Finding a trained professional for eating disorder treatment can be difficult, as university programs rarely teach this in school. Professionals who specialize in eating disorder treatment are crucial for effective and lasting eating disorder recovery. Here are some steps to help you locate the right provider:
1. Consult Your Doctor: Start by talking to your primary care physician. They can provide referrals to specialists or treatment centers. Doctors are typically not trained in eating disorder treatment and may not grasp the seriousness of the situation, so self advocacy is critical.
2. Research Qualified Eating Disorder Professionals: Look for mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, or licensed clinical social workers, who specialize in eating disorders. There are few credentialing options, and some require significant time, money and effort. There are trainings like the Inclusive Eating Disorder Specialist credential that can be done completely virtually and do not require expensive, lengthy supervision.
3. Check Credentials: Ensure the provider has relevant qualifications, certifications, and experience in treating eating disorders. Certifications from organizations like the Inclusive Eating Disorder Education, including the Inclusive Eating Disorder Specialist training and certification.
4. Use Professional Directories: Visit online directories like EatingDisorderHope.com the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) or edreferral.com which list trained professionals by location. IEDE has a directory of trained and credentialed providers.
5. Seek Recommendations: Ask trusted friends, family, or support groups for recommendations. Personal experiences can help identify compassionate and skilled providers.
6. Contact Support Groups: Reach out to local or online support groups for information on recommended therapists and treatment programs. Many eating disorder treatment programs offer free virtual support groups even for people who have not been in treatment with them, such as ERC and Center for Discovery.
7. Assess Treatment Options: Look into different types of treatment settings, including outpatient therapy, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), and residential treatment facilities.
8. Initial Consultations: Schedule consultations with potential providers to discuss their approach, treatment philosophy, and experience with eating disorders. This also gives a sense of therapeutic fit and potential for rapport, which are crucial for positive outcomes.
9. Inquire About Types of Therapy: Ask about the types of therapy they offer (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy, EMDR, IFS, DBT, ACT) and their approach to treatment.
10. Consider Coverage: If you have health insurance, check what services are covered and whether the provider is in-network to help manage costs.
11. Trust Your Instincts: Choose an eating disorder professional you feel comfortable with. A good therapeutic relationship is vital for effective treatment.
Finding the right specialized eating disorder professional may take time, but connecting with someone well-qualified can lead to meaningful progress in eating disorder recovery.
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