Why are empirically supported treatments for bulimia nervosa underutilizedand what can we do about it?

Empirically supported therapies for bulimia nervosa. as well as for other d isorders, are rarely utilized. Underutilization is frequently attributed to doubts among psychotherapists about the value of randomized controlled tri als and professional resistance to the perceived constraints of manualized therapy. However, controversies about the usefulness of empirically support ed therapies have been shaped by lack of access to adequate training and in experience in delivering these treatments. A proposal for expanding trainin g opportunities is presented along with discussion about how more intensive training for the practicing therapist would affect current controversies r egarding the value and relevance of empirically supported therapies for bul imia nervosa and other disorders. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.