Faith Carlson, MA, LPC, QMHP

12/18/2025

I have to share the hardest part of my job trying to grow the only stand alone eating disorder clinic with on-site dietitians and CEDS providers is not the 14 hour days, not the waitlist or critical needs our communities have trying to get help for an eating disorder, no…the hardest part is the insurance industry.

Transparency and accountability is needed - Parity Enforcement is needed.

Never let another company, or organization, or the broken insurance system take your joy out of what you do serving others - even when it looks hopeless. I think in my personal not professional opinion- insurance companies wait for providers to give up trying - I practice the long game though 😊🗑️🏀

Enjoy my coping skills after a day of utilization review calls and more evidence to support what is not working in the broken system.

12/16/2025

It might be - negative weather out and we only show up positive with a therapist and two of South Dakota’s BEST dietitians combined Italian Cuisine.

It’s very special to celebrate this holiday with Meggie Holden, RD CEDS-C and Molly Cozad, RD of Compassionate Nutrition

South Dakota is VERY lucky to have such amazing providers who show up real both in and out of “work”. Recovery work is not a paycheck it’s an ethos, it’s a reality, it’s a culture we believe in.

So many more exciting things to come in 2026!!

Merry Christmas from Victus Counseling! Believing 2026 brings new levels of recovery for all doing the work. ♥️

12/10/2025

https://theconversation.com/how-to-host-a-meal-if-one-of-your-guests-has-an-eating-disorder-or-is-anxious-around-food-267967?utm_medium=article_clipboard_share&utm_source=theconversation.com

With a little thought, you can host a meal with family and friends that’s supports everyone.

12/07/2025

Game day!! The battle #1 and #2 🏈
Let’s go Hoosiers! 🔥
Rooting you all on from SoDak! We appreciate Indianas help in eating recovery work - it’s fun to watch your state on the football field!

Indy some cool people (sorry my Ohio friends your cool too! Your both great teams). 😉

11/13/2025

📣📣BREAKING NEWS: 📣📣
Both the House and Senate call on the USDA to act and report back within 120 days—a huge step toward prevention and early intervention in schools nationwide. This victory shows the power of advocacy in action.

11/01/2025

Dear (insert insurance company name) your mailed U/R notices treating eating disorders are no match for mailed Indiana Swag from my Hoosier friends.

Glad they came in on the same day - inspires me to keep on challenging the broken insurance system.

(Good 🏈today State University vs South Dakota State University. The hoodie came in before the game started! alumni 😬)


Ok ok

11/01/2025

Starting November off with a lil gratitude at Victus Counseling with the amazing Meggie Holden of Compassionate Nutrition.

I’m very grateful for the dedication and commitment Meggie and her team brings to South Dakota in the eating disorder recovery community!

Thanks Meggie & team for all your love and support! So happy you moved here!!!

www.victusrecovery.com
www.compassionatenutrition.com

10/31/2025

Totally excited to see Victus joining up nationally on these important advocacy policies for more eating disorder support across the nation.

Always humbled getting South Dakota on the list & 157 orgs urging Congress to prioritize eating disorders research, prevention, & treatment in FY26.

Together, we’re raising our voices for change!

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4oG6eDP


10/29/2025

🌿✨ Something BIG is coming to South Dakota! ✨🌿

We’ve been hard at work behind the scenes — and let’s just say… change is in the air for eating disorder recovery services in our state! 💚

The countdown has officially begun ⏳ and it’s so hard to contain the excitement!

What’s coming next represents growth, collaboration, and new hope for recovery care — and we can’t wait to share it with you soon. 💫

Stay tuned right here for updates and announcements — and if you haven’t already, visit www.victusrecovery.com to keep an eye on exciting opportunities and future updates. 🌸

This is going to be something truly special.

At Victus our specialized Counselors are dedicated to providing the tools and supports needed to overcome an eating disorder. Specialized registered dietitians are available through a network of providers we have cultivated collaboration with. Including IAEDP trained and certified dietitians license...

10/29/2025

💫 What Makes Someone a Hero?
I’ve realized it’s not perfection, but presence — and the courage to keep showing up. 💛

I recently read an article about the meaning of heroes — not just those who wear capes, but those whose courage, consistency, and compassion quietly change lives. It reminded me that heroes are not defined by perfection, but by perseverance, grace, and the willingness to keep showing up when things get hard.

When I think of heroes, I think of the ones who have inspired me to stay the course in expanding levels of care in eating disorder treatment services in rural South Dakota:

💛 My faith in Jesus — the ultimate hero who models grace, mercy, and unconditional love.
💛 My friend and mentor, Brooke Farrington — whose courage to guide and lead in the hardest moments of losing my brother to su***de, 2 weeks before Victus Counseling opened to the community, she continually inspires me.
💛 My mom — who reminds me to love others not for what they can give, but simply because we’re all trying our best - never lose hope.
💛 Theresa Chesnut — for her unconditional acceptance and the kindness she models by words and action. She's answered every dyslexic curious question I have with patience and never once made me feel less than.

And most of all, 💛 to my clients — the true heroes who show up every day to do the hard, painful, courageous work of eating disorder recovery. Your bravery, vulnerability, and commitment to healing are sacred. You remind me daily what strength really looks like.

Heroes come in many forms — in faith, in friendship, in mentorship, and in the quiet courage of those who fight unseen battles. Don't forget to see your hero!

Today, I’m profoundly grateful for each of mine. 🌿

10/01/2025

My Indiana friends - South Dakota made it back.

Unpacking and getting back to the clinic for prep on a wonderful week of eating recovery support I recognized I returned with a lot of Indy swag (more in the suitcase #22)

➡️theshopindy.com thanks…love your little town and super cute fire station!

Ready for the recovery work this week 🩵

09/16/2025

Thank you for the flexibility of all the Victus Counseling friends while I took our retired mascot Ms Alice to the vet!

Our pets are certainly family and Alice was very well taken care of from a bummer cut.

Thank you to Alices “pediatric” vet Dr. Betsy Minion and her “senior” vet Dr. Emily Tschida at All City Pet Care East

You both have invested your care and support for 10 years plus into:

1) A very important Emotional Support Animal of Victus Counseling family 😊

2) Helped this therapist make sure Alices needs were met 😊

3) And are great examples of helpers in life - nobody - even Alice is ever alone when life gets harder.

Thanks again!

With Gratitude,

Victus Counseling Eating Recovery Specialty Clinic

Alice 🐾

And Faith 😉