Finding a Psychologist for Eating Disorder in Brisbane

Q: How do I find an eating disorder psychologist in Brisbane?

You can ask your GP for a referral or search professional directories such as the Butterfly Foundation’s Find a Professional and the National Eating Disorders Collaboration (NEDC) service locator. These resources help you connect with qualified psychologists in Brisbane who specialise in eating disorder treatment [7].

Q: What support services are available for eating disorders in Brisbane?

Brisbane offers a range of public and private eating disorder services, including QuEDS, community mental health teams, and private psychology clinics. National supports are also available, such as the Butterfly Foundation helpline on 1800 33 4673 and recovery programs, which operate seven days a week [3][4].

Q: How do I find an eating disorder clinic in Brisbane?

Start by speaking with your GP for local referrals or searching the NEDC service directory. Brisbane has public options, such as services connected with major hospitals, as well as private multidisciplinary eating disorder clinics offering coordinated care [7].

Q: What does an eating disorder psychologist do?

An eating disorder psychologist helps individuals address unhelpful thoughts and behaviours related to food, body image, and self worth. Treatment may involve evidence based therapies such as CBT, DBT, and family based approaches, often in collaboration with dietitians and medical professionals for comprehensive care [7].

Q: Can eating disorders be effectively treated with therapy?

Yes. Therapy is highly effective, particularly when started early. Because more than 80 percent of adults with eating disorders also experience another mental health condition, psychologists use integrative treatment approaches to support both eating disorder recovery and overall mental health, improving long term outcomes [2][5].

nurturedthoughts
Jan 3
6 min read

Living with an eating disorder can feel like a constant tug of war between guilt, control, and exhaustion. You might find yourself stuck in a loop of fear around food or body image, unsure where to start or how to ask for help. Finding an eating disorder psychologist in Brisbane is one of the most empowering steps you can take toward breaking that cycle. This kind of specialised support helps you rebuild a healthier, kinder relationship with food, your body, and yourself.

Eating disorders are far more common than many realise. Around 1 million Australians, approximately 4% of the population, experience an eating disorder each year [1]. Of these, 67% are women, and these conditions are now recognised as the third most common chronic illness among young women [1]. Behind every statistic is someone who deserves help, understanding, and proper care.

Many women delay seeking support because they think their struggles are not serious enough, or because they feel ashamed. But early intervention truly matters. Over 80% of adults with eating disorders also have another mental health condition such as anxiety or depression [2]. A psychologist trained in eating disorder treatment can help you manage both, providing therapy that focuses on the emotional and behavioural roots of your condition while supporting your overall wellbeing.

Eating Disorder Support Brisbane, Available Services and Resources

If you live in Brisbane, you are not without options. There are a variety of dedicated services designed to support you, whether you need immediate help, specialist care, or ongoing recovery support.

Here is what is available locally:

Queensland Eating Disorder Service, QuEDS: This public service provides assessment and treatment programmes for adults. Their approach is multidisciplinary, involving psychologists, dietitians, and doctors who work together to help you heal [4].
Community Mental Health Teams: These local teams deliver outpatient therapy that focuses on both eating and body image concerns. They are ideal if you want consistent, structured support.
Butterfly Foundation Helpline: Available 7 days a week, Butterfly’s national helpline 1800 33 4673 offers free, confidential support and can connect you with psychologists and dietitians in Brisbane [3].
Online Directories: The National Eating Disorders Collaboration, NEDC, and Butterfly Foundation have online locators that list accredited eating disorder psychologists in Brisbane, making it easy to find someone close to you.
GP Referrals and Medicare Plans: A GP can refer you to a psychologist and help you access an Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plan, which provides Medicare rebates for therapy and dietetic sessions [6].

For more detailed guidance, see our upcoming blog on how to prepare for your first psychology session.

Find an Eating Disorder Clinic in Brisbane, What to Look For

When choosing a clinic or psychologist, it is important to look for professionals who specialise in eating disorders. Not every therapist has the training to treat the unique psychological and physical aspects of these conditions.

A good eating disorder clinic or practitioner should:

Highlight Eating Disorder Specialisation: Check that their website clearly states expertise in eating disorder care and that they are accredited by organisations like ANZAED.
Offer Evidence Based Therapies: Look for clinics using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, CBT, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, DBT, or Family Based Therapy, FBT. These approaches are recommended across Australian clinical guidance and sector resources for treating eating disorders [7].
Work as a Team: Eating disorders often affect both body and mind, so multidisciplinary care, with psychologists, dietitians, and medical practitioners, is essential.
Provide a Safe and Supportive Environment: The right psychologist should make you feel heard and respected from your very first consultation.

In Brisbane, options include public clinics such as those at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, as well as private centres offering tailored therapy programmes. For a comprehensive list of local treatment providers, refer to the NEDC or Butterfly Foundation directories [7].

Steps to Seek Eating Disorder Help in Brisbane

Taking the first step toward help can feel daunting, but breaking it into smaller actions makes it more manageable.

