Eating Disorders Treatment Centers in Inglewood, CA
The foundation of our programming is our team of compassionate and highly experienced behavioral healthcare professionals. The Newport staff is comprised of the best mental health leaders in the country, surrounding each client with 360-degree care. Because Newport’s philosophy of care views family as central to long-term, sustainable healing, the groundbreaking Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT) methodology is also a central component of our approach. ABFT is proven to be successful in addressing adolescent and young adult suicidality by repairing ruptures in the parent-child relationship. Our clinicians receive ongoing training and consultation from ABFT’s co-founders, and are also trained in a wide range of other evidence-based and trauma-informed modalities, including EMDR, DBT, CBT, and ACT.
The foundation of our programming is our team of compassionate and highly experienced behavioral healthcare professionals. The Newport staff is comprised of the best mental health leaders in the country, surrounding each client with 360-degree care. Because Newport’s philosophy of care views family as central to long-term, sustainable healing, the groundbreaking Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT) methodology is also a central component of our approach. ABFT is proven to be successful in addressing adolescent and young adult suicidality by repairing ruptures in the parent-child relationship. Our clinicians receive ongoing training and consultation from ABFT’s co-founders, and are also trained in a wide range of other evidence-based and trauma-informed modalities, including EMDR, DBT, CBT, and ACT.
Pure Mental Health Program is a physician operated mental health residential program located in the most luxurious neighborhood of Long Beach. We specialize in the treatment of moderate to severe psychiatric problems. Our scientific, patient-centered approach has earned us the trust of families looking for mental health help for a loved one. We also have a special relationship with hard working local Longshoreman and their families who have put their trust in our hands for many years. We deal with all mental health disorders and utilize a multidisciplinary team approach. Our goal is for our clients to achieve long term independent and successful functioning. This residential mental health treatment allows a person to get away from the pressures of their daily lives - as stress, worry and lack of downtime are known to trigger and worsen most mental health conditions.
Pure Mental Health Program is a physician operated mental health residential program located in the most luxurious neighborhood of Long Beach. We specialize in the treatment of moderate to severe psychiatric problems. Our scientific, patient-centered approach has earned us the trust of families looking for mental health help for a loved one. We also have a special relationship with hard working local Longshoreman and their families who have put their trust in our hands for many years. We deal with all mental health disorders and utilize a multidisciplinary team approach. Our goal is for our clients to achieve long term independent and successful functioning. This residential mental health treatment allows a person to get away from the pressures of their daily lives - as stress, worry and lack of downtime are known to trigger and worsen most mental health conditions.
Clear Behavioral Health - Mental Health Outpatient
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Inglewood, CA 90301
At Clear Behavioral Health, our mission is to inspire change, enrich lives, and cultivate community. Clear Behavioral Health has outpatient facilities located in Redondo Beach, California with over fifty combined years of experience working in the field of mental health & addiction. We are committed to providing an evidence-based approach in all of our programs, where we can educate and bring a recovery community to families and individuals in need.
At Clear Behavioral Health, our mission is to inspire change, enrich lives, and cultivate community. Clear Behavioral Health has outpatient facilities located in Redondo Beach, California with over fifty combined years of experience working in the field of mental health & addiction. We are committed to providing an evidence-based approach in all of our programs, where we can educate and bring a recovery community to families and individuals in need.
Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry - We are Open!
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Inglewood, CA 90303 (Online Only)
Anew Era Psychiatry provides therapeutic intervention and treatment for most mental health conditions including mood disorders, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma disorders, addiction issues, grief and loss, and more. Our team consists of highly experienced psychiatrists and therapists to help you with a treatment plan that works for your specific needs and conditions. *** ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS WITH A WAIT TIME OF 1 WEEK OR LESS ***
Anew Era Psychiatry provides therapeutic intervention and treatment for most mental health conditions including mood disorders, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma disorders, addiction issues, grief and loss, and more. Our team consists of highly experienced psychiatrists and therapists to help you with a treatment plan that works for your specific needs and conditions. *** ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS WITH A WAIT TIME OF 1 WEEK OR LESS ***
More Treatment Centers Nearby
Brighten Bay is a residential treatment facility that specializes in providing exceptional support and care for women with mental health and eating disorders. Our dedicated team of professionals is here to create a safe and nurturing environment where women can embark on their journey towards healing and recovery. At Brighten Bay, we understand the unique challenges that women face when it comes to mental health and eating disorders. That's why our program is specially designed to address their specific needs, offering personalized treatment plans, therapy options, and holistic approaches tailored to each individual. Our compassionate and experienced team is committed to guiding and supporting our patients every step of the way. We believe in the power of connection, encouragement, and empowerment, and we strive to create a community where women can feel understood, heard, and inspired. If you or a loved one could benefit from our specialized services, don't hesitate to reach out. Our doors are open, and we're ready to provide the care and support needed to help you on your path towards a brighter future.
