Eating Disorders

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Cassidy Richards, MSW

Cassidy Richards is a provisional therapist with Burrell Behavioral Health’s North Central Region RecoverED team, where she provides compassionate, evidence based mental health services to adolescents and adults diagnosed with eating disorders. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in collaboration, empathy, and deep respect for each client’s unique lived experience. Cassidy has a specialized focus on the treatment of eating disorders in rural populations, informed both by her professional training and her personal experience growing up in a rural community. This background allows her to approach care with cultural sensitivity and an understanding of the unique barriers faced by individuals seeking eating disorder treatment in underserved areas.
Cassidy earned her Master of Social Work degree from Missouri State University and holds a bachelors degree in psychology from Missouri Southern State University. She also brings valuable experience from her work in a case management role within a multidisciplinary eating disorder treatment team, enhancing her ability to provide coordinated, holistic care.
 

Presentation(s): 

Inside Eating Disorders: Risks, Realities, and Solutions for Underserved Clients

 

By

Jennifer Copeland, PsyD

Jenny Copeland, PsyD, led the groundbreaking development of the first eating disorder program in a community mental health setting in the United States, establishing a pioneering model that has transformed access to specialized care. Under her leadership, that program became one of the first Community Mental Health Organizations (CCBHOs) to be designated as a Missouri Center of Excellence, reflecting the program’s exceptional standards and innovative approach. She now services as the Team Leader for the RecoverED Eating Disorder program in the North Central Region of Missouri, where she is leading the expansion of this Center of Excellence to a new region in the state. As an active member of the Missouri Eating Disorders Council, Dr. Copeland has played an instrumental role in expanding treatment capacity across the state. She helped develop a comprehensive statewide curriculum designed to support the establishment of new treatment teams throughout Missouri, ensuring that evidence-based eating disorder care reaches communities that previously lacked such resources. Through her clinical leadership, research, and advocacy, Dr. Copeland continues to champion accessible, inclusive eating disorder treatment that honors the dignity and diversity of all individuals seeking care.
 

Presentation(s): 

Inside Eating Disorders: Risks, Realities, and Solutions for Underserved Clients

 

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Inside Eating Disorders: Risks, Realities, and Solutions for Underserved Clients

Room: Windgate 62-63

Speaker(s): 

Jennifer Copeland, PsyD

Cassidy Richards, MSW

Presentation: Eating disorders are the second deadliest mental illness in the United States, affecting 28.8 million Americans and more than 600,000 Missourians over the course of their lives. Despite the high prevalence, 96% of individuals with eating disorders encounter substantial barriers to accessing effective treatment, creating a critical public health crisis. These barriers are especially pronounced for individuals in low income and rural communities, which make up a significant portion of Missouri’s population. Additionally, most professional training programs provide limited education on eating disorders, further widening treatment gaps across the state. This presentation will offer a clear overview of eating disorders, associated medical and psychological risks, and the markedly elevated suicide risk within this population. Participants will leave with practical, evidence informed strategies for supporting under resourced individuals with eating disorders and improving access to effective care.

Objectives:

  • Describe at least 2 stereotypes about people with eating disorders that are relevant to Missouri communities
  • Apply at least 2 strategies to provide more effective care for under-resourced clients
  • Identify at least 2 resources to utilize in improving care for clients with eating disorders

Slides and Handouts: