Eating Disorders Therapists in Washington, DC

Photo of Abby Brown, PhD, Psychologist
Abby Brown
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20003  (Online Only)
I specialize in working with adults with eating disorders and disordered eating, and the conditions that often co-occur with eating concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and trauma. I also have an extensive research background in chronic fatigue syndrome (sometimes called myalgic encephalomyelitis or ME/CFS) and have worked on multiple NIH-funded studies; I am aware of the unique challenges faced by individuals living with ME/CFS and other poorly understood, stigmatized health conditions. I provide evidence-based interventions that are tailored to my client’s needs and progress.
I specialize in working with adults with eating disorders and disordered eating, and the conditions that often co-occur with eating concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and trauma. I also have an extensive research background in chronic fatigue syndrome (sometimes called myalgic encephalomyelitis or ME/CFS) and have worked on multiple NIH-funded studies; I am aware of the unique challenges faced by individuals living with ME/CFS and other poorly understood, stigmatized health conditions. I provide evidence-based interventions that are tailored to my client’s needs and progress.
(703) 215-3275 View (703) 215-3275
Photo of Natalie Chaykin Pierce, PsyD, Psychologist
Natalie Chaykin Pierce
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20003
Dr. Natalie Pierce specializes in the treatment of chronic pain/illnesses, insomnia, OCD, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, body image concerns, life transitions, and depression. Dr. Pierce is board-certified in biofeedback and practices therapy primarily from CBT/ACT and positive psychology perspectives through a health psychology lens to help patients manage stress, transition after an injury or disease, and cope with pain, loss, feeling “stuck,” anxiety, and depression.
Dr. Natalie Pierce specializes in the treatment of chronic pain/illnesses, insomnia, OCD, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, body image concerns, life transitions, and depression. Dr. Pierce is board-certified in biofeedback and practices therapy primarily from CBT/ACT and positive psychology perspectives through a health psychology lens to help patients manage stress, transition after an injury or disease, and cope with pain, loss, feeling “stuck,” anxiety, and depression.
(703) 952-5233 View (703) 952-5233
Photo of Sara Petrasso, PhD, Psychologist
Sara Petrasso
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036
Prior to that, I worked extensively in treating OCD, phobias, and eating disorders at a practice in NYC.
I work with individuals who feel their lives are hindered by unwanted or distressing feelings, or self-defeating patterns of behavior, and who experience depression, anxiety, anger, low self esteem, compulsive or impulsive behaviors, or relationship difficulties. By establishing more effective coping skills and responses, positive changes can develop and lead to a greater sense of fulfillment. I approach each individual treatment collaboratively, exploring the foundation of the problem, identifying problematic patterns, and then developing treatment goals tailored to the unique needs of each individual client.
Prior to that, I worked extensively in treating OCD, phobias, and eating disorders at a practice in NYC.
I work with individuals who feel their lives are hindered by unwanted or distressing feelings, or self-defeating patterns of behavior, and who experience depression, anxiety, anger, low self esteem, compulsive or impulsive behaviors, or relationship difficulties. By establishing more effective coping skills and responses, positive changes can develop and lead to a greater sense of fulfillment. I approach each individual treatment collaboratively, exploring the foundation of the problem, identifying problematic patterns, and then developing treatment goals tailored to the unique needs of each individual client.
(202) 618-5571 View (202) 618-5571
Photo of Yassmin Eldouh, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Yassmin Eldouh
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20005  (Online Only)
Hello and welcome! My area of focus is providing culturally competent counseling to individuals of varying mental health difficulties. I work with clients with various presenting issues, including anxiety and depression, OCD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and addictions. In addition to being a licensed therapist, I am completing my PhD in counseling. My intersectional identities as an Arab-Asian woman from a Muslim background allows me to experience understanding and empathy for those from varying backgrounds and identities.
Hello and welcome! My area of focus is providing culturally competent counseling to individuals of varying mental health difficulties. I work with clients with various presenting issues, including anxiety and depression, OCD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and addictions. In addition to being a licensed therapist, I am completing my PhD in counseling. My intersectional identities as an Arab-Asian woman from a Muslim background allows me to experience understanding and empathy for those from varying backgrounds and identities.
(940) 329-2591 View (940) 329-2591
Photo of Kristen Quigley, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kristen Quigley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20007
I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders and also work extensively with many other issues such as trauma, PTSD, grief, anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship issues, self-esteem, infertility, perinatal & postpartum issues (including post pardon depression), self-sabotage habits, stress, family of origin issues, OCD, ADD, ADHD, domestic violence and abuse, separation & divorce.
