Eating Disorder Clinic

The VCU Eating Disorder Clinic is a community-based mental health team that provides services to adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older who are experiencing concerns related to eating and/or body image. Clients of our clinic may be experiencing an eating disorder (e.g., anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, avoidant restrictive food intake disorder), symptoms of disordered eating, or body image concerns, along with other mental health concerns.

Our team uses evidence-based treatments for eating disorders, including cognitive behavioral therapy, family-based treatment, and dialectical behavior therapy. Experts in eating disorder treatment, Dr. Annie Haynos and Dr. Bek Urban, co-direct the clinic. The clinic is primarily staffed by trainees in VCU's Clinical or Counseling Psychology program who are supervised by the co-directors.

Common Questions

What kind of services does the Eating Disorder Clinic provide?

We provide evidence-based individual or family-based treatment, depending on the needs of each client. We can also provide eating disorder-specific assessment services that can determine if you or your child has an eating disorder and can guide the development of an appropriate treatment plan for you or your child's eating concerns.

This type of assessment is different from our clinic's other assessment process (e.g., for ADHD, learning disabilities) and focused specifically on eating disorder diagnostics and treatment planning. We are also able to consult with other members of your or your child's care team, including primary care doctors and pediatricians, psychiatrists, dietitians, or other health professionals involved in your care. We do not have a dietitian at our clinic, but we can work with clients to identify potential providers if needed. 

Do you have to be diagnosed with an eating disorder to receive services at the Eating Disorder Clinic?

No! Although we work with people who may meet criteria for an eating disorder, we also work with people who are experiencing disordered eating symptoms (such as restrictive eating, binge eating, food avoidance, purging, etc.) and body image concerns.

Can people receive services at the Eating Disorder Clinic if they are experiencing other mental health concerns as well?

Yes! We often work with clients who are experiencing other concerns alongside eating or body image concerns, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), and self-harm. Our clinicians can work with you to
address multiple concerns in therapy. 

Who can receive services at the Eating Disorder Clinic?

Adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older experiencing an eating disorder, disordered eating, or body image concerns can receive services at the clinic. Clients must be medically stable for outpatient therapy. If you are unsure what level of support you or your child need, our clinicians can help identify an appropriate level of care. 

How do I indicate my interest in the Eating Disorder Clinic?

The first step is to apply for services through the CPSD. Please select that you are interested in Eating Disorders Treatment (Adult or Child Individual Therapy) from the dropdown list on the final page of the application form.