Find a Mental Health Professional for Eating & Food Relationships

About Eating & Food Relationships support

Eating disorders and difficult relationships with food are serious mental health conditions that are treatable with appropriate professional support. This category covers anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), orthorexia, and a broader range of disordered eating patterns that may not meet a formal diagnostic threshold but significantly affect quality of life. Eating disorders have among the highest mortality rates of any mental health condition, and early intervention significantly improves outcomes. If you are concerned about yourself or someone you care about, please seek support sooner rather than later. The Butterfly Foundation's helpline (1800 33 4673) provides immediate support and referral guidance. Treatment in Australia often involves a multidisciplinary team including a psychologist or therapist, dietitian, and GP working together. Evidence-based approaches include Family-Based Treatment (FBT) for younger people, CBT-E (Enhanced CBT for eating disorders), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Maudsley Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults (MANTRA). Medicare rebates apply with a Mental Health Treatment Plan, and NDIS may fund support where the eating disorder results in significant functional impairment. Telehealth is available with some practitioners, though in-person care is often preferred for medical monitoring.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find an eating disorder psychologist or therapist in Australia?

Start with your GP, who can assess your situation, provide medical monitoring, and issue a Mental Health Treatment Plan. The Butterfly Foundation (1800 33 4673) can also help you find eating disorder specialists in your area. You can search this directory filtering for the eating disorders category to find practitioners with specific training in this area.

Is eating disorder treatment covered by Medicare or NDIS in Australia?

Yes to both in many cases. A GP Mental Health Treatment Plan provides Medicare rebates for up to 10 psychology sessions per year, which can be extended with clinical justification. People with eating disorders may also apply for the Medicare-funded Eating Disorder Plan, which provides up to 40 psychology sessions per year for those who meet the clinical criteria. NDIS funding may also apply where the eating disorder causes significant functional impairment.

What is the difference between disordered eating and an eating disorder?

Disordered eating refers to a range of irregular or unhealthy eating patterns, such as frequent dieting, emotional eating, or food anxiety, that do not meet the full diagnostic criteria for a clinical eating disorder but still affect wellbeing. An eating disorder is a diagnosable condition (such as anorexia, bulimia, or ARFID) with specific clinical criteria. Both can benefit from professional support, and a psychologist or GP can help you understand what you are experiencing and what level of care is appropriate.