Finding Help for an Eating Disorder in Melbourne: Navigating the Process

Finding Help for an Eating Disorder in Melbourne: Navigating the Process

Finding help for an eating disorder can be incredibly challenging, especially when the eating disorder voice is loud and convincing you that you do not need help because you are ‘eating enough’ or you are ‘not sick enough’. Many people struggle silently for years before seeking treatment, often facing long waiting lists and limited resources once they finally decide to get help. To make the process of getting eating disorder and disordered eating treatment easier, we’ve compiled this resource. Many people are not sure where to start and have no idea just how much support is available for these deadly conditions, so this blog outlines the first steps to take.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Help in Melbourne

1. Find a Specialist

• Google Search: Look for “eating disorder psychologist near me” or “eating disorder clinical psychologist” or “eating disorder psychologist Melbourne,” but keep in mind that smaller clinics may not appear on the first page, and you might need to look on page 3 or 4 to find an eating disorder psychologist near you that you feel comfortable working with.
• APS Tool: Use this tool and select “eating disorders” in the search criteria: Find a Psychologist | APS (psychology.org.au).
• Connected Search Tool: Find credentialed professionals (professionals who are credentialed in working with eating disorders, i.e., they will know how to help you and are up to date with latest research and treatment methods) using the ANZAED Connected tool: Connect·ed (anzaed.org.au).
• Butterfly Foundation Search Tool: Treatment Services (butterfly.org.au)

2. Visit Your GP

• Referral: Ask your GP for a referral to the eating disorder psychologist you have chosen under a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) or an Eating Disorder Plan (if you’ve already used the 10 sessions under MHCP). Make sure the eating disorder psychologist you have chosen is a Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician – Mental Health. This credentialing means that the psychologist has received the necessary training and qualifications to be able to help you and is a specialist in the eating disorder field. Not every psychologist is an eating disorder specialist, and given how dangerous eating disorders are, it’s important to choose a psychologist specializing in eating disorders.
• GP Search: If your GP can’t create an Eating Disorder Plan for whatever reason, use the search tool to find one who can: Connect·ed (anzaed.org.au)
• Dietitian Referral: The Eating Disorder Plan also covers 20 sessions with a dietitian (per year), whereas the standard MHCP only covers psychology. So, if you are eligible for an Eating Disorder Plan, you will be able to get Medicare Rebates for your sessions. Make sure your dietitian is credentialed to work with eating disorders and work from a HAES (Health At Every Size) model. The last thing you need is to be put on a restrictive meal plan, which will be a barrier to your recovery. You can use the Butterfly Foundation or Connect ED search tools to find dietitians who are qualified to work with eating disorders and disordered eating issues.

3. See Your Psychologist

• Diagnosis: Your psychologist can diagnose you with a specific eating disorder. With this diagnosis, your GP can provide an Eating Disorder Plan (if you don’t already have one).

4. Access Medicare Rebated Sessions

• Rebates: The Eating Disorder Plan allows up to 40 Medicare-rebated sessions with a psychologist and 20 Medicare-rebated sessions with a dietitian over a 12-month period. Every year, this plan may be renewed if required.

5. Extended Treatment

• Psychiatrist Referral: If you need more than 20 sessions with your eating disorder psychologist (which is often the case!), you’ll need to see a psychiatrist to extend your treatment plan. A Psychiatrist will review your treatment progress and discuss medication options if required.
• Book Early: Schedule a psychiatrist appointment early due to long waiting periods. You can always cancel closer to the time if you don’t need to extend your Eating Disorder Plan. Your eating disorder psychologist and your GP may be able to recommend psychiatrists in your area.

Additional Information

• Team Support: Having a treatment team consisting of a GP, psychologist, and a dietitian can make treatment much more successful and fast track recovery.
• Serious Illness: Eating disorders are very serious and potentially deadly mental health illnesses. Their impact can last for decades, affecting many aspects of life, including relationships, finances, career, education, health, and fertility. Do take your eating struggles seriously. Just because you think you eat enough or your bloods are not showing abnormalities, it does not mean that you are safe. Always seek support if you struggle with eating and body image concerns.
• Recovery is Possible: Recovery is possible, and you can absolutely achieve it. Even if you have been sick for years or decades, recovery is ALWAYS possible.

While the journey to recovery can be long and challenging (although it’s not all bad, there are many fun moments along the way!), the end result is worth every step. Seek help early and lean on the resources available to you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to an eating disorder psychologist for assessment and diagnosis to ensure you have a comprehensive treatment plan in place. You deserve food and body freedom!

Note: This information is specific to Melbourne, Australia as this is where our clinic is located. Please check local resources and guidelines for the most accurate information relevant to your location.

Helpline

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, please reach out for help:

Butterfly Foundation National Helpline

• Phone: 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE)
• Website: www.thebutterflyfoundation.org.au

This helpline offers free and confidential support for anyone affected by eating disorders and body image issues.

The information provided in this blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical or psychological advice. While we aim to offer helpful insights into disordered eating and related topics, it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or mental health provider for personalized advice and treatment.