Bio
Dr. Jessie Menzel is a licensed clinical psychologist and a distinguished leader in eating disorder treatment and research. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Menzel specializes in developing innovative, evidence-based programs for patients of all ages. As Vice President of Program Development at Equip, she oversees the creation and implementation of comprehensive, virtual care designed to transform eating disorder treatment.
Dr. Menzel's career includes founding the Pediatric Eating Disorder Program at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research, where she also served as an Associate Clinical Professor. Her expertise encompasses treating Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), anorexia nervosa, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) using evidence-based modalities such as family-based treatment, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and exposure and response prevention (ERP).
Professional Experience
Vice President, Program Development, Equip (2023–Present)
Dr. Menzel leads Equip’s strategic initiatives to design and enhance innovative, patient-centered eating disorder programs. Her work ensures that Equip continues to deliver accessible, effective, and comprehensive care.
Senior Director of Program Development, Equip (2022–2023)
In this role, Dr. Menzel was instrumental in refining clinical programs to meet the diverse needs of Equip’s patients and families, driving outcomes through research-informed practices.
Director, Pediatric Eating Disorder Program, UCSD Eating Disorders Center (2014–2021)
As program director, Dr. Menzel built one of the nation’s most comprehensive pediatric eating disorder treatment programs, offering advanced therapeutic interventions for children and adolescents across all levels of care.
Postdoctoral Fellow, UCSD Eating Disorders Center (2013–2015)
Dr. Menzel honed her clinical and research skills through specialized training in eating disorder treatment, focusing on family-based therapy and interventions for OCD and anxiety disorders.
Contributions and Thought Leadership
Dr. Menzel is a recognized leader in the eating disorder field and has contributed extensively to the understanding of body image issues, interoception, and treatment interventions. She is a frequent speaker on ARFID and other eating disorders and regularly delivers educational presentations for healthcare providers and families.
Personal Life
Dr. Menzel resides in San Diego, California, where she enjoys spending time with her family. Her work reflects her deep commitment to empowering patients and their families to achieve recovery through compassionate, evidence-based care.
Educational background
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Clinical Psychology, University of South Florida (2013)
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology, Kenyon College (2007): Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa
Specialities & expertise
- ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder)
- Anorexia nervosa and restrictive eating disorders
- Family-Based Treatment (FBT)
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD and anxiety disorders
- Picky/Selective Eating
- Pediatric and adolescent mental health
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.