Bio
Dr. Erin Parks is a renowned clinical psychologist, researcher, and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in the field of mental health, specializing in evidence-based treatment for eating disorders. As the Co-Founder and Chief Clinical Officer of Equip, Erin has been instrumental in transforming the landscape of eating disorder treatment through innovative, virtual care that is both accessible and effective. Her work at Equip focuses on ensuring that patients across the United States receive comprehensive care that leads to lasting recovery.
Before founding Equip, Erin served as the Director of Outreach and Admissions at the UC San Diego Eating Disorders Center, where she played a pivotal role in expanding and leading one of the most respected eating disorder programs in the world. Her extensive clinical experience spans inpatient, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient settings, where she has consistently advocated for high-quality, evidence-based treatment.
Professional Experience
- Co-Founder, Chief Clinical Officer & Chief Operating Officer, Equip (2019–Present)Erin co-founded Equip to address the significant gaps in eating disorder treatment, particularly for those without access to specialized care. Equip's virtual platform delivers evidence-based modalities like family-based treatment (FBT) and integrates a multidisciplinary team—which can include therapists, dietitians, physicians, and mentors—to support patients in their recovery journey. Erin’s leadership and clinical expertise have been central to Equip's rapid growth and its partnership with major health insurance providers across the country.
- Founding Operator, Coalition Network (2023–Present)As a Founding Operator of the Coalition Network, Erin leverages her expertise to connect senior leaders with startups, facilitating opportunities for impactful investments and strategic growth in health and wellness sectors.
- Assistant Professor & Director of Outreach and Admissions, UC San Diego Health (2014–2019)At UC San Diego, Erin was integral in the development and expansion of the Eating Disorders Center, overseeing programs that combined cutting-edge research with compassionate patient care. She also served as an Assistant Professor, where she contributed to the academic community through research and mentorship, focusing on advancing the understanding and treatment of eating disorders.
Educational background
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Neuropsychology, UC San Diego Erin’s doctoral work at UC San Diego laid the groundwork for her deep expertise in neuropsychology and its application to mental health. Her research contributed to the broader understanding of brain development and its disorders, particularly in the context of eating disorders.
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Communication Sciences, Northwestern University Erin completed her undergraduate studies at Northwestern University, where she developed a strong foundation in communication sciences, further informing her approach to clinical psychology and patient care.
Professional accomplishments
- Erin is a sought-after speaker and author, frequently sharing her insights on the importance of evidence-based treatment through conferences, publications, and workshops. Erin’s work has been featured in various academic and industry journals, and she serves on the editorial board of Eating Disorders: The Journal of Treatment and Prevention.
About our editorial process
Equip is dedicated to providing accurate, accessible content. In order to do so, we ensure that all articles cite credible sources and research, and are reviewed by a licensed medical provider when relevant. We don’t accept sponsored or guest content, and regularly update content to reflect the latest evidence and thought leadership. Providing reliable information about eating disorders is our top priority.
Read more about our editorial policy