How to become an eating disorder counselor

Is becoming an eating disorder counselor right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do eating disorder counselors do?

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How to become an Eating Disorder Counselor

Becoming an eating disorder counselor involves several educational and licensure steps. Here is a general guide to help you pursue a career as an eating disorder counselor:

  • Obtain a Bachelor's Degree: Start by earning a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Social Work, or a related field. During your undergraduate studies, consider taking courses that focus on mental health, abnormal psychology, counseling techniques, and human development.
  • Pursue a Master's Degree: To become a licensed professional counselor or clinical social worker, you will need to earn a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology, Social Work, or a related discipline. Look for programs accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
  • Gain Experience and Supervision: After completing your Master's degree, most states require a certain number of supervised clinical hours or post-graduate experience in counseling. During this time, you'll work under the guidance of a licensed counselor, gaining hands-on experience in the field.
  • Obtain Licensure: Licensure requirements vary by state, so check the specific regulations in the state where you plan to practice. Typically, you'll need to pass a licensing exam, such as the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam, and meet other state-specific criteria.
  • Specialize in Eating Disorders: While working toward licensure, seek opportunities to gain experience and training specifically related to eating disorders. This could involve taking additional courses or workshops focused on eating disorder treatment and attending relevant conferences or seminars.
  • Continue Professional Development: Stay updated with the latest research and advancements in the field of eating disorders. Pursue continuing education opportunities to enhance your knowledge and skills in working with individuals with eating disorders.
  • Consider Certification: While not mandatory, you might also consider obtaining additional certifications related to eating disorders, such as the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP) certification.
  • Join Professional Organizations: Joining professional organizations related to eating disorders can provide valuable networking opportunities, access to resources, and support from colleagues in the field.

Certifications
There are several certifications available for eating disorder counselors that can demonstrate specialized expertise and knowledge in the field. Here are some prominent certifications:

  • Certified Eating Disorders Specialist (CEDS): Offered by the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP), the CEDS certification is designed for professionals who demonstrate expertise in the treatment of eating disorders. To become a CEDS, candidates must meet specific education and experience requirements and pass a rigorous examination.
  • Certified Eating Disorder Registered Dietitian (CEDRD): This certification, also provided by the IAEDP, is specifically for registered dietitians who specialize in eating disorder treatment. Candidates must meet certain criteria related to education, clinical experience, and specialized training in eating disorders.
  • Certified Specialist in Family and Maternal Mental Health (CSFMMH): Offered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), this certification is designed for counselors who work with families and individuals during pregnancy, postpartum, and with maternal mental health concerns, including perinatal eating disorders.
  • Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC): Also provided by the NBCC, this certification is available to mental health counselors, including those who work with individuals with eating disorders. Candidates must meet specific educational and clinical experience requirements and pass the corresponding exam.
  • Certified Specialist in Clinical Hypnosis (CSCM): Offered by the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH), this certification is for professionals, including counselors, who incorporate hypnosis techniques into their therapeutic practice, which may be useful in treating certain aspects of eating disorders.
  • Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP): Provided by the International Association of Trauma Professionals (IATP), this certification is suitable for counselors who work with individuals who have experienced trauma, which can be relevant for understanding trauma-related issues in eating disorders.