28.8 million Americans suffer from an eating disorder. If you, or someone you love, have an eating disorder, your first step is finding a center that specializes in eating disorder treatment. It is also essential to find a medical facility that provides the level of care you are looking for.
When recovering from an eating disorder, it is helpful to have a team of professionals that can give the care you need.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about how to pick an eating disorder specialist.
Properly Trained and Experienced
Be sure the eating disorder specialist you choose is properly trained and experienced. It is crucial that they have knowledge of treating patients with different types of eating disorder. The first thing to do is to look for clinicians that are certified in the treatment of eating disorders.
The specialist should have experience in providing comprehensive treatment. Also, they must be up to date on the latest research in the field. Ask the specialist how they stay informed and up to date with new information and advancements in the treatment of eating disorders.
Inquire about their experience working with individuals within your demographic. Additionally, assess the experience and specialty of their providers. That information will help you decide which options for specialists suit your needs.
Look for Certifications and Credentials
Picking an eating disorder specialist can be intimidating and overwhelming. It’s important to research their qualifications and background to feel confident in your choice. A great place to start is looking for certifications and credentials.
A Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS) should have a least of a master’s degree with specialized practice in treating eating disorders. Verifying their authorization to practice as an eating disorder specialist is important. Make sure they are secure and have a current professional license too.
When in doubt, get documentation of the specialist’s credentials and training. Reading online reviews and checking the reputation of the clinic they will be working at is also very important.
Research Their Methods of Treatment
Every specialist will use a different strategy, which may or may not be successful. Some specialists may recommend medication, psychological intervention, or dietary therapy. Others may have a combination of approaches.
It is important to read up on their methods of treatment to make sure it aligns with your recovery goals. Be sure to ask questions about the specifics of the treatment plan, whether it is comprehensive and whether it incorporates nutrition and lifestyle changes.
Making sure the specialist is treating eating problems using evidence-based technique is important. It is up to you to make sure that you are comfortable with their treatment plan. Also, it is your decision for your safety and health during your recovery process.
Know How to Pick an Eating Disorder Specialist
To pick an eating disorder specialist can be tricky. It’s important to take the time to research the specialist, including if the specialist is properly trained and experienced.
It is also important to look for certifications and credentials. Furthermore, research their methods of treatment. By asking the right questions, you can find a specialist who best suits your needs.
Start your search today to get the right support.
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