Did you know that eating disorders affect more than 9% of Australians in their lifetime? This rate is increasing, resulting in a greater need for health services that understand how to treat this serious mental illness.
The Butterfly Foundation’s National Helpline (1800 33 4673) is Australia’s national eating disorders support service. The helpline receives more than 12,000 consumer contacts a year. The service is calling for more practitioners and services with a basic understanding of eating disorders to apply to be on their database.
“It can be a challenge for those contacting the helpline to find practitioners that have an understanding of eating disorders, which can result in them disengaging from the help-seeking process,” said Amelia Trinick, Acting Manager, Butterfly National Helpline.
“This is why the Butterfly National Helpline refers people experiencing eating disorders and their families on to health services or practitioners we have screened for a basic understanding of eating disorders.”
General practitioners, psychiatrists, psychologists, dietitians, counsellors, dentists, other clinicians and allied health practitioners from private, public and community services with a basic understanding of treating eating disorders are encouraged to learn more and apply now.
About the Butterfly Foundation
The Butterfly Foundation represents all people affected by eating disorders and negative body image including those experiencing the illness, their family and their friends.
The Butterfly Foundation’s National Helpline is Australia’s national support service for eating disorders and body image issues. Specialist counsellors offer free information, screened referrals and brief counselling.