Struggling with an eating disorder can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone.
Finding the right eating disorder therapist near you in Richmond, VA can provide the guidance, support, and treatment you need to heal your relationship with food and improve your overall wellbeing.
Our experienced therapists specialize in evidence-based treatments designed to help both teens and adults navigate recovery.
Not only do we provide eating disorder counseling, but our food therapists work closely with our board-certified nurse practitioners to provide even more comprehensive care.
- Our eating disorder therapists are available for in-person sessions in Richmond, VA, as well as telehealth throughout Virginia
- We never take a one-size-fits-all approach; every client is unique
- We provide treatment for both teens & adults struggling with various eating disorders
- Our nurse practitioners work alongside our therapists to help with prescribing medication, if needed, and provide even more advanced care
If you’re curious how an eating disorder therapist might be able to help, read on to learn more about eating disorders, how to identify them, and the types of therapy we use to treat them.
- What Is Considered an Eating Disorder?
- Different Types of Eating Disorders
- What Are the Causes of Eating Disorders?
- How to Know If You Have an Eating Disorder
- Eating Disorders in Teens & Youth
- Types of Eating Disorder Therapy
- How Our Eating Disorder Therapists Can Help Our Therapy Office Talk to Someone Today
What Is Considered an Eating Disorder?
Eating disorders are serious but treatable mental health conditions that affect both physical and emotional health. They involve unhealthy thoughts and behaviors around food, weight, and body image.
- It is estimated that 9% of the U.S. population, or 28.8 million Americans, will have an eating disorder at some point in their lifetime (source).
- Eating disorders have the second highest mortality rate of any mental health disorder (source).
Different Types of Eating Disorders
Eating disorders come in many forms, and each one can affect a person’s health, emotions, and daily life in different ways.
Below is a quick comparison of the most common types of eating disorders, including their key features and potential risks. This overview can help you recognize patterns and better understand when it may be time to seek professional help.
| Eating Disorder | Key Features | Potential Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Anorexia Nervosa | Extreme food restriction, intense fear of gaining weight, distorted body image | Malnutrition, heart problems, organ damage |
| Bulimia Nervosa | Binge eating followed by purging (vomiting, laxatives, over-exercising) | Electrolyte imbalance, digestive issues, dental problems |
| Binge Eating Disorder (BED) | Repeated episodes of eating large amounts of food with loss of control | Obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure |
| ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) | Limited food intake due to sensory issues, lack of interest in eating, or fear of consequences | Nutrient deficiencies, stunted growth in youth |
| OSFED (Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders) | Symptoms don’t fully meet criteria for a specific diagnosis, but still harmful | Varies depending on behaviors; can be as serious as other eating disorders |
What Are the Causes of Eating Disorders?
Eating disorders are complex and typically develop from a mix of factors:
- Biological: genetics, brain chemistry, family history
- Psychological: perfectionism, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression
- Social: bullying, cultural pressures, media influence
- Environmental: trauma, major life transitions, family dynamics
How to Know If You Have an Eating Disorder
You may benefit from professional eating disorder help if you notice any of the following:
- Extreme concern with body weight, shape, or food
- Restricting or skipping meals
- Binge eating episodes
- Frequent trips to the bathroom after meals
- Using laxatives, diet pills, or over-exercising
- Feeling guilt, shame, or anxiety around eating
If you’re unsure whether you’re in a situation that requires professional help, give our office a call — (804) 796-0790. Our licensed therapists are here to help guide you to a path forward.
Eating Disorders in Teens & Youth
Eating disorders often begin in adolescence. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH):
- The median age of onset for anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder is between 12 and 25 years old.
- Nearly 2.7% of teens ages 13-18 struggle with an eating disorder.
Early intervention with therapy for teens is essential for long-term recovery.
Types of Eating Disorder Therapy
Therapy is a core part of recovery for eating disorders, helping individuals address harmful behaviors, rebuild a healthier relationship with food, and work through the underlying emotional struggles that often fuel disordered eating. Some of the most effective types of therapy include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Helps identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors related to food, weight, and body image. CBT is one of the most widely used and evidence-based treatments for eating disorders.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Focuses on teaching coping skills for managing overwhelming emotions, reducing self-destructive behaviors, and improving relationships—especially helpful for those who struggle with emotional eating or self-harm tendencies.