Welcome! Recognizing that something in your life isn't working is a great sign of hope & resilience and those who find their way to my practice are usually looking for something to change in their lives. The reasons why you are seeking therapy are my top priorities and helping you have the life you want is my job. I am often described as compassionate, intuitive, empathetic, open and honest. Seeking out a therapist you connect with and trust it critical. Please come in and decide if you feel that I'm the right therapist for you! I have Tuesday-Saturday hours available.
I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders and also work extensively with many other issues such as trauma, PTSD, grief, anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship issues, self-esteem, infertility, perinatal & postpartum issues (including post pardon depression), self-sabotage habits, stress, family of origin issues, OCD, ADD, ADHD, domestic violence and abuse, separation & divorce.
Welcome! Recognizing that something in your life isn't working is a great sign of hope & resilience and those who find their way to my practice are usually looking for something to change in their lives. The reasons why you are seeking therapy are my top priorities and helping you have the life you want is my job. I am often described as compassionate, intuitive, empathetic, open and honest. Seeking out a therapist you connect with and trust it critical. Please come in and decide if you feel that I'm the right therapist for you! I have Tuesday-Saturday hours available.
(202) 760-2882 View (202) 760-2882
Photo of Heather E Clark, LCPC, LPC, CBTP, Counselor
Heather E Clark
Counselor, LCPC, LPC, CBTP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20016
My special focus is disordered eating, including binge eating disorder, bulimia, anorexia, body dissatisfaction, chronic dieting, intuitive eating, and orthorexia.
Your body isn't the problem - and it never was. If you're tired of having your problems blamed on your body or your weight, you'll find a radically different approach with me. If you've been burned by the church, let's process that. If you're ready to come home to your body, my practice was crafted with you in mind. If you've had your broken relationship with food or your body dismissed, overlooked, or even encouraged, due to living in a larger body, I'm here for you. If you are looking for a therapist who is down-to-earth, trauma-informed, and likes to use humor in our conversations, I might be a good fit. Every body belongs here.
My special focus is disordered eating, including binge eating disorder, bulimia, anorexia, body dissatisfaction, chronic dieting, intuitive eating, and orthorexia.
Your body isn't the problem - and it never was. If you're tired of having your problems blamed on your body or your weight, you'll find a radically different approach with me. If you've been burned by the church, let's process that. If you're ready to come home to your body, my practice was crafted with you in mind. If you've had your broken relationship with food or your body dismissed, overlooked, or even encouraged, due to living in a larger body, I'm here for you. If you are looking for a therapist who is down-to-earth, trauma-informed, and likes to use humor in our conversations, I might be a good fit. Every body belongs here.
(571) 470-6128 View (571) 470-6128
Photo of Hayley O'Brien, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Hayley O'Brien
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036
While I specialize in the intersection of eating disorders and complex trauma, I also have a passion for working with folks navigating the struggles of pregnancy and postpartum.
Welcome! I'm so glad you're here. You've made the courageous choice to seek professional help. I understand finding the right therapist can be tough, and this may be your first big step towards change. If you are wanting more calm and centeredness within yourself and more stability and connectedness in your relationships, we might be a good fit. I value collaboration, trust and safety above all else. I like to see us as a team where your sense of choice and voice are essential to the process. Together, we will work to forge a new path towards healing.
While I specialize in the intersection of eating disorders and complex trauma, I also have a passion for working with folks navigating the struggles of pregnancy and postpartum.
Welcome! I'm so glad you're here. You've made the courageous choice to seek professional help. I understand finding the right therapist can be tough, and this may be your first big step towards change. If you are wanting more calm and centeredness within yourself and more stability and connectedness in your relationships, we might be a good fit. I value collaboration, trust and safety above all else. I like to see us as a team where your sense of choice and voice are essential to the process. Together, we will work to forge a new path towards healing.
(202) 875-6116 View (202) 875-6116
Photo of Hayley Gould, LPC, MS/EdS, Counselor
Hayley Gould
Counselor, LPC, MS/EdS
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20008  (Online Only)
Eating disorders can be all encompassing and can start to take over so many different aspects of your life. It becomes hard to do anything without hearing the eating disorder’s disapproving voice in your head making comments about your food intake, your body, and most painfully, who you are as a person. This voice is not you. We can work together to help you fight back and regain your identity. You do not need to have an eating disorder for us to work together, I also work with those struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, life transitions, trauma, relationships, and identity.
