Professionals | Referrals

Provincial Adult Tertiary Eating Disorders Program

The provincial adult tertiary eating disorders program provides specialized tertiary level of care for adults 17 years of age and older, who have a DSM V diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa or Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED).

Referrals

Referrals for assessment and treatment are accepted from secondary eating disorders programs (where available) across the province. In the event that a secondary program is not available, referrals are accepted from primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, and/or community mental health programs/services.

The general referral criteria for the Eating Disorders Program are as follows:

  • A primary diagnosis of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED) Is followed by a primary care physician and/or nurse practitioner
  • Followed by a primary care provider ie. family doctor/ nurse practitioner.

  • Followed by a regional eating disorders program where available. In the absence of a regional program, referrals will be accepted from mental health teams, and/or other secondary service community care providers.

  • Resident of BC (some exceptions may apply)
  • 17 years of age (out of high school) or older

For referral inquiries, individuals can contact the Intake Coordinator at 604-806-8654. 

The Intake Coordinator reviews completed referrals, collaborates with community care providers involved, and calls patients to provide further information about our program and coordinate intake assessments if appropriate.

If the individual does not meet the referral criteria, he/she will be redirected to their referral source with appropriate resource recommendations and contact information.

Assessments

If the individual meets the admission criteria for tertiary level of care, a three part assessment will be scheduled: medical, psychiatric, and research. The medical and psychiatric assessments determine medical and psychological status, assess the treatment needs, and identify the most appropriate services. A research coordinator will conduct the third assessment and invite patients to participate in ongoing clinical and program evaluation research.

Consultation Options

We provide interdisciplinary Provincial Consultation to health care professionals regardless of whether the patient is receiving tertiary level of care services. The purpose of clinical consultation is to provide clinical advice to health care providers caring for individuals with a diagnosis of an eating disorder (ages 17 years and older).  Through this service, it supports individuals to be managed closer to home.  As well, it promotes continuity of care between specialized services and regional/community health care providers.

For further inquiries regarding referrals or consultation, please contact:

Eating Disorders Program Intake Coordinator
St. Paul’s Hospital

4 North, Burrard Building
1081 Burrard Street
Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6
Phone Number: 604-806-8654
Fax Number: 604-806-8631