Our services
Medical monitoring
We always recommend medical assessment first, to ensure your safety. This can be with your GP and should include regular follow-up. It’s helpful if this is with the same person for consistency.
If you or someone you know is at risk of hurting themselves or someone else, call Triple Zero (000) or go to a hospital emergency department.
For young people
The information on this page is for people over 18 years old. If you are under 18 years old, help is available from Child and Youth Mental Health Service (CYMHS). Contact the specialist eating disorder team on 07 3397 9077 or email CHQ-CYMHS-eatingDisorders@health.qld.gov.au.
Headspace can also help you access health workers like a GP, psychologist, social worker, alcohol and drug worker, counsellor, vocational worker or youth worker.
For adults
QuEDS supports people over 18 affected by eating disorders, their families and support. Call 07 3114 0809, 9am–4pm, Monday to Friday. We can provide information about our outpatient services or other community treatment options. You may also be able to access specialist eating disorder services in your local area.
Outpatient assessment and therapy
Our specialist multi-disciplinary team offers assessment, diagnosis and evidence-based treatment options. Our service is available to people with all eating disorder types and BMI ranges.
Attendance is voluntary. If your doctor has made a referral for you, we encourage you to attend the appointment as it indicates they are concerned about your current health.
The assessment is held at the Spring Hill Community Mental Health Centre and therapy occurs at Hutchinson House in Indooroopillly. If you live outside of the Brisbane area or are unable to attend in person, Telehealth options are available.
Cost
There is no cost if you have a Medicare card. If you don’t have a Medicare card, contact us as you might have some cover under private health insurance.
Referral process
To access this service, your GP must complete a referral form.
They will take your sitting and standing physical observations (blood pressure, heart rate etc.) and ask you some questions about your eating behaviours.
They will also arrange for some blood tests, and will send us the results with the referral form for review.
We also recommend you discuss if a Medicare Eating Disorder Plan may be suitable.
Appointment scheduling
After we review your referral , we will phone you to discuss the next step. If you have not heard anything from us after 7 days, contact us to confirm that we have received all the required information. Appointments can be either in person or through Telehealth.
There may be a 4–8 week wait for outpatient assessment appointments. We recommend ongoing regular reviews with your GP (for blood tests and postural physical observations) while on the waiting list and while engaging in therapy.
For health professionals
We offer statewide consultation services to provide best practice treatment advice for medical or psychiatric inpatient and/or community mental health clinicians working with people experiencing eating disorders across Queensland.
Regional eating disorder specialist services
The following services across Queensland provide support in your local area. You can also contact QuEDS on 07 3114 0809 if your region isn't listed, or for more information about any of the services.
Service | Phone | |
|---|---|---|
Darling Downs Eating Disorder Specialist Service | 0400 981 928 | |
07 5687 9442 | ||
Metro South Eating Disorder Specialist Service (Brisbane south side, Logan, Redlands and Scenic Rim) | ||
North Queensland Eating Disorder Specialist Service | 07 4226 3100 | |
Townsville Eating Disorder Specialist Service | ||
West Moreton Eating Disorder Specialist Service (Ipswich City, Scenic Rim, Lockyer Valley and Somerset) |
Other support services
Butterfly Foundation
Call 1800 ED HOPE (1800 33 4673) 8am–midnight (AEST/AEDT), 7 days a week, or chat online or email to connect with experienced and professional counsellors trained in supporting those affected by an eating disorder. They can provide information and guidance on treatment options as well as referral pathways, and help you find health professionals in your local area who understand eating disorders.
Eating Disorders Queensland (EDQ)
EDQ provides community support and treatment services, free counselling, therapeutic groups, and peer support for individuals and families living with and recovering from eating disorders, their carers and key supports.
Connect.ed
Find a credentialed mental health professional, dietitian or GP with the qualifications, experience and training to provide safe and effective eating disorder care in your local area. You can also check out their profile to learn more about their skills and expertise.