Maddie Koermer (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of North Carolina. She obtained her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Loyola University of Chicago. Maddie began her career at Veritas Collaborative in 2016 and has experience working with patients and their families across multiple levels of care, including inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient. She is particularly passionate about the PHP and IOP levels of care and multi-family programming. As a clinical manager at Triangle Outpatient, Maddie is always pleased to help connect families to psychoeducational and supportive resources in their local area. She also thoroughly enjoys supervising student interns and clinicians in the field of eating disorder treatment.
Maddie greatly appreciates being part of a patient’s care team and enjoys walking alongside patients and families as they navigate the recovery journey. She pulls from various treatment modalities, including DBT, FBT, and motivational interviewing, and believes strongly that every eating disorder is significant enough to receive help. Maddie embraces diversity and believes in the importance of a non-judgmental, inclusive recovery environment. Maddie is an active Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Council member at Accanto Health.
Amy Laster (she/her) is a Licensed Professional Counselor in North Carolina, having earned her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. Since 2019, Amy has worked with Veritas patients across numerous levels of care, including inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization (PHP), and intensive outpatient (IOP). She utilizes an integrated approach to therapy, which incorporates features of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Her interest in lower levels of care led her to take one of the clinical manager positions for Triangle Outpatient. In this role, she serves as clinical and staff support for adult PHP and IOP and adolescent PHP and IOP. Amy is an experienced resource for our patients, able to provide individual therapy, family therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, clinical supervision, and therapeutic meal support.
Amy loves to learn and even helped develop the curriculum utilized across the Accanto Health System. She strongly believes success in treating eating disorders is underpinned by thorough assessment and development of an evidence-based treatment plan. Amy is also passionate about increasing access to care for all individuals in need. She enjoys partnering with external providers throughout the community to provide education on the detection and treatment of eating disorders. One of Amy’s goals is to grow awareness of inherent biases surrounding body size and nutrition, as well as to break down harmful eating disorder-related stigmas.
Providing individualized care for children, adolescents, and adults in a gender-diverse and inclusive environment. Located in Durham, North Carolina, our Triangle outpatient eating disorder treatment center offers various levels of care, including PHP, IOP, OP, and virtual options.
Available Programs
We offer both individualized care and group treatment—all with the goal of equipping individuals and their communities of support with the skills necessary to continue recovery and thrive in their personal and professional environments.
Parking: Park in any open space in the dedicated parking lot in front of the building. Proceed to the front door and ring the bell to be let in.
Public Transportation: Durham has an extensive bus transit system operated by GoDurham. Take Route 2 to Bus Stop #6267, located on TW Alexander Dr at S Miami Blvd. Plan your trip: https://godurhamtransit.org/trip-planner
Triangle Outpatient Center Virtual Tour
This video tour provides a look at Triangle Outpatient Center, as well as an overview of multidisciplinary treatment at this site.
Executive Director Sara Hofmeier, MS, LCMHCS, CED-S, leads Triangle Outpatient Center. Sara has worked with eating disorder patients since 2007, and has provided individual, group, and family therapy for patients across multiple levels of care.
Eating Disorder Overview for Pediatricians with Dr. Anna Tanner
In this interview with Dr. Anna Tanner, our Vice President of Child and Adolescent Medicine, we discuss what pediatric providers should know about eating disorders, including how to recognize eating disorders, how eating disorders can affect growth and development, and the importance of treating eating disorders early for best possible outcomes.
Executive Director of Triangle Outpatient Center Sara Hofmeier, MS, LCMHCS, CED-S, answers some common questions about eating disorders, including who is affected, how to screen for signs, and why it’s important that patients receive the level of care that’s right for them.
Lodging for Adults in PHP
At Veritas Collaborative, we believe everyone should have access to the treatment they need. Our lodging options are an essential part of our commitment to expanding access to care, offering a place to stay for adult patients (18+) participating in our PHP eating disorder treatment program in North Carolina.
For patients who live away from the area, but need PHP:
A beautiful homelike setting nestled in a safe and secure neighborhood
An inviting, nonclinical environment
Fully furnished rooms equipped with modern amenities
Convenient onsite laundry facilities, WiFi access, and a welcoming common area.
Opportunities to practice real-life recovery skills, empowering yourself on your healing journey
Contact our Admissions Team at 1-855-875-5812 for more information about lodging.
