Eating disorders are serious, complex mental health conditions — not lifestyle choices or phases. They carry one of the highest mortality rates of any psychiatric diagnosis, yet with the right treatment, full recovery is possible.
Our registered psychologists in Melbourne provide evidence-based eating disorder treatment across four clinic locations and via Telehealth.
WorkCover, NDIS or TAC approved? YOU PAY NOTHING.
If your claim has been approved, we bill your funder directly. Zero out-of-pocket cost — no gap, no upfront payment, nothing.
An eating disorder is a persistent disturbance in eating behaviour, accompanied by significant distress and impairment in physical health or psychosocial functioning (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). They are not about food — they are about emotions, self-worth, and control.
The main presentations include:
Symptoms vary across presentations, but common signs include:
Behavioural:
Psychological:
Physical:
If you are concerned about yourself or someone you care about, early intervention significantly improves outcomes (Treasure et al., 2020).
Eating disorders are maintained by a complex interplay of psychological, neurobiological, and social factors. The cognitive distortions, emotional avoidance, and rigid behavioural patterns that develop become deeply entrenched — and starvation itself impairs the brain’s capacity to think flexibly.
Effective recovery requires addressing:
Research confirms that psychological treatment produces the best long-term outcomes, especially when begun early (Hay et al., 2019).
Our psychologists use the most evidence-supported approaches for eating disorder treatment:
The leading evidence-based treatment for bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder (Fairburn et al., 2015). CBT-E targets the cognitive and behavioural maintaining factors — including dietary restraint, over-evaluation of shape and weight, and perfectionism — using a structured, time-limited approach.
The gold standard for adolescents with anorexia nervosa (Lock & Le Grange, 2019). FBT involves parents taking an active role in nutritional rehabilitation before gradually returning control to the young person as recovery progresses.
Particularly effective for eating disorders with high emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, or co-occurring BPD. DBT builds distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness — reducing the emotional drivers of bingeing and purging (Chen et al., 2008).
Helps clients develop a flexible, non-judgemental relationship with difficult thoughts and feelings about food and body, reducing the experiential avoidance that maintains disordered eating. Particularly useful for ARFID and chronic presentations.
Your psychologist will tailor treatment to your specific presentation, history, and goals.
Your first appointment is a thorough assessment session. We explore your eating history, current patterns, emotional triggers, and goals — without judgement.
We work collaboratively with GPs and dietitians where appropriate, ensuring coordinated medical and psychological care.
Session frequency, approach, and duration are tailored to your presentation. Many clients see significant improvement within 20 sessions; complex presentations may benefit from longer-term work.
We offer appointments in-clinic at our Mooroolbark, Wheelers Hill, Reservoir, and Melbourne CBD locations, as well as Telehealth sessions from anywhere in Australia.
WorkCover, NDIS or TAC approved? YOU PAY NOTHING.
If your claim has been approved, we bill your funder directly. Zero out-of-pocket cost — no gap, no upfront payment, nothing.
Do I need a referral to see an eating disorder psychologist?
No referral is required for a private appointment. A Mental Health Care Plan from your GP allows you to access Medicare rebates. We recommend also getting a physical health check with your GP given the medical complications eating disorders can cause.
Can I get Medicare rebates for eating disorder treatment?
Yes. Under the Medicare Eating Disorder Plan (EDP), eligible clients can access up to 40 Medicare-rebated psychological sessions per calendar year — significantly more than the standard 10 sessions. Speak to your GP about eligibility.
Do you treat adolescents with eating disorders?
Yes. Our psychologists are experienced with both adolescent and adult presentations. For young people, we may involve family using a family-based approach.
What if I’m not sure I have an ‘serious enough’ eating disorder?
You do not need to meet full diagnostic criteria to deserve support. Any distressing relationship with food, eating, or your body is worth addressing. Earlier intervention leads to faster and more complete recovery.
Can eating disorders be fully treated?
Yes. Full recovery is possible, particularly with evidence-based psychological treatment. Recovery is not linear, but with the right support most people make significant and lasting progress.
Recovery is possible — and you deserve support that takes your experience seriously. Our team is here when you’re ready.
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American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). APA. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787
Chen, E. Y., Matthews, L., Allen, C., Kuo, J. R., & Linehan, M. M. (2008). Dialectical behavior therapy for clients with binge-eating disorder or bulimia nervosa and borderline personality disorder. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 41(6), 505–512. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.20522
Fairburn, C. G., Bailey-Straebler, S., Basden, S., Doll, H. A., Jones, R., Murphy, R., O’Connor, M. E., & Cooper, Z. (2015). A transdiagnostic comparison of enhanced cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT-E) and interpersonal psychotherapy in the treatment of eating disorders. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 70, 64–71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2015.04.010
Hay, P., Chinn, D., Forbes, D., Madden, S., Newton, R., Sugenor, L., Touyz, S., & Ward, W. (2019). Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of eating disorders. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 48(11), 977–1008. https://doi.org/10.1177/0004867414555814
Lock, J., & Le Grange, D. (2019). Treatment manual for anorexia nervosa: A family-based approach (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
Treasure, J., Duarte, T. A., & Schmidt, U. (2020). Eating disorders. The Lancet, 395(10227), 899–911. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30059-3
