Overview
The Eating Disorders Clinic is part of the New York State Psychiatric Institute, located at Columbia University Medical Center. We are a nationally recognized treatment/research program. The clinic conducts research studies on Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder and Obesity in an effort to better understand these conditions and develop more effective treatments. Patients who are interested and eligible in the research will receive treatment at no cost. The eligibility criteria for research participation vary from study to study, so interested individuals should contact the clinic to obtain more information.

Treatment
The clinic provides inpatient, day-patient and outpatient services and the staff is trained and experienced in the treatment of eating disorders. The treatment team providing inpatient and day-patient care is composed of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses, recreational and occupational therapists and research professionals. This multidisciplinary team works with patients to develop a comprehensive and meaningful goal-directed treatment plan in a structured setting. In general, the goal of treatment is to normalize weight and disturbed eating patterns. Patients participate in a variety of groups on the unit which aim to address distorted cognitions and behaviors and help patients develop skills to use after discharge from the hospital. Outpatient therapy may involve participating in a treatment study evaluating a medication or psychotherapy or may commence upon completion of research participation. These sessions typically involve cognitive-behavioral therapy with medication management led by an experienced psychiatrist or psychologist.