When it comes to eating disorder treatment, experience isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. At the core of our practice is a unique and defining quality: every member of our team has worked in higher-level-of-care eating disorder treatment centers. This means we’ve been on the front lines of supporting individuals through some of the most severe, complex, and critical stages of their recovery journey.
So why should this matter to you?
1. We Understand the Full Picture
Having worked in inpatient, residential, and partial hospitalization settings, we’ve witnessed firsthand the medical, psychological, and emotional layers of eating disorders. We know what it looks like when things are at their most intense, and we know what it takes to navigate back to stability. That depth of understanding helps us meet you exactly where you are—whether you’re stepping down from a higher level of care or starting your recovery journey for the first time.
2. We Don’t Minimize Complexity
Eating disorders are never just about food. They’re about control, trauma, protection, identity, relationships, and so much more. Our backgrounds mean we don’t make assumptions or offer one-size-fits-all advice. We treat each client with nuance, compassion, and respect for the complexity of their experience. We know how to hold space for both the pain and the progress.
Not only do we understand the deeper emotional and psychological components at play, but we also recognize the real-world complexities that come with treating eating disorders. That means we understand the urgency that can be involved, the medical risks that may arise, and the critical need for timely, informed decision-making. We know when and how to involve support people, whether that’s family, partners, or other key players in someone’s life. And when standard approaches aren’t enough, we’re skilled in thinking creatively—developing individualized interventions that meet clients where they are, not just where a manual says they should be.
3. We Work as a Team—Because That’s How We Were Taught
In higher levels of care, collaboration isn’t optional—it’s foundational. We’ve worked closely with dietitians, fellow therapists, physicians, and families to support clients through the most intensive phases of recovery. That experience shapes how we approach treatment now: integrated, coordinated, and deeply attuned to the unique role each provider plays in the healing process.
You won’t feel like you’re navigating this alone. We’re here to be an active part of your treatment team, and we’ll also help identify and connect you with other professionals—whether medical, nutritional, or psychiatric—who may be essential to your care.
4. We Know the System—and How to Help You Through It
Whether it’s navigating a transition from higher-level-of-care to outpatient care, understanding what “meal support” actually means, or identifying early signs of relapse, we’ve been there. Our clients benefit from that insider knowledge. We can help you advocate for your needs, recognize when additional support is necessary, explain each level of care, and walk you through the treatment process with clarity and confidence.
This experience sets us apart
We didn’t just study eating disorders—we lived and worked inside the system that treats them. That insight shapes every interaction we have, every plan we build, and every relationship we form with our clients. When you work with us, you’re getting more than a provider. You’re getting a team that deeply understands what you’re facing and knows how to walk with you through it.
About The Author
Gabrielle “Gabby” Katz is the owner of Coastal Collaborative Care and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She is also an approved LCSW supervisor for clinicians pursuing clinical licensure in Virginia & DC. Gabby earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn).
Gabby provides virtual therapy in Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and throughout the country. She offers in-person sessions at the Old Town North Alexandria office.
Due to her extensive experience working in eating disorder treatment centers, she received the designation of Certified Eating Disorders Specialist and Approved Consultant (CEDS-C) from the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (iaedp). She is qualified to provide consultation to clinicians seeking certification in eating disorder specialty through iaedp.

