Eating disorders
Adolescent Medicine Outpatient Clinic (Age <18 years)
This clinic is for adolescents with complex medical problems, both acute and chronic, not under the care of other paediatric units. All children are seen by a paediatrician and, if necessary, by a dietitian and/or psychiatric liaison nurse. A significant proportion of clients seen in this clinic have eating disorders.
In addition to the Outpatient Clinic, an Adolescent Eating Disorder Assessment Clinic is currently being piloted for clients within the Southern Health catchment area only. This clinic runs fortnightly on a Monday afternoon. Joint assessments with a paediatrician, a child and adolescent psychiatrist/hospital consultation liaison nurse, and a dietitian occur in the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. The assessments take approximately 2.5 hours each.
Referrals are to come through the Adolescent Medicine Outpatient Clinic and each case is then assessed for suitability for this clinic (usually someone with a clearer picture of an eating disorder, not just a suspicion).
For referral criteria, recommended investigations and additional information regarding the Adolescent Medicine Outpatient Clinic including contact details refer to: Adolescents clinic
Adult Eating Disorders
Please click on this link to access local services for adult specialist mental health eating disorders - Victoria's Adult specialist mental health services.
More information on eating disorders for Health Professionals in Victoria can be found on this website - Centre of Excellence Eating Disorders (CEED)
Butterfly Eating Disorders Day Program
The Southern Health Butterfly Eating Disorders Day Program is a joint project between The Butterfly Foundation and Southern Health, the first of its kind in Victoria, with funding from government and philanthropic organisations. The day program provides specialist, intensive treatment for individuals aged 12-24 years with an eating disorder, and their families and operates from 9.30am to 3.15 pm five days a week with the option of part time or full time attendance.
Day Program participants take part in group therapy specifically designed to assist with recovery from their eating disorder, in combination with dietetic and meal support and supervision. Referrals can be accepted from Public Mental Health Case Managers or Private Mental Health Clinicians via our Psychiatric Triage Service 1300 369 012.
Clients accessing the WRC will be managed within the specialist team of professionals, comprising psychiatrists, a nurse practitioner candidate, psychologists, dieticians, family therapist, nurses, and a social worker.
After the initial assessment, the WRC staff will discuss with the client and recommend the most appropriate level of care within the WRC; this includes inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment (weight stabilization using cognitive behaviour therapy), case management, Intensive Day Program, meal support therapy and nutritional assessment and management.
Referrals
For clinical services for clients (of all ages) with eating disorder symptoms, please ring Psychiatric Triage on 1300 369 012 (available 24 hours).
