Because anyone can state they specialize in eating disorders, this can leave a struggling human in a vulnerable position.
Those who advertise that they treat eating disorders need to have received specialized training. Basic higher education is not enough, typically, to work competently with people who have eating disorders. Yet, the public may not know to ask questions about training and experience of their potential provider; by the time someone calls for help, they often simply want help. Now.
The iaedp™ certification is the only nationally recognized certification and one way to become an eating disorders specialist. Though there are many paths to becoming a specialist or expert, the iaedp Certified Eating Disorders (CED) Specialist (CEDS), Registered Dietitian (CEDRD), Registered Nurse (CEDRN), and Creative Arts Therapy (CEDCAT) designations mean that the practitioner has met specific standards of eating disorders education and experience–thousands of hours, educational courses, and a final test all must pass. The presence of the CEDS, CEDRD, CEDRN, or CEDCAT should mean that they will be more than competent to work with people with these disorders.
I believe having a recognized eating disorders specialist credential helps the consumer find and receive competent treatment in a timely manner–which can save money, a life, and a quality of life.
For more about this, please see the following article: https://membershare.iaedp.com/spotlight-on-the-iaedp-ced-designations-the-ceds-cedrd-cedrn-cedcat/
