Finding Your Path — Virtual Eating Disorder Program | Referrals Open

A Virtual Program for Severe and Enduring Eating Disorders

For patients whose eating disorder has persisted for ten years or more despite previous treatment, Finding Your Path offers a different kind of path forward — one built around sustainable change, not another attempt at the same approach.

Delivered entirely online, the program is open to referrals from anywhere in Australia. Patients don't need to live near a hospital, take time off work to attend in person, or navigate a waitlist for a bed — they need a stable internet connection, a referring GP or psychiatrist, and a willingness to try something structured and evidence-based.

How It Works

• Format: live, therapist-led group sessions via Microsoft Teams

• Duration: 8 weeks, one 3-hour session per week

• Approach: an integrated model combining Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), creative art therapy, dietetics, and exercise physiology

• Group setting: patients connect with others who understand the experience, in a structured, clinician-facilitated environment with clear group guidelines

Who Finding Your Path Is For

This program is designed specifically for patients with a severe and enduring eating disorder (SE-ED) — defined as a diagnosis that has persisted for ten or more years despite prior treatment attempts.

It's a strong referral option when a patient:

• Has cycled through previous treatment without lasting change

• Is medically and psychiatrically stable (not requiring inpatient care)

• Would benefit from an ongoing, skills-based approach rather than crisis-driven intervention

• Is looking to improve day-to-day quality of life, not just manage acute symptoms

It is not a substitute for inpatient care where a patient is medically unstable — in those cases, refer for inpatient assessment first. 

What Patients Work Towards

• Practical strategies for managing symptoms and reducing harm

• Emotional regulation and self-compassion skills, drawn from CBT and DBT

• A sustainable, individualised approach to nutrition, developed with a dietitian

• Creative, non-verbal tools for processing emotion through art therapy

• Realistic, enjoyable movement goals with an exercise physiologist

• Mindfulness and body awareness practices

• Connection with a peer group who understand the experience

Led By an Experienced Multidisciplinary Team

Finding Your Path is delivered by Robina Private Hospital's Eating Disorder Service — the same clinical team behind the hospital's inpatient and day program services, bringing continuity of expertise to virtual care.

• Dr Vinay Garbharran — Psychiatrist and Director of Eating Disorder Services at Robina Private Hospital, MBBCh, FRANZCP, Cert. Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.

• Dr Kim Hurst — Senior Psychologist and Clinical Lead of the Eating Disorder Service. PhD, B.Arts Psych, Grad.Dip Psych, B.Soc.Sci Hons

• Dr Aimee Maxwell  — Clinical Psychologist, MClinPsych / DPsych / MSc(Psych) / PhD (Clin Psych)

• Melissa Marks — Art Therapist and Counsellor

Eligibility and Referral Process

Step 1 — Confirm eligibility. 

The patient must be medically and psychiatrically stable, with clearance from their treating GP or psychiatrist.

Step 2 — Submit a referral. 

Email rbn.eatingdisorders@aurorahealth.com.au with:

• Referral letter and presenting concerns

• Confirmation of medical/psychiatric clearance

• Relevant treatment history

Step 3 — Screening appointment. 

Our team will contact the patient to confirm suitability for the group.

Step 4 — Intake. 

Confirmed participants are placed in the next available program.

Cost and Funding

Finding Your Path is covered by most major health funds. Patients should confirm any applicable gap or out-of-pocket costs directly with Robina Private. Without private insurance cover, the cost is $220 per session.