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Live Webinar

Substance Use and Eating Disorders: Practical Approaches for Treating Co-occurring Conditions

Meera Beharry, MD, FAAP, FSAHM
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Information

Date & Time

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Explain the current understanding of biological, psychological, and social mechanisms linking eating disorders and addictive behaviors/addiction.

  • Utilize at least two screening tools to identify and assess co-occurring eating disorders and addiction.

  • Apply at least two evidence-based and emerging therapeutic interventions addressing both disorders concurrently, including harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care.

  • Describe the importance of collaborative care across disciplines—mental health professionals, medical teams, dietitians, addiction specialists, and families.

Educational Goal

The educational goal of this session is to prepare attendees to understand biological, psychological, and social mechanisms linking eating disorders and addictive behaviors/addiction, use screening tools to identify and assess co-occurring eating disorders and addiction, employ evidence-based and emerging therapeutic interventions, and understand the importance of collaborative care across disciplines.

Description

Eating Disorders (ED) and Substance Use Disorders (SUD) frequently co-occur, with up to 70% of patients having a dual diagnosis. Despite this, integrated treatment options are sparse and often prioritize one disorder over the other. This presentation will review the current literature, epidemiology, and diagnostic landscape of co-occurring EDs and SUDs, including the limitations of current screening tools. We will highlight the benefits of integrated service delivery through treatment approaches like Motivational Interviewing (MI), DBT, and psychoeducation. Participants will learn the importance of collaborative care across disciplines—mental health professionals, medical teams, dietitians, addiction specialists, and families. Case examples will illustrate common healthcare system challenges and provide practical strategies for fostering communication, continuity of care, and aligning treatment goals with external providers. Resources for ongoing education will also be shared.

Target Audience

  • Addiction Professional
  • Counselor
  • Dietitian
  • Marriage & Family Therapist
  • Nurse
  • Nutritionist
  • Physician
  • Psychologist
  • Social Worker

Presenters

Meera Beharry, MD, FAAP, FSAHM
Meera Beharry, MD, FAAP, FSAHM is board certified pediatric trained Adolescent Medicine specialist. She has over 20 years of experience working with children and young adults in a variety of settings. She completed medical school in New York City at SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn before heading out to California to complete her Adolescent Medicine fellowship at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. After fellowship, she joined the faculty at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Preferring warmer climates, in 2012, she moved to Texas with the goal of reviving the Adolescent Medicine Section at McLane Children’s Medical Center of Baylor Scott and White. During her 9 years as Adolescent Medicine Section Chief, Dr. Beharry developed clinical services for adolescents and young adults experiencing anxiety, depression, reproductive health concerns, eating disorders, problems coping with chronic medical problems (diabetes, childhood cancer, autoimmune disorders, etc.). In August 2021, Dr. Beharry started working as a physician with Equip Health in addition to other projects. She enjoys working with her teammates at Equip to improve access to evidence based eating disorder treatment and help patients work toward recovery. In May of 2025, she moved into the role of Adolescent Medicine Advisor. Dr. Beharry is a respected educator who is part of the faculty at Texas A&M College of Medicine and at the CUNY School of Medicine. She has co-authored book chapters and several publications. Dr. Beharry has served in various professional leadership roles. She is currently serving as the Treasurer for the International Association for Adolescent Health.

Financially Sponsored By

  • Equip