Carolyn Costin MFT, recovered herself from anorexia, has specialized in the treatment of eating disorders and exercise addiction since 1977. Carolyn is founder and executive director of The Eating Disorder Center of California, Monte Nido and Affiliates, which now has 3 unique residential centers in natural, home-like settings. Previously a high school teacher and counselor, Carolyn left her first career to devote herself fully to the prevention and treatment of eating disorders. In the early 1980's, Carolyn established The Eating Disorder Center of California, which continues to provide outpatient and day treatment services in several locations throughout Southern California. In 1996, Carolyn’s dream of opening her own residential treatment center came true when she founded Monte Nido. Monte Nido (Malibu, Calif.) and its affiliate Rain Rock (Eugene, Oregon ) are truly one-of-a-kind premiere facilities located in a beautiful, natural, environment conducive to healing. Despite several opportunities for growth, Carolyn has insisted on keeping only 6 to 10 clients in a small home-like atmosphere. This allows clients the opportunity to build a strong community with each other and practice necessary skills for lasting recovery, such as grocery shopping, preparing and cooking meals, and appropriate exercise. Many of our highly trained, experienced staff are recovered and serve as role models that indeed full recovery is possible.

Carolyn continues to educate and train professionals on the treatment and prevention of eating disorders around the country. Her lectures and workshops range from key presentations at national and international conferences, to local community organizations, high schools, and her study groups for professionals. Carolyn furnishes professionals with the latest research and techniques in therapy, nutrition, and behavior modification, as well as her personal philosophy on what facilitates successful recovery.

Carolyn has written four books which are popular with both professionals and the lay public:
Your Dieting Daughter
The Eating Disorder Source Book, 3rd edition
100 Questions and Answers about Eating Disorders (2007)
Anorexia and Bulimia, A Nutritional Approach (Co-author Alexander Schauss)