We wish you maximum success in finding information on and assistance with eating disorders and recovery. Everyone has to begin in order to eventually succeed. We hope that the following sections on Treatment (referrals), Organizations, and Research Programs provide you with the meaningful resources you may need.

Treatment

    Often the best place to start with treatment is a family doctor for a proper health risk evaluation and a local psychotherapist referral. There are, very unfortunately, no absolute guarantees who will be the best therapist for a particular client. Connecting with the therapist on a semi-personal basis is often an important key to a client's successful recovery. At minimum, a three person assistance team should be formed including the family doctor, a psychotherapist, and a supporting friend or spouse. (Occasionally, a dietitian may be added if necessary.) The sufferer's comfort level with all three team members cannot be stressed enough; this will determine the speed and the reality of the recovery. The sufferer's general disposition and the pace of the recovery will be indicative of this comfort level. Be prepared for a long recovery ride with numerous ups and downs, zig zags, and periodic regressions. More information on therapy, team formation, and monitoring may be found in our Trilogy's third book. Also, the following numbers are provided mainly for treatment referral services:

(800) THERAPIST Network

IAEDP — International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals, FL
(800) 800-8126 or http://www.iaedp.com

Renfrew Center's National Referral Network
(800) 323-8415 or http://www.renfrew.org

Organizations

    These organizations may be contacted for information, support, psychotherapist referrals, and possible financial assistance:

AED — Academy for Eating Disorders, VA
(703) 556-9222 or  or http://www.aedweb.org

ANAD — National Association of Anorexia & Associated Disorders, IL
(847) 831-3438 or http://www.anad.org

ANRED — Anorexia Nervosa & Related Eating Disorders, Inc., OR
http://www.anred.com

Eating Disorders Referral and Information Center, CA
(858) 792-7463 or http://www.edreferral.com

FREED — Family Resources for Education on Eating Disorders, MD
(301) 493-4568

Healing Connections, NY   Note: raises money for sufferers needing aid.
(212) 585-3450

National Eating Disorders Association (merged AABA, EDAP, & NEDO), NY & WA
(800) 931-2237 or http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

OA — Overeaters Anonymous, NM
(505) 891-2664 or http://www.overeatersanonymous.org

Research Programs

    Often eating disorders sufferers and their supporters need to find the most economical treatment programs. Occasionally, major universities, especially those with hospitals, will offer free treatment and possible compensation to individuals in exchange for participation in research studies. These programs should be thoroughly evaluated for their potential to provide improvement for those afflicted. A short list of such universities includes the following:

Columbia University, NY    (212) 543-5416

Johns Hopkins University, MD    (410) 955-5212
or http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/psychiatry/specialty_areas/eating_disorders/

Medical University of South Carolina    (800) 424-6872

New England University    (617) 636-5770

Stanford University, CA    (650) 498-5089

University of Colorado    (303) 315-4087

University of Iowa    (319) 353-6314
or http://www.uihealthcare.org/eatingdisorders/

University of Minnesota    (612) 627-1991

University of Pennsylvania    (215) 898-7314