About
Dr Richards joined Priory in February 2018 as a consultant psychiatrist specialising in adult eating disorders, where she undertakes specialist assessments and devises comprehensive treatment plans tailored to individual needs. Therapeutic interventions are offered by Dr Richards alongside the work of the wider multidisciplinary team.
Training
Dr Richards graduated from the University of Birmingham Medical School in 1995 with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery degree (MBChB). She was awarded an Honours in Epidemiology and Public Health.
She completed specialist training in psychiatry at the Royal Free and University College London Hospitals, and South London and Maudsley Mental Health Trust. She completed higher training in 2003, achieving membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych).
She went on to complete a Master’s Degree in Medical Ethics and Law at Kings College London, graduating in 2005.
Dr Richards has practised as a consultant psychiatrist since 2003. She spent 14 years working at Barnet Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust in one of the 4 comprehensive Eating Disorders Services in London serving a population of 5 million. She led the development of the community service for 10 years and acted as clinical lead for the latter 2 years. She joined Priory in 2018.
Dr Richards has always been dedicated to teaching and training. She has acted as clinical supervisor for higher trainees and is a recognised teacher at Royal Free and University College London (UCL) Medical School. She lectures at UCL on the Master’s degree course in clinical nutrition and to a variety of other audiences. She has also presented at international conferences.
She has been involved in the development of national guidelines, policy, professional standards and training in her roles as executive committee member for the Section of Eating Disorders (now Faculty) and the London Division, both part of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. She is also a regional specialty representative for eating disorders. She was a member of the Clinical Reference Group for NHS England, commissioner of national specialist services and was the author of the Guideline for Commissioners of Eating Disorders Services published by the Joint Commissioning Panel for Mental Health.
Research Interests
Dr Richards is involved with academic research in the field of strong eating disorders.