Thread by @TamaraTweets

(1) Inspired by @DrTiffTaft's tweetorial on locating a #gastropsych professional, here's a similar tweetorial, but focused on finding providers for #foodallergy psych/counseling. I often receive messages from those looking for allergy-informed clinicians, so this thread may help.

@DrTiffTaft (2) One place to start is the Food Allergy Counselor Directory (FoodAllergyCounselor.com/Directory). Providers listed there have completed an application and identify clinical focuses that include working with those managing #foodallergies and #allergic conditions.

@DrTiffTaft (3) If no providers are listed near you, consider reaching out to FAC providers listed elsewhere in your state to inquire about distance counseling, as some providers offer telehealth/online counseling to residents in their state. (Check ins. benefits for telehealth coverage).

@DrTiffTaft (4) If no luck there, look for allergy-informed mental health clinicians by:

*Asking local allergists for referral names
*Asking in local food allergy support groups for providers
*Calling area hospital immunology/allergy departments or
food allergy clinics

@DrTiffTaft 5) Another place to look is the Psychology Today provider finder. While #foodallergy or #allergic conditions aren't specific search options, look for local providers that list "chronic illness" as an area of focus. Look through profiles and websites to gain more insight on them.

@DrTiffTaft (6) When evaluating providers that may not specifically treat those managing #foodallergies, these clinical modalities often work well for chronic illness-focused work:

*Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
*Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
*Others: EMDR, Trauma-focused CBT

@DrTiffTaft (7) When you've narrowed down a list of providers that you feel may be a fit, call/email them. Most clinicians offer a free consult call so you can ask them Qs to determine rightness of fit. Ask them about their clinical experience w/chronic medical conditions, allergy, anxiety.

@DrTiffTaft (8) #FoodAllergy counseling & psychology is a newer, still-developing niche, which is why it's not always easy to find an #allergy-informed clinician. Over time, it will hopefully be a more well-defined niche, like counseling/psychology niches focused on other chronic conditions.

@DrTiffTaft (9) In closing, don't hesitate to let your board certified allergist know if you're experiencing excessive levels of anxiety or distress related to your #foodallergies or #allergic condition. There's a growing number of allergy-informed behavioral health clinicians ready to help!

@DrTiffTaft Thanks so much for sharing this information,
@WOMENHealthAlly, @QuestingJane, @AllergicLiving, @DrTiffTaft