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Offered in-person & online

Our therapists offer eating disorder therapy in Lynchburg, VA

Get in-person or online care, and cover the majority of the costs with your insurance.

Get in-person or online care, and cover the majority of the costs with your insurance. Scheduling is easy — call our team and they’ll help you find your perfect match.

Connect with a therapist, psychiatrist or counselor near you
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686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks in the last year

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

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO, +6 more
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As a recent counseling graduate passionate about mental health, I understand the challenges of navigating life transitions and finding balance while j... As a recent counseling graduate passionate about mental health, I understand the challenges of navigating life transitions and finding balance while juggling personal and professional growth. Read more

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO, +6 more
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Starting therapy can be really intimidating; I'm honored you're taking the first step with me.

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO, +21 more
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am a female who understands the importance of being relatable and creating a safe place to explore feelings and emotions.

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I firmly believe that the counseling process is a collaborative one, and I am excited to walk alongside you during this journey.

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I can't fix your problems, but I can help you develop the tools you need to find a solution that works for you.

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?

Therapy in Lynchburg, VA—Counseling and Treatment for Bulimia and Anorexia

Some people may think of eating disorders as a finicky or picky phase, but that is a mischaracterization that minimizes these life-threatening disorders.

And yet, effective psychological and medical treatments are available for anorexia and bulimia. Intervention plans can be crafted to meet each individual’s needs and symptoms, but as with many disorders, the first step toward healthy eating habits and self-perceptions is gathering the courage to ask for help.

Thriveworks Lynchburg offers treatment for eating disorders. Our counselors understand the mental and physical health difficulties that an eating disorder can cause, and our goal is to provide each client with holistic care.

Anorexia and Bulimia: Diagnosing and Distinguishing

Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa may be the most well-known eating disorders, and they are often connected. They both affect men and women, and they may be accompanied by other psychological disorders such as PTSD or depression.

Eating disorders can occur in young children and older adults, but they most often develop during a person’s teen and early adult years. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) distinguishes anorexia with the following diagnostics:

  • Experiencing acute and illogical terror at the thought of gaining weight results in actions that impede healthy weight maintenance and gain.
  • Severely restricting food intake to achieve a significantly lower body weight than normal (in relationship to healthy standards for one’s sex, age, physical health, and developmental trajectory).
  • Feeling disdain for one’s body shape and weight; being unable to see one’s low body weight.

The DSM-5 distinguishes bulimia with the following diagnostics:

  • Trying to hinder weight gain through repetitive and compulsive behaviors such as misusing medications like laxatives and diuretics; fasting frequently and excessively; self-induced vomiting; or exercising obsessively.
  • Repetitive times of binge eating that involve:
    • Lost control of food intake.
    • Consuming more food than most people would consume during a similar period and circumstances.
  • A self-perception that is overshadowed by one’s weight and size.

Foundational Causes

The details of how, when, and why bulimia or anorexia surfaces in an individual are often personal, painful, and intimate. Each diagnosis is, in many ways, unique.

However, mental health professionals also speak about two general categories of causes for bulimia and anorexia that may be helpful to name: biological and environmental.

  1. Genetic predispositions, nutritional deficiencies, and irregular hormone functions are examples of biological causes.
  2. Living in a culture obsessed with body type, unrealistic ideals of beauty, family or childhood trauma, and peer pressure to be thin are examples of environmental causes.

Potential Health Problems

The cultural obsession with skinny body types does not automatically equal a cultural obsession with health. Healthy and skinny are distinct ideas, and at times, they are even at odds as the low body weight that bulimia and anorexia can cause may come with a variety of potential but severe health problems.

A handful of the health problems anorexia may induce include risk of heart failure and disease, low heart rate, abnormal heartbeat, low blood pressure, disruptions in the menstrual cycle, infertility, disruptions in the endocrine system, low white blood cell counts, anemia, premature osteoporosis, kidney damage, and premature death.

A handful of the health problems bulimia may induce include electrolyte imbalance, ulcers, kidney damage, gastroesophageal reflux disease, constipation, tooth decay, gastric rupture, and heart failure.

Counseling for Anorexia or Bulimia

Did you recognize any of the foundational causes of bulimia in your life? Do you struggle with the behaviors or self-images that characterize anorexia? You are not alone. Thriveworks Lynchburg has tailored many holistic counseling plans that have helped our clients overcome bulimia or anorexia.

Most first-time clients see their counselor within a week of their first call. We offer evening and weekend appointments, and we work with most insurance providers.

Thriveworks Lynchburg may have the support you need to overcome bulimia and anorexia. Call or book online to schedule your time with our skilled and caring counselors.

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 Lynchburg therapists and counselors accept 24 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | Exchange

  • CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS HMO

  • CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Carelon | Medicare Advantage

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

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Self-pay costs at Lynchburg
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

4.9 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
My therapist is always there for me when I need him and always helps me out of a dark place. I really appreciate him.
Tyra Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Other than an insurance issue that was quickly fixed I've had an excellent experience with Thriveworks and it's helped my mental health greatly.
Devin Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
April Gardner is very talented at her job. She really tries to you with a positive outcome and relaxation. The communication process is very convenient.
Tiffany Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I love my therapist. Also I love the experience of getting to do it in a safe space at home
Nicole Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I always learn something at my sessions and leave feeling like it was an hour well spent. My counselor is able to quickly access me and address my current needs. My improvement with this counselor has been much better than a prior one with another organization.
Read more I always learn something at my sessions and leave feeling like it was an hour well spent. My counselor is able to quickly access me and address my current needs. My improvement with this counselor has been much better than a prior one with another organization.
Cara Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I'm very happy with my counselor and the service in general. The flexibility of scheduling, the empathy and direction of Brian Hunsley has been most useful, and our therapist/patron is I improving all the time. I trust him, and that is rare in today's society.
Read more I'm very happy with my counselor and the service in general. The flexibility of scheduling, the empathy and direction of Brian Hunsley has been most useful, and our therapist/patron is I improving all the time. I trust him, and that is rare in today's society.
Renee Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My Therapist is awesome and amazing.
Dameeka Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Tiffany is easy to talk to. She's fun and laid back but makes sure the time together is what I need it to be. The ease of Thriveworks has also been noteworthy. An email reminder of the meeting with the zoom link always shows up the day before and the morning of the appointment so you don't forget!
Read more Tiffany is easy to talk to. She's fun and laid back but makes sure the time together is what I need it to be. The ease of Thriveworks has also been noteworthy. An email reminder of the meeting with the zoom link always shows up the day before and the morning of the appointment so you don't forget!
Tim Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Child Therapy Lynchburg is located on Jefferson St. in the heart of the downtown area. The James River runs directly behind our building, which we share with Zola’s Beauty Studio and Stimulus Adverstising and Web Design.

Phone number

(434) 771-0495

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • English
  • Spanish
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