USU Forms Eating Disorder Treatment Team

Utah State University has formed an Eating Disorder Treatment Team to offer services to students who may be in need. The team is headed by Brooke Parker, a Registered Dietician in Nutrition Services at Student Health and Wellness. Also part of the team are Connect, Assist, Refer, Empower (CARE) Managers Morgan Walton (LCSW) and Chelsey Ritner (Psy.D.), Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) Therapists Charley Bentley (Ph.D.) and Monique Frazier (Ph.D.) and Leah Dunagan and Amy Crosbie, representatives from athletics.

“The main goal for this team is to coordinate the best personal care for any student struggling with an eating disorder,” Parker said. “Treatment objectives can be discussed frequently and proper courses of action can be set in motion in a very timely manner when the whole team is able to discuss situations together. Although the services offered to students have not changed, we are now equipped with more information and collaboration resources to be able to do a better job.”

Eating disorders can represent a serious health risk. Studies have shown that having an interdisciplinary team of professionals is best practice for providing care to students managing eating disorders. Having a team of specialists seeing the same student allows for coordinated care, meaning an improved ability to provide the most appropriate care for students.

“Eating disorders are very complex mental health challenges that often bring a lot of physical challenges into the picture as well,” Parker said. “It is pivotal that experts can relay their insights and wisdom to each other in order to achieve the best outcome for the student. Thus far we have experienced some amazing progressive moments because we have supported and enhanced each other’s actions of care at the same time. I would highly recommend a student have their case discussed by multiple members of a team for the greatest level of care.”

Students who are concerned about their eating patterns or relationship with food can get connected to the team by contacting Counseling and Psychological Services (435-797-1012) or by making a Nutrition Services appointment at the Student Health and Wellness Center (435-797-1660).

If you or someone you know is concerned about a student that may be struggling with an eating disorder or other mental health concern, or otherwise needs additional support connecting with resources, file a Student of Concern Report to get the student connected with the CARE team.