Eating disorders can be all encompassing and can start to take over so many different aspects of your life. It becomes hard to do anything without hearing the eating disorder’s disapproving voice in your head making comments about your food intake, your body, and most painfully, who you are as a person. This voice is not you. We can work together to help you fight back and regain your identity. You do not need to have an eating disorder for us to work together, I also work with those struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, life transitions, trauma, relationships, and identity.
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Photo of Monica Leonie Meerbaum, PhD, Psychologist
Monica Leonie Meerbaum
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20008
I have special expertise and interest in treating the effects of trauma, including bullying, incest, and dissociation, and in the treatment of eating disorders and obesity.
There is nothing like being listened to and understood on a deep level, with genuine interest and acceptance. This is what I strive to offer in therapy or analysis, as we explore together your hopes and dreams, your losses and regrets, your longings and fears. Many people come to therapy to free themselves from self-defeating patterns and the legacy of past traumas, so they can be more truly themselves in relation to others and live with greater satisfaction and meaning. My analytic training enables me to work intensively, and I enjoy incorporating experiential techniques like journaling, psychodrama, and art.
I have special expertise and interest in treating the effects of trauma, including bullying, incest, and dissociation, and in the treatment of eating disorders and obesity.
There is nothing like being listened to and understood on a deep level, with genuine interest and acceptance. This is what I strive to offer in therapy or analysis, as we explore together your hopes and dreams, your losses and regrets, your longings and fears. Many people come to therapy to free themselves from self-defeating patterns and the legacy of past traumas, so they can be more truly themselves in relation to others and live with greater satisfaction and meaning. My analytic training enables me to work intensively, and I enjoy incorporating experiential techniques like journaling, psychodrama, and art.
(240) 813-9612 View (240) 813-9612
Photo of Trevor Dunn, PhD, Psychologist
Trevor Dunn
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20003
Dr. Dunn specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, body image concerns, anxiety, OCD, depression, LGBTQ+ concerns, life transitions, relationship/interpersonal concerns, gender affirming treatment evaluations, grief/loss, identity concerns, and multicultural psychology (e.g., gender, sexuality, race/ethnicity). Trained as a counseling psychologist, he provides evidence-based, culturally centered therapy to adults in Washington DC, Virginia, and other PSYPACT states. Using warmth and empathy, he helps clients examine and reflect on their lives, and move in the direction of their goals and values.
Dr. Dunn specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, body image concerns, anxiety, OCD, depression, LGBTQ+ concerns, life transitions, relationship/interpersonal concerns, gender affirming treatment evaluations, grief/loss, identity concerns, and multicultural psychology (e.g., gender, sexuality, race/ethnicity). Trained as a counseling psychologist, he provides evidence-based, culturally centered therapy to adults in Washington DC, Virginia, and other PSYPACT states. Using warmth and empathy, he helps clients examine and reflect on their lives, and move in the direction of their goals and values.
(703) 884-1802 View (703) 884-1802
Photo of Sara Battista - Greenhouse Psychotherapy, LCPC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Greenhouse Psychotherapy
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, LPC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20009
We specialize in treating eating disorders, mood disorders, anxiety, & adjustment issues- with a special interest in working with young adults & students.
Hi! I'm Sara, founder of Greenhouse Psychotherapy- a boutique mental health practice serving adults & adolescents of all genders. Greenhouse is a group practice striving to provide the highest quality mental health services. We believe mental health is a basic human right, and we are committed to providing the compassion, respect, and acceptance our clients deserve. Clients often seek therapy with us when they're ready to get "unstuck", and are craving momentum toward their goals. Our tailored mental health services make us a great choice whether you're looking for help with one specific issue or in need of comprehensive care.
We specialize in treating eating disorders, mood disorders, anxiety, & adjustment issues- with a special interest in working with young adults & students.
Hi! I'm Sara, founder of Greenhouse Psychotherapy- a boutique mental health practice serving adults & adolescents of all genders. Greenhouse is a group practice striving to provide the highest quality mental health services. We believe mental health is a basic human right, and we are committed to providing the compassion, respect, and acceptance our clients deserve. Clients often seek therapy with us when they're ready to get "unstuck", and are craving momentum toward their goals. Our tailored mental health services make us a great choice whether you're looking for help with one specific issue or in need of comprehensive care.
