How do I Choose the Best Eating Disorder Specialist?

Eating disorders, if not addressed in time, can be detrimental to one's health. Given the complexity of eating disorders, professional care is often needed to gain control over the condition. Typically a key criterion to consider when seeking treatment is whether the practitioner has the proper qualifications such as a degree in psychology, psychiatry, or professional counseling. The practitioner’s treatment approach, experience, and interaction skills can be vital factors as well. As eating disorder treatment can get expensive, the fees charged and payment options offered by the specialist usually should be taken into account.

Usually a family doctor or psychiatric department of a local hospital can recommend an eating disorder specialist. Another place where one can find a well qualified specialist is through a clinic that treats different eating disorders. These facilities typically have therapists and medical professionals who treat people on an outpatient and in-patient basis, if needed. Information about eating disorder centers and practitioners can be obtained through non-profit organizations. The National Eating Disorder Association, for instance, is a U.S. based organization that maintains a listing of professionals and clinics that treat bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, and related conditions.

Generally, psychologists, psychiatrists, medical doctors, clinical social workers, and counselors can make recommendations to an eating disorder specialist who diagnoses and treats eating disorders. It can essential to ascertain whether the eating disorder specialist has a degree in a relevant discipline such as psychology, psychotherapy, social work, or counseling. Some specialists are licensed professionals or may have earned additional certification to work with eating disorder patients.

Besides possessing the appropriate credentials, the specialist’s experience can be an important factor. Usually it is best to consult a practitioner who is sufficiently experienced in treating the condition. A therapist who interacts well and is considerate of the patient’s frame of mind is usually able to achieve better results.

Different therapies are used to curb harmful tendencies such as excessive dieting, purging, or binging on food that characterize eating disorders. For instance, a therapist might apply cognitive behavior therapy to assist in modifying the individual’s negative perception of body image, weight, and food. The sessions might be conducted one-on-one with the patient, within a group setting, or with family members. Sometimes medications can be prescribed for anxiety or depression that can develop in people with eating disorders. When deciding on a therapist, it usually is advisable to ask about the overall treatment approach, therapies the practitioner is versed in, frequency of sessions, and approximate duration of treatment.

While psychotherapy can be a crucial part of eating disorder treatment, people with this condition often need nutritional counseling as well. Generally, a dietician can evaluate an individual’s dietary habits and recommend a meal plan to get one’s body weight within the normal range. Some therapists collaborate with dieticians and coordinate their patient’s progress. One could get comprehensive care through eating disorder treatment facilities as they typically have multi-disciplinary treatment team of psychologists, nutritionists, and physicians.

The cost of treatment can be a significant factor in narrowing down the choice of specialists. Some practitioners adjust their fees based on the patient’s financial situation. Some offer a payment schedule that might be more suitable to the individual. Typically, it is advisable to gather specific information on charges, health insurance and payment policies of local treatment providers. One can then compare this information to find a competent eating disorder specialist who also fits within a patient's budget.