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/

03/30/2026

What if the secret to stopping a relapse isn't in a therapy session, but on your plate? 🍽️

I’m sitting down with my long-time friend and powerhouse expert, Christina Veselak, in the latest episode of Inclusive Minds Podcast. With 30 years of experience, she’s uncovering the biological "blind spot" that keeps people stuck in the cycle of addiction. We aren't just talking about "eating healthy"—we're talking about the specific chemistry required to repair a brain in crisis.

03/28/2026

What happens when you're forced to stay calm while someone yells at you on live TV?

Dr. Camilla Nonterah (author in the book I co-edited!) dissects the viral Sharon Osbourne/Sheryl Underwood exchange on The Talk to expose a harsh truth: the stereotype of the "Angry Black Woman."

You need to understand the immense emotional labor required just to avoid this label. Listen to the full episode now!

Want to bring inclusive change to your organization?

Schedule a call with Dr Ross: https://cal.com/crossmd/businessconsultation

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://carolynrossmd.com/making-space-for-black-voices-why-its-the-key-to-health-equity-for-everyone/

Purchase the book here: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/antiblackness-and-the-stories-of-authentic-allies-9780197642535

03/27/2026

Why is it so complicated—and often complex—to speak up when something feels unjust?

Dr. Camilla Nonterah, our guest in the podcast reveals the emotional barrier that complicates every difficult conversation.

If you want to understand the true complexity of asking someone to "speak their truth," you need to hear this.

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://carolynrossmd.com/making-space-for-black-voices-why-its-the-key-to-health-equity-for-everyone/

Purchase the book here: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/antiblackness-and-the-stories-of-authentic-allies-9780197642535

03/24/2026

In this podcast episode, Dr. Nonterah's insight reveals that this fear is a false dilemma. She explains that by designing the strongest systems for those with the *poorest outcomes, we guarantee a better, more resilient outcome for every single person.

Stop seeing justice as a fight for the front of the line. Listen to the full episode to understand the universal logic of equity.

Want to bring inclusive change to your organization?

Invite Dr. Ross to speak or lead a training.

Learn more at CarolynRossMD.com

03/20/2026

Why is the concept of 'DEI' suddenly considered controversial or 'taboo'?

Dr. Camilla Nonterah, addresses the challenging climate surrounding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. We discuss the severe consequences of shutting down these vital conversations.

Learn why embracing equity is essential for fostering widespread engagement and ensuring the long-term health and success of your entire organization.

Want to bring inclusive change to your organization?

Invite Dr. Ross to speak or lead a training.

Learn more at CarolynRossMD.com

03/19/2026

If you think racism only looks like shouting slurs, you’re missing the 90% that’s invisible.

Dr. Camilla Nonterah, our latest guest in the podcast, reveals the crucial first step to creating genuinely safe spaces: acknowledging the entire spectrum of racial hostility.

We discuss why leaders can't just focus on the visible acts (like a patient refusing a Black doctor). Understanding the history, the constant low-level threats, and the fact that courage is required just to exist in these spaces is the non-negotiable prerequisite for equity.

You need to know what you're not seeing. Listen to the full episode now!

Want to bring inclusive change to your organization?

Invite Dr. Ross to speak or lead a training.

Learn more at CarolynRossMD.com

03/16/2026

Have you considered the emotional cost of being the only one? 😔

Dr. Camilla Nonterah (author in the book I co-edited!) addresses the necessity of cultivating spaces where Black voices can be heard and affirmed.

When environments—especially predominantly white spaces—lack representation, it's more than just an inconvenience. It actively prevents individuals from having their experiences seen, validated, and valued.

You need to understand the true difference between being present and being affirmed. Listen to the full episode now!

Want to bring inclusive change to your organization?

Invite Dr. Ross to speak or lead a training.

Learn more at CarolynRossMD.com

03/13/2026

Is everything you know about health and behavior based on an incomplete picture?

Dr. Camilla Nonterah reveals a fundamental problem with current research: it is so focused on the majority that it fails to understand how outcomes look different for everyone else.

If you're only studying one group, how can you trust the results for your patients or employees?

You need to know where the information is breaking down.

Listen to the full episode now!

WEIRD: Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic societies

Want to bring inclusive change to your organization?

Invite Dr. Ross to speak or lead a training.

Learn more at CarolynRossMD.com

"Identity is never just 'skin deep.' In a recent podcast episode, I was joined by the wonderful Meyleen Velasquez, a the...
03/12/2026

"Identity is never just 'skin deep.'

In a recent podcast episode, I was joined by the wonderful Meyleen Velasquez, a therapist and advocate whose work focuses on the intersection of trauma, culture, and social justice. We explored her personal and professional journey of how conditions like vitiligo intersect with Latina identity and the systemic issue of medical racism.

As Teresa Jefferson noted, the stakes in healthcare are high when we allow 'colorblindness' to erase our unique experiences. We can't provide true healing if we aren't willing to see the whole person.

Listen to 'More Than Skin Deep' on your favorite podcast app or listen to the conversation on YouTube via the link below!

https://youtu.be/429yvkGrxX8

If you have thoughts or questions about this episode, send me a DM. I’d love to hear how these themes of identity and care resonate with you.

03/09/2026

Are you willing to face the fact that your health outcome was determined before you were born?

Dr. Camilla Nonterah (author in the book I co-edited!) introduces the critical concept that proves our health is not governed by our diet or exercise, but by conditions we never had a choice in.

You need to know what this is. Listen to the full episode now!

Want to bring inclusive change to your organization?

Invite Dr. Ross to speak or lead a training.

Learn more at CarolynRossMD.com

03/06/2026

You won't believe the structure of this book!

As you know, the Inclusive Minds Podcast is inspired by the book I co-edited, Anti-Blackness and the Stories of Authentic Allies. Because we believe in tackling complex issues head-on, I was absolutely floored by Dr. Claudia Black's approach in Undaunted Hope!

I loved the narrative stories—they give you such a powerful feel for what people are actually going through.

But here's the brilliant part: Claudia didn't just share the stories; she brought in other top experts (like Dick Schwartz and Peter Levine!) to talk specifically about each case!

This is why it's so vital: There is no one solution to recovering from depression or substance use addiction. Claudia wants you to see the complexity of the healing process while still feeling the powerful possibility of hope!

If you're struggling, know this: Help is available in a variety of ways, and you don't have to wait for rock bottom to start. You NEED to hear how this approach can change your healing journey.

"Body image is about more than just weight—it’s about identity, history, and being seen✊🏾Thank you, Lyndon, for these wo...
03/05/2026

"Body image is about more than just weight—it’s about identity, history, and being seen✊🏾

Thank you, Lyndon, for these words on our recent episode. Paula Edwards-Gayfield and I dove deep into the intersections of racism and healthcare, and why traditional models often fail BIPOC communities when it comes to eating disorders. It’s time we recognize the full picture.

Catch the full episode, 'How Systemic Racism Fuels Eating Disorders,' on all major podcast platforms.

You can find us on YouTube, too!

Listen now: https://youtu.be/m-2-pvqkutQ

If this topic sparks any questions or you'd like to share your own reflections, please send me a message. I’d love to hear from you.

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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.