There are a range of professions involved in the provision of treatment for people experiencing eating disorders. Scope of practice is a key consideration in all areas of professional practice, including in the provision of eating disorder treatment. Scope of practice standards are articulated by all professional and regulatory bodies, and credentialed clinicians are required to only practice within the scope of their profession and discipline. Credentialed clinicians must also be familiar with their professions’ practice standards and code of ethics.

Scope of practice refers to the areas of practice in which you are educated, skilled, and competent to perform. It directly relates to the provision of safe and effective treatment for the consumer and is influenced by your experience, the setting and context in which you work, and the consumer’s health and mental health needs.

Your scope of practice will change as you grow and develop in your professional career. That is, when starting out in your career as an eating disorder treatment provider, you will have the knowledge, skill, and experience to provide treatment for particular diagnostic presentations, in perhaps one type of mental health setting. You will require focused supervision and a planned professional development schedule to assist you in consolidating your knowledge and skill in treatment provision according to the training you have completed and the setting in which you work.

As you gain more experience, continue to engage in supervision, complete further professional development and training, you may be able to broaden your scope of work to provide treatment for other diagnostic presentations, with greater levels of complexity, and draw on other therapeutic modalities as you implement a treatment plan. Similarly, your professional development and supervision needs will likely change. Self-reflection will continue to be an essential guide to your learning needs throughout your career development.

The supervision and continuing professional development plans that you develop as requirements for the Credential must reflect your professional and clinical needs. Please consult with your supervisor, colleagues, and/or mentors to help you design learning activities that are suitable for your scope of practice, according to the skills and expertise you have at this time.