Overview

The Eating Disorders Clinic, as part of the UIC Women’s Mental Health Clinic, offers a full spectrum of services for the person suffering with an eating disorder. Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Compulsive Overeating are treated with a multidisciplinarian approach. Related psychiatric diagnoses are also treated, including Major Depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Personality Disorders, and Adjustment Disorders. Common issues of treatment include relationship problems, body image, self-esteem, issues of control, need for perfection, dependency issues, treating food like an addiction, and using the eating disorder as a coping mechanism. Our staff consists of psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and mental health counselors. Following comprehensive assessment, treatment decisions are discussed with our clients and, as indicated, their families. Options include individual therapy, group therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, medication management, and liaison services. We are affiliated with other services within UIC that are sensitive to the issues of a person with an eating disorder. We offer referrals to nutritionists, physicians, and dentists who are all aware of the need for comprehensive care.

For more information or to set up an initial evaluation, please call Marisella Villarreal at (312) 355-1223.

Services Offered

Provide individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, and supervision of interns. Conceived and founded the Eating Disorder Clinic. Hold responsibility for all administrative functions, plan and implement marketing for the new clinic, and recruit help from other professionals. Conduct all the supervision for the Eating Disorders Clinic. Lecture on eating disorders, and continue to act as a liaison with the Department of Nutrition and the Department of General Surgery. Act as the primary referral source for the treatment of patients who present at intake with complaints of, or symptoms of eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and eating disorder NOS. Treatment of problems related to women’s issues (i.e. adjustment disorder following a diagnosis of breast cancer, postpartum depression, and parenting issues). Treatment of personality disorders, affective disorders and psychotic disorders. Crisis Intervention and treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder.

Faculty Profile

Ellen B. Astrachan-Fletcher, Ph.D.
University of Illinois at Chicago
Department of Psychiatry
312-355-1185

Experienced therapist skilled in the treatment of eating disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, and women's issues. Expertise includes crisis counseling, inpatient and outpatient care and treatment, including individual therapy, group therapy, and supervision.

Education

Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, 1997
Doctoral Dissertation: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Victims of Toxic Shock Syndrome
M.S. in Clinical Psychology, 1992
Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts B.A., cum laude, with distinction in Psychology, 1989