Photo Gallery: Triangle Outpatient Eating Disorder Treatment Center in Durham, North Carolina
Veritas-RTP-1
Veritas-RTP-2
038_20180410_VeritasCam2_263-
039_20180410_VeritasCam2_270-
040_20180410_VeritasCam2_275-
Veritas-RTP-5
Veritas-RTP-6
Veritas-RTP-7
Veritas-RTP-8
Veritas-RTP-20
Veritas-RTP-21
Veritas-RTP-22
Group-room
Veritas-RTP-28
Veritas-RTP-29
Veritas-RTP-30
Veritas-RTP-31
Veritas-RTP-32
Veritas-Still-Images-(20)
Veritas-Still-Images-(24)
Veritas-Still-Images-(26)
Veritas-Still-Images-(27)
Veritas-Still-Images-(34)
Exam-Room-RTP
Exam-room
Exam-room-2
Why is Veritas expanding its outpatient offerings?
At Veritas Collaborative, we believe in offering the right level of care at the right time for each individual.
Outpatient levels of care, including PHP, IOP, and OP, allow us to provide treatment for patients who are struggling with an eating disorder but are medically stable enough that 24/7 residential or inpatient care is not needed.
Specialty outpatient treatment for eating disorders offers effective early intervention. It is imperative that eating disorders are treated as soon as they’re identified. There’s no such thing as not being “sick enough” to receive treatment. Studies show that early intervention for eating disorders leads to improved treatment outcomes, reducing the length of recovery, symptom intensity, and rate of recurrence. Early intervention for children and adolescents is especially crucial to ensure the patient’s physical, psychological, and social development continues unimpeded.
Alternatively, outpatient care is recommended for patients who are stepping down from residential and inpatient levels of care so they can transition from 24/7 treatment for a severe eating disorder back to their everyday lives with a support system in place.
What is the difference between partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and outpatient services at Veritas Collaborative?
At Veritas Collaborative, PHP and IOP are designed for patients in need of professional support that is less intensive than that provided in a residential setting but more intensive than that provided in a traditional outpatient setting.
Our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is a good fit for those who need a highly structured, supportive plan while recovering in a “real life” setting. Outside of programming hours, patients can immediately practice recovery skills in their daily lives. Patients typically spend a minimum of 30 hours per week in PHP.
Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), like PHP, is for those who need more structure than non-intensive outpatient treatment but less structure than full-day support. IOP programming runs for only a portion of the day. Patients typically spend a minimum of 12 hours per week in IOP.
Outpatient services are non-intensive sessions that typically occur weekly, biweekly, or on an as-needed basis. This level of care is meant for those who are not in a crisis phase with their eating disorder or those in recovery who need some ongoing support.
What if my patient lives far from a treatment center?
Veritas Collaborative has affordable lodging accommodations near our Triangle Outpatient Center for adults (18+) who live far away from the treatment location. If parents want to stay near their child during treatment, our staff will assist with locating nearby hotel accommodations. Your patient may also want to consider a virtual treatment option.
Does Veritas offer virtual programming at the outpatient level?
Yes, we offer both virtual and in-person treatment options for PHP, IOP, and outpatient sessions. Both virtual and in-person intensive outpatient programs include individual, group, and family therapy, therapeutic meal support, nutrition counseling, psychiatry sessions, and medical appointments, as appropriate.
Douglas Adult Eating Disorder Treatment Center – Durham, NC
Eliza Russ, MBA, MSW, LCSW, CEDS-S, earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of the South in Sewanee, TN, and a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has experience providing individual, family, and group therapy for patients with eating disorders across multiple levels of care, most recently serving the outpatient population in a private practice. During that time, she also obtained her master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
In addition to her training as a psychotherapist, Eliza has experience providing clinical supervision to therapists and interns and is passionate about supporting the professional growth of emerging colleagues. She earned her Clinical Supervision Certification through NASW-NC and is an approved supervisor through the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals.
Eliza strongly believes in providing evidence-based care that is individualized to meet the needs of the patient and family. She strives to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can flourish. She approaches therapy with a sense of curiosity to help clients explore behavior patterns, gain insight, and develop potential solutions to facilitate changes that lead to a more peaceful “meaning-filled” life.
