Clinical Round Table 1 - Culturally Responsive Eating Disorder Treatment: Discussing Challenges and Lessons Learned

Contrary to historically held stereotypes, research and clinical observations clearly demonstrate that eating disorders affect people of all genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations, shapes, and weights. Unfortunately, our standard evidence-based practices (EBP) for eating disorders often fail to meet the needs of individuals who hold marginalized identities (e.g., racial/ethnic minorities, sexual minorities, gender minorities). These failures include, but are not limited to, misdiagnosis, low retention rates, and suboptimal treatment outcomes. Relatedly, greater diversity is needed among the clinical providers and researchers who work with these individuals.
This Clinical Round Table will include panelists with a range of experiences and perspectives adapting EBPs in a Department of Psychiatry adult outpatient clinic for eating disorders. Panelists will describe their observations of limitations of EBPs when working with individuals from diverse backgrounds as well as adaptations made to better serve the needs of diverse patients with eating disorders. Examples include treatment philosophy modifications for BIPOC ED patients with complex/developmental trauma and body image group adaptations for patients who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and who hold other marginalized identities. Panelists will share key challenges and successes associated with systemic barriers and navigation of these spaces by providers who may hold dominant social identities. The moderator will lead a discussion through interactive question/answer with the audience. The moderator will highlight key take-aways for audience members regarding implementation of suggested strategies from panelists as well as future directions (e.g., efforts to increase the recruitment, retention, and promotion of post-doctoral trainees and clinical providers).