Conditions & Specialties - Eating Disorders
An eating disorder is never really just about food.
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions with real physical consequences — and some of the highest mortality rates of any psychiatric diagnosis. They are also highly treatable. At Ellie Mental Health, we approach eating disorders with clinical rigor and genuine compassion, addressing the pain underneath alongside the behaviors.
What this can feel like
Eating disorders can look very different from person to person. They are not always visible, and they are often accompanied by secrecy, shame, and a complicated relationship with the idea of getting help.
- Food, eating, weight, or body image occupying a disproportionate amount of mental space
- Rules around eating that feel rigid, frightening, or impossible to break
- Using food — restricting, bingeing, purging, or a combination — to manage emotions that feel too big
- A deep disconnection from or distress about your body
- Shame that makes it hard to talk about, even with people you trust
- Control around food feeling like the one area where you have power
- Physical symptoms including fatigue, dizziness, gastrointestinal issues, or other concerns
Some of the thoughts that can come with it:
- “I don’t think what I’m doing counts as an eating disorder.”
- “If I get help, I’ll lose the one thing that makes me feel in control.”
- “I deserve this. I need to be thinner/smaller/better.”
- “I know it’s not healthy, but I’m not ready to stop.”
If you are in a medical crisis related to an eating disorder, please contact your physician or go to an emergency room. For support and resources, you can also reach the National Alliance for Eating Disorders helpline.
Why this happens
Eating disorders develop from a complex interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors. They are never simply about vanity, willpower, or food choices.
Eating disorders may be connected to:
- Genetic predisposition and temperament factors such as perfectionism or anxiety sensitivity
- Trauma, abuse, or experiences of loss of control
- Cultural and social pressures around body size, appearance, and food
- Family dynamics and early attachment patterns
- Difficulty tolerating or regulating difficult emotions
- A need for control in areas of life that feel chaotic or threatening
- Co-occurring depression, anxiety, OCD, or trauma
How Ellie makes support more accessible
Getting help for an eating disorder requires significant trust. Ellie works to make the first step feel as safe and manageable as possible.
- Specialized matching: We connect you with therapists who have experience and training in eating disorder treatment
- Whole-person care: Treatment addresses emotions, beliefs, and behaviors — not just symptoms
- Insurance clarity: We help you understand your coverage before you begin
- Telehealth available: For those where access or privacy is a concern
- No judgment, no diet culture: Your therapist is not here to enforce food rules or body standards
- Coordination when needed: We can support coordination with medical providers when appropriate
Frequently Asked Questions for Eating Disorders
Not sure what to expect? These are the questions people ask us before they get started.
Common eating disorder diagnoses include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder (BED), avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), and others. Disordered eating that does not meet full diagnostic criteria is also real and worth addressing.
For many people, therapy is a central part of treatment. However, eating disorders can have serious medical consequences that require medical monitoring alongside therapy. Your treatment team will help determine what level of care is appropriate for your specific situation.
No. You do not need to be medically compromised to deserve support. Eating disorders exist on a spectrum, and the earlier someone gets support, the better the outcomes tend to be. If your relationship with food and your body is causing distress or getting in the way of your life, that is enough.
No. Eating disorder therapy is not about reaching a specific weight or appearance. It is about healing your relationship with food, your body, and yourself. Weight changes may or may not happen as part of physical recovery, but that is not the measure of therapeutic success.
Evidence-based approaches including CBT-E (enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy for eating disorders), DBT, and trauma-informed care are commonly used. Your therapist will tailor the approach to your specific needs and history.