VCU Launches New Eating Disorder Clinic to Address Local Needs

Haynos, who joined VCU in 2022 after directing research operations at a leading eating disorder center at the University of Minnesota, recognized the lack of accessible eating disorder treatment in Virginia. This prompted her to create the clinic under VCU’s Center for Psychological Services and Development, which also addresses conditions such as anxiety, depression, and trauma.

The clinic operates on a sliding scale payment system and is staffed by supervised students from VCU's psychology Ph.D. program. Patients are treated for various eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, using research-backed therapeutic methods both in-person and virtually.

Haynos stated, "Opening a clinic for eating disorders is not just a training opportunity for students; it fills a major gap in mental health care available in Richmond and Virginia."

Eating disorders are complex and difficult to treat, particularly anorexia, which has one of the highest mortality rates among psychiatric disorders. The clinic employs evidence-based treatments and draws on Haynos' research regarding the psychology of eating disorders. She emphasized that individuals with these disorders often have deeply ingrained rigid thought processes, making recovery challenging.

Haynos is investigating the brain's role in these disorders, utilizing MRI technology to study how rigid thinking is manifested in individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and eating disorders. Her research aims to identify the underlying mechanisms that lead to these mental health issues.

The clinic also seeks to improve patients' relationships with fulfillment by employing innovative therapy techniques like positive affect treatment, which helps shift patients' mindsets from restrictive behaviors to finding joy in everyday activities. Haynos is currently conducting trials on two groups of patients transitioning to outpatient therapy.

Graduate students at the clinic receive hands-on experience, working with approximately 15 to 20 clients each year. Urban notes the importance of this training, stating, "It’s a unique opportunity to be trained in evidence-based treatment and offer support to clients."

Additionally, the clinic collaborates with patients’ primary care providers and engages with families of minor patients. The approach aims to offer compassionate care and decrease stigma surrounding eating disorders, addressing the needs of individuals who may not meet all clinical criteria for a diagnosis. According to graduate student Amanda Makara, the clinic strives to ensure that patients do not feel shame about their conditions.