Eating disorders are common and affect the lives of many children, adolescents, young adults, and their families. Effective treatment can be life-changing and, in some instances, lifesaving. The right support can make a difference.
In the Eating Disorder Program, we are equipped to offer comprehensive care that is practical and tailored to your family’s needs. Our primary treatment approach is Family-Based Treatment (FBT), as it is the evidence-based standard of care for children and adolescents with eating disorders, specifically anorexia nervosa. We know that without talented and experienced therapists and providers, FBT can be difficult to implement – that’s why we are here to help.
Our main priority is to get to know your family and create a plan that will work for your distinct situation and needs. Our team of eating disorder experts are here to care for you and your loved ones, teach your families, and work together to treat you or your child’s eating disorder.
Conditions We Treat
- Anorexia nervosa restricting type
- Anorexia nervosa binge-purge type
- Atypical anorexia nervosa
- Bulimia Nervosa
- Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
Services
Outpatient Services
We provide comprehensive Medical, Nutritional and Psychological care (family-based treatment approach) for known eating disorder or suspected restrictive eating for those ages 9-25.
For new consults, you must establish in our program before the age of 23.
Inpatient Services
For those requiring medical stabilization, Lurie Children’s also offers medical stabilization for patients meeting the following criteria:
- Weight <75%mBMI
- HR <50 during the day
- BP <90/45
- Orthostatic HR increase by >40 points
- Orthostatic BP drop by >20 points systolic, >10 points diastolic
- QTc >460 on EKG
- Potassium <3.5, Phosphorus <3.0, Magnesium <1.8
- Complete food and liquid refusal for >72 hours
If any of the above criteria are met, the patient should be directed to the Lurie Children’s Emergency Room for further evaluation.
Our Specialists

Lance R. Nelson, MD, MS, MA
Attending Physician, Adolescent & Young Adult Medicine; Medical Director, Eating Disorder Program

Gregg J. Montalto, MD, MPH
Attending Physician, Adolescent & Young Adult Medicine; Associate Division Head for Clinical Practice; Adolescent & Young Adult Medicine

Sarah Cohen, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, The Potocsnak Family Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine

Kelly Horn, PhD, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, The Potocsnak Family Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine
Hannah Kramer, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, The Potocsnak Family Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine

Katrina T. Obleada, PhD
Pediatric Psychologist, The Potocsnak Family Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine

Ixchell Oritz Estes, CPNP
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, The Potocsnak Family Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine
Megan Brinkworth, RD
Registered Dietitian, The Potocsnak Family Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine
Make an Appointment
Call to request a first-time appointment with one of our specialists.
To assist with your referral, please have your primary care physician fax the following information to 312.227.9446
- Growth curve
- Last clinic note
- Recent weight (ideally in last month)
- Recent HR and BP (orthostatic vital signs if obtained)
Our Location
Lurie Children's Hospital Outpatient Center at 1440 N. Dayton
1440 N. Dayton St.Chicago, Illinois 60642
1.800.543.7362
Resources & Support
- F.E.A.S.T.
- Maudsley Parents
- Plate-by-Plate
- National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)
- Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD)
- Instructions for Starting Family-Based Treatment (FBT): English | Spanish
- Ten Essential Truths for Parents about Anorexia Nervosa: English | Spanish
- Food Guide: English | Spanish
- Things to Know About ED: English | Spanish
Recommended Books
- Treatment Manual for Anorexia Nervosa: A Family-Based Approach (James Lock & Daniel LeGrange)
- Treating Bulimia in Adolescents: A Family-Based Approach (James Lock & Daniel LeGrange)
- Help Your Teenager Beat an Eating Disorder (James Lock & Daniel LeGrange)
- Survive FBT: Skills Manual for Parents Undertaking Family Based Treatment (FBT) for Child and Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa (Marcia Ganci)
- How to Nourish Your Child Through an Eating Disorder: A Simple, Plate-by-Plate Approach to Rebuilding a Healthy Relationship with Food (Casey Crosbie & Wendy Sterling)
Related News

Kids' Wellness Matters Podcast Ep. 19: Recognizing Eating Disorders in Children
Learn how to recognize the signs of eating disorders in children and teens, and discover resources for early intervention and support at Lurie Children's.

Eating Disorders in Teens
Our expert pediatric psychologist explains the signs of an eating disorder in your teen and what help is available to help them get better.