"Finding the right treatment can sometimes be difficult. I use and recommend evidence based treatment therapies and programs that have proven efficacy "
Dr Linsey Atkins
About
Dr Linsey Atkins
Dr Linsey Atkins is a highly regarded Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years of experience specialising in the treatment of eating disorders. Based in Melbourne’s Bayside suburbs, Linsey leads the work at Hope Family Clinic, where she is dedicated to helping young people, adults, parents and families through evidence-based, compassionate psychological care.
Known as a leader in the field, Dr Atkins has made a significant contribution to the development and delivery of effective treatments for eating disorders across hospital, outpatient, and research settings. She works closely with a trusted network of GPs, dietitians, and paediatricians to provide truly comprehensive, multidisciplinary care.
A Holistic Approach to Mental Health
Linsey recognises that eating disorders rarely occur in isolation. She provides treatment not only for eating disorders, but also for a range of related conditions including Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Depression, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Her integrated, personalised approach ensures that each client receives support tailored to their unique needs and circumstances.
A Career at the Forefront of Eating Disorder Treatment
Linsey has held senior clinical roles in both public and private sectors, including inpatient and day programs, outpatient teams, and international research projects. She was a founding member of the Specialist Eating Disorders Program at the Royal Children’s Hospital, where she became the first lead therapist in a landmark Randomised Controlled Trial of Family Based Treatment (FBT) for adolescent Anorexia Nervosa. During this time, she was supervised by Professor Daniel Le Grange, a world authority on FBT.
Her expertise in FBT led to her appointment to the faculty of the Institute of Training in Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders (USA), where she continues to provide international supervision and training. Notably, she has played a key role in helping introduce the FBT model in Japan, training psychiatrists and contributing to the country’s first published FBT research trial.
Innovation in Treatment
In pursuit of more tailored, integrative care models for young people, Linsey expanded her training in the USA under Dr Ann Moye, founder of Adolescent Focused Treatment (AFT). She has since co-led workshops with Dr Moye and provides ongoing supervision in the AFT model.
Dr Atkins is also the co-developer of Adolescent and Parent Treatment (APT), a novel approach designed to improve outcomes by combining individual therapy for adolescents, dietetic support, and active parental involvement. Her work in APT has been published and widely recognised within the field.
Advocacy and Media Work
Passionate about systemic change, Linsey has also worked with the media to raise awareness of the urgent need for more intensive treatment options for young people and their families. Most notably, she collaborated closely with the ABC Four Corners investigative team over a six-month period to highlight critical gaps in Australia’s treatment system — particularly the lack of residential treatment options for young people with eating disorders. Through this work, Linsey continues to advocate for more accessible, appropriate, and long-term support pathways.
Supervision and Consultation
Linsey is available for clinical supervision for psychologists and mental health professionals seeking to expand their knowledge and confidence in treating eating disorders in children and adolescents. She offers supervision in a range of evidence-based treatment models including:
-
Adolescent and Parent Treatment (APT)
-
Adolescent Focused Treatment (AFT)
-
Family Based Treatment (FBT)
-
Maudsley Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults (MANTRA)
-
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E)
-
Intensive meal support programs
In addition, Linsey provides consultation services for parents, schools, and tertiary services, offering practical guidance and clinical insight to help improve outcomes for young people facing complex eating and mental health challenges..
Professional Leadership and Recognition
Linsey is a credentialed eating disorder clinician with the Australian and New Zealand Academy of Eating Disorders (ANZAED). She is member of ANZAED and importantly was a board member on ANZAED for four years and held the portfolio of professional development for eating disorder clinicians across Australia and New Zealand. Linsey played an important role in developing the online supervision program for ANZAED members and the delivery of high quality webinar professional development from world leaders in the field.
Publications and Education
In addition to her clinical practice, Linsey is a published author and educator. She has co-authored several books and practical resources focused on improving treatment for young people with eating disorders. Her work is grounded in a deep belief in the importance of personalised, evidence-informed care that supports the whole family.
In 2003 Dr Atkins was awarded a Professional Doctorate in Child, Adolescent and Family Psychology from LaTrobe University, Victoria. Her doctorate thesis focused on building resilience and protective factors in early adolescence.