Find a Mental Health Professional for Eating & Food Relationships

About Eating & Food Relationships support

Finding an eating disorder specialist in Australia is an important first step toward recovery. Eating disorders are among the most medically serious mental health conditions, but they respond well to early, specialist-led treatment and outcomes improve significantly when support is sought early. Conditions covered here include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), orthorexia and disordered eating patterns that significantly affect daily life even without a formal diagnosis. Practitioners listed in this directory work with adults, adolescents and families across Australia and have specific experience in the psychological and relational dimensions of eating disorder recovery. Treatment in Australia typically involves a team approach. A psychologist or therapist works alongside a GP and often a dietitian to address both the psychological and physical aspects of recovery. Evidence-based approaches include CBT-E (Enhanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for eating disorders), Family-Based Treatment for young people, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and schema therapy. Most eating disorder psychologists in Australia accept Medicare rebates through a Mental Health Treatment Plan. NDIS funding may also apply where the eating disorder results in significant functional impairment. If you need immediate support, the Butterfly Foundation helpline (1800 33 4673) is available seven days a week.

Support resources

• Butterfly Foundation

  Australia's national charity for eating disorders and body image concerns. Provides the national helpline (1800 33 4673), treatment referral guidance and resources for people and families affected by eating disorders.

• InsideOut Institute

  Australia's national centre of excellence for eating disorders, publishing clinical treatment guidelines and training resources used by practitioners across the country.

Further reading

• Types of Therapy Explained

  A plain-English guide to the main therapy approaches used in Australia, including CBT, DBT and trauma-informed care.

• How to Get a Mental Health Care Plan

  How to access Medicare-rebated therapy sessions through your GP, including what to expect and how many sessions you can access each year.

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.

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

An eating disorder is a clinical diagnosis such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or ARFID, where specific diagnostic criteria are met. Disordered eating describes patterns of harmful or distressing eating behaviour that affect a person's life but may not meet the threshold for a formal diagnosis. Both are worth taking seriously and both respond well to professional support.

How do I find an eating disorder psychologist in Australia?

You can search this directory for practitioners who list eating disorders as a speciality and filter by location, telehealth and funding type. Your GP can also refer you through a Mental Health Treatment Plan, which gives access to Medicare rebated sessions. The Butterfly Foundation helpline (1800 33 4673) can also provide referral guidance if you are unsure where to start.

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.

Does Medicare cover eating disorder treatment in Australia?

Yes. A GP can provide a Mental Health Treatment Plan that gives access to Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual therapy sessions per calendar year with a registered psychologist, social worker or occupational therapist. A GP may also be able to refer to a dietitian under a chronic disease management plan. NDIS funding may apply for eligible participants where the eating disorder significantly affects daily functioning.

What treatments work best for eating disorders?

The most evidence-based approaches include CBT-E (Enhanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for eating disorders), Family-Based Treatment for adolescents, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and the Maudsley Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults (MANTRA). Treatment is most effective when it addresses both the psychological and physical aspects of recovery, typically through a team of a psychologist or therapist, GP and dietitian working together.

Can I access eating disorder treatment via telehealth in Australia?

Many eating disorder specialists in Australia offer telehealth sessions, which is especially useful in regional and rural areas where specialist services are limited. Telehealth is covered by Medicare rebates in the same way as in-person sessions. Practitioners often prefer in-person care where close medical monitoring is needed, and will discuss the most appropriate format with you at assessment.