Established in 2003, the University of North Carolina Eating Disorders Program emerged from the vision and passion of a concerned mother who vowed that no other parent should have to endure the hardship that her family endured in finding appropriate treatment. READ MORE Since 2003, the UNC Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders has developed into a model evidence-informed, comprehensive, university-based program providing the highest standard of care for individuals with eating disorders and their families. Our program is our people. The UNC faculty and staff work with you to understand the unique needs of each patient and family and to develop a treatment plan accordingly. The UNC treatment program is enriched by being on the leading edge of clinical and basic research. From bench to bedside, basic researchers associated with the program are working to understand the causes of eating disorders and clinical researchers are developing novel methods to enhance and tailor treatment.

Our Mission.

The UNC Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders serves the citizens of North Carolina, the nation, and as appropriate, the world community, in three interwoven missions: clinical care, education, and research. Our clinical mission integrates state-of-the-art biological, psychological, and social approaches in the care of our patients and their families, as it provides the foundation for our research and education missions.

We seek to provide outstanding education and training in eating disorders detection and care to medical students and other health profession trainees at UNC. We will offer the highest caliber continuing education on eating disorders for psychiatrists, psychologists, and other health care providers as well as teachers and coaches across the State and beyond. Our research goals are to develop a deeper understanding of the causes of eating disorders, and to create more effective diagnostic, treatment, and prevention strategies for these disorders. This research encompasses basic molecular, cellular, and genetic approaches; biobehavioral and systems neurobiology; clinical investigations; and population-based outcomes research.

In all of the above activities, we shall adhere to the highest ethical standards as we work closely and collaboratively with many colleagues in order to enhance the recognition, treatment, and prevention of eating disorders. These collaborations will include the UNC system; the School of Medicine; other Schools and units within the University; the Department of Public Instruction; Private Schools; the North Carolina Division of Mental Health; Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse; Student Health; the Department of Athletics; the NCAA, North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) and other athletic organizations; the AHEC system; and other clinical practices throughout North Carolina. We also shall strive to contribute to national and international efforts to advance the creation and dissemination of knowledge regarding the etiologies and treatments of eating disorders.