event in your life. HMI is based on the belief that "We're here to help you become a better you" and will do everything within the legal parameters to help you achieve your goals.
(706) 917-8121 View (706) 917-8121
Photo of Reflections Psychotherapy ATL LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Chatsworth, GA
Reflections Psychotherapy ATL LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, EMDR-C, CCH, RYT500, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30308  (Online Only)
Are you ready to journey within in order to create real & lasting change in your life? My purpose as your therapist is to help you better understand yourself in order to make the changes you desire in your life. We all have dreams, goals, desires, ideas & ambitions but sometimes getting ourselves across that finish line is challenging. These challenges can exist for a variety of reasons such as trauma, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship conflicts, family dynamics, career dissatisfaction & many more. If you're ready and open to do the deeper mind-body-spirit work, then let's connect!
Are you ready to journey within in order to create real & lasting change in your life? My purpose as your therapist is to help you better understand yourself in order to make the changes you desire in your life. We all have dreams, goals, desires, ideas & ambitions but sometimes getting ourselves across that finish line is challenging. These challenges can exist for a variety of reasons such as trauma, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship conflicts, family dynamics, career dissatisfaction & many more. If you're ready and open to do the deeper mind-body-spirit work, then let's connect!
(470) 468-5388 View (470) 468-5388
Photo of Attento Counseling Practice, Licensed Professional Counselor in Chatsworth, GA
Attento Counseling Practice
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Marietta, GA 30067
*Request an Appointment Here https://attentocounseling.com/request-an-appointment/ *Attento Counseling is an outpatient behavioral health provider with 3 locations and over 60 licensed clinicians in the north Atlanta metro area (Marietta, Cumming, and Kennesaw). We also offer an affordable, accessible sliding-scale option for clients in need through our Mental Wellness & Emotional Learning program. Visit mwel.net for more information.
*Request an Appointment Here https://attentocounseling.com/request-an-appointment/ *Attento Counseling is an outpatient behavioral health provider with 3 locations and over 60 licensed clinicians in the north Atlanta metro area (Marietta, Cumming, and Kennesaw). We also offer an affordable, accessible sliding-scale option for clients in need through our Mental Wellness & Emotional Learning program. Visit mwel.net for more information.
(404) 383-6944 View (404) 383-6944
Photo of Monica Gray, Licensed Professional Counselor in Chatsworth, GA
Monica Gray
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD, LPC, CAMS, QPRT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tucker, GA 30084  (Online Only)
Where We Stand is a multidisciplinary behavioral health care practice that offers mental health and substance abuse services to communities within the metro Atlanta area. Our focus is to provide cost-effective, quality treatment.
Where We Stand is a multidisciplinary behavioral health care practice that offers mental health and substance abuse services to communities within the metro Atlanta area. Our focus is to provide cost-effective, quality treatment.
(678) 831-2539 View (678) 831-2539
Photo of Savyon Sordean, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chatsworth, GA
Savyon Sordean
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30308  (Online Only)
I am here to be present with you as you are. In this positive relationship, you can heal. In my practice I hope to provide a space for you to begin the journey of self-discovery, self-reflection, and growth. Together, we will address the barriers you may face to enhance your life in the ways that are most meaningful to you. My philosophy focuses on the healing nature of connection between people, and I strive to bring empathy, compassion, and presence into the therapeutic space. I am currently accepting clients ages 17 and up. I work with adults ages 18-70 using various treatment modalities and theoretical orientations.
I am here to be present with you as you are. In this positive relationship, you can heal. In my practice I hope to provide a space for you to begin the journey of self-discovery, self-reflection, and growth. Together, we will address the barriers you may face to enhance your life in the ways that are most meaningful to you. My philosophy focuses on the healing nature of connection between people, and I strive to bring empathy, compassion, and presence into the therapeutic space. I am currently accepting clients ages 17 and up. I work with adults ages 18-70 using various treatment modalities and theoretical orientations.
(470) 594-2710 View (470) 594-2710
Photo of Nina Cabral, Psychologist in Chatsworth, GA
Nina Cabral
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Alpharetta, GA 30022
