Support Groups

Although a support group is not meant to replace formal medical treatment, it can be a powerful tool for those recovering from an eating disorder, as well as for their loved ones. Below is a partial list of support groups in Tennessee. Please e-mail us with the names of additional groups that can be listed on this page.

For Families

Families Supporting Families (FSF) was started by Eating Disorders Coalition of Tennessee as a free support group created by families, for families. The groups are for parents, siblings, and friends who have a loved one battling an eating disorder. Groups currently meet in Chattanooga, Nashville, Knoxville and Memphis.

Knoxville-area FSF
When: Alternating Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Moonpointe, a Focus Center for Eating Disorders (2210 Sutherland Ave, Ste 108, Knoxville, TN) Cherokee Mills Center - enter bldg. by the "2210" sign and proceed to the first door on left

Contact: Denise Cutshaw, LPC/MHSP at (865) 525-1099 ext. 15

Memphis-area FSF
When: Second Wednesday of every month from 5:00-6:00p.m.
Where: 699 Oak Leaf Office Lane, Suite 104, Memphis TN
Contact: Gloria Siegel, PhD at (901) 685-2148
 
Nashville-area FSF

When: 1st and 3rd Mondays at 7:00 p.m.
Where: EDCT office (2120 Crestmoor Rd, Ste 3000, Nashville, TN 37215)
Contact: Kathy at (615) 665-0105 or Connie at (615) 269-5709

Chattanooga FSF

When: 4th Tuesday at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Solace Clinic (3097 South Broad St., Chattanooga, TN 37408)
Contact: Jan Sherbak at (423) 752-5207, Ext. 6

For Individuals

COLLEGE-ORIENTED EATING DISORDER (CO-ED) SUPPORT GROUP
This eight-session group is designed for college-aged women who struggle with disordered eating and body image concerns. Participants will learn coping strategies that will help them manage stress and navigate the college environment in healthful ways. The group is facilitated by Courtney Cuden, MSSW, LMSW.

When: Meets every other Wednesday throughout the course of one college semester.
Registration for Summer 2013 is open!
Where: EDCT office (2120 Crestmoor Rd, Ste 3000, Nashville, TN 37215)
Facilitator: Courtney Cuden, MSSW, LMSW
Contact: Courtney Cuden
 

MEMPHIS-AREA SUPPORT GROUP  *not affiliated with EDCT
When: 1st & 3rd Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.
Where: 699 Oak Leaf Office Lane, Suite 104, Memphis TN
Facilitator: Gloria Siegel, PhD, Amy Poag and Beth Lyons
Contact: Email Courtney if you are a first-time attendee or would like more information.
More info: Free and open to the public.

FINDINGbalance SUPPORT GROUP  *not affiliated with EDCT
When: Tuesdays from 5:30-7 p.m.
Where: Scales Nutrition & Wellness (1010 Fourth Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219)
Facilitator: Mel Payne, MA
Contact: Email Courtney if you are a first-time attendee or would like more information.
More info: A Christ-centered open support group for women 18+. Each session features a video teaching followed by guided discussion. Free.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy Group (DBT)  *not affiliated with EDCT
When: Thursdays from 7:30-9 p.m.
Where: Psyche, PLLC (110 30th Ave. South, Ste. 300, Nashville, TN)
Facilitator: Stephanie Vaughn
Contact: Email Courtney if you are a first-time attendee or would like more information.
More info: DBT group - mixed gender. Must have individual therapist. $60/group session.

EATING DISORDERS ANONYMOUS (EDA) *not affiliated with EDCT
Eating Disorders Anonymous (EDA) is a free peer-to-peer support group for people who have, think they may have, or are in recovery from an eating disorder.

Please note: Information about EDA groups (and any other support group not affiliated with EDCT) is provided for informational purposes only. The contacts listed below are provided by EDA volunteers and may change without notice.

Memphis EDA on Sundays *not affiliated with EDCT

When: Sundays from 6-7 p.m.
Where: Christ United Methodist Church (4488 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38117 ) in Room 335
Contact: Email Courtney if you are a first-time attendee or would like more information.

Nashville EDA on Tuesdays *not affiliated with EDCT
When: Tuesdays from 8-9 p.m.
Where: The Integrative Life Center (1104 16th Ave South Nashville, TN 37212)
Contact: Email Courtney if you are a first-time attendee or would like more information.
 
Nashville EDA on Saturdays *not affiliated with EDCT

When: Saturdays from 10-11 a.m.
Where: YANA Halfway House (4000 Westlawn Dr Nashville, TN 37209)
Contact: Email Courtney if you are a first-time attendee or would like more information.

Nashville EDA on Sundays *not affiliated with EDCT
When: Tuesdays from 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: The Integrative Life Center (1104 16th Ave South Nashville, TN 37212)
Contact: Email Courtney if you are a first-time attendee or would like more information.


Colleges/Universities

Below is a partial list of indivdiuals who have identified themselves as points-of-contact at their respsective colleges/universities. Ask us how you can list a resource at your school.
 
Western Kentucky University (Bowling Green)
WKU Counseling Center
Contact: Betsy Pierce
Phone: (270) 745-3159
Fax: (270) 745-6976
 

Lipscomb University (Nashville)
Lipscomb Counseling Center
Contact: Ashley Dumas, MMFT, LMFT
Phone: (615) 966-5737
Fax: (615) 966-7066

University of Tennessee (Knoxville)
Department of Nutrition
Contact: Karen Wetherall, MS, RD, LDN
Phone: (865) 466-7002

Vanderbilt University (Nashville)
Vanderbilt University Psychological and Counseling Center
Contact: Christy Carey, LMSW
Phone: (615) 322-2571

Vanderbilt Wellness Center
Contact: Becky Budde, MEd, Assistant Director of Wellness Programs
Phone: (615) 343-0538

Margaret Cuninggim Women's Center
Contact: Katie Garcia, Program Coordinator
Phone: (615) 322-4843