(202) 851-2990 View (202) 851-2990
Photo of Megan Nemeth, MA, NCC, LPC, Counselor
Megan Nemeth
Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20008  (Online Only)
Aside from treating eating disorders, I also work with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, family conflict, relational/peer issues, OCD, stress, trauma/PSTD and life transitions.
Beyond fear, there is freedom from your eating disorder. Living with an eating disorder is a burden you no longer need to carry on your own. Together, we can work to find freedom from the grasp of the eating disorder, to find joy out of moments around food and relationships, to gain body neutrality. Let’s take the first step to reintroducing yourself, to YOU again. I operate from a Health at Every Size and Anti-Diet approach and treat all eating disorders or disordered eating along with body image and self-esteem issues.
Aside from treating eating disorders, I also work with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, family conflict, relational/peer issues, OCD, stress, trauma/PSTD and life transitions.
Beyond fear, there is freedom from your eating disorder. Living with an eating disorder is a burden you no longer need to carry on your own. Together, we can work to find freedom from the grasp of the eating disorder, to find joy out of moments around food and relationships, to gain body neutrality. Let’s take the first step to reintroducing yourself, to YOU again. I operate from a Health at Every Size and Anti-Diet approach and treat all eating disorders or disordered eating along with body image and self-esteem issues.
(202) 791-4286 View (202) 791-4286
Photo of Stephanie Benson, PsyD, Psychologist
Stephanie Benson
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20003
Dr. Benson specializes in mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, body image concerns, eating disorders, and relationship concerns. She has worked in several outpatient settings, including a community mental health center, a public high school, a VA Medical Center, a college counseling center, and two private group practices.
Dr. Benson specializes in mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, body image concerns, eating disorders, and relationship concerns. She has worked in several outpatient settings, including a community mental health center, a public high school, a VA Medical Center, a college counseling center, and two private group practices.
(202) 902-6884 View (202) 902-6884
Photo of Gwendolyn Pla, LCSW, PhD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Gwendolyn Pla
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PhD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20015  (Online Only)
Eating disorders and obesity are my specialties.
Are you dissatisfied with your life? Are you finding ways to compensate that do not serve you well, such as over- or under-eating? Do you have an unhealthy relationship with food? Or, do you have a medical problem that has a dietary component that you have difficulty managing? These problems can have an impact on many areas of your life: relationships, work, and the way you handle money. I will help you sort out your difficulties and help you on the road to feeling better.
Eating disorders and obesity are my specialties.
Are you dissatisfied with your life? Are you finding ways to compensate that do not serve you well, such as over- or under-eating? Do you have an unhealthy relationship with food? Or, do you have a medical problem that has a dietary component that you have difficulty managing? These problems can have an impact on many areas of your life: relationships, work, and the way you handle money. I will help you sort out your difficulties and help you on the road to feeling better.
(202) 723-1772 View (202) 723-1772
Photo of Tishanna Hollins, PhD, Psychologist
Tishanna Hollins
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20003  (Online Only)
Dr. Hollins specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, body image concerns, OCD, panic disorder, anxiety disorders, PTSD/trauma, racial/ethnic/cultural-related concerns, and depression. Dr. Hollins combines evidence based treatments with a sense of compassion, collaboration, and a nonjudgemental approach.
Dr. Hollins specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, body image concerns, OCD, panic disorder, anxiety disorders, PTSD/trauma, racial/ethnic/cultural-related concerns, and depression. Dr. Hollins combines evidence based treatments with a sense of compassion, collaboration, and a nonjudgemental approach.
(571) 568-7141 View (571) 568-7141
Photo of Erica Shawn Merson, PhD, Psychologist
Erica Shawn Merson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20016
I have expertise working with individuals with eating disorders and body image concerns.
I have a particular passion for working with university students and young-middle aged adults who are figuring out and navigating their next "chapter" of life. I aim to help individuals capitalize on their strengths and work with their limitations, change their responses to interpersonal problems, and help them form new and improved healthy relationships and ways of relating to their world that does not repeat previously unhealthy patterns. By bringing support, encouragement, humor, and a nonjudgmental perspective to our work together, I meet clients where they are. My goal is to make my clients feel heard, understood, and BETTER!
I have expertise working with individuals with eating disorders and body image concerns.
