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Eating Disorders Consultation and Treatment Team

The Eating Disorders Consultation and Treatment (EDCT) Team at Student Health and Wellness provides care and support for students struggling with eating issues, body image, and/or exercise concerns. The team offers consultation, assessment, coordinated outpatient treatment, and assistance in accessing resources such as treatment providers in the community.

Eating issues and body image concerns involve complex emotional and physiological issues, and a multidisciplinary treatment model provides the most effective care for individuals struggling with these issues. Our team approaches eating disorders from a holistic perspective that includes psychological, psychiatric, medical, and nutritional support. 

Initial Appointments

Medical Evaluation 

The initial medical evaluation is approximately one hour and consists of a physical examination and interview regarding medical history, eating disorder treatment history, eating and exercise behaviors, and physical symptoms. Labs and other diagnostic tests may be ordered and could include assessments for anemia, electrolyte abnormalities, vitamin D level, thyroid function, heart function, and bone density.

  • To schedule an appointment for a medical evaluation, call (434) 982-3915 and request a “medical evaluation for eating concerns.”

Mental Health Evaluation

An initial mental health assessment with a CAPS is approximately 90 minutes and consists of a developmental history, assessment of current symptoms, familial and personal history, as well as psychosocial and biological issues related to current difficulties.

Additional psychiatric medication evaluations, when deemed appropriate, are scheduled through the student’s psychotherapy or medical provider. An evaluation is up to 90 minutes and includes biopsychosocial assessment and detailed review of medical and psychiatric history.

  • To schedule a CAPS appointment, call (434) 243-5150 and request an “initial assessment with an EDCT Team member.”

Nutritional Evaluation

An initial nutritional evaluation is scheduled for one hour and consists of an interview, assessment of energy needs, review of dietary intake and comparison to dietary guidelines, and collaborative goal setting. Check out our nutrition services website for more information.

  • To schedule an appointment for a nutritional evaluation, call (434) 924-1509 and request a “nutrition intake with the dietitian."

Next Steps

Each EDCT Team provider assists with treatment referrals across the team to ensure that students are appropriately connected to psychological, medical, and nutritional services. When indicated, referrals may be made for psychiatric and gynecological care, also available at Student Health and Wellness.

  • The EDCT Team meets weekly to develop care plans and recommendations tailored to each individual student’s needs. We understand that at times, eating disorder treatment may be of a longer duration or require a higher level of care than can be provided through our outpatient SHW clinic.
  • We are dedicated to connecting students to the appropriate and most helpful resources to support their needs and can assist in referrals to providers in the local community and beyond.

our team

  • Tracy Buni, Assistant Medical Director for Eating Disorders and Staff Physician, Student Health and Wellness
  • Sally Kline Armentrout, Assistant Dean, Student Services, McIntire School of Commerce
  • Ashley Barlow, Program Director of Counseling, Maxine Platzer Lynn Women's Center
  • Lucy Bassett, Associate Professor, Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy
  • Melanie Brede, Senior Nutrition Educator, Student Health and Wellness, Health Promotion & Wellbeing
  • Skye Darnell, Program Manager, Student Health and Wellness
  • Kate Deming, College of Arts & Sciences
  • John Dolan, EDECC Intern, Student Council Safety and Wellness Committee
  • Addysen Downey, Student, College of Arts & Sciences
  • Melissa Frost, Advising Dean and Assistant Professor, College of Arts & Sciences
  • Lee Llewellyn, Professor, Department of Psychology
  • Jackie Lebeau, Senior Director of Fitness and Instruction, IM-Rec
  • Kristen Mach, Nutrition Educator, Student Health and Wellness, Health Promotion & Wellbeing
  • Taylor Nichols, Education and Outreach Manager, Maxine Platzer Lynn Women's Center
  • Charles (Chris) Skipper, Personal Trainer/Instructor, Recreation
  • Kelsie Kelly Smith, Associate Dean, Office of African-American Affairs
  • Quinn Steventon, Student, School of Education and Human Development, Kinesiology
  • Faith Suhre, Assistant Dean, Housing and Residence Life
  • Amelia Walton, Staff Psychologist, Student Health and Wellness
  • Alex Winkowski, Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Fraternity & Sorority Life