UIC Department of Psychiatry

Welcome to the Eating Disorders Clinic! 

The Eating Disorders Clinic, as part of the UIC Women’s Mental Health Clinic, offers a full spectrum of out patient services for the person suffering with an eating disorder, as well as their families. Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Compulsive Overeating are treated with a multidisciplinary approach. Related and coexisting psychiatric diagnoses are also treated, including Major Depression, Anxiety disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Personality Disorders, and Adjustment Disorders. While the eating disorders clinic is part of the Women's Mental Health Program at UIC, the clinic also serves males and adolescents. 

Common issues of treatment in the clinic, include struggles with emotion regulation, 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. Dr. Ellen Astrachan-Fletcher is the Founder & Director of the Eating Disorders Clinic. 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, Dialectical Behavioral skills training in a group format, 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.

• Eating Disorders Clinic Meetings occur weekly, on Mondays from 1:00pm-2:00pm.
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy consultation occurs weekly, on Fridays from noon-1:00pm
• Dialectical Behavioral Skills training groups for patients Mondays or Thursdays from 5:15-6:30pm