Working With Your Healthcare Provider
Starting the Process
Making the decision to approach your healthcare provider about concerns you are having around food and body image can be an important step in getting the support and resources you need. Here are some resources to help you start the process.
Finding a Healthcare Professional
If you are looking for a new care provider, you may ask if they have had experience working with eating disorders before and if they feel comfortable working with you or if they would like to refer you to a specialized provider.
Be sure to ask specific questions about their expertise in eating disorders and whether they follow best practices as therapy approaches may widely vary.
Public Healthcare Providers
and Services
Alberta Health Services offers two eating disorder programs, which are free of charge – one in Edmonton, and one in Calgary. Both require a referral from a family doctor.
Finding a Physician
You can search the Find a Physician site at the College of Family Physicians or for General Practitioners through the Primary Care Network.
Private Healthcare Providers
and Services
Many services are offered by privately-funded care providers, such as psychologists and dietitians who specialize in eating disorders; registered social workers, nurses and psychiatric nurses, and occupational therapists may also provide counselling and/or support services.
Before your appointment
Before you head to your appointment, there are some questions you may want to think about to make sure you are able to best communicate with your practitioner.
Questions to ask your practitioner
- What is your training/background/experience working with individuals experiencing an eating disorder or disordered eating?
- Are you HAES (Health At Every Size) aligned?
- Do you collaborate with other professionals and what does the process look like?
- How will family members/the support system be integrated into care and treatment?
Questions for yourself before your appointment
The first appointment with a healthcare professional can feel scary. Here are some questions you can think about beforehand to help make the conversation more comfortable.
Take our online questionnaire or download the PDF version below.
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