Carolyn Coker Ross MD

Carolyn Coker Ross MD Whether you’re struggling with an eating disorder, an addiction, or need help with anxiety and depression, you’ve come to the right place.

Carolyn Coker Ross, MD is an African-American physician, international speaker, DEI consultant & mental health speaker specializing in the treatment of mental health issues, trauma, and substance use disorders in her practices in California and Colorado. I act as a consultant for patients and treatment centers offering a wide range of therapeutic options from the best of conventional and complementary therapies. My areas of expertise include eating disorders, mental health issues (depression and anxiety), obesity and addictions. I also see patients preventive care recommendations and other chronic conditions. I use the best of conventional and complementary and alternative medicine to treat my patients. I have pioneered a unique approach to the treatment of eating disorders and obesity. My program, The Anchor Program for Binge Eating and Compulsive Overeating™ is available as an online program for weight management. Please feel free to contact me, or continue browsing my page to get to know me better. You can contact me at 303-355-2445 or http://carolynrossmd.com/contact/

01/05/2026

We all know trauma matters, but here is the essential clinical truth:

If you treat only the trauma and ignore the addiction, you won't recover. But if you ignore the trauma, you're set up for relapse.

Dr. Claudia Black reveals why it is critical to ask about growing up years and how to treat both the underlying pain and the primary addiction.

Learn how we create a physically safe space to finally achieve inner calmness and begin the real work of healing.

Want to bring inclusive change to your organization?

Invite Dr. Ross to speak or lead a training.

Learn more at CarolynRossMD.com

Subscribe:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMxZQFFMzHkMGHjPbWQxmjw

Listen to the full episode here: https://bit.ly/InclusiveMindsPodcastEp15

Purchase the book!

01/02/2026

A 5-year-old in handcuffs? The story of little Jaisha Scott reveals the shocking reality of bias and the over-policing of Black children in schools.

Learn how the presence of law enforcement in schools often makes them less safe for those who need protection the most.

Tap the link below to hear the full, crucial conversation.

Want to bring inclusive change to your organization?

Invite Dr. Ross to speak or lead a training.

Learn more at CarolynRossMD.com

Subscribe:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMxZQFFMzHkMGHjPbWQxmjw

Listen to the full episode here: https://carolynrossmd.com/felecia-randy-and-kideste-episode/

Purchase the book here: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/antiblackness-and-the-stories-of-authentic-allies-9780197642535

12/31/2025

Is the current education debate missing the point? 🤔

Following the disturbing case of a 5-year-old facing arrest, Dr. Kideste Yusef shifts the focus to the historical roots of educational inequity and the political fight over curriculum.

She powerfully corrects the public narrative around Critical Race Theory (CRT)

Hear how misrepresenting concepts like CRT denies the reality of historical inequality and distracts from the true systemic bias that undermines access to education for Black children today.

Want to bring inclusive change to your organization?

Invite Dr. Ross to speak or lead a training.

Learn more at CarolynRossMD.com

Subscribe:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMxZQFFMzHkMGHjPbWQxmjw

Listen to the full episode here: https://carolynrossmd.com/felecia-randy-and-kideste-episode/

Purchase the book!

It is my genuine privilege to have Dr. Claudia Black on the podcast, and she is giving us incredible insights!We asked h...
12/29/2025

It is my genuine privilege to have Dr. Claudia Black on the podcast, and she is giving us incredible insights!

We asked her why was Undaunted Hope written now, and what makes its approach so unique?"

Her answer is a WAKE-UP CALL to the mental health crisis:

"I wanted people to understand the complexity of addiction and mental health issues, especially since many people today are coming in with such great despair and are often suicidal."

This book is such a great read! It's where you'll get real-life stories combined with commentary from clinical leaders like Dick Schwartz and Peter Levine! Dr. Black's insights will give you a whole new framework for healing!

Don't wait—listen to the full episode and find out how to truly address the complexity of your pain!

Want to bring inclusive change to your organization?

Invite Dr. Ross to speak or lead a training.

Learn more at CarolynRossMD.com

Subscribe:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMxZQFFMzHkMGHjPbWQxmjw

Listen to the full episode here: https://bit.ly/InclusiveMindsPodcastEp15

Purchase the [book](https://global.oup.com/academic/product/antiblackness-and-the-stories-of-authentic-allies-9780197642535) here

I’ve spent my career as a doctor, speaker, and author focusing on the vital connection between eating disorders, trauma,...
12/26/2025

I’ve spent my career as a doctor, speaker, and author focusing on the vital connection between eating disorders, trauma, and addiction. And what I've seen is sobering: Eating disorders are among the most life-threatening mental health conditions, and their global prevalence has doubled this century.

We know the need is huge, and as clinicians, we must be ready.

That's why I've partnered with the Mental Health Academy (MHA), a leader in online continuing education, to make this specialized training accessible to you. Through MHA's state-of-the-art platform, you can access my 29-hour Micro-Credential course conveniently online, 24/7.

Are you ready to join me in providing coordinated, evidence-based care?

Click below to enroll now and elevate your practice!

12/24/2025

What if the education system isn't designed to empower everyone? 🤔

Dr. Randy Nelson lays out a compelling argument: Our chapter, "Systems Failure: Black Children Left Behind," feels incredibly relevant because the current social climate is actively making education a tool of control.

