Eating Disorder Dietitian | Eating Disorders Victoria
Home ~ Find support ~ EDV Dietetics Clinic

EDV Dietetics Clinic

Home ~ Find support ~ EDV Dietetics Clinic

Why EDV dietetics?

“I feel like the dietitian understood the circumstances and looked at me as an individual rather than just another person with an eating disorder, she was really able to put things into perspective from a psychological and holistic point of view in which I am truly grateful to be able to consider.” – EDV dietetics client

What is EDV Dietetics?

EDV offers a private dietetics clinic based out of our office in Abbotsford, Melbourne. Medicare rebates are available and our fees are lower than those recommended by the Dietitians Association Australia (DAA). Clinicians who sub-contract their services at EDV’s Dietetics clinic are experienced and knowledgeable in the treatment of eating disorders.

The Dietetics clinic operates as a social enterprise. We do not receive any government funding to run this service. Any profit made goes directly back into EDV to fund our community services.

Below we’ve answered some of the frequently asked questions about EDV dietetics services.

Who is EDV dietetics for?

Anyone who wants to change their relationship with food and their body through receiving nutritional information, education and individually tailored dietary advice.

How do I make an initial appointment?
  1. Call the EDV Hub on 1300 550 236 or
  2. Complete our online form and we will get in touch with you to discuss an appointment.
How many sessions can I have?

You are welcome to attend EDV dietetics for as long as you need.

If you are eligible to claim through Medicare you will need to discuss your rebates with your doctor. Find out more here.

If you have private health insurance, you may be eligible for additional rebates depending on your provider.

Where do sessions that place?

This depends on which clinician you see. There are options for both telehealth and in-person sessions at our office in Abbotsford. Learn more about accessibility requirements at our office here.

How will it help me?

Dietitians understand how your body works and how nutrition plays an important part in wellbeing and recovery from an eating disorder.

They will work collaboratively with you to develop knowledge, strategies and skills around food, eating and nutrition.

What is the approach of the EDV dietitian?

Our dietitians practices a non-diet approach.

A non-diet approach is as the name describes, an approach that discourages dieting. It teaches people to eat intuitively and develop a healthy relationship with food by looking at all foods equally rather than certain foods being good or bad. This also helps encourage flexible eating and feeling more relaxed around food which is important for recovery. One of the great aspects of this approach is that it encourages self-compassion and kindness to ourselves, which is incredibly important in the recovery process.

Principles of the non-diet approach will be incorporated throughout the appointments, however certain steps such as ensuring nutritional adequacy may need to come first before you can start exploring intuitive eating.

What are the fees?

First session: 55-minute session – $145 / $125 concession

Follow up sessions: 45-minute session – $108.75  / $88.75 concession

The concession discount of $20 is available to full time students, and Health Care or Pension cardholders with proof of evidence.

All fees are payable at the time of appointment. We accept cash, Visa and Mastercard. If you are claiming a Medicare rebate, this can be processed at the time of payment.

We understand that it can be difficult to afford ongoing therapy, and our fees are lower than those recommended by the Dietitians Association Australia (DAA). You may be eligible for a Medicare rebate of $54.60 per session for up to 20 sessions through an Eating Disorder Plan (EDP). Please speak to your GP or you can find out more here. 

Note: fees as of 01/01/2021. If you have a Medicare referral it is important that EDV receives this information prior to your appointment to avoid extra charges and for rebates to be processed on time.

Will my private health fund cover any of the cost?

That depends on your level of cover. Please consult your individual fund for further information.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?

If you have to cancel your appointment at short notice, we are unable to offer your place to someone else. The following cancellation fees will apply:

0-24 hours notice:       Full fee payable

24-48 hours notice:     50% of fee payable

Please call EDV reception on 1300 550 236 option 2 if you need to cancel your appointment.

What will I be asked to agree to?

You can read our Client Rights and Responsibilities here. 

Want more information?

Read EDV's Clinic Factsheet

Make an appointment - new client

To make a first appointment, please submit an enquiry form below. Someone from the EDV Hub will get in contact with you to arrange a pre-appointment screening. This is conducted in a 10-15 minute phone call. The screening helps ensure the dietitian is prepared with some background information before meeting you.

There may be a waiting period at the time of your enquiry for your first appointment. You will be informed of the current wait time when you undergo the screening.


Make an appointment - existing client

If you are an existing client you can make an appointment by calling EDV reception on 1300 550 236 option 2.

Information for GPs

To support a patient with a referral, we encourage you to use the Eating Disorder Care Plan template provided by the InsideOut Institute:
https://insideoutinstitute.org.au/resource-library/eating-disorder-care-plan  

When complete, please send to:
Email: reception@eatingdisorders.org.au
Fax: (03) 9086 7937

Address: EDV Dietetics or Eating Disorders Victoria
Level 2, CFC Community Centre
Corner Lulie & Abbot Sts, Abbotsford VIC 3067

Please note: Clients are required to do a screening with the EDV Hub before a referral is accepted into the system.

If you would like support finding an alternative dietitian for your patient, please contact the EDV Hub on 1300 550 236 or email hub@eatingdisorders.org.au

Clinic feedback

Have you being attending sessions at the EDV clinic for mental health or dietetics support? We would love to hear about your experience.

The information you provide will remain anonymous, unless you request to speak with us about your feedback.

Complete our short feedback form

Meet the EDV dietetics team

Danielle Defina

Accredited Practising Dietitian
Bachelor of Science (Nutrition)
Master of Science (Dietetics)

Danielle Defina is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian with a special interest in Eating Disorders and Paediatric Nutrition. Danielle has worked across Melbourne within private practice, community health and disability services.

Danielle’s career in health and wellness started when she realised the importance of a healthy relationship with food. After recovering from an eating disorder, Danielle had a vision to help those develop a positive mindset when it came to food and nutrition, and achieving their health and wellness goals. She is a mother of two young girls and absolutely loves working closely with individuals and families, providing ongoing support.

Danielle has a mission of providing wholistic and integrative nutrition care. She endeavours to empower individuals and families into beginning a new journey of health and happiness by providing the knowledge and tools to make life long sustainable changes to diet and lifestyle, whilst also building a healthy relationship with food. She has a strong passion in working with individuals to develop healthy eating habits, and to reject the notion of our diet culture.

Aneela Panhwar

Accredited Practising Dietitian
Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics 

Aneela graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics in 2012 and has been an Accredited Practising Dietitian for 10 years. During this time, she has enjoyed working with clients of all ages and community groups.

Her passion lies in assisting clients to understand their relationship with food and empowering them to use nutrition as a means to achieving their life goals.

She enjoys working with complex health needs and has particular interests in eating disorders, chronic pain, trauma and neurodiverse people. The basis of her work is respecting her clients, uniquely approaching barriers to healthy eating and developing individualised treatment plans.

Aside from her work as a dietitian, Aneela is a lifelong foodie. Her hobbies include exploring local cafés with friends, trying out new recipes on family, and passing on her knowledge of food and cooking to anyone willing to listen.

Was the page helpful?

Get recovery support delivered directly to your inbox.

 

Join our thriving newsletter community by subscribing to our Recovery or Carer newsletters today.