Eating disorders
Psychologists verified as HCPC-registered, with specialist training in evidence-based treatment
Trauma needs the right kind of help. Every psychologist on this directory is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and offers NICE-recommended treatments for PTSD and trauma, including trauma-focused CBT and EMDR.
Understanding eating disorders
Eating disorders affect an estimated 1.25 million people in the UK. They are not lifestyle choices, dietary preferences, or phases people grow out of. They are recognised psychiatric conditions with serious physical and psychological consequences, and they have one of the highest mortality rates of any mental health condition.
The main eating disorders recognised in NICE guidance are:
- Anorexia nervosa
- Bulimia nervosa
- Binge eating disorder
- Other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED), which includes a wide range of presentations that don’t fit neatly into the categories above
- Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)
Eating disorders affect people of every age, gender, ethnic background, and body size. Body weight alone is not a reliable indicator — many people with serious eating disorders are at normal weight, and the absence of dramatic weight loss does not mean a person isn’t unwell.
Common signs that someone — yourself or a loved one — may have an eating disorder include preoccupation with food, weight, or body shape; rigid rules or rituals around eating; secrecy or shame around food; mood changes linked to eating; physical signs such as fatigue, fainting, dental problems, or menstrual changes; and withdrawal from social situations involving food.
Why specialist HCPC-registered psychologists matter
Eating disorders require specialist clinical training. The Royal College of Psychiatrists, Beat, and NICE all emphasise that generic therapy or counselling without eating-disorder-specific training is not equivalent to specialist treatment. The clinical issues — including physical health risk, psychological complexity, family dynamics, and the often ego-syntonic nature of the condition (where symptoms feel part of the self rather than a problem) — require a clinician who has been specifically trained.
HCPC-registered psychologists with eating disorder specialism have:
- Doctoral or equivalent postgraduate training in psychological science
- Specific training in one or more of the NICE-recommended eating disorder treatments — CBT-ED, MANTRA, SSCM, or family-based therapy
- A duty under HCPC standards to recognise the limits of their competence and to refer or work jointly with medical colleagues where physical health risk is significant
- Statutory accountability through HCPC’s Fitness to Practise process
- Ongoing supervision, which is particularly important in eating disorder work
Eating disorder treatment also often involves coordinated medical care alongside psychological therapy — for example with a GP, a dietitian, and sometimes a psychiatrist. Specialist clinicians are familiar with this multidisciplinary working and will help you arrange it where needed.
What evidence-based treatment looks like
For anorexia nervosa in adults
NICE recommends three first-line treatments, with the choice based on individual preference and clinical judgment:
- CBT-ED (eating-disorder-focused cognitive behavioural therapy) — typically up to 40 sessions over 40 weeks
- MANTRA (Maudsley Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults) — at least 20 sessions, exploring what keeps a person attached to anorexia and helping them develop alternative ways of coping
- SSCM (Specialist Supportive Clinical Management) — combining clinical management with supportive psychotherapy
For bulimia nervosa in adults
NICE recommends starting with a bulimia-focused guided self-help programme based on cognitive behavioural materials. If this is not effective, individual CBT-ED is recommended, typically over at least 20 sessions.
For binge eating disorder in adults
For children and young people with anorexia
NICE recommends anorexia-nervosa-focused family therapy (FT-AN) as the first-line treatment for children and young people. If FT-AN is not appropriate or effective, individual CBT-ED or adolescent-focused psychotherapy may be considered.
Other approaches
Who you'll find on this directory
HCPC-registered Clinical, Counselling and Health Psychologists with specialist eating disorder training. Each profile shows the psychologist’s specific training and experience across:
- Anorexia nervosa
- Bulimia nervosa
- Binge eating disorder
- Other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED)
- Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)
- Body image difficulties
- Eating disorders in children, young people, or adults
- Eating disorders alongside other mental health conditions, diabetes, neurodivergence, or pregnancy
Common Questions
How do I know if this is serious enough to get help?
Will I need to go into hospital?
How do I actually find someone who specialises in this?
Every psychologist on Trusted Psychologists has been checked against the HCPC registered and their listed experience is verified rather than self-reported, so you can filter by this specialism and trust what you see.
What are the different types of eating disorders?
Can men and boys be affected too?
Yes. Eating disorders are often assumed to affect only women and girls but men and boys are affected as well and may be less likely to be recognised or to seek help because of this assumption.