Child and adolescent mental health therapists’ use of family-based treatment for adolescent restrictive eating disorders

In order to identify factors that may impede youth access to evidence-based treatment, the current study examined child and adolescent mental health therapists' use of Family-Based Treatment (FBT) and other psychotherapeutic approaches to treat adolescents with restrictive eating disorders. A sample of 91 therapists from a variety of backgrounds (e.g. social workers, doctoral-level psychologists, masters-level counselors, marriage and family therapists) completed a 74-item survey regarding their attitudes and beliefs about adolescent eating disorders and its treatment, as well as their use of FBT and other psychotherapeutic approaches. Only 5% of therapists indicated that they treat restrictive eating disorders and, of those who do provide care, few endorsed using FBT strategies. The majority of therapists reported using other psychotherapeutic approaches that may dilute the effect of FBT principles or may prove ineffective. Having more formal training in eating disorders was associated with FBT-consistent beliefs and the use of FBT strategies. Findings have implications for dissemination efforts that target common beliefs that can undermine the care of adolescent eating disorders. Finally, the field must consider disseminating treatments to general therapists in ways that are more accessible, such as a focus on basic over specialized competencies, and consider innovative approaches to engage other professionals in supporting families caring for young people with restrictive eating disorders.