Adult eating disorder treatment & self-referrals
Eating Disorder Treatment and Support for Adults
Recognising that you may need help with eating or body image can feel difficult as an adult. You might feel unsure whether your difficulties are “serious enough,” worry about being judged, or feel conflicted about seeking support at all. Many adults live with these experiences quietly for a long time.
This page is here to help you understand more about eating disorders in adults, and how you can access confidential, specialist support through self-referral if and when you feel ready.
Eating Disorders in Adults
Eating disorders affect adults of all ages, backgrounds, and life circumstances. While they are often associated with adolescence, many people experience eating disorders in adulthood, whether difficulties began earlier in life or developed later on.
For some adults, challenges with food, weight, or body image have been present for many years. Others may notice these difficulties emerging during periods of stress, life change, illness, or emotional strain.
Regardless of how long these experiences have been present, support can still be helpful. Eating disorders in adults deserve understanding, care, and appropriate treatment at any stage.
When to Seek Support
It can be difficult to know when it might be helpful to speak to a professional. Many adults minimise their experiences or feel that they should be able to manage alone.
You might consider seeking support if eating, weight, or body image concerns are affecting your daily life, emotional wellbeing, or relationships. For example:
You do not need to reach a crisis point before asking for help. Seeking support earlier can make a meaningful difference.
Adult Eating Disorder Treatment
Adult eating disorder treatment usually begins with an initial assessment to understand your experiences, concerns, and goals. From there, treatment may involve psychological therapy and, where helpful, input from other specialists such as dietitians or psychiatrists.
In an outpatient setting, treatment is designed to fit alongside everyday life. Sessions are typically weekly or spaced at intervals that feel manageable and appropriate.
Treatment focuses not only on eating behaviours, but also on the underlying emotional and psychological factors. The approach is collaborative, with an emphasis on supporting change in a way that feels realistic and sustainable.
Self-Referral for Eating Disorder Treatment
You do not need a GP or professional referral to access support. Many adults choose eating disorder self referral as a direct and confidential way to seek help.
Self-referral simply means contacting the service yourself to request an assessment. Our team will guide you through the process, answer any questions, and help you understand the next steps.
For many people, being able to access support independently makes the process feel more straightforward and within their control.
What to Expect from an Assessment
An eating disorder assessment is an opportunity to talk openly about what has been happening for you. It typically includes a discussion of your current concerns, your experiences with food and body image, your wider wellbeing, and any relevant personal history.
You will also be asked about your goals and what you hope might change.
Assessments are collaborative and respectful. The aim is to build a shared understanding of your situation and consider what type of support might be most helpful.
Attending an assessment does not commit you to ongoing treatment, it simply allows you to explore your options and make an informed decision about next steps.
Ongoing Support and Treatment Planning
Following assessment, a personalised treatment plan is developed based on your needs and preferences. This may include regular therapy, multidisciplinary input, or other forms of structured support.
Plans are flexible and reviewed over time. As circumstances change, the approach can be adapted to ensure that support remains relevant and effective.
What If I’m Struggling to Make Changes?
In some cases, this may involve building on psychological therapy by adding other specialist input – for example, working alongside a dietitian to support nutritional change, or a psychiatrist to review mood, anxiety, or physical health.
If more structure is needed, we may recommend a higher level of outpatient support, such as our Intensive Outpatient Programme. This provides more frequent input alongside practical support such as meal support or recovery mentoring.
Where outpatient support is not sufficient, we can also explore more intensive options, including day programmes or inpatient treatment. We have established links with trusted services in the UK and internationally, and can support you in understanding these pathways.
Treatment is not one-size-fits-all. If something isn’t working, there are other options – and we will work with you to find the right level of support.
Start your journey
Take the First Step
Reaching out for support can feel daunting, especially if you feel unsure whether your difficulties are “serious enough” or whether treatment will be right for you.
If eating or body image difficulties are affecting your life, you do not have to manage them alone. Support is available, and taking the first step towards an assessment can be a meaningful place to begin.
Helpful resources
There are all sorts of resources out there that might be helpful whilst you are in recovery. This includes useful apps, helpful worksheets, or sheets that you may be asked to fill in as part of your treatment. See below for some downloadable resources, and for links to some useful websites.
Downloadable Resources
Useful Links
