After receiving a diagnosis from a GP or other health professional,  the next step is starting on an appropriate course of treatment as soon as possible.

Treatment pathways and approaches for children and young people will depend on the age of the individual, the eating disorder diagnosis and a the circumstances of the family involved.  

In general, treatment will involve a combination of the following: 

• Psychotherapy (therapy, counselling or psychological intervention usually through a psychologist, psychiatrist or mental health social worker) 
• Physical health management and referral coordination (usually through a GP or paediatrician)  
• Nutritional counselling (usually through an Accredited Practicing Dietitian)  
• Self-help (learning and avoiding triggers, applying coping skills, attending support groups etc.) 

Sometimes it can be trial and error to find what works best for you or your loved one. It’s important not to give up trying when it comes to treatment. 

Please note that all information provided on this page is relevant to children, adolescents and young adults living in Victoria only. Different states have different pathways to access care.  

The Victorian public health system (CYMHS and CAMHS) is generally well equipped to treat eating disorders in young people with evidence-based approaches. The specialist training of treatment teams and established treatment pathways in the public health system can help guide and support families through what can be a confusing and challenging time.

Public health services do not require out of pocket fees for families, making treatment through these services a cost effective option. They also offer multidisciplinary teams, which can include clinicians such as psychologists, dietitians, social workers, psychiatrists and occupational therapists.

For these reasons, EDV often encourage families to explore treatment in the public health system as the first port of call. 

CYMHS  and CAMHS

Your local area will have either a CYMHS (Child and Youth Mental Health Service, up to age 25) or a CAMHS  (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, up to age 18). Your GP will likely manage the referral to your local CYMHS or CAMHS team, however you can also self-refer through your local triage line. To find the details of your local service, visit the Victorian Government website here.  

The local CYMHS or CAMHS will coordinate the appropriate treatment for the young person. This treatment may take place in the community (for example at home through Family Based Treatment), or in a hospital inpatient or outpatient program.

Public hospital programs

The following public hospitals provide both outpatient care and access to specialist inpatient care for children and adolescents with eating disorders: 

• The Austin Hospital
• Monash Medical Centre
• The Royal Children’s Hospital
• Box Hill Hospital

 The following public health services also have dedicated Eating Disorders Treatment Programs for children and adolescents: 

• Barwon Health Eating Disorder Service– for those aged between 12-25 who live in the catchment area of Barwon Region 
• The Royal Children’s Hospital Eating Disorders Program– for adolescents and their families living in the catchment area of the North Western Metropolitan Region 
• Alfred Health Eating Disorders Program – for those aged up to 24 in the areas of Bayside, Glen Eira, Melbourne, Port Philip, Kingston and Stonnington.

headspace

headspace centres are located throughout Victoria and provide free, confidential mental health support services for young people aged between 12 & 25 years. headspace is often a great starting point for young people who are needing mental health support and can be an entry point into CAHMS and CYMHS services.

To find your local headspace, please see here.

Treatment for a child or adolescent is certainly possible in the private health system. Treatment models, such as FBT, are available through private practitioners such as psychologists and social workers. The Medicare subsidies available through the Eating Disorder Plan also enable private care to be more affordable for families.

Some private inpatient treatment facilities will start taking patients from the age of 16.

As always, we recommend working with your GP or leading treating clinician to find the treatment setting that will work best for the young person and the family. If you need help finding private practitioners in your geographic area, please get in touch with the EDV Hub.

The current demand for eating disorder treatment in Victoria has meant that many people are struggling to access care or are on extensive waitlists.

EDV understands the frustration and concern many individuals and families are experiencing due to demand in the mental health system. If you are caring for a loved one and are struggling to access treatment, we strongly encourage you to access the range of services EDV has on offer for carers and families.

With the support of EDV, you can learn skills to support your loved one’s recovery even before they commence formal treatment. Carers, particularly parents, are a vital part of the treatment team of a young person. We can help you feel confident and skilled in your caring role.

Understanding the treatment system in Victoria can be overwhelming. If you are a parent or caregiver and are looking for someone to talk to, or some additional guidance, please get in touch with us. We offer a broad range of support services specifically for carers.