Eating Disorders in Adolescents: What To Know, What To Do, What To Say with Dr. Sarah Olson

In this powerful session of the Brightmont Academy Speaker Series, we are joined by Dr. Sarah Alness Olson, Licensed Psychologist and Clinical Manager at The Emily Program’s Anna Westin House for Adolescents and Young Adults.

Dr. Olson brings deep expertise in adolescent mental health and eating disorder treatment, and in this conversation she shares critical insights for parents, educators, and school leaders navigating today’s complex landscape.

In this session, Dr. Olson discusses:

• The rising rates of eating disorders among teens and young adults
• The impact of social media and “around-the-clock messaging” on body image
• The surge in adolescent eating disorder cases during and after the pandemic
• Early warning signs — and why small signs can signal large mental preoccupation
• The concept of “All foods fit” and food freedom
• Orthorexia and its potential inclusion in future DSM updates
• How teachers and school leaders should approach concerns (child first? parent first?)
• The importance of building a care team including therapists and eating-disorder-informed dietitians
• When and why early assessment is critical



This conversation provides practical guidance for families and schools on recognizing warning signs early and partnering with professionals before symptoms escalate.