Elizabeth Wassenaar, MD, MS, DFAPA, CEDS-C

Regional Medical Director - West Region

She/Her/Hers

Dr. Elizabeth Wassenaar is the Regional Medical Director for the Mountain and West regions at Eating Recovery Center and Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center.  Dr. Wassenaar grew up in central Iowa, where her early fascination with the intricacies of human behavior led her to pursue a graduate degree in Pharmacology at the University of Pennsylvania. After earning her master’s, she transitioned to medical school at Thomas Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. Dr. Wassenaar completed her residency in a unique triple board program, encompassing Pediatrics, Adult Psychiatry, and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Her commitment to deepening her expertise in psychotherapy has included extensive training in psychodynamic approaches and psychedelic-assisted therapy.

Dr. Wassenaar is passionate about supporting individuals and families as they navigate complex emotional landscapes. She finds fulfillment in guiding patients towards reclaiming their lives and achieving a sense of balance. With experience treating a range of diagnoses, she appreciates the intricacies of human experience and the potential for growth and healing, which inspires her work every day.

Before joining her current role, Dr. Wassenaar served as medical director at a residential treatment facility in Cincinnati, where she integrated diagnostic evaluations with comprehensive psychiatric care. She is board certified in Obesity Medicine and is a certified Eating Disorder Specialist Supervisor, highlighting her dedication to providing informed and compassionate care to those she serves.

Professional Information

Education

Education History

  • Cincinnati Children's Hospital and University of Cincinatti
    2008-2013 Triple Board Resident: Pediatrics, Adult, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  • Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA
    2004-2008 M.D. (Medicine)
  • University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
    2001-2003 M.S. (Pharmacology)
  • Calvin College, Grad Rapids, MI
    1997-2001 B.S. (Biology)

Clinical Information

Specialties

  • Certified Eating Disorder Specialist
  • Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
  • Obesity Medicine
  • Pediatrics
  • Psychiatry
  • Triple Board

Areas of Interest

  • Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  • Eating Disorder Treatment
  • Mood & Anxiety
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Primary Clinical Location

  • Colorado
  • Washington

Board Certifications

  • Adult Psychiatry
  • Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  • Obesity Medicine

Professional Associations

  • American Association of Pediatrics
  • American Psychiatric Association
  • American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  • International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals
  • Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS)
  • The Obesity Society