iaedp Lawsuit: Organization Accused of Excessive Certification Fees

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit claims the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (iaedp) imposes excessive fees and engages in financial misconduct.

Consumers Affected: Eating disorder professionals certified by iaedp since 2017.

Court: U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division

A new lawsuit claims that the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (iaedp) imposes unnecessary financial requirements on practitioners seeking certification. The case, filed by Dr. Joy Zelikovsky, focuses on fees tied to board certification and questions the financial management of the organization.

iaedp Accused of Imposing Unnecessary Certification Fees

According to the complaint, iaedp certification requires payment of annual dues, supervision fees, and attendance at symposiums every four years. These costs, the lawsuit claims, generate significant revenue without directly contributing to the certification process.

The filing also alleges that these fees are unrelated to maintaining professional standards, instead benefiting the organization’s leadership. Practitioners argue that the financial demands create barriers for mental health providers specializing in eating disorders.

Lawsuit Alleges Financial Mismanagement and Misrepresentation

The case names Managing Director Bonnie Harken, accusing her of financial mismanagement and misrepresentations on tax filings. According to court documents, Harken reported payments to a dissolved management company and misclassified her employment status on tax forms.

The lawsuit also alleges that Harken avoided payroll taxes required under state law, raising additional concerns about the organization’s financial practices.

In December 2023, an iaedp member launched a petition advocating for reforms to the certification process and changes in leadership. The petition gained support from professionals who cited frustration with the organization’s operations and financial requirements.

Professionals Seek Reform and Accountability from iaedp

In the iaedp certification costs class action lawsuit, Zelikovsky seeks to represent providers who have been certified by iaedp since 2017. She aims to recover fees paid for membership, supervision, and symposium attendance while addressing allegations of financial misconduct within the organization.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Joy Zelikovsky, PsyD v. International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals’ Foundation, Inc. et al.
• Case Number: 1:24-cv-01474-MMM
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• Steven R. Dunn (Dunn Law Firm)

Are you an eating disorder professional certified by iaedp? Share your thoughts on this lawsuit in the comments below.