Healthy Eating and Living Support (HEALS)

Penn State Healthy Eating and Living Support (HEALS) is a multidisciplinary program that supports healthy eating and decision-making among students with mild to moderate eating and body image concerns. Our team is comprised of clinicians, dietitians, and mental health professionals who specialize in providing education, resources, and support to students affected by mild to moderate concerns with eating and body image.

HEALS offers:

• Outpatient medical evaluation and support through University Health Services
• Individual nutrition counseling and support through the Nutrition Clinic, part of Health Promotion and Wellness
• Short-term individual or long-term group therapy through Counseling and Psychological Services 
• Case management support to help students with referrals and insurance coordination

What to Expect

Eating disorders are psychological disorders that manifest through food and may have ultimately significant medical consequences.  Some students struggle to recover while at school and may need to seek external care and support.

There are often formal eating disorder treatment centers with varying levels of intensity, near student’s hometown or other support systems. Currently, higher levels of care (HLOC) are not available in State College. When it's clear a student needs HLOC, various team members may recommend referral.

 Permitted family and care meetings (in-person or tele) are used to fully communicate the student's situation and engage the student’s support system in facilitating HLOC.

Screening Tools 

• National Eating Disorders Association
• Eating Attitudes Test
• Binge Eating Scale

Getting started with HEALS

If you need help with disordered eating or other body image issues, please contact University Health Services and request an appointment with a case manger. You can also get started by contacting Counseling and Psychological Services for a phone screening.

Additional Resources

Websites

• nationaleatingdisorders.org
• feast-ed.org
• eatingdisorderhope.com
• womenshealth.gov