Marlo is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina. She is an intensively training DBT therapist through The Linehan Institute. She started her career with Veritas in 2018 in the Intake and Admissions Department and moved into the Patient Navigation Manager role in 2020. Marlo has experience providing individual and group therapy for patients of all backgrounds in outpatient settings.
Marlo enjoys seeing the transformation that occurs in patients from the beginning of their journey to completion. She takes a holistic approach to treatment and believes that everyone deserves their recovery to be in a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive environment.
Jenn Zambo, MS, RDN, LDN, CEDS, CHES, attended the University of Connecticut where she completed the Coordinated Dietetics Program to earn her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics. Jenn then went on to complete her Master of Science in Health Promotion, with a focus on health education. Jenn started her eating disorder career at the University of Connecticut Student Health Services, where she counseled students with eating disorders and advised a peer education group promoting eating disorder awareness. Prior to her transition to Veritas, Jenn worked as an eating disorder dietitian for an inpatient program affiliated with Walden Behavioral Care treating adults and adolescents. Jenn has since worked as a Registered Dietitian in inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient levels of care.
Amy Gerberry (she/her) brings an abundance of heart and experience to the Veritas Collaborative team. She celebrates having been in the mental health field for nearly 30 years and over 20 years specializing in the treatment of eating disorders.
Eating disorder treatment is a passion for Amy as she has dedicated her career—including 18 years of it in leadership and training positions—to working with all levels of care. Given the privilege and opportunity to work in various treatment programs and hospitals across the country, building relationships with clinical professionals, patients, and families has been the most rewarding.
Amy enjoys training and leading teams in providing excellence in treatment to instill lasting recovery. She appreciates the experience and reputation that Veritas Collaborative has built and is excited to be part of this incredible organization.
The journey to recovery can be complex and challenging, but full recovery is possible. Amy is proud to be a part of an organization with the skills and reputation to facilitate that successful recovery path for patients and their families.
Providing individualized care for adults in a gender-diverse and inclusive environment. Our Douglas eating disorder treatment center for adults (ages 18 & up) in Durham, North Carolina is fully equipped to offer both inpatient and residential care.
Available Programs
We offer both individualized care and group treatment—all with the goal of equipping individuals and their communities of support with the skills necessary to continue recovery and thrive in their personal and professional environments.
Turn onto Douglas Street from Erwin Road. Then turn right onto Pratt Street at the bottom of the hill; you’ll see a sign for Veritas Collaborative. Take another right and pull up to the second parking garage entrance. Buzz the intercom near the gate arm to be let into the garage. Once parked, enter through the glass doors on the left-hand side, proceed to the 5th floor, and ring the bell to be let in.
Virtual Tour: Douglas Adult Eating Disorder Treatment Center – Durham, NC
This video tour provides a look at Veritas Collaborative’s Douglas eating disorder treatment center for adults in Durham, as well as an overview of the multidisciplinary care offered at the site.
Our programs include individual therapy and nutrition sessions, skills-based group therapy, therapeutic supported meals, and psychiatry and medical services, all delivered within a safe and nurturing environment.
– Sarah Quote
– Sarah
“I’m very thankful for Veritas. My team helped me in ways I will be forever grateful for. What you put in is what you will get out… utilize your resources and support while you have it.”
– Anonymous Quote
– Anonymous
“Overall, these trained professionals are the best. They do all they can for the residents and families as well – from nutrition education, to proven therapy, to compassion and strong and unwavering dedication to keep our kids safe in their battle with a misunderstood and deadly illness. While not everything was perfect, we learned the tools necessary for when we were able to leave Durham. I have so much respect for all the staff and standards in the facility and would recommend should you need care for a loved one to not accept anything less than Veritas.”
We’re Here to Help
Eliza Russ
MBA, MSW, LCSW, CEDS-S
Executive Director
Douglas Adult Eating Disorder Treatment Center – Durham, NC
Amanda Barnhardt is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Clinical Supervisor who specializes in mental health. She earned her master’s degree in Social Work at UNC Greensboro. She also has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Women’s Studies from UNC-Chapel Hill. Amanda has over ten years of experience working in the adult inpatient psychiatric setting, providing individual, group and family therapy. She has also practiced outpatient psychotherapy with children and families.
Amanda received her Certification in Clinical Supervision in 2013 from the National Association of Social Workers and has provided clinical supervision to provisionally licensed clinicians across several behavioral health settings, including intensive In-home services, inpatient and outpatient psychotherapy, child welfare, and intake clinicians at Veritas Collaborative.
