eating disorder assessment
Getting Started with Eating Disorder Treatment
Taking the first step towards support can feel difficult, especially if you are unsure whether your experiences are “serious enough” or whether you need a diagnosis first. At The London Centre, you do not need a referral or a formal diagnosis to seek help. Many people contact us simply because they are worried about their relationship with food, eating, or body image. We welcome self-referrals and support individuals and families at every stage of difficulty. Our aim is to make the process of starting eating disorder treatment clear, supportive, and free from pressure.
Getting in Touch
Making contact does not commit you to treatment. For many people, the first step is simply gathering information and understanding what support might be available. Our team understands that reaching out can feel daunting, and we aim to ensure that every initial interaction is supportive, respectful, and guided by your needs.
Before Your First Appointment
Before your first appointment, we will ask you to complete a short questionnaire. This helps us understand a little more about your situation, including the difficulties you may be experiencing and any preferences you have for treatment.
The information you provide allows us to match you with the most appropriate clinician from our multidisciplinary team. We consider factors such as clinical expertise, availability, and any specific needs you may have.
This step is designed to make the first appointment as helpful as possible. By understanding your situation in advance, your clinician can focus your initial session on the areas that matter most to you.
Session Number and Length
For example, some evidence-based approaches for body dysmorphic disorder or bulimia may typically involve around 20 sessions of therapy, while treatment for anorexia nervosa may often involve closer to 40 sessions. These figures are intended only as general guidance rather than fixed timelines.
Your clinician will discuss treatment expectations with you and review progress regularly. The aim is always to ensure that support is tailored to your individual needs, with flexibility to adjust the pace or approach as treatment progresses.
The number of sessions necessary for treatment vary from person to person. We are happy to discuss our recommendations in your assessment session. However, treatment for BDD is typically 10-20 sessions, treatment for bulimia is typically 16 – 20 sessions, and treatment for anorexia is typically 40 sessions. If you have had previous treatment or you have been unwell for a long time, it may be longer, whilst people with milder eating disorders/ body image issues may need fewer sessions.
Sessions are typically 50-60 minutes long, and we recommend weekly sessions.
Initial Assessment
What Happens After the Assessment
Following the assessment, your clinician will discuss their understanding of your situation and explain the treatment options that may be appropriate. Recommendations are always made collaboratively and with your preferences in mind.
You will have the opportunity to ask questions, reflect on the information shared, and decide what you would like to do next. Some people choose to begin treatment soon after the assessment, while others take a little time to consider their options.
Our aim is to ensure that you feel informed, supported, and able to make the decision that feels right for you.
For some individuals, particularly those experiencing significant changes in weight, eating patterns, or nutritional intake, physical health monitoring may be recommended alongside therapy.
This may involve liaison with your GP or other healthcare professionals to ensure that any physical health risks are monitored appropriately. In some cases, we may also recommend appointments with trusted private medical partners who specialise in supporting individuals with eating disorders.
Physical monitoring is an important part of ensuring safe and effective care. Where it is needed, we work collaboratively with medical professionals to ensure that psychological and physical aspects of recovery are supported together.
Physical Health Monitoring
Starting Treatment
If you decide to proceed after your assessment, your clinician will work with you to develop a personalised treatment plan. Starting eating disorder treatment usually involves regular therapy sessions focused on understanding the factors maintaining the eating difficulty and developing strategies to support recovery.
Treatment plans are reviewed regularly to ensure that support remains aligned with your needs, goals, and progress..
Start your journey
Taking the Next Step
Reaching out for help can feel like a significant step, especially if you are still unsure about what support you might need. Many people begin simply by booking an initial assessment to better understand their situation.
Whether you feel ready to begin treatment or are still exploring your options, our team is here to help you take the next step when the time feels right.
