Eating Disorder Assessment Services
An eating disorder assessment is a comprehensive, structured evaluation designed to help individuals better understand their relationship with food, their body, and eating behaviors. This service is available as a stand-alone offering for those who are unsure whether their struggles meet criteria for an identifiable eating disorder, or who would like clinical clarity before committing to ongoing treatment.
Many individuals experience distress related to food and body image without knowing how to define what is happening. This assessment is appropriate for those who are struggling with behaviors such as binge eating, purging, restrictive intake, chronic dieting, compulsive exercise, fear of weight gain, rigid “clean eating,” or persistent body dissatisfaction that impacts food intake and daily functioning.
The assessment process evaluates for a range of eating disorder diagnoses, including but not limited to:
Anorexia nervosa (restricting or binge/purge type)
Bulimia nervosa
Binge eating disorder
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED)
Orthorexia (obsessive focus on “healthy” or “clean” eating patterns)
Bigorexia (muscle dysmorphia)
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
Pica
Co-occurring body image disturbances or compulsive exercise patterns
The goal of the assessment is not simply to assign a label, but to provide clarity, education, and direction. Many individuals feel relief in understanding that their experiences have a name, a framework, and evidence-based treatment pathways.
What the Assessment Includes:
The eating disorder assessment typically spans 1–3 sessions, depending on clinical complexity and history. The process includes:
A detailed clinical interview exploring eating behaviors, body image concerns, disordered eating history, medical background, and psychosocial factors
Screening measures and standardized assessment tools will be sent to you prior to appointment to fill out
Review of co-occurring symptoms such as anxiety, depression, trauma history, perfectionism, or obsessive-compulsive features
A formal diagnostic impression, when criteria are met
Personalized treatment recommendations
Referrals and resources (such as dietitians, higher levels of care, medical providers, support groups, or reading materials) as indicated
Why an Eating Disorder Assessment Can Be Beneficial
Clarity and Validation
Understanding whether symptoms meet diagnostic criteria can reduce confusion and self-doubt. Many individuals minimize their struggles because they believe they are “not sick enough.” An assessment provides objective clinical feedback.
Early Intervention
Identifying disordered eating patterns early can prevent symptom escalation and long-term medical or psychological consequences.
Treatment Planning
A clear diagnostic picture supports appropriate level-of-care decisions, whether that includes outpatient therapy, group therapy, nutritional counseling, or higher levels of care.
Insurance and Documentation Needs
For individuals seeking insurance coverage, academic accommodations, or medical coordination, a formal diagnostic assessment can provide necessary documentation.
Personal Insight
Even when full diagnostic criteria are not met, individuals often gain valuable insight into how food and body image concerns are functioning in their lives and what steps may promote healing.
Insurance and Self-Pay Options
Eating disorder assessments may be billed through insurance when appropriate, or can be completed on a self-pay basis. Coverage varies by plan. Self-pay rates are available upon request.
If you are questioning your relationship with food or your body and would like greater clarity, an eating disorder assessment can be an empowering first step toward informed and compassionate care.