At Washington Nutrition and Counseling Group we offer eating disorder mental health counseling with our licensed mental health therapists specializing in eating disorders for adolescents, teens and adults.

Eating disorders are driven by conditions that are becoming more prevalent than ever causing those suffering from them to have difficulty seeing themselves clearly, and drive them to take on unhealthy and in some cases deadly habits to control their eating. Eating disorders are notoriously difficult to treat, but successful methods have been developed, and there is hope.

Did You Know?

Anorexia and Bulimia, two prevalent types of eating disorders are typically found in those who were raised in cultures and families that had sufficient resources to remain adequately fed. Eating disorders are disturbingly prevalent in the United States, with 30 million people from every walk of life suffering from an eating disorder. This is particularly disturbing when you realize that of all the mental disorders, eating disorders have the highest mortality rate with a sufferer dying every 62 minutes.

Anorexia Nervosa

The most well-known eating disorder was brought into public awareness by Karen Carpenter and is called Anorexia Nervosa. This condition is common enough that just under 1% of all women suffer from it at some point during their lives, and 1 in 5 of those who live with it for extended periods commit suicide. While a mental disorder, this condition has been revealed to be congenital, and it occurs much more often in those whose parents have suffered from it during their lives. Treatment for this condition is complicated and requires both creating mindfulness in the patient of their distorted relationship with food and how to correct it, and helping them learn to see themselves. Anorexia Nervosa is indicated by extremely rigid eating patterns and unrealistic and dangerous weight-loss goals. Treatment of anorexia is possible, and recovery is achievable. An outpatient treatment team involves a mental health therapist, dietitian nutritionist, physician, and a psychiatrist for medication management if necessary. It is recommended you meet with your mental health therapist and licensed dietitian weekly and work with a psychiatrist for medication that can help address underlying causes of anorexia.

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia is an eating disorder identified by a binge and purge mentality in the patient. Unlike those suffering from Anorexia, Bulimia sufferers will consume food in seemingly normal proportions. However, they will then purge these calories through self-induced vomiting once out of sight of others. In some cases Anorexia and Bulimia can coexist, in these cases, the anorexic patient will struggle with not eating, and when they fail to avoid eating will vomit to eliminate those calories. Bulimia patients tend to have mood, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders existing alongside their bulimia. Treatment of bulimia is possible, and recovery is achievable. An outpatient treatment team involves a mental health therapist, dietitian nutritionist, physician, and a psychiatrist for medication management if necessary. It is recommended you meet with your mental health therapist and licensed dietitian weekly and work with a psychiatrist for medication that can help conditions that may be triggering the bulimia.

Binge Eating

Binge eating is defined by out of control eating and not being able to stop more than a few times a week which can cause many nutrition related health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. It can also lead to extreme guilt and depression. Treatment of binge eating is possible, and recovery is achievable. An outpatient treatment team involves a mental health therapist, dietitian nutritionist, physician, and a psychiatrist for medication management if necessary. It is recommended you meet with your mental health therapist and licensed dietitian weekly and work with a psychiatrist for medication that can help suppress your appetite or help other conditions that may be triggering the binge eating.

Treatment

It’s essential if you feel you have a loved one who suffers from one of these conditions or believe you do yourself, to get in touch with a mental health therapist and licensed dietitian nutritionist who can help you start your recovery.

How do I get started with mental health counseling?

Contact us and our reception intake team will schedule you with a mental health therapist who specializes in eating disorders. We also recommend a nutrition counseling appointment with one of our dietitians who specialize in eating disorders. If medication is needed, we offer medication management with licensed psychiatrists.