Amanda is passionate about creative, client-centered interventions informed by evidenced-based psychotherapy modalities such as DBT, CBT, and ACT.
RTP Child & Adolescent Eating Disorder Treatment Center – Durham, NC Child, Adolescent & Adult Center – Charlotte, NC
Dr. Ornstein has recently relocated to North Carolina with her husband and two daughters and is excited to join Veritas Collaborative as the Medical Director of the Child and Adolescent Eating Disorder Treatment Center in Durham and the Child, Adolescent, and Adult Center in Charlotte. She is a board-certified Adolescent Medicine specialist with over 20 years of experience treating patients with eating disorders.
Dr. Ornstein grew up in New York City and graduated magna cum laude from Brown University with a BS degree in Psychology. She headed back to New York for medical school, where she earned her MD from New York University School of Medicine. She did her Pediatrics residency at Columbia-Presbyterian Babies and Children’s Hospital in New York. Dr. Ornstein then went on to do a fellowship in Adolescent Medicine at Schneider Children’s Hospital (now Cohen Children’s Hospital), part of Northwell Health in New Hyde Park, NY, where she then worked as an attending physician in the Division of Adolescent Medicine from 2002-2008. Dr. Ornstein moved to Pennsylvania in 2008 and joined the Division of Adolescent Medicine and Eating Disorders at the Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital. She was appointed interim division chief in January 2015, and served in this role through 2017. She was promoted to Professor of Pediatrics at Penn State College of Medicine, where she was involved in teaching both medical students and residents. She was also made Adjunct Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania and was involved in teaching multidisciplinary Adolescent Health fellows at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Dr. Ornstein is widely published in the field of eating disorders, and her research interests include child and adolescent eating disorders, with an emphasis on Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, outcomes of eating disorders treatment, and the use of saliva as a possible biomarker in anorexia nervosa. She has presented research as well as workshops at both the International Conference on Eating Disorders and the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine, where she has also served on scientific program planning committees. She is a Fellow of the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. Dr. Ornstein has been named in the Best Doctors in America database annually since 2009.
Sara Hofmeier is a Licensed Professional Counselor, having earned her Master’s in Counseling from UNC Greensboro. Sara has been working with patients with eating disorders since 2007 and comes to Veritas from the UNC Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders where she was the program’s Clinical Director and an Assistant Professor. Sara has experience providing individual, group, and family therapy for patients with eating disorders across multiple levels of care including inpatient, partial hospitalization, and outpatient treatment settings. In addition to her experience in direct patient care, Sara has extensive experience providing supervision and training to new therapists and particularly enjoys providing supervision around the care and treatment of patients with eating disorders.
Sara strongly believes in an evidence informed approach to best practice treatment and pulls from several therapeutic approaches in her work with patients and families with eating disorders, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and the Maudsley model of Family Based Therapy. Sara also believes in a collaborative and strengths-based approach to treatment and particularly enjoys helping patients find new ways to describe their experiences and struggles in a non-judgmental manner as they move toward recovery.
Douglas Adult Eating Disorder Treatment Center – Durham, NC Triangle Child, Adolescent, & Adult Eating Disorder Center – Durham, NC (Interim)
Elysse Thebner Miller, MPH, RD, LDN is a Registered Dietitian (RD) and Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist (LDN) at Veritas Collaborative. She attended Ithaca College where she completed her Bachelors of Science degree in Health Sciences/Pre-Medical Studies with an emphasis in Nutrition, with minors in Anthropology and Art. Elysse attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health where she completed her Masters in Public Health with a focus on Nutrition. Elysse completed her Dietetic Internship at UNC Center for Excellence of Eating Disorders and Duke University. She most recently worked as a Registered Dietitian at UNC CEED clinic as inpatient, partial hospitalization, and outpatient dietitian as well as research dietitian in trials for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.
Douglas Adult Eating Disorder Treatment Center – Durham, NC
Mem Wood, MS, LCMHC is a psychotherapist at Veritas Collaborative. She attended New College of Florida, where she completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature and Gender Studies. Mem earned her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Florida International University. Mem completed her training at the Renfrew Center of South Florida, a residential treatment center for eating disorders. Prior to her transition to Veritas, Mem worked most recently as Program Manager at the Renfrew Center of South Florida, while also serving as manager of the Aftercare Department and a primary therapist for individuals with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other eating disorder diagnoses at the residential, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient levels of care.
