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Offered in-person & online

Our therapists offer eating disorder therapy in Alexandria, 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, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS HMO, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, +19 more
LGBTQIA+, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, +13 more

I am curious to listen to assess factors that contribute to the diagnosis, to establish priorities, discuss treatments, and provide education and opti... I am curious to listen to assess factors that contribute to the diagnosis, to establish priorities, discuss treatments, and provide education and options in a holistic manner. Read more

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS HMO, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, +20 more
LGBTQIA+, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, +10 more

As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, my priority is to help break down the stigma around mental health and create a comfortable-safe env... As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, my priority is to help break down the stigma around mental health and create a comfortable-safe environment for you to share. Read more

142 more therapists available in Virginia

Give us a call to schedule your next appointment, or browse through our full list of available providers.

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?

Counseling for Anorexia, Bulimia in Alexandria, VA (Franconia)—Counseling and Therapy

There are many types of eating disorders, but bulimia and anorexia are two of the most common. Although they share many signs and symptoms, they are two distinct diagnoses.

Anorexia nervosa’s common name is simply anorexia, and according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), following characterize anorexia:

  • Inability to see the low body weight; disdain for one’s body shape or weight.
  • Intense and illogical fear of gaining weight that leads to interference with healthy weight maintenance and gain.
  • Intentionally food intake that results in a substantially lower body weight in relation to physical health, sex, developmental trajectory, and age.

Bulimia nervosa’s common name is simply bulimia, and according to the DSM-5, the following characterize bulimia:

  • A self-perception that is consumed by body weight and shape.
  • Repeating incidents of binge eating, including,
    • Eating, in a certain time period, food that is clearly more than most people could eat during the same time period and under similar circumstances.
    • Losing control over eating during the binge.
  • Repeated, inappropriate, compensatory behaviors that attempt to prevent weight gain, such as misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or other medications; self-induced vomiting; fasting; or excessive exercise.

Often, psychological challenges accompany bulimia and anorexia, for example, PTSD, depression, or anxiety. Both men and women can develop an eating disorder, and while they can surface at any point in a person’s life, they usually begin during the teen years or early adulthood.

What Causes Anorexia and Bulimia?

When a person develops an eating disorder, the cause can be unique and personal, but in general, healthcare professionals put causes into two categories: environment and biology.

Environmental causes often include childhood abuse, family trauma, peer pressure to be a certain body type, or living with unrealistic ideas of beauty.

Biological causes often include nutritional deficiencies, irregular hormone functions, and genetics.

Therapy for Anorexia and Bulimia at Thriveworks Alexandria, VA (Franconia)

While reading about anorexia and bulimia, did you recognize any of the signs, symptoms, or causes in your own life? If you or someone you know exhibits these behaviors and attitudes about their weight, it may be time to reach out for help. Thriveworks Alexandria offers therapy for anorexia and bulimia, and we are ready to tailor a treatment plan that will fit your needs.

Acknowledging a problem and seeking help takes courage, and we want to provide support, even the first time you call our office. When you dial Thriveworks Alexandria, a person will answer and help schedule an appointment that is convenient for you. We offer night and weekend appointments, and many first-time clients are able to see their therapist within a week of their first call.

Let’s work together for better health. Call Thriveworks Alexandria today.

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 Alexandria 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 Alexandria
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
★★★★★
I am extremely satisfied with my therapist. She listens and provides positive feedback. She is professional, caring, compassionate, and has a beautiful spirit!
Cynthia Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Open and honest dialog
Darren Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Mary Fields has been an enormous part of my ability to successfully handle a serious medical condition as well as a divorce after 44 years of marriage. She's a terrific counselor and I would recommend her to anyone.
Mardrey Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My therapist, Beatrice is so wonderful. It's almost like talking to a good friend, I respect her she's a fantastic listener to the point where she remember everybody's name in the conversation and I just can't believe I found such a highly professional therapist. I recommend everyone if they're looking for therapist to look into having Beatrice your therapist.
Read more My therapist, Beatrice is so wonderful. It's almost like talking to a good friend, I respect her she's a fantastic listener to the point where she remember everybody's name in the conversation and I just can't believe I found such a highly professional therapist. I recommend everyone if they're looking for therapist to look into having Beatrice your therapist.
Lennia Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Very pleased with everything
Beecher Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
The dashboard needs to be a little more user friendly as far as updating the information and information about the appointments info.
John Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
She listens
Elizabeth Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Dee is amazing - she's been really helpful. What could be a LOT better is booking future appointments in the portal. It's NOT intuitive or easy.
Laura Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Alexandria is located off of Franconia Rd., just behind Oak Tree Plaza. We share a building with MRM Associates. Right next door to us is a MakeSpace, and the closest bus stop is at Franconia Rd. & Beulah St.

Phone number

(703) 454-8246

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • Portuguese
  • English
  • Korean
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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Thursday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:30pm

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