Are you unhappy with your relationship or struggling to cope with a life transition, loss, recently diagnosed chronic illness, or your child’s behavioral and/or emotional problems? Do you feel stuck, overwhelmed and frustrated? Does your physical appearance make you insecure or unhappy? Do you feel like you are having difficulties managing your new medical diagnosis or problematic lifestyle behaviors (weight management and smoking)? Do you feel your son or daughter has become irritable, stressed, unhappy, or is exhibiting low self-esteem and you have tried everything to make it better and haven’t been able to help him or her?
Are you unhappy with your relationship or struggling to cope with a life transition, loss, recently diagnosed chronic illness, or your child’s behavioral and/or emotional problems? Do you feel stuck, overwhelmed and frustrated? Does your physical appearance make you insecure or unhappy? Do you feel like you are having difficulties managing your new medical diagnosis or problematic lifestyle behaviors (weight management and smoking)? Do you feel your son or daughter has become irritable, stressed, unhappy, or is exhibiting low self-esteem and you have tried everything to make it better and haven’t been able to help him or her?
(855) 934-0686 View (855) 934-0686
Photo of TDNT Social Services, Inc., Licensed Professional Counselor in Chatsworth, GA
TDNT Social Services, Inc.
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30318  (Online Only)
It’s my pleasure to work with you to provide clinical support and guidance to help you resolve, reduce or eliminate your presenting issues. Whether you’re experiencing grief, depression, anxiety or some other common/uncommon issue, I’m here and ready to work alongside you to help you work through your issues and come up with an effective and helpful plan to treat these issues. Behavioral issues are numerous and range from mental health conditions to addictions to thinking flaws or bad habits. I am ready to listen to you and see how we can best come up with a plan to get you back on track and possibly change your life for the better!
It’s my pleasure to work with you to provide clinical support and guidance to help you resolve, reduce or eliminate your presenting issues. Whether you’re experiencing grief, depression, anxiety or some other common/uncommon issue, I’m here and ready to work alongside you to help you work through your issues and come up with an effective and helpful plan to treat these issues. Behavioral issues are numerous and range from mental health conditions to addictions to thinking flaws or bad habits. I am ready to listen to you and see how we can best come up with a plan to get you back on track and possibly change your life for the better!
(678) 853-7609 View (678) 853-7609
Photo of Symmetry Counseling, LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Chatsworth, GA
Symmetry Counseling, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Alpharetta, GA 30009
At Symmetry Counseling we strive to support the mind-body connection in healing the complete person. We offer psychotherapy and psychological testing services as well as supportive therapies for all phases and stages of life and have a diverse staff available to meet your needs. Our clinicians are seasoned professionals with many years of experience providing an exceptional level of care to clients.
At Symmetry Counseling we strive to support the mind-body connection in healing the complete person. We offer psychotherapy and psychological testing services as well as supportive therapies for all phases and stages of life and have a diverse staff available to meet your needs. Our clinicians are seasoned professionals with many years of experience providing an exceptional level of care to clients.
(770) 637-4310 View (770) 637-4310
Photo of Vinitha Pastor, Counselor in Chatsworth, GA
Vinitha Pastor
Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30339
I decided to become a therapist so that I could help others. What I have found is that people have an inherent ability to help themselves and my job is more to guide them to those strengths and use those strengths to enhance their quality of life. I use both cognitive and behavior techniques as well as solution-focused therapy to help clients engage more fully with their present experiences as well as make changes towards their future goals. When appropriate, I also use a psychodynamic approach to help clients process past experiences in a healthy and effective way.
I decided to become a therapist so that I could help others. What I have found is that people have an inherent ability to help themselves and my job is more to guide them to those strengths and use those strengths to enhance their quality of life. I use both cognitive and behavior techniques as well as solution-focused therapy to help clients engage more fully with their present experiences as well as make changes towards their future goals. When appropriate, I also use a psychodynamic approach to help clients process past experiences in a healthy and effective way.
(470) 236-6816 x27 View (470) 236-6816 x27

See more therapy options for Chatsworth

Eating Disorders Therapists

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.