Prosperity Eating Disorders & Wellness Center – A Supportive Force in our Community

by Sarah Golden, Staff Writer

The Prosperity Team. Photo by Benjamin Burgess

A strong community is one that supports and uplifts its neighbors. This writer had the opportunity to interview one such force for good—Heather Baker, LCSW, CEDS, and founder of Prosperity Eating Disorder and Wellness Center. Her mission with Prosperity is to create programs that facilitate full recovery, helping individuals stay out of the hospital and live normal, fulfilling lives.

Baker said that Prosperity, along with its sister location in Norfolk, is one of the few independently owned and operated eating disorder treatment centers in the United States. Unlike large corporate-run facilities disconnected from local communities, Prosperity is deeply rooted in Reston. Baker, a Herndon resident, leads a dedicated team of therapists, dietitians, chefs, interns, and nurses who provide comprehensive support for individuals struggling with a range of eating disorders, including Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder, Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), Other Specified Eating Disorder (OSFED), and Orthorexia.

Photo by Benjamin Burgess.

When asked about the inspiration behind Prosperity, Baker shared her personal experience with an eating disorder during her youth. At the time, she didn’t realize she had an illness; many disordered eating conditions weren’t even formally recognized until the 1980s. Now, armed with scientific evidence and research, she has developed a variety of programs designed to help clients heal.

Prosperity offers several treatment options, including Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), and Virtual Outpatient Services. PHP, available for both adolescents and adults, provides a comprehensive approach to recovery through group counseling, nutrition therapy, and wellness activities like yoga and art therapy. Clients in the PHP program receive two meals and two snacks daily, all prepared by in-house chefs in collaboration with dietitians specializing in eating disorder care.

Baker emphasized that eating disorder dietitians differ significantly from conventional dietitians. Since dieting can be a major trigger for those struggling with eating disorders, the focus is not on weight loss, but on developing a healthy relationship with food. The goal is to foster a strong mind-body connection that promotes a lifetime of balanced, fear-free eating.

Creating this healthy relationship with food can be particularly challenging in today's social media-driven world. While awareness of eating disorders has increased, stigma still prevents many individuals from seeking help. In addition, societal trends that demonize certain foods and glorify dieting can make disordered eating behaviors seem normal. Prosperity offers hope and healing for those struggling with these issues and more.

For those seeking more information, the Prosperity website (www.prosperityedwell.com) provides details on available programs. Prosperity is a HIPAA-compliant center and accepts most major insurance providers. If you or a loved one may be struggling with an eating disorder, the website’s “Resources” tab includes helpful articles and helplines. Prosperity also offers free family support groups for those assisting a loved one on the path to recovery.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, visit Crisis Text Line or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for immediate support.

Employee Vignettes – I thought these could be a nice inclusion to the article; maybe call-out boxes or something like that.

Our goal is [for our client to] keep them in their normal life – Heather – Founder

I love working with people who are re-exploring their love of food again – Lauren - Nutrition Director

I love working with adolescents. I feel like they’re lost when they first arrive but then a weight is lifted off their shoulders. It is very rewarding. – Saghi - Medical Director

We provide individual client focused care. Everything is tailored to their needs – Paige, Therapist

Prosperity evolves a lot with the industry. We do a good job at revamping groups to see what is most effective – Mina, Intern