Eating Concerns
We understand that thoughts, behaviors, and symptoms related to food and body image can be challenging, and we are here to help.
Our integrated care team of mental health providers, psychiatrists, medical providers, and nutritionists follow evidence-based best practices for the treatment of eating concerns. We work together toward the student’s overall recovery. No matter where you start, we’ll help you on your recovery journey – referring you to other services, as needed.
Schedule an appointment
For mental health support, call 608-265-5600 (option 2)
For medical support, call 608-265-5600 (option 1)
Mental health support
The appointment series consist of three appointments to explore your relationship with food, exercise, and body, identify a potential diagnosis, develop treatment recommendations, and connect you with resources. To get connected, schedule an Access Appointment by calling 608-265-5600 (option 2) or by logging into MyUHS.
Appointment 1: Assessment Intake
This appointment is an overview of how UHS Mental Health Services’ treats eating disorders and an in-depth exploration of your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions related to food, exercise, and body. You may be asked to sign releases of information if you have a previous treatment team outside of UHS.
Appointment 2: Assessment Follow-up
During this appointment you will meet with the same provider you met with at the Assessment Intake and they will gather more information about your mental health history. They will discuss diagnosis and treatment recommendations, which may include a higher level of care in the community.
Appointment 3: Care Management
During the final appointment, you will meet with a care manager who will help you navigate connecting to the resources recommended in your assessment. This includes helping you understand coverage available through insurance or other affordable options, and providing you support until you connect to care in the community.
Eating Concerns Support Group
A space for students to explore their relationship with food, movement, and their bodies, and connect with peers around these shared experiences. Group facilitators are mental health professionals that foster a space that is open, affirming, and recovery-oriented for all members, with a focus on helping group members provide one another with encouragement and shared accountability. Anti-diet and Health at Every Size principles are foundational to the group.
To join, schedule pre-group orientation by calling 608-265-5600 (option 2) or by logging into MyUHS.
UHS utilizes a brief care model. This means that while we do not have a specific session limit, we aim to give students the tools and support need to manage their concerns in counseling sessions in less than a semester. Students who require more specialized eating disorder treatment may be referred to providers outside of UHS to ensure they receive the most appropriate level of care. A UHS Care Manager is available to help guide students and connect them with the services off-campus.
To get connected, schedule an Access Appointment by calling 608-265-5600 (option 2) or by logging into MyUHS.
Medical support
While we are not an eating disorder treatment facility, we do offer medical services for managing symptoms and medical complications associated with eating concerns.
During an outpatient medical assessment, a healthcare provider evaluates weight changes, vital signs, hydration, nutrition, heart rate, blood pressure, laboratory tests, and possible complications affecting the heart, bones, gastrointestinal system, or other organs.
A registered dietitian may develop a structured eating plan to restore adequate nutrition, correct nutrient deficiencies, and establish regular eating patterns. For more information, please visit Nutrition Services.
Medications may be used for certain co-occurring conditions such as depression or anxiety. Medication generally works as part of a broader treatment plan rather than replacing nutritional and psychological treatment.
Care coordination services offered for management of referrals and insurance help. Care coordinators help students establish a treatment team, facilitate seamless communication among entire treatment team, provide support for students and their families, and ensure students receive holistic and coordinated care.
UHS offers monitoring services to students who have an established diagnosis of an eating disorder and who currently are in the care of an existing treatment team. We can work collaboratively with your treatment team to monitor weight, vital signs, and provide support while you are here on campus.
Typically, you will first meet with a UHS RN Care Coordinator to be your guide to establish care with us. You will be asked to sign a release of information form for us to share information with your treatment team. You will also be asked to sign an agreement that identifies an action plan should your eating disorder worsen.
Medical clearances for a higher level of care: UHS can provide medical evaluation for students needing medical clearance for admission to an eating disorder treatment program. This typically includes a physical examination, blood work, EKG, and urine screening.
Community support
Badger Recovery offers support and connection for students in recovery from substance use, eating concerns, or addictive behaviors. We embrace all definitions of recovery, whether that is abstinence or harm reduction, and offer a welcoming and judgment-free space to support students on their personal recovery journey. Through social events, peer-led recovery meetings, and coaching from staff with lived experience in recovery, our collegiate recovery program helps students not only maintain their recovery and achieve their academic goals but also thrive and find belonging on campus.
Listen to learn more about eating concerns and mental health