Telehealth Certification Institute

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Introduction to Eating Disorders Treatment

Join us for a Live Webinar on June 21, 2024 from 1pm-2:30pm Eastern Daylight Time
1.5 CE Credits available for behavioral health clinicians

Eating disorders are serious illnesses that can impact all areas of functioning and have the second highest mortality rate of any mental health condition. Despite misleading stereotypes about who suffers from eating disorders, we know that people of all genders, ages, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, religious beliefs, socioeconomic statuses, body shapes, and weights can develop eating disorders. It is estimated that nearly 30 million individuals in the U.S. will suffer from an eating disorder during their lifetime, with prevalence rates in children and adolescents increasing by over 100% in the past decade. There are numerous etiological factors that influence the development and maintenance of eating disorders, including the many sociocultural stressors of the current day including the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. For these reasons, it is imperative for clinicians to have adequate training and knowledge in the treatment of these complex and often misunderstood conditions.

This introductory workshop will provide an overview of biological, psychological and sociocultural factors that contribute to both the development and maintenance of eating disorders and will equip clinicians to identify the warning signs of an eating disorder. This workshop is an excellent primer for clinicians because individuals with eating disorders will show up in your practice, even if you do not specialize in working with this population. Due to the complex nature and consequences of eating disorders, a brief overview of nutritional and medical considerations will also be included.

 Learning Objectives:

  • Identify three etiological factors that increase vulnerability for the development of eating disorders.

  • List four warning signs that an individual might be struggling with disordered eating.

  • Explain why it is essential for mental health clinicians to work with a multidisciplinary team to effectively treat eating disorders.

CE Hours
How to Attend the Webinar
Recording of Event
Melanie Smith Headshot

Melanie Smith
Ph.D., LMHC, CEDS-S

Melanie Smith, PhD, LMHC, CEDS-S, is the Director of Training for The Renfrew Center for Eating Disorders. In this role, she provides ongoing training, supervision and consultation to clinicians across disciplines for the purpose of continually assessing and improving competence in the treatment of eating disorders.

Dr. Smith is co-author of The Renfrew Unified Treatment for Eating Disorders and Comorbidity Therapist Guide and Workbook (Oxford University Press), is a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist and Approved Supervisor, and is a Certified Therapist and Trainer for the Unified Protocol for the Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders (UP).

In addition to her work with the Renfrew Center, Dr. Smith maintains a telehealth private practice specializing in the supervision and consultation of registered mental health counselor interns (Florida) and individuals seeking eating disorder specialist certification through the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (iaedp).