Australia’s first online national directory of Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinicians, connect·ed, has just been launched to help people experiencing eating disorders identify and access the right treatment at the right time.
The Australia & New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders (ANZAED) and the National Eating Disorders Collaboration (NEDC) developed connect·ed in response to consultation with people with lived experience of an eating disorder, their supports and health professionals.
The site also houses the new ANZAED Eating Disorder Credential and ANZAED president, Dr Siân McLean, said that together the two new resources will help ease the process of seeking appropriate care.
“The Credential is a milestone for eating disorder professionals and people seeking treatment around Australia, including in regional areas,” Dr McLean said.
“Finding and connecting with a mental health professional or dietitian who is trained in eating disorder management can be challenging, often impacting on the recovery journey of people living with an eating disorder.
“We know that finding the right treatment when it’s needed increases the chance of timely intervention, a faster recovery journey and positive treatment outcomes – connect·ed allows people experiencing an eating disorder to search with confidence and connect with the right treatment for them.”
The credentialing system and website were developed with funding support from the Australian Government Department of Health, with the criteria for the Credential based on ANZAED’s Clinical Practice and Training Standards for the treatment of eating disorders and the NEDC Workforce Core Competencies.
“The ANZAED Eating Disorder Credential recognises minimum standards required for clinical practice, and, importantly for people seeking treatment or professionals seeking referrals, will help build the eating disorders workforce.” Dr McLean said.
“Since applications for the Credential opened to clinicians in November 2021, over 600 mental health professionals and dietitians across public and private settings have been recognised as credentialed eating disorder clinicians.
“We are thrilled to see the directory now live.”
The new platform also supports referrers such as GPs, paediatricians, counsellors, and mental health helplines to easily locate a mental health professional and/ or dietitian to provide treatment for people experiencing an eating disorder.
GP, Dr Krishna Ghosh, said connect·ed would greatly help her refer patients to mental health professionals and dietitians experienced in treating eating disorders.
“For GPs like me, finding the right treatment provider is often down to word of mouth. We do the best we can to help get our patients into treatment – having this resource at our fingertips will make all the difference,” Dr Ghosh said.
Eating disorder clinicians who have received the ANZAED Credential are searchable by location and can indicate if they offer in person or telehealth services, whether they are taking appointments, and if they have a waiting list or their books are currently closed.