Exploring Outpatient Psychotherapists' Knowledge, Confidence, and Training on Eating Disorders and Muscle Dysmorphia Among Boys and Men

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess outpatient psychotherapists' knowledge, confidence, training experiences, training needs, and practice experiences in treating boys and men with eating disorders and muscle dysmorphia. Methods: Participants were 259 licensed outpatient psychotherapists in Canada or the United States who completed an online survey between March and June 2025. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize sociodemographics, self-reported knowledge, confidence, training experiences, and training needs. Results: Most participants were women (75.1%) and White (78.8%), with an average age of 40.2 years (SD = 12.4) and a mean of 9.6 years (SD = 9.8) practicing. Of the participants, 12.1% reported being an eating disorder specialist. Self-reported knowledge and confidence to treat boys and men were low for both eating disorders and muscle dysmorphia. Concerning formal training on eating disorders among boys and men, 14.0% and 25.8% reported such training during or after their education, respectively. Participants who received formal training reported that it improved their clinical work with boys and men with eating disorders. Participants reported a variety of training needs, most notably a need to understand unique risk factors and symptom presentations. Discussion: Participants' overall report low knowledge and confidence for treating boys and men with eating disorders or muscle dysmorphia. Only a fraction of psychotherapists had received formal training in this area, yet those who did reported greater knowledge and confidence. Outpatient mental health providers need specialized training on boys and men with eating disorders to enhance their confidence and ability to provide care for this underserved group.