Family-Based Therapy (FBT)
Often used with teens, FBT involves parents and family members in the treatment process to support healthy eating habits, reduce conflict, and build a supportive home environment.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
Addresses difficulties in relationships and social functioning that may contribute to disordered eating behaviors, such as isolation, low self-esteem, or conflict with loved ones.
Nutritional Counseling
Works alongside therapy to provide education about balanced eating, meal planning, and reducing fear around certain foods, helping clients rebuild confidence in eating routines.
Group Therapy
Offers a supportive space to connect with others experiencing similar struggles, share experiences, and learn new coping strategies in a safe environment.
CBT Therapy for Eating Disorders
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective, research-backed treatments for eating disorders. It works by addressing the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to food and body image.
During CBT for eating disorders, clients can expect to:
- Identify negative thought patterns — such as “I can’t eat this without gaining weight” or “I’m only worthy if I’m thin.”
- Challenge and reframe those thoughts into healthier, more realistic beliefs.
- Learn practical coping strategies to manage triggers, reduce bingeing or restrictive eating, and build healthier eating habits.
- Track progress through food journals, thought records, or behavior logs to better understand patterns.
- Set achievable goals that gradually move toward recovery and long-term stability.
CBT is often a short-term, goal-oriented therapy, meaning many people see improvements within 20 sessions or fewer. It’s also flexible and can be combined with other therapies, nutritional counseling, or medication for a more complete treatment plan.
By helping individuals change the way they think about food, weight, and self-worth, CBT provides powerful tools to reduce harmful behaviors and support lasting recovery.
Medication & Psychiatric Support
While therapy is the cornerstone of treatment, medication can play a supportive role.
- Antidepressants (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed for bulimia and binge eating disorder.
- Anti-anxiety medications may reduce stress that contributes to disordered eating.
Our team includes psychiatric nurse practitioners who work alongside our therapists to prescribe and manage medication, if you and your food therapist decide to explore that option.
How Our Eating Disorder Therapists Can Help
If you’re here, it’s likely that you or someone you love is struggling with food, body image, or the overwhelming cycle of an eating disorder.
First, we want you to know you’re not alone. Seeking help is a powerful step forward. Our Richmond-based therapists understand how complex eating disorders can feel, and we create a safe space where you don’t have to carry that weight by yourself.
Whether you’re dealing with binge eating, bulimia, anorexia, or disordered eating patterns that just don’t feel “normal,” we’re here to listen without judgment and work alongside you to build a healthier relationship with food, your body, and yourself.
Together, we’ll set goals that feel realistic and achievable, while giving you the tools and support you need to start feeling like yourself again.
Our Richmond, VA Eating Disorder Therapists
Click on a therapist to learn more about them & schedule your first session.
Allison Ernest
PMHNP-BC, RN, MSN
Carlie Powers
LMFT, CST, CAADC
Gabby Scalzo
PhD, LCP
Jennifer Peele
PMHNP, FNP-BC, APRN
Jonathan Yoder
PMHNP-BC
Laurie Manns
LPC, CSAC
Robyn D’Reaux-Rodgers
LCSW
What to Expect During a Therapy Session
During your first eating disorder therapy session, you and your therapist will:
- discuss your symptoms and history
- explore your relationship with food and body image
- create a treatment plan that fits your goals
- provide tools and strategies to begin your recovery journey
Future sessions will focus on skill-building, ongoing support, and monitoring your progress over time.
Questions about Eating Disorders & Treatment
Binge Eating Disorder is the most common type of eating disorder in the U.S. (NEDA)
Yes. Eating disorders are classified as mental health conditions in the DSM-5.
They stem from a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.
Yes. Our office accepts many forms of insurance, including medicare. Check our insurance page for a complete list of insurance providers.
Our Therapy Office
Our therapy office is located in the heart of West End Richmond, in the Innsbrook business complex—at the crossroads of I-64, I-295, Hwy 288, and West Broad St. We share the Liberty Plaza I building with several law offices, financial services companies, and other Richmond-area businesses, at the corner of Cox Rd. & North Park Dr.
4801 Cox Road, Suite 205
Glen Allen, VA 23060
Directions →
Talk to Someone Today
If you or your loved one is struggling, you don’t have to face this journey alone.
Our eating disorder therapists in Richmond, VA provide effective, evidence-based care to help you regain control.
Contact us today to schedule your first session with an eating disorder specialist near you.