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/

10/17/2025

"Let's just agree to disagree." "Everyone just needs to calm down." Sound familiar?

These phrases often end uncomfortable conversations about race. But as my guest Meyleen Velasquez points out, the ability to stop the conversation is a privilege. People of color can't just ask racism to "calm down"—they live with it every day. This is a core topic we explore, inspired by the stories in Anti-Blackness and the Stories of Authentic Allies.

This is a must-hear perspective for anyone committed to true allyship. Join our important conversation on the Inclusive Minds podcast.

Want to bring inclusive change to your organization?

Invite Dr. Ross to speak or lead a training. Learn more at CarolynRossMD.com

Listen to the full episode here: https://bit.ly/InclusiveMindsPodcastEp13

10/16/2025

"This would be great for my neighbor to hear." Ever had that thought? It's so much easier to see what others need to work on than it is to look at ourselves.

My brilliant guest Meyleen Velasquez, an author from the book Anti-Blackness and the Stories of Authentic Allies, perfectly captures this human tendency to deflect. But she challenges us to do the hard thing: to stop thinking this work is for someone else and realize, "This conversation is for me."

Let’s shift the lens together. Listen to the full episode of the Inclusive Minds podcast for more on how to do this essential inner work.

Want to bring inclusive change to your organization?

Invite Dr. Ross to speak or lead a training. Learn more at CarolynRossMD.com

Listen to the full episode here: https://bit.ly/InclusiveMindsPodcastEp13

10/10/2025

What Democrats used to be ..... esp in TX

10/10/2025

The idea that "we're all mixed" sounds inclusive, right? But what if it's actually doing harm by erasing people?

In this clip, my guest Meyleen Velasquez breaks down the complex concept of mestizaje from her powerful chapter in the book, Anti-Blackness and the Stories of Authentic Allies. She explains how the idea of a single "mixed" Latinx identity—born from colonization—can make Black and Indigenous people invisible within their own communities.

This is such a critical concept to understand. To hear the full explanation, find the Inclusive Minds podcast at the 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://bit.ly/InclusiveMindsPodcastEp13

10/09/2025

"Don't shrink yourself. Don't tailor who you are. Bring your whole self into the room."

My guest Paula Edwards Gayfield delivered this powerful advice on our latest episode, and it's a message every Black woman navigating the healthcare system needs to hear.

Your identity is not an inconvenience; it is essential to your healing.

The new episode of Inclusive Minds is available now!

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/InclusiveMindsPodcastEp12

10/08/2025

Our bodies tell stories, but they don't always tell the whole story of who we are.

My guest, Meyleen Velasquez, who wrote a powerful chapter in Anti-Blackness and the Stories of Authentic Allies, opened up about her journey with vitiligo and the process of "sitting in her identity" as her appearance changed. Her words about carrying her brownness inside her are such a beautiful expression of how complex and personal our identities truly are.

This was one of my favorite moments from our talk. To hear our full conversation, find the Inclusive Minds podcast wherever you listen, or click the 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://bit.ly/InclusiveMindsPodcastEp13

10/04/2025

Anti-racism isn't a finish line we cross. It’s a lifelong journey of learning, unlearning, and looking inward - for individuals, communities and nations.

I was so moved by Meyleen Velasquez's answer when I asked what drove her to write her chapter for our book, Anti-Blackness and the Stories of Authentic Allies. It's about history, family, and the quiet work of shifting the values you grew up with. This is the kind of self-reflection we all need to be doing.

Ready to go on this journey with us? Listen to the full episode now—the link is in my bio.

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/InclusiveMindsPodcastEp13

10/03/2025

Healing from an eating disorder isn't a solo journey. It often takes a village.

In this clip, my guest Paula Edwards Gayfield and I discuss the crucial role family and community play in recovery for Black women—and the importance of addressing bias from within our own circles.

This part of our conversation is all about the power of community support. Hear it now on the new episode of Inclusive Minds.