Brighten Bay is a residential treatment facility that specializes in providing exceptional support and care for women with mental health and eating disorders. Our dedicated team of professionals is here to create a safe and nurturing environment where women can embark on their journey towards healing and recovery. At Brighten Bay, we understand the unique challenges that women face when it comes to mental health and eating disorders. That's why our program is specially designed to address their specific needs, offering personalized treatment plans, therapy options, and holistic approaches tailored to each individual. Our compassionate and experienced team is committed to guiding and supporting our patients every step of the way. We believe in the power of connection, encouragement, and empowerment, and we strive to create a community where women can feel understood, heard, and inspired. If you or a loved one could benefit from our specialized services, don't hesitate to reach out. Our doors are open, and we're ready to provide the care and support needed to help you on your path towards a brighter future.
At 'Ai Pono Maui Residential Treatment Center, we offer evidence-based, trauma-informed holistic eating disorder treatment in a peaceful home-like setting with picturesque views of the ocean (just footsteps away), mountains, and lush gardens. Our treatment center was designed to reflect and complement its surroundings - creating a peaceful, relaxing environment that will help women connect to their inner selves while on their journey towards recovery. We also offer a Partial Hospitalization (Day) Program in Maui and a Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program accessible to all residents of Hawaii.
At 'Ai Pono Maui Residential Treatment Center, we offer evidence-based, trauma-informed holistic eating disorder treatment in a peaceful home-like setting with picturesque views of the ocean (just footsteps away), mountains, and lush gardens. Our treatment center was designed to reflect and complement its surroundings - creating a peaceful, relaxing environment that will help women connect to their inner selves while on their journey towards recovery. We also offer a Partial Hospitalization (Day) Program in Maui and a Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program accessible to all residents of Hawaii.
Breathe Life Residential Program
Treatment Center, CA Lic, JACHO
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90046
We are so glad you are visiting Breathe Life Healing Center online, and are thinking about making the decision to change your life. We would be honored and privileged to walk with you on the journey of your recovery. We believe that every human was born with non-negotiable, inherent, worth and value, yours cannot be earned, destroyed, lost or taken no matter what has happened to you or no matter how you may have “happened” to others. We do know that the crisis process whether it’s driven by substance use, eating disorders, mental health challenges, or trauma in myriad of expressions, rob individuals, families, and communities of being able to tap into the full aliveness of who they truly are and always have been.
We are so glad you are visiting Breathe Life Healing Center online, and are thinking about making the decision to change your life. We would be honored and privileged to walk with you on the journey of your recovery. We believe that every human was born with non-negotiable, inherent, worth and value, yours cannot be earned, destroyed, lost or taken no matter what has happened to you or no matter how you may have “happened” to others. We do know that the crisis process whether it’s driven by substance use, eating disorders, mental health challenges, or trauma in myriad of expressions, rob individuals, families, and communities of being able to tap into the full aliveness of who they truly are and always have been.
The Renfrew Center has been the pioneer in the treatment of eating disorders since 1985. As the nation's first residential eating disorder facility, now with 18 locations throughout the country, Renfrew has helped more than 100,000 cisgender adolescent girls and adult women, transgender and non-binary individuals with eating disorders move towards recovery. Renfrew provides women suffering from anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and related mental health problems with the tools they need to succeed in recovery and in life. Renfrew's extensive range of services includes residential, day treatment, intensive outpatient, and outpatient programs. Each treatment level is built upon The Renfrew Center Unified Treatment Model for Eating Disorders®, an evidence-based, emotion-focused therapy that addresses eating disorders and co-morbid symptoms. Within this model, individual and group therapy are enhanced with a diverse array of services to meet patients' needs. Renfrew accepts most major insurances and is a preferred provider for all levels of treatment.
The Renfrew Center has been the pioneer in the treatment of eating disorders since 1985. As the nation's first residential eating disorder facility, now with 18 locations throughout the country, Renfrew has helped more than 100,000 cisgender adolescent girls and adult women, transgender and non-binary individuals with eating disorders move towards recovery. Renfrew provides women suffering from anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and related mental health problems with the tools they need to succeed in recovery and in life. Renfrew's extensive range of services includes residential, day treatment, intensive outpatient, and outpatient programs. Each treatment level is built upon The Renfrew Center Unified Treatment Model for Eating Disorders®, an evidence-based, emotion-focused therapy that addresses eating disorders and co-morbid symptoms. Within this model, individual and group therapy are enhanced with a diverse array of services to meet patients' needs. Renfrew accepts most major insurances and is a preferred provider for all levels of treatment.