Douglas Adult Eating Disorder Treatment Center – Durham, NC
Before joining the Veritas team in 2017, Joe held faculty positions in the medical schools at Duke University and the University of North Carolina (UNC). While at UNC Joe was the medical director of the UNC Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders where he treated patients at the inpatient, partial hospitalization, and outpatient levels of care as well as participated in research examining new treatment approaches to patients with eating disorders.
His experience working with patients in extreme physical and emotional distress and walking with them through the recovery process has made him a passionate advocate for the care of patients with eating disorders. Joe brings a unique approach to his clinical work that he ascribes to his training as both a psychiatrist and a clinical psychologist. He is board certified in General as well as Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and is a licensed clinical psychologist.
Consistent with his training in psychiatry and psychology, Joe approaches his patients with a deep appreciation for the connection between mind and body and the ways in which eating disorders affect individuals across these domains. He approaches his patients with an understanding that recovering from an eating disorder requires a sustained effort over time through inevitable emotional and physical struggles. He believes that patients can overcome these struggles through multidisciplinary treatment that addresses patterns of thoughts and feelings that drive eating disordered behaviors, and by helping patients to connect their recovery efforts with their deeply held values and life goals.
Providing individualized care for children and adolescents in a gender-diverse and inclusive environment. Our RTP eating disorder treatment center for children and adolescents (ages 8–18) in Durham, North Carolina is fully equipped to offer both inpatient and residential care.
Available Programs
We offer both individualized care and group treatment—all with the goal of equipping individuals and their communities of support with the skills necessary to continue recovery and thrive in their personal and professional environments.
Parking: Park in any open space in the dedicated parking lot in front of the building. Proceed to the front door and ring the bell to be let in.
Public Transportation: Durham has an extensive bus transit system operated by GoDurham. Take Route 2 to Bus Stop #6267, located on TW Alexander Dr at S Miami Blvd. Plan your trip: https://godurhamtransit.org/trip-planner
This video tour provides a look at Veritas Collaborative’s RTP eating disorder treatment center for children and adolescents in Durham, as well as an overview of the multidisciplinary care offered at the site.
Our programs include individual therapy and nutrition sessions, skills-based group therapy, therapeutic supported meals, and psychiatry and medical services, all delivered within a safe and nurturing environment.
– Rose Quote
– Rose
“The team was attentive and beyond patient, and really made every effort to work with my daughter. They were genuine and I felt an immediate trust with everyone on her team… These individuals truly wanted to help my daughter who has an extremely severe case of anorexia and anxiety with trusting others.”
– Sarah Quote
– Sarah
“The time our son spent at Veritas, under compassionate and professional care, was truly instrumental in saving his life and bringing healing to his body and ED.”
– Michael Quote
– Michael
“Excellent programming, therapists, and physicians. They are strong advocates for the patient AND family. If you have a child that suffers from an eating disorder, I strongly recommend Veritas.”
– Kim Quote
– Kim
“We’re so happy to be here after another treatment center failed to help our child. Veritas is very structured and they do a fabulous job with children! The therapy is amazing and families are very involved in treatment. We came from out of state to be here and it was totally worth it.”
– King Quote
– King
“This is a wonderful facility that is committed to providing the best care for patients and their families.”
– Rachel Quote
– Rachel
“Great communication from the team. Caring and compassionate staff. Modern facility. Focuses on not only the patient, but incorporates the family as a part of the process of healing. Thankful for Veritas!”
By clicking “Send” below, you are indicating that you understand and agree to these terms regarding the use of your information:
The information you submit on this form will be used internally for the purposes of processing and responding to your request. It may be routed internally in order to find the most appropriate member of staff to handle your request and your contact information will only be used to respond to your inquiry if you indicate permission to do so.
In addition, the information submitted may become a part of the patient’s permanent chart or treatment record at The Emily Program upon their utilization of The Emily Program services, and this information may be used in the planning of treatment and care provided to the patient. At the time the patient utilizes The Emily Program services, The Emily Program’s Notice of Privacy Practices and other HIPAA and information privacy and security policies will apply to the information submitted on this form and to any other information that The Emily Program maintains about the patient and the care provided to the patient.