Services

Eating Concerns

Students who present with concerns related to eating, exercise and body image may consider assessment for an eating disorder diagnosis. Eating disorders are complicated medical and psychological issues that affect a wide range of individuals. The Office of Student Life is invested in supporting students who may be struggling with eating concerns to positively impact overall wellness and assist them in achieving their life goals.

While Student Life’s Counseling and Consultation Service (CCS) can assess for and recommend levels of care based on presenting concerns for students who present with eating disorders, students should plan to use their private health insurance or the OSU Student Health Insurance for ongoing care in the local Columbus community. Those whose disordered eating is a secondary diagnosis, not acute, or is being well maintained through other treatment, may benefit from conjunctive services at CCS to include workshops or participating in CCS Group Counseling.

Screening and Linkage

For a brief consultation regarding eating and/or body image concerns, current Ohio State students may schedule a Let’s Talk consultation directly with psychologist, Dr. Kristen Swope.

Students should begin their treatment by completing a CCS phone screening to determine the most appropriate level of care based on their presenting concerns, frequency of behaviors, duration of symptoms, etc. Students will be notified at the end of their phone screening of the recommendation for care. In cases where more information needs to be gathered prior to recommendations for care being made, students will be offered additional support.

Campus and Community Based Treatment

If you are a provider working with an incoming student who would benefit from weekly counseling for an existing diagnosis of disordered eating, please utilize the CCS Community Provider Database to assist your client in establishing care using their private health insurance prior to transitioning to The Ohio State University.

When disordered eating is determined to be a treatment focus following a CCS phone screening, the CCS clinicians will also utilize the CCS Community Provider Database and other local resources to link students to community agencies/counselors for ongoing care. We also often advise students to schedule a physical or initial eating disorder assessment at Student Health Services and a nutrition coaching appointment through the Student Wellness Center for general health or disordered eating. By combining mental health, medical health, and dietician services, students will receive a holistic approach to treatment. It is best practice to provide eating disorder treatment that includes professionals that can address these multiple facets of wellness and health.

Students may also benefit from food services through the Monda Resource Center.

Higher Levels of Care

CCS clinicians and associated professionals are happy to help in providing referrals for higher levels of treatment. Sometimes a higher level of care (beyond campus and community-based resources) is recommended when more intensive, long-term, or ongoing care is needed to manage presenting concerns. Options for higher levels of care will be discussed during treatment planning with a CCS clinician.

For Parents and Caregivers

Support of family and loved ones is an essential part of treatment for eating and body image concerns. We understand how concerning it can be to witness your student struggle with their relationship with food and/or their body. While we are unable to initiate contact with your student, please encourage your student to schedule a triage call or have them reach out directly to our Eating Concerns Consultation Team Co-Chair Dr. Kristen Swope for a brief consultation regarding eating and body image concerns. From there an assessment can be completed and treatment recommendations can be made.

Below are additional virtual resources that may be helpful in supporting parents and caregivers of students struggling with eating and body image concerns.

Supporting your Buckeye’s Plan for Mental Health and Well-being Workshop

A drop-in opportunity for parents and families of Ohio State students to learn more about university and Central Ohio resources for Mental Health and Well-being available across a wide variety of needs and concerns. Participants will learn how to best support their student in accessing available services. Please note this is not a space to discuss confidential concerns as there will be multiple participants present. However, we will provide information on how to contact Ohio State to consult regarding individual concerns.

Future dates TBA

National Alliance for Eating Disorders’ Friends & Family Support Group

When: Thursdays 7:00-8:00 PM (EST), registration required

Register here for the National Alliance for Eating Disorders' Friends & Family support group

Eating Recovery Center’s Caregivers & Loved ones of Adults Support Group

When: Mondays 8:00-9:00 PM (EST), registration required

Register here for the Eating Recovery Center's Caregivers & Loved ones of Adults Support Group

Our Commitment to Care

The Eating Concerns Consultation Team (ECCT) is a multidisciplinary team consisting of mental health professionals, psychiatrists, physicians, and nutritionists who collaborate to provide appropriate assessment, intervention, and support to students on Ohio State's campus who are struggling with eating and body image concerns. This team will collaborate to ensure quality of care.

Additional Questions

For more information, please contact either Eating Concerns Consultation Team Co-Chairs, Dr. Kristen Swope, PsyD. or Shiana Bookless, MSW, LSW.