Speak to Your GP: Your doctor is a good first contact point. They can assess your physical health, discuss your concerns, and refer you to an eating disorder psychologist. A GP can also initiate an Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plan so you can access Medicare rebated psychology and dietetic sessions [6].
Use Helplines for Immediate Support: The Butterfly Foundation’s helpline 1800 33 4673 and chat service are excellent first steps if you are not ready for a face to face conversation yet. These services operate 7 days a week and can guide you to appropriate local care [3].
Find the Right Therapist: Search the Butterfly or NEDC directories for a qualified psychologist in Brisbane who has experience treating eating disorders. Ask about their therapeutic approach and experience during your first call.
Begin Therapy: Evidence based treatments like CBT and DBT help you develop a healthier mindset and coping skills. FBT can be effective for young adults and families [7].
Build Your Support Network: Healing happens faster when you feel supported. Involve family, friends, or join peer groups in Brisbane that focus on recovery. You might also explore self care strategies like journalling, mindful eating, and short walks to reduce stress.

If you are unsure where to begin, remember that reaching out to your GP or even calling a helpline is progress.

Benefits of Working with an Eating Disorder Psychologist in Brisbane

Seeing an eating disorder psychologist is about more than talking through your struggles, it is about learning to rebuild trust with yourself. These professionals understand that eating disorders often develop from a mix of emotional pain, perfectionism, or self criticism.

Through therapy, you can:

Replace self blame with self compassion.
Address the emotional patterns that fuel disordered eating.
Learn how to manage triggers in practical, achievable ways.
Develop resilience against future setbacks.

Because eating disorders can lead to serious physical and mental health complications, such as low bone density, heart problems, or elevated suicide risk, getting early support is crucial. Studies show that starting therapy early significantly increases the likelihood of full recovery [5]. With specialised care, healing is not just possible, it is sustainable.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find an eating disorder psychologist in Brisbane?

You can ask your GP for a referral or explore professional directories such as Butterfly Foundation’s Find a Professional and NEDC’s service locator. These resources help you connect with qualified, local psychologists who specialise in eating disorder care [7].

What support services are available for eating disorders in Brisbane?

Brisbane offers both public and private services, including QuEDS, community mental health teams, and private psychology clinics. You can also access national supports like the Butterfly Foundation helpline 1800 33 4673 and recovery workshops, available 7 days a week [3][4].

How do I find an eating disorder clinic in Brisbane?

Start by consulting your GP for local referrals or use NEDC’s directory. Public options like the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital are available, as well as private multidisciplinary clinics [7].

What does an eating disorder psychologist do?

An eating disorder psychologist in Brisbane helps you uncover and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours about food, body image, and self worth. They use therapies such as CBT, DBT, and FBT while coordinating with dietitians and doctors for holistic care [7].

Can eating disorders be effectively treated with therapy?

Yes. Therapy, particularly when started early, is highly effective. Because over 80% of adults with eating disorders also live with another mental health condition, psychologists use integrative approaches to address both, improving long term recovery outcomes [2][5].

At Nurtured Thoughts Psychology, we work with women across Brisbane who are ready to overcome the cycle of guilt, anxiety, and fear around food. Our team offers personalised, evidence based therapy designed to help you find peace with your body and rebuild confidence in yourself.

If your symptoms feel severe or are worsening, please seek immediate help from your GP, your nearest emergency department, or the Butterfly Helpline at 1800 33 4673 [3].

Disclaimer: This article is informational only and does not replace professional psychological advice. If experiencing severe emotional distress, seek immediate support from a qualified healthcare professional.

References

[1] Eating Disorders Victoria. 2024. Eating disorder statistics and key research. Eating Disorders Victoria. https://eatingdisorders.org.au/eating-disorders-a-z/eating-disorder-statistics-and-key-research/

[2] National Eating Disorders Collaboration. 2021. Comorbidity and eating disorders. National Eating Disorders Collaboration. https://nedc.com.au/eating-disorders/eating-disorders-explained/comorbidity

[3] Healthdirect Australia. 2024. Butterfly Foundation, partner profile and helpline hours. Healthdirect. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/partners/butterfly-foundation

[4] Queensland Health. 2025. Queensland Eating Disorder Service, QuEDS. Queensland Health. https://www.health.qld.gov.au/clinical-practice/referrals/statewide-specialist-services/queensland-eating-disorder-service-queds

[5] Rowe, E. 2017. Early detection of eating disorders in general practice. Australian Family Physician, 46, 11, 833 to 838. Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2017/november/early-detection-of-eating-disorders

[6] National Eating Disorders Collaboration. 2021. Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plans, Medicare items. National Eating Disorders Collaboration. https://nedc.com.au/eating-disorders/treatment-and-support/assessment-and-treatment-planning/eating-disorder-treatment-and-management-plans

[7] InsideOut Institute. 2024. Treatment options for eating disorders in Australia, CBT, DBT, FBT and stepped care pathways. InsideOut Institute. https://insideoutinstitute.org.au/understanding-eating-disorders/treatment