Deborah M. Michel, PhD, CEDS-S, FAED
National Clinical Director of Virtual Care
Biography
Dr. Michel is a licensed clinical psychologist with 30 years of experience in the treatment of eating disorders and related conditions. She is also a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist Supervisor. She has been involved in prevention, education, and advocacy efforts throughout her career.
In 2008, Dr. Michel founded and directed The Woodlands Eating Disorders Center in The Woodlands, Texas, a clinic specializing in the treatment of eating disorders. She partnered with Eating Recovery Center in 2015 to expand the scope of services in the greater Houston area and later opened Pathlight Mood and Anxiety Center. She has served as a Regional Clinical Director, South Region, and Regional Clinical Director of Virtual Services. She was most recently appointed to National Clinical Director of Virtual Care.
Dr. Michel presents educational lectures to professionals, schools, and the general community. She founded eating disorder post-doctoral psychology fellowship programs in her region as well as programs for psychiatry fellows in the Texas Medical Center. She also publishes articles on eating disorders in professional journals as well as in community magazines and co-authored the book, When Dieting Becomes Dangerous: A Guide to Understanding Anorexia and Bulimia. Dr. Michel maintains her status as a clinical faculty member at Tulane University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. She is a founding member and Past-President of Houston Eating Disorders Specialists and continues to serve on the Executive Board. She is an elected Fellow in the Academy for Eating Disorders (AED). She has served on the AED Medical Care Standards Committee as a member and advisor. She was also past Co-Chair of AED’s Advocacy and Communications Committee. Dr. Michel is also a member of The International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP) in addition to other professional organizations.