Eating Disorder Therapy For College Students

Eating Disorder Therapy for College Students

Serving Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania, Florida, New York and Recovery Coaching Worldwide.

College can be an exciting and transformative time—but for many students, it also marks the onset or worsening of eating disorders. Between academic pressures, social comparison, body image struggles, and newfound independence, students often face unique challenges that can fuel disordered eating and co-occurring mental health concerns.

At The Eating Disorder Center, we specialize in evidence-based, compassionate therapy for college students navigating eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, ARFID, and OSFED. We understand the intersection of identity development, trauma, stress, and perfectionism that often plays a role during the college years—and our approach is rooted in empowerment, flexibility, and real healing.

Why Eating Disorders Often Begin or Escalate in College

The transition to college brings sudden changes in routines, living environments, and food access. Students may be away from home for the first time, juggling intense academic demands, and managing anxiety, depression, or past trauma—all of which can contribute to disordered eating behaviors. For many, it's also the first time they've had to navigate meals independently, making mealtime a source of stress rather than nourishment.

Without support, eating disorders can quickly take over a student’s life—impacting their physical health, relationships, academic performance, and emotional well-being. But full recovery is possible, and it starts with specialized care.

How We Help College Students With Eating Disorders

Our therapists are experts in eating disorder treatment and offer a warm, inclusive space where students can feel safe exploring their relationship with food, body image, and self-worth. We integrate:

• Health at Every Size® (HAES)-informed care
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
• Trauma-informed approaches​

We collaborate with dietitians, medical providers, and families when appropriate, and we work with students whether they are living on campus, commuting from home, or attending school virtually.

Eating Disorder Therapy for College Students in:

• Maryland (Rockville, Bethesda, Potomac, and surrounding areas)
• Virginia (including Arlington, Fairfax, Alexandria, and more)
• Washington, D.C.
• Pennsylvania
• Florida
• New York

Wherever you're studying in these states, our licensed therapists can support you through secure virtual sessions that fit your busy schedule.

Eating Disorder Recovery Coaching Available Worldwide

For students outside of our licensed therapy states—or for those looking for an additional layer of support—we also offer virtual eating disorder recovery coaching worldwide. Coaching is a flexible, action-oriented service designed to support students in building coping tools, challenging disordered thoughts, and staying accountable to recovery goals.

We frequently support students from colleges and universities throughout the regions we serve.

• In Maryland, this includes students attending University of Maryland, Montgomery College, and Johns Hopkins University.
• In Virginia, we work with students from George Mason University, Marymount University, University of Virginia, and Northern Virginia Community College.
• In Washington, D.C., we support those at Georgetown University, George Washington University, American University, Howard University, and Catholic University.
• In Pennsylvania, we serve students from University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, Drexel University, Penn State, and Villanova University.
• In Florida, we help students from University of Florida, University of Miami, University of Central Florida, and Florida State University.
• In New York, we work with students from New York University (NYU), Columbia University, Fordham University, Barnard College, and SUNY schools.

Whether you're on campus or back home for break, our virtual therapy and coaching services are here to support your recovery journey.

You don’t have to navigate this alone.
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Whether you're away at school or living at home, our team is here to help you reclaim your relationship with food and your body, rebuild self-trust, and rediscover joy.

Reach out today to get matched with a therapist or coach who can help.

get help

"Jennifer and her team are nothing short of excellent and are highly skilled therapists and coaches that lead with the utmost compassion and professionalism. As a professional counselor for over 12 years, I have become very discerning whom I refer clients to for mental health care. The Eating Disorder Center continues to be up to date on the best methods and treatment of eating disorders and co-occurring issues and is a leader in the eating disorder recovery world. I trust anyone on this team to help in the best way possible."

-Erica Wilcox, LPC, Therapist & Founder of Wilcox Wellness 


"The Eating Disorder Center is the top in our nation. The clinicians there are true experts in treating eating disorders. They are kind compassionate and knowledgeable! I highly highly recommend."

-Gabrielle Morreale, MA, LPC, Founder of Recovered and Restored Eating Disorder Therapy Center
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"The Eating Disorder Center provides some of the highest quality care in our region. My colleagues and I regularly refer to the clinicians here for eating disorders!"

-Tana Clarke, PhD, Psychologist, Founder of Waypoint Wellness

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"Jennifer and her team are top-notch. They are skilled in the treatment of eating disorders, body image concerns, anxiety, and more. As a therapist myself, I would trust a family member with this team. 10/10 recommend!"

-Laura Deneen, LPC, Therapist and Founder of Anchored Counseling Company

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Therapy for eating disorders in Rockville, Maryland. Serving Potomac, Bethesda, Gaithersburg, and Montgomery County. Specializing in the treatment of eating disorders in Annapolis, Chevy Chase, Germantown, and Olney.
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Therapy for eating disorders in Arlington, Virginia. Serving McLean, Vienna, Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Leesburg, Purcellville, and Herndon. Specializing in the treatment of eating disorders.