Eating Disorders and Body Image Issues Resources
The content on this page is for people seeking treatment options for eating disorders and body image related issues. Organizations on the list appear because individuals on the Body Image Week steering committee are aware of them. It is for the sole purpose of providing starting points to explore treatment services. Appearance on the list (and order of appearance) is not a recommendation or review of the organizations. Please thoroughly investigate any treatment services in advance.
Virginia Tech provides education, awareness, prevention, and patient support services regarding eating disorders and body image. We do not have the facilities to provide eating disorders treatment. To learn more about our patient support services and to discuss appropriate treatment options available, please contact us below.
Healthy Eating and Assessment and Referral Team (HEART) at Virginia Tech
HEART is a multidisciplinary team that seeks to provide confidential support and referral services to students at Virginia Tech who are struggling with disordered eating behaviors. The team is made up of medical providers, counselors, registered nurses, a dietitian, a fitness specialist, and a case manager.
Schiffert Health Center
Schiffert Health Center offers nutrition counseling with our on-site Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist Justin Parks. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please reach out to the Schiffert Health Center at 540-231-5696
Cook Counseling Center
Cook Counseling Center provides services for Virginia Tech students regarding many concerns in their lives through individual and group counseling services, as well as self care and support techniques and psychiatric services. For a consultation regarding eating issues and body image concerns, schedule a Cook Connect appointment by calling this number: 540-231-6557.
The Body Project Workshop Series
The Body Project is a 2 part workshop series (2-2 hour sessions) that provides a forum for women to confront unrealistic appearance ideals and develop healthy body image and self-esteem. It has repeatedly been shown to effectively reduce body dissatisfaction, negative mood, unhealthy dieting and disordered eating.
If you have concerns related to disordered eating and body image, here is a private online screening. While it is not diagnostic, and we always recommend speaking further with a professional about your concerns no matter what the screening says, many individuals find this to be a great place to start.
NEDA Eating Disorders Screening Tool - from the National Eating Disorders Association
These organizations are well known advocates and resources for those seeking more information about eating disorders and body image issues.
NEDA: National Eating Disorders Association
The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders. NEDA supports individuals and families affected by eating disorders, and serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures and access to quality care.
National Alliance for Eating Disorders
The National Alliance for Eating Disorders is the only national organization in the country to provide free, weekly, clinician-led eating disorder support groups for friends and family support, pro-recovery, and LGBTQ+ recovery.
Project HEAL
Project HEAL offers scholarships for individuals who need financial assistance in getting treatment.
International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals
International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP) provides a directory of certified professionals to help connect individuals with care.
Residential programs are for individuals who need medical and therapeutic support beyond that provided by lower levels of care. Residential programs typically involve staying overnight as part of their services. Typically residential programs have many different services that include meals, snacks, medical support, therapy, nutrition services, and therapeutic groups to help support recovery.
Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) provide daytime support for individuals with eating disorders who are stepping down from the residential level of care or who need more support than outpatient care can provide. These programs typically occur during work or school hours most days of the week, and consist of meal support, therapeutic groups, and sessions with individual providers (physician, therapist, dietitian).
Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) provide group support multiple times per week for individuals who need more intensive support than outpatient treatment alone. Many programs include at least one meal in a supportive setting, therapeutic groups, and meetings with individual providers (therapist, dietitian).
Outpatient programs typically offer individual counseling and dietitian services for individuals who are seeking eating disorder treatment. Outpatient providers are often the first point of contact for individuals seeking help for an eating disorder for the first time.
The following resources are places to look for more information about outpatient providers, such as therapists and dietitians, within the community. Be sure to ask about a provider’s specialty in eating disorders, or ask for referrals to eating disorder specialists.
Local Blacksburg Counselors
Mary Amtower, PhD, LPC | Healing Tree Counseling
Mary@HTCounseling.com | 100 Hubbary St. Suite C, Blacksburg, VA 24060 | 540-808-3382Megan Propps, LPC | Life in Balance Counseling & Wellness Center
125 Akers Farm Rd. Suite D, Christiansburg, VA 24073 | 540-381-6215Sarah Kate Valatka, MA, LPC
102 Broce Dr. Blacksburg, VA 24060 | 864-339-9692Jennie Zabinsky, MAEd, RD | Eating Disorder Dietitian
blissnutritionjs@gmail.com | 708 S Main Street, Blacksburg, VA 24060 | www.blissnutritionjz.comKarla Soukup, MS, LMFT | Eating Disorder Dietitian
708 S Main Street, Blacksburg, VA 24060 | 540-953-5090More available by searching the VT Community Provider Database. In the "Area of Expertise" menu select "Eating Disorders" and press the SEARCH button
Cook Connect Appointment - Referrals to local (or national) providers often occur during appointments with a CCC counselor.