Eating disorder treatment, online
CBT-E and CBT-T for binge eating, bulimia, anorexia and other eating difficulties, with Medicare Eating Disorder Plans accepted.
Eating disorders
Eating disorders are serious, treatable conditions that affect people of all ages, genders and body sizes. Most people with an eating disorder are not underweight.
Ryan has particular experience working with eating disorders, including binge eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa and other eating difficulties that don't fit neatly into one category.
Signs to look out for
- Episodes of eating a large amount of food while feeling out of control
- Restricting food, skipping meals or following rigid rules about eating
- Vomiting, laxatives or excessive exercise to make up for eating
- Your weight or shape having a big influence on how you feel about yourself
- Feeling preoccupied with food, eating or your body
How therapy can help
- Enhanced CBT (CBT-E) is an evidence-based treatment for eating disorders. It focuses on establishing regular eating and on changing the thoughts and habits that keep the eating disorder going.
- Ten-session CBT (CBT-T) is a shorter, focused form of CBT for bulimia, binge eating disorder and similar presentations, for people who aren't significantly underweight.
- Where it helps, Ryan also draws on DBT skills for managing urges and difficult emotions, and schema therapy for longer-standing patterns.
Working with your GP
Eating disorders can affect physical health, so treatment works best alongside your GP, who can arrange medical checks while you're in therapy. If you need more support than outpatient sessions can offer, Ryan will talk with you and your GP about options.
Medicare Eating Disorder Plan
If you meet the eligibility criteria, your GP or psychiatrist can set up an Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plan. It gives Medicare rebates for up to 40 psychology sessions in a 12-month period, at the same rebate as a Mental Health Treatment Plan. See fees and Medicare for current amounts.
For free information and support, the Butterfly Foundation's National Helpline is available on 1800 33 4673.
At a glance
- Binge eating, bulimia, anorexia and more
- CBT-E and CBT-T
- Medicare Eating Disorder Plans accepted
- Works alongside your GP
Common questions
No. Most people with eating disorders aren't underweight, and binge eating disorder and bulimia are more common than anorexia. If eating, weight or shape is causing you distress, it's worth getting support.
Yes. CBT-E and CBT-T can be delivered by video. You'll also need regular check-ins with your GP for your physical health, which is part of good care whether therapy is online or in person.
Both give Medicare rebates for psychology. A Mental Health Treatment Plan usually covers up to 10 sessions per calendar year, while an Eating Disorder Plan can cover up to 40 psychology sessions in 12 months for people who meet the criteria.
Book a longer appointment with your GP and mention that you'd like to talk about an eating disorder. Your GP will check whether you meet the criteria and can write the plan and referral.
Other ways Ryan can help
Ready to talk to someone?
Booking takes a couple of minutes. Tell us whether you want a video or phone session and how it will be paid for, such as Medicare, WorkCover or privately, then pick a time that suits you.
Book a session