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/InclusiveMindsPodcastEp12

10/02/2025

How can we build stronger, more understanding relationships across our differences?

My co-edited book, Antiblackness and the Stories of Authentic Allies, was created to help answer that question. It's a guide for anyone looking for a path forward to build bridges and support Black communities.

Inside, you will find:

- Over 40 experts who share their personal stories and research to foster deeper understanding.
- A thoughtful look at the history of anti-Blackness and how it affects our communities and institutions today.
- A positive blueprint showing how allyship and mentoring can help build better connections between people.
- Helpful tools and strategies for building genuine, supportive relationships with one another.

If you're looking for a thoughtful way to learn and grow, I invite you to read these stories. You can get your copy here: https://bit.ly/AntiblacknessBook

🎧 Hear directly from the authors on my podcast! 🎧

On the Inclusive Minds Podcast, I sit down for conversations with the brilliant authors from the book and other experts working in this space. It’s a chance to go deeper into their stories and ideas, as they share their lived experiences and expert opinions to help you understand these important topics.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts!

Listen to the episodes: https://carolynrossmd.com/podcasts/

Five years ago, I stepped onto the TEDx stage to talk about a subject that lies at the very heart of my work: intergener...
09/24/2025

Five years ago, I stepped onto the TEDx stage to talk about a subject that lies at the very heart of my work: intergenerational trauma. The question I explored then is perhaps more relevant today than ever: How do we find the gifts hidden within the legacies of trauma we inherit?

In my talk, "How To Maximize The Gifts of Intergenerational Trauma," I shined a light on what can feel like an abyss, connecting the dots between our ancestors' experiences and our own struggles with addiction, eating disorders, and mental health.

The core message is one I see in my practice every day: the legacy of trauma spans generations. But so does our resilience. The pain and challenges are real, but within them lie incredible opportunities for healing, strength, and breaking cycles.

If you're navigating your own family's history or working to help others heal, I invite you to watch. The conversation about intergenerational trauma is far from over—in many ways, it's just beginning.

What "gifts" or strengths have you seen emerge from your own family's story of resilience?

Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljdFLCc3RtM&t=400s

09/23/2025

With millions now using GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, we have to ask a difficult question: Are we creating a public health crisis for those with eating disorders?

For Black women with Binge Eating Disorder, who are already systematically misdiagnosed and told to "just lose weight," this trend is especially dangerous.

In our latest episode, expert Paula Edwards Gayfield and I discuss how these medications can sabotage the essential work of recovery. This isn't just a hypothetical problem—it's happening in treatment centers right now.

To hear why this is a critical issue for patients and providers alike, find the Inclusive Minds Podcast wherever you listen.

Want to bring inclusive change to your organization?

Invite Dr. Ross to speak or lead a training. Learn more at CarolynRossMD.com

Listen to the full episode here: https://bit.ly/InclusiveMindsPodcastEp12

Ready to deepen your understanding of the complex issues we face in healthcare and society?Swipe through to meet some of...
08/29/2025

Ready to deepen your understanding of the complex issues we face in healthcare and society?

Swipe through to meet some of the incredible experts from my podcast, Inclusive Minds. ➡️

Each episode, we move beyond the headlines to have nuanced, vital conversations on everything from systemic racism in medicine to the true meaning of allyship. The goal is to equip fellow healthcare professionals and leaders with the context and lived experiences needed to foster real change.

Find the full episodes wherever you get your podcasts. Which conversation will you start with?

➡️ Invite Me to Speak: I would be honoured to bring my expertise in antiracism, trauma, and addiction to your next event or organization.

➡️ Training & Consulting: I offer tailored programs to help you build a more inclusive workplace and meet your unique goals.

🎙️ Listen to My Podcast: Tune into Inclusive Minds Podcast to hear my conversations with leading experts on health equity and social justice.

Let's connect!

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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.