I have a particular passion for working with university students and young-middle aged adults who are figuring out and navigating their next "chapter" of life. I aim to help individuals capitalize on their strengths and work with their limitations, change their responses to interpersonal problems, and help them form new and improved healthy relationships and ways of relating to their world that does not repeat previously unhealthy patterns. By bringing support, encouragement, humor, and a nonjudgmental perspective to our work together, I meet clients where they are. My goal is to make my clients feel heard, understood, and BETTER!
(973) 828-8191 View (973) 828-8191
Photo of Lillian DePetrillo, PhD, Psychologist
Lillian DePetrillo
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036  (Online Only)
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who sees adolescent and adult clients for individual and couples therapy. I take an integrative CBT approach utilizing empirically supported treatments and focus on mood and anxiety disorders with specific clinical and research interests in depression, general anxiety, trauma, OCD, and mindfulness meditation. I specialize in treating eating disorders, body image, and self-esteem concerns. Therapy is a collaborative approach- with kindness and compassion we build trust and work together as a team to relieve symptoms and meet your goals for therapy.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who sees adolescent and adult clients for individual and couples therapy. I take an integrative CBT approach utilizing empirically supported treatments and focus on mood and anxiety disorders with specific clinical and research interests in depression, general anxiety, trauma, OCD, and mindfulness meditation. I specialize in treating eating disorders, body image, and self-esteem concerns. Therapy is a collaborative approach- with kindness and compassion we build trust and work together as a team to relieve symptoms and meet your goals for therapy.
(202) 978-6731 View (202) 978-6731
Photo of Emilie Trudeau, NCC, LRC, LGPC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Emilie Trudeau
Pre-Licensed Professional, NCC, LRC, LGPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20016
My goal as a therapist is to help clients create a safe space where they can work on aspects of their life which they may be unhappy with. I have experience working with individuals with a wide-range of experiences from domestic abuse to bullying, and helping clients find their voice throughout those struggles, as well as the treatment of depression, anxiety, self-harm, and OCD. I take clients of all ages but I specialize in working with young adults and adolescents with eating disorders and trauma.
My goal as a therapist is to help clients create a safe space where they can work on aspects of their life which they may be unhappy with. I have experience working with individuals with a wide-range of experiences from domestic abuse to bullying, and helping clients find their voice throughout those struggles, as well as the treatment of depression, anxiety, self-harm, and OCD. I take clients of all ages but I specialize in working with young adults and adolescents with eating disorders and trauma.
(202) 816-4143 View (202) 816-4143
Photo of Alisa Schwartz, PhD, Psychologist
Alisa Schwartz
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036
While I practice as a generalist, I have a specialty in eating disorders and body image.
I am a clinical psychologist practicing for over 20 years. I have a lot of experience treating men and women facing a wide range of difficulties including depression, anxiety, low self esteem, relationship issues, work stresses, and life transitions. I have training in various treatment modalities including psychodynamic, CBT, and DBT and tailor my treatment to your needs. In general, I try to understand the origins of the problem and teach practical techniques for making improvements. I have a warm, interactive and collaborative style and will work with you to make positive changes in your life.
While I practice as a generalist, I have a specialty in eating disorders and body image.
I am a clinical psychologist practicing for over 20 years. I have a lot of experience treating men and women facing a wide range of difficulties including depression, anxiety, low self esteem, relationship issues, work stresses, and life transitions. I have training in various treatment modalities including psychodynamic, CBT, and DBT and tailor my treatment to your needs. In general, I try to understand the origins of the problem and teach practical techniques for making improvements. I have a warm, interactive and collaborative style and will work with you to make positive changes in your life.
(202) 517-7708 View (202) 517-7708
Photo of Mia Foley, PhD, Psychologist
Mia Foley
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20009  (Online Only)
I work collaboratively with my clients to develop a treatment program that meets their individual needs. I employ research-proven techniques in working with a variety of difficulties, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder and habit control problems. I also provide treatment for interpersonal challenges, such as relationship or personality issues as well as anything that interferes with the ability to live a fulfilling and productive life. While I work from a predominantly cognitive-behavioral framework, I often integrate techniques from other schools of therapy, particularly when working with complex problems.
I work collaboratively with my clients to develop a treatment program that meets their individual needs. I employ research-proven techniques in working with a variety of difficulties, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder and habit control problems. I also provide treatment for interpersonal challenges, such as relationship or personality issues as well as anything that interferes with the ability to live a fulfilling and productive life. While I work from a predominantly cognitive-behavioral framework, I often integrate techniques from other schools of therapy, particularly when working with complex problems.
(202) 760-2048 View (202) 760-2048
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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.