Eating Disorders Clinic
Established in 1970, the Donald Delaney Eating Disorders Clinic is dedicated to the specialized care of preadolescent and adolescent patients ages 10-21 years with suspected eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating. Patients should know they are not alone and so should parents.
Our Providers
Our pediatric specialists provide personalized care for your child’s physical, mental and emotional health needs.
Contact Information
For appointments, please call 1-888-884-BEAR (2327) and for information, call 202-895-3896.
Compassionate Care for a Complex Condition
A common misunderstanding is that all who suffer from eating disorders are motivated by a desire to look a particular way. In fact, there are multiple reasons why a teen or even a younger child may have an eating disorder, including social pressures, psychological and biological causes.
Eating disorders can eventually become life threatening in the absence of care, and treatment from health professionals is critical for proper mental and physical development.
We recognize the complexity in diagnosing and treating eating disorders. Our team emphasizes a personal approach to care that addresses the unique needs of each patient. The clinic’s highly qualified multidisciplinary team includes experts in psychology, medicine, and nutrition to treat the physical and emotional aspects of the disorder, while also educating and empowering patients to live a healthier lifestyle.
Nurturing Healthy Bodies and Minds
Over the course of a few visits, our specialists complete the initial evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment plan. The evaluation may include diagnostic interviews with the patient and parents, self-report questionnaires, and medical examinations. The frequency of visits is determined by the severity of illness, but most patients begin treatment on a weekly basis and taper that schedule as the condition improves. Patients can also opt into using animal-assisted interventions during evaluations or treatment sessions so patients and families can interact with therapy dogs during visits.
In addition to an initial evaluation and diagnosis, our services include:
- Coordination with outside doctors, therapists, and nutritionists
- Individual psychotherapy
- Inpatient hospitalization (if necessary)
- Medication evaluation and monitoring
- Nutritional counseling
- Parent counseling
- Referral to other specialists (if needed)
Conditions We Treat
Understanding your child's condition is an important step on your treatment journey. Learn more about causes, symptoms and diagnosis for a variety of conditions, as well as unique treatments and research being performed at Children's National.
Eating Disorders Clinic Nutrition Appointments
When you come to your child's appointment, please bring any consult notes from your child's pediatrician, including growth charts, food records, lab results and other important documents about your child’s condition, medications and treatments.
Connect With Us
For billing and insurance, please call 202-745-8860. To reach the administration line, please call 202-476-2178.
Resources for Your Child’s Wellbeing
Explore the signs and symptoms of eating disorders, and discover recommended reading to help you learn more.
Help Your Child Grow Up Stronger
Read about everything parents need to know about kids' health, straight from our experts at Children's National Hospital.