Eating Concerns

Photo of a psychiatrist filling out forms on a clipboard as she speaks with a student sitting across from her.


Support for Eating Concerns, Disordered Eating and Body ImageÌý

Concerns about eating, food or body image can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to face them alone.Ìý

Eating disorders are serious but treatable mental and physical illnesses that affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations and body sizes. Whether you're experiencing disordered eating, struggling with body image or wondering if you may have an eating disorder, support is available.Ìý

If you're concerned about your relationship with food or your body, our team can help you understand your options and connect you with the care that's right for you.Ìý

If you're unsure whether what you're experiencing is an eating concern, review the National Eating Disorders Association's . This resource is intended as a guide—not a checklist.Ìý

Get Support

Our Eating Concerns Team offers confidential support to help you understand your concerns and determine the next steps for care. Whether you're looking for counseling, nutrition support or a medical evaluation, we'll work with you to identify the services that best meet your needs.Ìý

Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS)

ÌýÌý303-492-2277Ìý

Schedule a free 50-minute telehealth Eating Concerns Case Management appointment.Ìý

During this appointment, you'll:Ìý

  • Discuss eating- and body image-related concernsÌýÌý
  • Explore possible diagnosesÌýÌý
  • Learn about treatment optionsÌýÌý
  • Receive personalized recommendations for careÌýÌý

These appointments are free and do not count toward your CAPS session limit.Ìý

Nutrition Services

ÌýÌý303-492-5432Ìý

Meet with a registered dietitian for individualized support related to:Ìý

  • Eating patternsÌýÌý
  • Nutrition and nourishmentÌýÌý
  • Body imageÌýÌý
  • Your relationship with foodÌý
Medical Evaluation

ÌýÌý303-492-5432Ìý

Schedule an Eating Concerns Medical Initial appointment at Wardenburg Health Center to receive:Ìý

  • A comprehensive medical evaluationÌýÌý
  • Assessment of health concerns related to disordered eatingÌýÌý
  • Medical recommendations for ongoing careÌý

What to Expect

The Student Life Health and Well-Being Eating Concerns Team uses a multidisciplinary approach to care.

Our team includes:Ìý

  • Clinical case managersÌýÌý
  • Registered dietitiansÌýÌý
  • Medical providersÌýÌý

Together, we assess your concerns and recommend the level of care that's right for you.Ìý

Depending on your needs, recommendations may include:Ìý

  • Medical care through Wardenburg Health CenterÌýÌý
  • Nutrition counselingÌýÌý
  • Mental health treatment at CAPSÌýÌý
  • Referral to an off-campus providerÌýÌý
  • Referral to a higher level of eating disorder treatmentÌýÌý

Because CAPS provides short-term counseling, students who need ongoing weekly therapy are often referred to community providers specializing in eating disorders.

Frequently Asked Questions

ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ offers a multidisciplinary approach to eating concerns that may include counseling, nutrition services and medical care, depending on your needs and whether those services fall within our scope of care. Some students may receive nutrition or medical services on campus while receiving therapy from an off-campus eating disorder specialist.Ìý

Students are referred off campus when they need a level of care beyond what CAPS can provide.Ìý

This may include:Ìý

  • Weekly therapyÌýÌý
  • Specialized eating disorder treatmentÌýÌý
  • Intensive outpatient treatmentÌýÌý
  • Residential treatmentÌýÌý
  • Care for students who are not medically stableÌýÌý

Our goal is to connect every student with the most appropriate level of care.Ìý

Students can search for community providers using .Ìý

If you're having difficulty finding care, CAPS case managers can help connect you with an off-campus provider.Ìý

Insurance coverage does not determine where a student receives care.Ìý

Some students need more specialized or intensive eating disorder treatment than CAPS can provide. In those cases, we'll help connect you with providers whose services best meet your treatment needs.Ìý

Review the National Eating Disorders Association's list of possible .Ìý

Remember that these signs are intended as a guide—not a checklist—and everyone's experience is different.Ìý

The transition to college can be exciting, but it can also be stressful. During periods of change, some students notice the return of eating disorder thoughts, behaviors or urges.Ìý

If you have a history of an eating disorder, consider building a support plan before symptoms return. This may include:Ìý

  • Regular therapyÌýÌý
  • Nutrition counselingÌýÌý
  • Medical support, if neededÌýÌý
  • CAPS workshops focused on stress management, anxiety or body imageÌýÌý

Planning ahead can help you maintain your recovery throughout the school year.Ìý

Treatment recommendations are based on each person's needs. If a higher level of care is recommended, our team can help you understand your options and connect you with appropriate treatment.Ìý

  • Outpatient (OP): The least intensive level of care. Individuals live at home and attend regular therapy, nutrition counseling and medical or psychiatric appointments as needed.Ìý
  • Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Structured treatment provided two to three days each week, typically for several hours at a time. This level of care is appropriate for individuals who are medically stable but need additional support while continuing school or work.Ìý
  • Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): Also called day treatment, PHP typically provides structured treatment five days each week for six to eight hours per day. Services often include individual therapy, nutrition counseling, group therapy, family therapy and supported meals.Ìý
  • Residential Treatment: Residential programs provide 24-hour support in a structured environment for individuals who need intensive treatment while remaining medically stable. Services typically include therapy, nutrition counseling, psychiatric care and supervised meals.Ìý
  • Inpatient Treatment: Hospital-based treatment for individuals whose eating disorder requires intensive medical and psychiatric care. Treatment focuses on medical stabilization, managing complications and beginning recovery.Ìý
  • Acute Medical Stabilization: The highest level of care for individuals experiencing severe medical complications related to an eating disorder. Once medically stable, patients transition to an appropriate ongoing treatment program.Ìý

Virtual treatment has made eating disorder care more accessible than ever, but it isn't the right fit for everyone.Ìý

The best treatment option depends on factors such as your symptoms, medical needs, support system and daily responsibilities. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to recovery.Ìý

can help you:Ìý

  • Understand the differences between virtual and in-person treatmentÌýÌý
  • Learn the benefits and limitations of each optionÌýÌý
  • Identify questions to ask when choosing a treatment programÌýÌý
  • Make informed decisions about your careÌý

Additional Resources

  • Food and Body Image Support Group offered each semester at CAPSÌýÌý
  • run by the National Alliance for Eating Disorders.Ìý
  • Toll Free Confidential Helpline: call 866-662-1235, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. EDT (Monday – Friday).Ìý