Licensed Clinical Psychologist Laurie Crider, in private practice in Steamboat Springs, often includes her four-year-old golden retriever, Lucy, in therapy sessions. Lucy is the third golden retriever Crider has trained to help with therapy clients. Courtesy photo.
In a mountain valley replete with fitness enthusiasts, extreme competitors and top-notch athletes, intense exercise and strict eating routines become normalized. That also means local people struggling with eating disorders may find it easier to hide their conditions, said Licensed Clinical Psychologist Laurie Crider in private practice in Steamboat Springs.
“In mountain towns, it’s a problem that’s somewhat hidden, because a lot of intense exercise is really normalized here. I believe it’s a much bigger problem than we think,” Crider said of eating disorders locally. “Colorado ranked the slimmest state in nation; however, Colorado ranked 33rd in mental health.”