Finding Help: Resources for Eating Disorder Treatment in Austin, Texas
You’re Not Alone
The journey to recovery from an eating disorder can feel daunting, overwhelming, and isolating. We hope you remember that you’re not alone, and a life of freedom and self-acceptance is within reach.
We will explore resources available for eating disorder treatment in Austin, Texas, with a special focus on the comprehensive, Health At Every Size® (HAES)-aligned care provided by Austin Center for Eating Disorders (ACED). We’ll also give you some great additional resources to help you along your way.
Understanding Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are severe mental health conditions that manifest as persistent and dysfunctional eating behaviors that negatively impact mental and physical health, emotions, and the ability to function in vital areas of life. EDs not only harm the body physically but can also devastate a person's relationship with their body and their self-image, further exacerbating the cycle of self-loathing and distress.
Moreover, eating disorders can entirely consume an individual's mind space and emotions, leaving little room for anything else. The eating disorder is commonly the person’s primary relationship. Obsessions and anxieties about food, body image or appearance, and weight can dominate a person’s mental landscape, and the intense feelings of guilt, shame, and fear can be overwhelming. This constant mental turmoil can lead to debilitating emotional turbulence and loneliness.
Eating disorders are also the most fatal mental health disorders, with high mortality rates attributed to both the direct physical complications of the disorders and the associated risk of suicide. This highlights the dire need for effective, accessible, and compassionate care for those battling eating disorders.
An essential aspect of comprehensive care is aligning with the principles of Health At Every Size®. HAES® providers recognize that health outcomes are primarily driven by social, economic, and environmental factors, rather than individual behaviors or body weight. They aim to promote intuitive eating and joyful movement, rather than focusing on weight loss. This approach helps to repair the damaged relationship between the individual and their body, fostering a healthier and more compassionate body image.
The Prevalence of Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are alarmingly common, yet often overlooked. According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, at least 30 million people of all ages and genders suffer from an eating disorder in the U.S. Every 62 minutes, at least one person dies as a direct result of an eating disorder, making these the most deadly of all mental health disorders. These staggering statistics highlight the severity and urgency of these conditions.
Against this backdrop, the need for accessible, comprehensive, and compassionate care for those battling eating disorders is more critical than ever.
Austin Center for Eating Disorders:
Your Ally in Treatment
At Austin Center for Eating Disorders (ACED), we believe in a world where everyone feels safe and at home in their body, and is able to compassionately nourish their body with satisfying foods, without hardship or distress. ACED is a dedicated team of therapists and dietitians specializing in the treatment of the full spectrum of eating disorders and related mental health issues. Our approach is firmly grounded in the principles of the Health At Every Size®, promoting body acceptance and liberation, size diversity, and overall health and well-being, irrespective of body size.
In our quest to provide the best possible client care, we collaborate closely in-house, and foster an inclusive, compassionate, anti-racist environment. While our fees reflect the high quality of our services, we firmly believe that the level of expertise and care we bring to our work makes this investment worthwhile.
Our Services and Treatment Approaches
At ACED, we recognize that eating disorders are not just about food—they are often coping mechanisms to manage distressing emotions and other mental health issues. That's why our treatment services extend beyond eating disorder therapy to also address related conditions like Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), trauma, substance abuse, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), anxiety, and depression.
Our services include nutrition therapy, psychotherapy, family coaching and support, as well as group therapy. We provide these services both virtually and in-person, depending on the preferences and needs of our clients. In our therapeutic approach, we provide individually tailored treatment plans that reflect the unique needs, preferences, and goals of each client. We utilize a range of proven methodologies, including:
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Family Based Therapy (FBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Psychodynamic Theory
Intersectional Feminist Theory
Harm Reduction
Health at Every Size® and Intuitive Eating
Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Parts Work
Relational Cultural Theory
Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT)
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
Our treatment strategies are as diverse as the individuals we serve, ensuring that every client receives the most appropriate and effective care.
Meet Our Team
Every member of our team at ACED is a master-level clinician with robust experience and skills in treating eating disorders and associated mental health issues. Our therapists and dietitians are passionate about their work, driven by a shared mission to alleviate the emotional and physical suffering caused by eating disorders. With a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and dedication, we aim to provide a supportive environment that facilitates healing, empowerment, and recovery.
Success Stories
The testament to our commitment and expertise is in the positive change we help facilitate in our clients' lives. Here are a few words from those who have experienced our compassionate care:
“If one of my loved ones were struggling with an eating disorder and needed support and treatment, Veronica would be the first clinician to come to mind. I sincerely trust Veronica's clinical judgment, expertise, and competence, and by extension, every member of her staff. I have no doubt that clients pursuing care at Austin Center for Eating Disorders feel deeply cared for, validated, and seen. I can't recommend Veronica and her team enough!” -J.S.
“Veronica provides quality care in the treatment of eating disorders and those struggling with body image and their exercise relationship. She provides inclusive and respectful care. I wholeheartedly trust Veronica and the care she provides. As a result, I hold trust in her team as they are being supported and supervised by someone with great experience and compassion.” -T.L.
“Veronica is a skilled, compassionate, and caring clinician. She has several years of experience working with folks with eating disorders, body image, and those who struggle with a disordered relationship with movement. I refer others to Veronica often, as I know she is a trustworthy and safe person that can navigate the intricacies of this work.” -L.B.
“Veronica Rocha and her team at ACED are highly skilled clinicians. Veronica has been a pillar in the ED community in Austin for years, and now she has spread the expertise in her group practice. Everyone there is knowledgeable, kind, and professional. I would highly recommend anyone at this practice for someone in need of eating disorder treatment.” -J.P.
How to Get Started
Starting or continuing your journey to recovery is as simple as clicking below to schedule a free 20 minute phone consultation. At ACED, we welcome everyone – children aged 10 and above, adults, and individuals of all genders and identities. We are strong allies of the LGBTQ+ and gender diverse communities, and some of us are members ourselves. We understand the courage it takes to seek help and assure you that your concerns will be met with understanding, empathy, and professionalism.
This first step is often the hardest and it's also the bets step towards reclaiming your health and well-being.
We’re Here for You
Eating disorders can feel like a lifelong struggle, but recovery is achievable, and you don't have to walk this path alone. At Austin Center for Eating Disorders, we're committed to providing the guidance, support, and therapeutic interventions you need to heal and foster a healthier relationship with your body and food. In a world that often perpetuates harmful beauty standards and body ideals, we offer a compassionate, inclusive space for recovery, self-acceptance, and growth.
Learn More
Resources
Center for Body Trust - Body Image website, newsletter
Maintenance Phase - Podcast on ED Recovery & HAES®
Food Psych - Podcast on Intuitive Eating & HAES®
8 Keys to Recovering from an Eating Disorder - Book
Legal disclaimer: The ACED team is comprised of mental health professionals licensed to practice in the state of Texas. Reading our blog does not create a therapist-client relationship between us. Our blog is designed for informational purposes only, and is not intended as a substitute for professional care. The contents of this blog should not be used to diagnose or treat illness of any kind, and before you rely on any information presented here you should consult with a trusted healthcare professional. If you are currently experiencing a mental health emergency please call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.