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686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a eating disorders can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Good news! We have 61 therapists in Virginia available for an online or in-person session.

Starting Eating disorders

What is eating disorder therapy?

Eating disorder therapy is a specialized approach aimed at assisting those who are grappling with a range of eating disorders. These disorders are significant mental health conditions characterized by irregular or unhealthy eating patterns and an intense focus on body weight and shape. Common conditions addressed in Eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).

How does eating disorder therapy work?

At Thriveworks, Eating disorders begins with a thorough assessment and personalized treatment plan. Central to eating disorder therapy is psychotherapy, often employing cognitive behavioral therapy and other specialized techniques to target negative thought patterns.

Signs of an eating disorder

The signs of an eating disorder can include:

  • Drastic weight changes
  • Preoccupation with food and body image
  • Binge eating or extreme dieting
  • Excessive exercise
  • Social withdrawal and secrecy around eating
  • Physical and emotional symptoms like fatigue and anxiety

What is the success rate of CBT for eating disorders?

CBT’s remission rate, according to some research, is generally between 50-30% for those seeking assistance for eating disorder symptoms.

What is the recovery rate for people with eating disorders?

The recovery rate for those seeking assistance with eating disorders depends entirely on the individual’s involvement in sessions, the severity of their symptoms, and their willingness to change their eating habits and relationship with food.

Is eating disorder therapy conducted in person or online?

Eating disorder therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does eating disorder therapy last?

The length of Eating disorders will vary from one person to the next, dependent on their specific needs. Your therapist can help to determine what might be most beneficial for you.

Need more help deciding?

Eating Disorder Therapy – Counselors and Therapists in Hanover, VA

Eating disorders are serious illnesses that can endanger a person’s life and lead to severe disruption in an individual’s lifestyle. Eating disorders can distort a person’s body image and lead to unhealthy eating habits that often derail an individual’s overall diet.

Thriveworks Hanover offers comprehensive treatment for common eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. Schedule a session online today, or simply give us a call to get the assistance you deserve.

Anorexia nervosa

People with anorexia nervosa may have body image distortions and view themselves as overweight when they in fact are not. This obsession with losing the weight often leads to starvation or restrictive diets that help them reduce the excess weight they see.

Symptoms include:

  • Extremely restricted eating
  • Extremely underweight
  • Refusal to maintain a normal or healthy weight
  • Fear of gaining weight
  • Distorted body image and self-esteem
  • Thinning of the bones
  • Anemia
  • Brittle hair and nails
  • Severe dry skin
  • Severe constipation
  • Low blood pressure
  • Heart damage
  • Brain damage
  • Organ failure
  • Fatigue
  • Infertility

Bulimia nervosa

Individuals who suffer from bulimia nervosa struggle with overeating and subsequently vomit to rid themselves of the excessive eating binge. Bulimia nervosa individuals also use laxatives or diuretics, fasting, exercise, to help control their weight. Unlike anorexia nervosa, individuals with bulimia nervosa typically maintain what is considered a healthy or relatively normal weight.

Symptoms include:

  • Inflamed and Sore throat
  • Swollen neck and jaw area
  • Worn tooth enamel and tooth decay
  • Acid reflux disorder and other gastrointestinal problems
  • Intestinal issues
  • Dehydration
  • Electrolyte imbalance

Binge-eating disorder

Individuals who struggle with binge eating disorder have little control over their eating habits and typically have issues with excessive weight gain or obesity. These individuals do not work to rid themselves of the excess weight they gain from eating. Binge-eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States.

Symptoms include:

  • Eating unusually large amounts
  • Eating even when you’re not hungry
  • Eating until you’re excessively full
  • Eating alone or hiding binges from friends or family
  • Feeling guilty about your eating
  • Frequent dieting

Risk Factors

Eating disorders commonly begin during teen or young adulthood. They are more prevalent in women than men, although men can struggle with eating disorders as well.

Women who obsess over body image may be more likely to develop an eating disorder.

Treatments and Therapies

There are number of treatments available to patients with eating disorders at Thriveworks. These treatments often include nutrition counseling and reducing harmful excessive activities that are triggered by the eating disorder such as excessive exercise and vomiting. Treatment plans are customized to individual needs and may include the following:

  • Individual, group, and/or family therapy
  • Referrals for nutritional counseling
  • Psychoeducation
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

With proper treatment, eating disorders can be brought under control and better managed. Reach out to Thriveworks Ashland for assistance with eating disorder symptoms—you can give us a call or simply schedule online to get started.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Ashland therapists and counselors accept 4 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • United Healthcare | Optum

  • United Healthcare | Optum EAP

Self-pay costs at Ashland
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.5 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
Sarah Hawkins is a very compassionate person. She always encouraged me to try my hardest to solved my problems using her advise. I am bless for having her as my therapist.
Read more Sarah Hawkins is a very compassionate person. She always encouraged me to try my hardest to solved my problems using her advise. I am bless for having her as my therapist.
Sarah Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Ms. Brenda, is a outstanding MHP, she takes times to listen and gives outstanding advice. She always give suggested reading and the reading has helped tremendously.
Read more Ms. Brenda, is a outstanding MHP, she takes times to listen and gives outstanding advice. She always give suggested reading and the reading has helped tremendously.
ROBERT Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I had reached out to several therapists to find one that would fit. My therapist Noel, reached out and explained on what methods she uses to help with certain issues. She is a great fit for me and I am looking forward with working with her.
Read more I had reached out to several therapists to find one that would fit. My therapist Noel, reached out and explained on what methods she uses to help with certain issues. She is a great fit for me and I am looking forward with working with her.
Lynn Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have looked so long for a new counselor and finally found a wonderful therapist through thrive works… Rhiannon Price has been working with me and has helped me so much
Read more I have looked so long for a new counselor and finally found a wonderful therapist through thrive works… Rhiannon Price has been working with me and has helped me so much
Michelle Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I really like my therapist Patricia Colby. She is so easy to talk to, and has a flexible schedule. She is understanding and really puts you at ease.
Read more I really like my therapist Patricia Colby. She is so easy to talk to, and has a flexible schedule. She is understanding and really puts you at ease.
Danielle Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My view with Dr. Young was a real eye opener.
Randy Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My therapist has helped me a lot and I'm going to continue with my session to approve myself even more
Read more My therapist has helped me a lot and I'm going to continue with my session to approve myself even more
Natasha Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I was very satisfied with first session/consultation with my therapist. I feel confident she will address my needs and look forward to working with her.
Read more I was very satisfied with first session/consultation with my therapist. I feel confident she will address my needs and look forward to working with her.
Marjorie Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Ashland is located in the same building as Ashland Internal Medicine, A16 Coding Training Institute, Primis, Edward Jones Financial Advisor, H&R Block, Commonwealth Clinic, and a USPS collection box. Nearby is a Food Lion grocery store, Best Dry Cleaners, Petco, Burkes Outlet, and Virginia ABC Store. A Truist bank is also nearby, as well as Fire & Chicken, El Azteca Ashland, and Starbucks restaurants. Across N Washington Highway is a Hardee’s and Wawa. South of the location is the intersection of N Washington Highway and England Street.

Phone number

(804) 531-3165

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • English
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm

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Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm

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