At Eden, we understand the complex challenges faced by women struggling with eating disorders and we are here to help you find the strength that exists within to effect change in your life. Our goal is that you leave our program with the tools and ability to create a meaningful life of your own. We have created a safe and secure environment for you to heal in a residential setting. We are fully staffed; 24/7; for the support you will need on your journey. Each home has a small milieu that allows for a targeted approach based on your current needs. This means there will always be multiple staff members available to support your journey.
At Eden, we understand the complex challenges faced by women struggling with eating disorders and we are here to help you find the strength that exists within to effect change in your life. Our goal is that you leave our program with the tools and ability to create a meaningful life of your own. We have created a safe and secure environment for you to heal in a residential setting. We are fully staffed; 24/7; for the support you will need on your journey. Each home has a small milieu that allows for a targeted approach based on your current needs. This means there will always be multiple staff members available to support your journey.
The Meadowglade Luxury Inpatient Treatment
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
The Meadowglade is a CARF accredited premier residential inpatient and outpatient treatment center specializing in mental health and eating disorders. Located in Moorpark, California, only 50 min from Beverly Hills and 20 min from central Los Angeles. The Meadowglade is a 24-acre healing oasis of rolling hills, secret gardens, avocado groves, fruit orchards, and sprawling pastures. With its unique, private and tranquil setting that blends indoor luxury with the peace of the outdoors, The Meadowglade fosters an environment that enables each individual to balance clinical treatment with independent living – a home that is a haven, supporting the transition back to a self-sufficient harmonious lifestyle.
The Meadowglade is a CARF accredited premier residential inpatient and outpatient treatment center specializing in mental health and eating disorders. Located in Moorpark, California, only 50 min from Beverly Hills and 20 min from central Los Angeles. The Meadowglade is a 24-acre healing oasis of rolling hills, secret gardens, avocado groves, fruit orchards, and sprawling pastures. With its unique, private and tranquil setting that blends indoor luxury with the peace of the outdoors, The Meadowglade fosters an environment that enables each individual to balance clinical treatment with independent living – a home that is a haven, supporting the transition back to a self-sufficient harmonious lifestyle.
Breathe Life Healing Center
Treatment Center, CA Lic, JACHO
Not Verified Not Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90046
The pain caused by these conditions and their underlying causes might seem too overwhelming to try and sort out, getting appropriate treatment is the only way to help take the burden of these conditions off of individuals backs once and for all. Breathe offers 21st Century solutions to treat Drug + Alcohol Addiction, Eating Disorders and Co-Occurring issues, utilizing powerful trauma informed collaborations with our world-class treatment teams and 12-Step participation to help clients get better. Breathe provides industry-leading, evidence based, clinical services including: individual and group therapy, dynamic experientials, life skills development and Family Class for each of our programs. With superior accommodations and a deep dedication to clients' spiritual development at each Life Healing Center location, Breathe helps families recover across the nation.
The pain caused by these conditions and their underlying causes might seem too overwhelming to try and sort out, getting appropriate treatment is the only way to help take the burden of these conditions off of individuals backs once and for all. Breathe offers 21st Century solutions to treat Drug + Alcohol Addiction, Eating Disorders and Co-Occurring issues, utilizing powerful trauma informed collaborations with our world-class treatment teams and 12-Step participation to help clients get better. Breathe provides industry-leading, evidence based, clinical services including: individual and group therapy, dynamic experientials, life skills development and Family Class for each of our programs. With superior accommodations and a deep dedication to clients' spiritual development at each Life Healing Center location, Breathe helps families recover across the nation.
Making the decision to seek mental health services is a very personal choice and one that requires much thought and consideration. We are a community based mental health center that provides psychotherapy, group therapy, hypnotherapy, mental health and substance abuse interventions. At Recovery NOW, we believe the future is bright for those who seek the help they need.
Making the decision to seek mental health services is a very personal choice and one that requires much thought and consideration. We are a community based mental health center that provides psychotherapy, group therapy, hypnotherapy, mental health and substance abuse interventions. At Recovery NOW, we believe the future is bright for those who seek the help they need.
We understand that there are reasons for your eating disorder and the thoughts that make it difficult for you to see your life any other way. Perhaps these reasons have occupied your life for many years or perhaps they are new to you. These reasons may be powerful and hard to change. We hope to help you discover new reasons and develop new thoughts. Reasons to hope, to have courage, to trust, your own Reasons for recovery...
We understand that there are reasons for your eating disorder and the thoughts that make it difficult for you to see your life any other way. Perhaps these reasons have occupied your life for many years or perhaps they are new to you. These reasons may be powerful and hard to change. We hope to help you discover new reasons and develop new thoughts. Reasons to hope, to have courage, to trust, your own Reasons for recovery...