He shares why new curriculum restrictions—like those concerning Michelle Alexander's work (civil rights activist)—aren't just about theory; they fundamentally challenge who gets to learn and who gets to succeed.

Discover the real stakes in the fight for educational equity and hear the full context from three leading scholars.

👉 Don't miss this essential conversation. Listen to the full episode of the Inclusive Minds Podcast! Link below.

Want to bring inclusive change to your organization?

Invite Dr. Ross to speak or lead a training.

Learn more at CarolynRossMD.com

Subscribe:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMxZQFFMzHkMGHjPbWQxmjw

Listen to the full episode here: https://carolynrossmd.com/felecia-randy-and-kideste-episode/

Purchase the book here: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/antiblackness-and-the-stories-of-authentic-allies-9780197642535

That study on the "gaze of preschool teachers" is one of the most compelling things we discussed in this episode of the ...
12/22/2025

That study on the "gaze of preschool teachers" is one of the most compelling things we discussed in this episode of the Inclusive Minds Podcast! 🎙️

Click the link below to listen to the full episode and understand the science behind implicit bias in the earliest years of education:

Want to bring inclusive change to your organization?

Invite Dr. Ross to speak or lead a training.

Learn more at CarolynRossMD.com

Subscribe:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMxZQFFMzHkMGHjPbWQxmjw

Listen to the full episode here: https://carolynrossmd.com/felecia-randy-and-kideste-episode/

Purchase the book here: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/antiblackness-and-the-stories-of-authentic-allies-9780197642535

12/18/2025

What does true healing feel like?

Author Liana Maneese from the book Anti-Blackness and the Stories of Authentic Allies offers a powerful answer: "Very close to loving yourself." She explains how a system designed to take your humanity makes self-love the ultimate revolutionary act.

Join Dr. Carolyn Coker Ross as we discuss why this personal journey is the foundation for the community and professional justice Liana is building. Are we on the way to this space? She says, "Absolutely."

Want to bring inclusive change to your organization?

Invite Dr. Ross to speak or lead a training.

Learn more at CarolynRossMD.com

12/18/2025

What does true healing feel like?

12/18/2025

Everyone talks about depression and addiction, but we've stopped taking them seriously.

This week, we reveal why Dr. Claudia Black felt compelled to write her book, Undaunted Hope, right now.

She shares a stark warning: Clients are coming in with great despair, little hope, and are often extremely suicidal. We are making light of issues that are devastating lives.

Tune in to understand how serious this crisis is and discover the vital perspective you need to find—and give—HOPE today.

Don't miss this essential conversation.

Want to bring inclusive change to your organization?

Invite Dr. Ross to speak or lead a training.

Learn more at CarolynRossMD.com

Subscribe:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMxZQFFMzHkMGHjPbWQxmjw

Listen to the full episode!

Purchase the book!

As an African American physician and expert focused on the intersection of eating disorders, trauma, and addiction, I be...
12/16/2025

As an African American physician and expert focused on the intersection of eating disorders, trauma, and addiction, I believe that high-quality, compassionate education is the first step toward better client care.

I’m thrilled to partner with Mental Health Academy (MHA), a leading provider of online continuing education, to bring you this specialized program.

My course, Working with Eating Disorders Micro-Credential, is a 29-hour program designed to give you a full, practical understanding of modern eating disorder treatment, all conveniently accessible online, 24/7.

Here’s a friendly peek at the five modules that make up our journey:

Module 1: The Big 3
We'll start at the foundation: learning the DSM-5-TR diagnosis for Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge Eating Disorder, and correcting those persistent myths!

Module 2: Trauma & The Body
I’ll show you how ACEs (toxic stress) fundamentally affect the brain and attachment, and why this is key to understanding risk.

Module 3: Co-Occurring Issues
We'll explore conditions like SUDs that often travel with eating disorders. I'll teach you strategies to reduce the shame that keeps both problems going.

Module 4: Special Populations
We’ll make sure your care is inclusive, covering how to tailor treatment for LGBTQIA+, males, diabulimia, and orthorexia.

Module 5: Treatment in Practice Time for skills!
We’ll cover practical steps like staged refeeding protocols and how to guide clients toward intuitive eating using an "all foods fit" approach.

Ready to explore this vital area of mental health with me, on MHA's convenient online platform?

Click the link below to enroll and start your learning journey!

12/12/2025

Why does anti-Blackness hurt the most within kinship groups and with those you love?

In this raw segment, author Liana Maneese from the book Anti-Blackness and the Stories of Authentic Allies, explains why she chose to focus on relationships. She reveals the pain of recognizing racism from people you believe care about you—even family and parents you once held "on these pedestals." Discover what happens when you realize the anti-racist work must start at home.

Want to bring inclusive change to your organization?

Invite Dr. Ross to speak or lead a training.

Learn more at CarolynRossMD.com

Purchase the book!

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+15204400079

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My philosophy

I am an integrative medicine physician who works with people who want to improve their health and well-being and be free from food obsessions and body dissatisfaction. I have an online coaching program, The Anchor Program (TM) for people with food and body image issues. The Anchor Program is so named because being anchored is about being true to yourself and accessing your inner strength. No matter where you are in your personal journey, I will meet you and walk with you every step of the way.

What I believe:

I support an individual’s right to good health, no matter what their size.

I believe that we can best touch and help others through sharing our thoughts, our stories and our innermost desires.