Studies indicate that a multidisciplinary approach to eating disorders recovery is associated with enhanced treatment effectiveness and is in keeping with recommended “best practices” within the field. A “multidisciplinary approach” to eating disorders may include treatment professionals from a variety of disciplines but should include, at minimum, a mental health professional, a medical doctor, and a nutritionist (look for details about the role of the dietitian or nutrition therapist in my next blog). Although there may be some overlap in the care that is provided by these individuals, each has a central and critical role to play in comprehensive eating disorders treatment.

Other professionals that comprise a treatment team may include:

A physical therapist or exercise therapist
A social worker for assistance with life skills
Other medical professionals, as necessary, from the fields of dentistry, gynecology, endocrinology, and gastroenterology
Psycho-pharmacologist (may or may not be the chosen physician)
Experiential therapist for adjunct therapies which may include art therapy, music therapy, yoga, massage therapy, drama therapy, equine therapy, etc.
Coaches, teachers, and friends who can provide needed support and encouragement
Professional, paraprofessional or peer support group facilitators

Ideally, each should be familiar with eating disorders treatment. However, by working together as a team, more experienced ED treatment providers can collaborate with those who provide expertise in their respective fields yet may not have a specific background of work with eating disorders.