About

Whitney Trotter is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, registered dietitian, and anti-racism and eating disorder educator and consultant

Dr. Whitney Trotter DNP, PMHNP-BC, RDN/LDN, RYT

Dr. Whitney Trotter is a healthcare professional dedicated to trauma informed and inclusive well-being.  As a Registered Dietitian, and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, she seamlessly blends expertise in nutrition, mental health, eating disorders and trauma to foster a comprehensive approach to client care.

Dr. Trotter has over a decade and half of experience working as a registered dietitian serving various communities, including the HIV/AIDS community, human trafficking and in the eating disorder field. Dr. Trotter primarily works now as a psychiatric nurse practitioner, specializing in anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, and women’s health. For the past few years, Dr. Trotter has co-lead the BIPOC Eating Disorders Conference with Angela Goens. They have collectively trained over a thousand clinicians with their conference and consultation services.

Dr. Trotter has been featured in publications such as Essence, The Skim, CNN and recently participated in a policy brief in Washington DC for the National Black Caucus.

Become an Advocate

If you have been looking for support in better serving your BIPOC clients, I invite you to a complimentary consultation about working together to help you broaden your scope of practice.

LET’S MAKE SYSTEMIC CHANGE, TOGETHER.

My Story

I had no idea when I finished my internship and graduated with my masters degree ten years ago, that I would end up in private practice with an emphasis on eating disorders and human trafficking. I started Bluff City Health to be a resource for survivors of complex trauma, the eating disorder community and communities of color. My hope is that Bluff City Health will be the bridge that connects resources to clinicians and clients.

Co-Founder of Restore Corps

Restore Corps was birthed to bridge the gap between anti-trafficking awareness, and, providing resources for victims of human trafficking. I was one was of the four co-founders of Restore Corps and previously served as a board member. While I am no longer the Board Director, I am still very much active in bringing awareness to the intersection of human trafficking and eating disorders. I currently provide anti-trafficking training to various medical disciplines.

My Mission

My mission is to create a world where every individual has equal representation and access to culturally competent and informed care.

A world where every voice matters and is heard.

Collectively together, we can achieve this.

Let’s make change together

Things I love to talk about…

Eating Disorders in the BIPOC Community

Anti racsim work must be one of the foundational principles for eating disorder/disordered eating clinicians.

 

We cannot continue to uphold systems and measurements that were created like the BMI which we know was tool created and developed on white men and hold eating disorders and disordered eating – eating disorders for clients of color.

 

Here’s a great article on this topic:

…”Goeree, Sovinsky, & Iorio, 2011 released a study showing that black teenageers are 50% more likely than white teenagers to exhibit bulimic behavior such as binging and purging but are less likely to receive help. Why is that? Lack of access and representation in the eating disorder community and lack of resources specifically targeted towards clients of color.”

source: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/people-color-and-eating-disorders

 

the intersection of human trafficking and eating disorders

I’ll never forget attending an anti-trafficking conference and asking, “Do you see eating disorders among trafficking survivors”, and the presenter saying “no”. That simply is not the case. Complex trauma can increase the likelihood of developing an eating disorder. Human trafficking victims are at risk of developing eating disorders and/or disordered eating.  

Integrating Anti-Racism Work in Nutrition Practice

I love talking about and helping clinicians acknowledge, understand and dismantel the ways in which supremacy can and does impact food and our bodies. 

Coffee... Seriously.

Coffee is life.

Black Girl Binge

“Can you say “AHA moment”?! Black Girl Binge Support Group was Everything! As a black woman, it has not been common to connect with the words binge eating disorder, but Whitney helped me to see what I have been struggling with for so many years.  I felt at home being able to connect with women of color from all over the US who like me struggle with Binge Eating Disorder. The support group and Whitney’s approach to the work is indeed groundbreaking and I feel blessed to have been one of the first participants. I am now on a journey toward intuitive eating and a more positive self image!

Dear Whitney,

I just wanted to thank you for creating a safe space to speak about disorder eating struggles. After your classes, I felt like I could more easily recognize my triggers and allow myself grace instead of judgment knowing that I am not alone in this journey.

Qualifications

Registered Dietitian 
  • University of Memphis
  • Internship and masters degree in December 2011
Registered Nurse
  • University of Tennessee Health Science Center
  • 2015 Graduate

& Acheivements

  • Memphis Top 30 professionals under 30-2016
  • University of Memphis – Outstanding Alumni 2016
  • Kirkwood Community College- Distinguished Alumni 2016
  • NCAA- Division 1 Athlete
  • 2019 Finalist for Health Care Heroes 
  • 2015 UTHSC Nursing class award

"It is rare to find a practitioner with such deep and varied expertise. As a nurse and dietitian who works closely with mental health therapists, Whitney is well-versed in every facet of eating disorder recovery. She is not just a fierce advocate for her clients, she is dedicated to making the world a better place for her clients with her work in social justice and body liberation. Whitney’s warmth, empathy, and humor make her a joy to work with."

- Amanda Dodson, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

This guide outlines the essential considerations you need to know when referring resources or an extended level of care for your BIPOC clients. 

You have Successfully Subscribed!