Frequently Asked Questions

There are many ways to screen for an eating disorder; here is a short self assessment tool by the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): 

https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/screening-tool

Another option is to discuss doing an assessment with your primary care physician or therapist. They can discuss diagnoses with you as well as make suggestions for treatment options.

Sharing your observations or concerns with your friend, even if there's risk of them becoming defensive, can be a great way to be a supportive. It's recommended to do this in a 1:1 setting instead of in a group, and without judgement. Let them know you are available if they need someone to talk to about it in the future. 

If you are afraid for your friend's safety, choose a private time to discuss this with them or their parent/guardian if they are under 18. Be honest about your concern, and how you've seen certain behaviors be harmful to them.  It's best to not bring up weight, measurements, size, or appearance. Do not tell them what you think they should do, or to "just eat". Using statements about yourself or your feelings can also help it seem less like blame, for example "You mean a lot to me and I really miss having lunch with you; is everything okay?". 

If they seek treatment, support will look different- you can ask them how they would like for you to support them through their recovery process. They may give you more resources for learning about what they are going through. 

RDs can identify the severity of malnutrition, identify disordered eating habits, and help identify what is missing in the diet. They can collaborate with the rest of your medical and mental health team to support nutrition related goals that help you meet your other health/ life goals. 

A dietitian can help clarify nutritional information and debunk food and body myths or misconceptions that interfere with someone getting adequate nutrition.

Dietitians can help clients identify more healthy ways to cope with emotions than with food and eating behaviors.

Please reach out if this applies to you and I will do my best to send you links for available known resources. I can also connect you with other providers who may take your insurance. I do not use a sliding scale, but I keep a certain percentage of my caseload available for discounted rate packages. Please inquire if you are interested in this option. 

While this varies per individual, typical time to see a registered dietitian for eating disorder treatment is anywhere from 6 months to a year. This can be longer if the eating disorder has persisted for longer time, or shorter if symptoms and behaviors cease quickly. Usually clients start off with weekly meetings and then space out sessions at varied lengths for check ins and relapse prevention. 

In our first session, I will set an estimated timeline with you for expectations for duration and frequency of sessions. Remember that in the first session I cannot predict the challenges of the recovery process that will determine amount of support you need.  

I hear you and I want to send compassion your way. It is a very challenging step to say that you are ready to give up the behaviors that developed to create a sense of safety or coping. These disorders have a way of convincing people that it is better to keep the disorder. Recovery is always worth it for each of my clients in the end, no matter how hard the work is. And if it is any consolation, most of them start treatment before they were ready to recover. Occasionally, they stop treatment and are welcomed back once they see they want to resume the recovery efforts. In our sessions we discuss ambivalence and options. 

Correct- I am not a therapist and I will not step into the scope of one. I will recommend therapy if I think that is needed, and connect you to a therapist colleague who meets your individual needs. Eating disorder dietitians are able to use counseling methods to encourage eating behavior changes to help improve the medical outcomes for their clients. When working on nutritional counseling for an eating disorder, many underlying issues can arise, and It is often best to see a therapist to work on these simultaneously. 

I recommend seeing your physician for medical monitoring - we will discuss this specifically in sessions. I also recommend you work with a therapist (see above FAQ). Other team members might involve your support system, physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech pathologist, nurses, teachers, coaches, etc. I am happy to collaborate with anyone on your support network if it benefits your recovery.