Get to Know Lynn Corey, MSW, LCSW, CEDS-S, CETP

For today’s blog post, we want to begin introducing you to our leadership team. To start, we have a Q&A with Lynn Corey, MSW, LCSW, CEDS-S, CETP, who serves as Hidden River’s Clinical Director.

Let’s get to know Lynn Corey!

To start, can you tell us a bit about your education and background prior to joining the team at Hidden River?

I completed my undergraduate degree in Social Work and Psychology at Kean University.  I was valedictorian of the Social Work class. Then, I attended Fordham University for my master’s degree in Social Work.

What inspired you to work with eating disorder patients?

This was not my first career. Prior to being a therapist, I was a Dental Hygienist for many years.  I decided to go back to college, knowing that I wanted a career change but not sure of the direction. Like so many of our patients, I knew something needed to change but didn’t understand what that change would and could be. After I completed my first psychology course, my decision was made: I was going to be a therapist.

In the beginning, I was working with trauma patients and was told about a job opportunity working in the field of eating disorders. It sounded like a wonderful experience and a great way to strengthen my clinical skills. After a few months, I realized that this area of concentration was where I wanted to focus my career. The work was interesting and incredibly rewarding. To be able to help someone struggling with this disease process and watch them become a better version of themselves is life-changing.

How long have you worked at Hidden River?

I have worked at Hidden River for almost two years. Previously, I worked at RWJ University Hospital Somerset in their Eating Disorder unit. I was their Clinical Manager for inpatient, partial, and intensive outpatient, and I also managed the General Mental Health partial program. After 21 years at Somerset, I came to the realization that I wanted the opportunity to be part of creating a program at the residential level of care. I wanted to provide adolescents and young adults with the opportunity of recovery. I am able to achieve this goal at Hidden River.

As Clinical Director, can you share what your typical day is like?

A typical day is filled with attending meetings and organizing and overseeing the clinical aspects of the program. I supervise all the clinical staff to create a comprehensive program and help them attain licensure and certification. The part of the day that I enjoy the most is being with the patients, hearing their viewpoints and helping them with meal support.

What is the best part about working at Hidden River?

The best part of working at Hidden River is being part of a wonderful multidisciplinary team that helps young women recover and flourish in their lives. There have been many patients who have entered Hidden River malnourished, troubled, and lost. This gifted team works with them to understand the underlying issues of their eating disorders and give them adaptive ways to cope, heal, and restructure their thought process. Together, we help them uncover the power they have to create the person they truly want to be. 

Can you share a patient story that exemplifies the life-changing work done at Hidden River?

I often tell parents that the girl who entered these doors on admission day will not be the girl who walks out – if they are willing to put in the work of recovery.  One father, who looked at me with very questioning eyes on admission day, told me on the day of discharge, “You were right. I have my daughter back.”

Visit our website to learn more about eating disorder treatment at Hidden River. For a closer look at our grounds and living quarters, take a look at our gallery.