Finding a Treatment Provider

Who should be your treatment providers?  Ideally, all of your treatment providers should specialize in the treatment of eating disorders; however, in some parts of the country (including Maine) there are not many professionals that specialize in the treatment of eating disorder.  If you cannot find specialists then be sure that the providers you select are willing to learn about the best treatments for eating disorders, are willing to work with the other members of your team, and are providers that you trust to treat you and your concerns with compassion and respect.  Compassion and respect should be present no matter the training of your treatment providers.  If you don't trust your providers, your treatment will not likely progress as you would like. Your treatment should involve a team of professionals that includes: licensed mental health professional (e.g., psychologist, clinical professional counselor, clinical social worker) medical professional (e.g., physician, nurse practitioner) dietician or nutritionist.  How do I find my treatment providers? Word of mouth is an excellent way to find trusted treatment providers.  Hearing from others that they had a good experience and believed that they benefitted from treatment is invaluable.  However, it is also important to inquire about knowledge of the treatment of eating disorders.  Unfortunately, when a professional does not fully understand the complexities of eating disorders and related concerns they may not be helpful.

Useful Links in Maine

Mainely Girls From the website: "The Source of Information For and About Girls in Maine" Eating Disorder Learning Collaborative This project was developed by Mainely Girls and Medical Care Development, Inc., for the purpose of providing eating disorder information to individuals with eating disorders, their friends and family and treatment professionals.  New England Eating Disorders Program (Mercy Hospital - Portland, ME) From the website: "Mercy offers the only comprehensive eating disorders program in Maine.  Staffed by experienced nurses, therapists, nutritionists, and physicians, the New England Eating Disorders Program offers a unique balance of treatment services to meet our client's needs. Family therapy is available as well, because support and education for family members is a critical component of treatment."

Web Links and Other Useful Information

National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) This is an organization dedicated to providing education, resources and support to those affected by Eating Disorders including family and friends. Parent Toolkit This is a pdf. document published by the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA).  It, along with numerous other printable documents, is desiged to “support those affected by eating disorders and be a catalyst for prevention, cures, and access to quality care” (from the website).  NEDA has numerous printable information sheets on a variety of ED related topics. Eating Disorder Hope This website offers a variety of information and links on Eating Disorders. World Wide Charter for Action on Eating Disorders This Charter was developed by the Academy of Eating Disorders in collaboration with other Eating Disorder professionals and organizations throughout the world.  The Charter outlines 6 rights of individuals and their friends and family when seeking treatment for an Eating Disorder.  The link above will take you to a pdf. copy of the Charter.  For more information about the development of the Charter click here. Something-Fishy.org A website dedicated to providing information about eating disorders for individuals and the friends and families who care about them. Eating Disorder Recovery From the website: "This site is dedicated to helping adults:  individuals, couples and families, to overcome eating disorders and navigate their personal eating disorder recovery process."

Referral Sites For Providers Outside of Maine

EDReferral.com A comprehensive database of eating disorder professionals throughout the United States and the world.

ED Publications

Gurze From the website: "Eating Disorders Publications and Education Since 1980" You can request a free catalogue from the site.

Research Studies

Andrea's Voice Foundation This page features research studies being conducted that may also offer free treatment opportunities.  This page also links to a few other sites that offer similar information.