Workshop to help treat patients with eating disorder planned Oct. 17 in Richland

Oct. 14--Millions of Americans have an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia.

But only one in 10 people receive treatment, and about 80 percent of the girls and women who have accessed help don't get the intensity needed to stay in recovery, according to information from the Southeast Washington chapter of the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals.

The chapter is planning a workshop Oct. 17 in Richland to help area professionals better treat patients dealing with an eating disorder.

"My goal is really to give people some take-home tools," said Elisa Hope, chapter president and a licensed mental health counselor in Walla Walla. "They'll be able to say, 'I know better what to do when someone walks through my door.' "

Hope said the workshop also will give attendees the chance to network, opening up opportunities for building interdisciplinary teams.

The most effective treatment for eating disorders involves those kinds of teams, with medical, mental health and nutrition professionals working together for the patient, Hope told the Herald.

The workshop runs from 8:30 a.m. to noon at The Chaplaincy office at 1480 Fowler St.

The session will feature speakers Dr. Barbie Lucas, a pediatrician; Dee Myers, a licensed mental health counselor; and Laurie Schaetzel-Hill, a dietitian. All three have extensive experience working with eating disorder patients.

They'll discuss assessment, diagnosis and best practices, with time during the session for questions.

Cost is $25 for association members, $45 for nonmembers and $15 for students.

The Southeast Washington association chapter is relatively new. The workshop Oct. 17 is its first educational event. A Winter Gala fundraiser is planned Dec. 11 at Bookwalter Winery in Richland.

For more information on the event and the chapter, visit its Facebook page by searching for IAEDP Southeast Washington Chapter.

-- Sara Schilling: 509-582-1529; sschilling@tricityherald.com; Twitter: @saraTCHerald

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