Who Can Be Referred?

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CherishED welcomes referrals for adults (aged 18 years and over) who are experiencing an eating disorder or significant eating-related difficulties that are affecting their ability to participate in everyday life.

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A formal eating disorder diagnosis is not required. Individuals may be referred if they are experiencing symptoms consistent with an eating disorder and would benefit from specialist occupational therapy.

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Individuals may be suitable for referral if they:

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• Are aged 18 years or over.

• Are experiencing an eating disorder or eating-related difficulties, whether formally diagnosed or not.

• Are motivated to engage in occupational therapy or are exploring readiness for change.

• Are experiencing occupational, functional or participation difficulties related to their eating disorder, including difficulties with:

  • Daily routines and habits

  • Self-care

  • Meal preparation and eating-related occupations

  • Work, education or volunteering

  • Relationships and social participation

  • Leisure and meaningful activities

  • Identity, roles and values

  • Executive functioning and organisation

  • Sensory processing and regulation

  • Emotional regulation affecting everyday functioning

• Are registered with a General Practitioner (GP) or have access to appropriate medical care who can provide ongoing medical monitoring.

• Are able to engage safely in online occupational therapy sessions.

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Exclusion Criteria

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CherishED is an independent occupational therapy service and is not a crisis, emergency or medical monitoring service.

Referrals are not appropriate for individuals who:

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• Require urgent medical assessment or medical stabilisation due to the physical effects of an eating disorder.

• Are experiencing an immediate mental health crisis, including situations where urgent psychiatric intervention or crisis support is required.

• Present with significant physical health risks related to their eating disorder without appropriate medical oversight or monitoring.

• Require inpatient treatment or a higher level of specialist eating disorder care than can be safely provided within an independent outpatient occupational therapy service.

• Are unable to participate safely in online therapy.

Where a referral is not appropriate, CherishED will endeavour to signpost the individual or referrer to more suitable services where possible.

 

Medical Safety

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Occupational therapy is one component of eating disorder recovery and does not replace medical assessment or monitoring.

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Clients are expected to remain registered with a GP and engage with appropriate medical services where required. Where concerns arise regarding physical health, increasing risk or deterioration, CherishED may recommend liaison with the client's GP or other healthcare professionals to support safe and effective care.