Strengthening Eating Disorder Care through Credentialing
NEDC is proud to share a series of newly published papers that explore the development, implementation, and impact of the ANZAED Eating Disorder Credential – the first national, cross-discipline program to set standards for safe and effective eating disorder treatment in Australia.
Developed through a close partnership between ANZAED and NEDC, the Credential recognises the qualifications, knowledge, and professional development of health professionals, while also providing a publicly available directory to make it easier for people to find appropriately trained clinicians.
What is the ANZAED Eating Disorder Credential?
The Credential specifies the standard of qualifications, knowledge, and ongoing professional development activities required for health professionals to provide safe, effective treatment of eating and feeding disorders.
The ANZAED Eating Disorder Credential:
- Supports clinicians to upskill in evidence-based care
- Increases visibility and transparency for consumers and referrers
- Promotes early intervention and more timely access to care
Why is this credential so important?
By recognising and supporting clinicians through credentialing, ANZAED and NEDC are building the capacity of the workforce and improving consumer confidence in care. The Credential not only offers reassurance to individuals and families but also provides clinicians with an incentive to continue developing their skills, ensuring a more consistent, evidence-based response to eating disorders across Australia.
Insights from the Research
The recently published papers shed light on the perspectives of stakeholders throughout the development and rollout of the Credential:
Clinicians reported that continuing professional development (CPD) increased their confidence and willingness to deliver eating disorder treatment, and that supervision enhanced their reflective and ethical practice. Importantly, many emphasised that you do not need to be a “specialist” to become credentialed – the Credential is for all clinicians who wish to provide safe and effective care.
Carers described the Credential as vital, highlighting the unique complexities of eating disorders and the need for specialised treatment. They reported that the Credential enhanced quality of care, facilitated early intervention, and instilled greater confidence when seeking help.
Professional development resources, including those developed by NEDC, play a key role in equipping clinicians with the skills, knowledge, and ongoing training needed to provide high-quality, evidence-based care.
Read the Papers
The full set of papers is now available in the Journal of Eating Disorders:
Developing the Credentialing system
Clinician perspectives
Carer perspectives
Professional development packages
Professional development
Congratulations to our colleagues at ANZAED including Gabrielle Heruc, Kim Hurst, Jade Gooding, and Sian McLean, and to everyone who contributed to this important work. Together, we are strengthening the eating disorder workforce and improving access to safe, effective care.
How to Become Credentialed
If you're a health professional interested in becoming credentialed, ANZAED makes the process straightforward. The Credential formally recognises the qualifications, training, knowledge, and professional development required to deliver safe and effective care for eating disorders. It’s open to eligible professionals working in Australia - GPs, dietitians, mental health professionals (such as psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, occupational therapists, etc.). 
Once you apply via ANZAED’s connect·ed platform, your application will be assessed; upon approval, you create a public profile there so clients and referrers can find you in the searchable directory. connected.anzaed.org.au
Some of the benefits include:
- Having your name listed in ANZAED’s searchable directory connected.anzaed.org.au
- A verified digital badge connected.anzaed.org.au
- A certificate to display (such as in your workplace) connected.anzaed.org.au
- Earning post-nominal credentials connected.anzaed.org.au
- Access to mini-webinars, being part of professional online forums, and discounts (e.g. 20% off ANZAED membership)
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