Hillcrest Adolescent Addiction Rehab, Ages 12-17
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center is CARF-accredited and provides compassionate, holistic residential treatment for teens struggling with mental health, eating disorders, and substance abuse. Nestled among the lush tropical foothills of Agoura Hills, CA, our exquisite residential facility provides a sanctuary for healing and rehabilitation. Our residence accommodates a maximum of six teens at a time, allowing us to offer highly personalized treatment programs that cater to your child's specific needs. Our serene estate, combined with our dedicated doctoral-level staff, creates the ideal environment for restoration and recovery.
Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center is CARF-accredited and provides compassionate, holistic residential treatment for teens struggling with mental health, eating disorders, and substance abuse. Nestled among the lush tropical foothills of Agoura Hills, CA, our exquisite residential facility provides a sanctuary for healing and rehabilitation. Our residence accommodates a maximum of six teens at a time, allowing us to offer highly personalized treatment programs that cater to your child's specific needs. Our serene estate, combined with our dedicated doctoral-level staff, creates the ideal environment for restoration and recovery.
Our team provides comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and other evidence-based treatments to help make positive changes in the lives of children, young adults, and their families. Our staff includes renowned specialists trained in providing gold-standard treatments for a variety a variety of problems, including severe trauma, anxiety, OCD, depression, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), self-harm and suicidal behaviors, ADHD, eating disorders, addictions, and interpersonal conflict. We are fully committed to helping patients work towards recovery and the life that they imagine for themselves through a collaborative, emotion-focused and trauma-informed approach to help clients make meaningful and values-consistent change in their lives.
Our team provides comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and other evidence-based treatments to help make positive changes in the lives of children, young adults, and their families. Our staff includes renowned specialists trained in providing gold-standard treatments for a variety a variety of problems, including severe trauma, anxiety, OCD, depression, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), self-harm and suicidal behaviors, ADHD, eating disorders, addictions, and interpersonal conflict. We are fully committed to helping patients work towards recovery and the life that they imagine for themselves through a collaborative, emotion-focused and trauma-informed approach to help clients make meaningful and values-consistent change in their lives.
Insurance covers up to 100 percent of the treatment and therapeutic modalities that Newport Academy offers for teens ages 12-17. We accept all major insurance providers and work collaboratively with payers to optimize coverage for families. Many adolescents who receive treatment from Newport Academy using insurance coverage do so through a Single Case Agreement, a special contract through which out-of-network providers can work with a family’s insurance company on an In-Network basis. Newport Academy maintains a full-time, in-house team dedicated to supporting families through the mental health insurance coverage and financing process. In order to secure sufficient insurance coverage, we will most likely need to conduct a series of clinical reviews and any requested doctor-to-doctor calls with the insurance company. While other facilities may charge for this service, we feel it is our responsibility to assist families with what can be a complex process. Our goal is to ensure that families receive the maximum coverage, so they can access the highest-quality treatment.
Insurance covers up to 100 percent of the treatment and therapeutic modalities that Newport Academy offers for teens ages 12-17. We accept all major insurance providers and work collaboratively with payers to optimize coverage for families. Many adolescents who receive treatment from Newport Academy using insurance coverage do so through a Single Case Agreement, a special contract through which out-of-network providers can work with a family’s insurance company on an In-Network basis. Newport Academy maintains a full-time, in-house team dedicated to supporting families through the mental health insurance coverage and financing process. In order to secure sufficient insurance coverage, we will most likely need to conduct a series of clinical reviews and any requested doctor-to-doctor calls with the insurance company. While other facilities may charge for this service, we feel it is our responsibility to assist families with what can be a complex process. Our goal is to ensure that families receive the maximum coverage, so they can access the highest-quality treatment.
Well Equipped may help, if you identify with any of these experiences or diagnoses: Emotion Dysregulation, Interpersonal Hypersensitivity, Behavioral Impulsivity, Borderline Personality Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, Substance Use Disorder and Trauma. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based psychotherapy that was originally developed to treat complex, multi-problematic suicidal patients that has since been expanded upon and proven to be incredibly effective with a wide spectrum of mental health symptoms. At its core, DBT emphasizes a synthesis of both acceptance and change. Skills-training in DBT is an approach to give you the needed skills to get what you want out of life and better modulate your distressing emotions. In fact, you may end up feeling proud of yourself, strengthening the relationships in your life that are meaningful to you and being excited about what might happen next.
Well Equipped may help, if you identify with any of these experiences or diagnoses: Emotion Dysregulation, Interpersonal Hypersensitivity, Behavioral Impulsivity, Borderline Personality Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, Substance Use Disorder and Trauma. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based psychotherapy that was originally developed to treat complex, multi-problematic suicidal patients that has since been expanded upon and proven to be incredibly effective with a wide spectrum of mental health symptoms. At its core, DBT emphasizes a synthesis of both acceptance and change. Skills-training in DBT is an approach to give you the needed skills to get what you want out of life and better modulate your distressing emotions. In fact, you may end up feeling proud of yourself, strengthening the relationships in your life that are meaningful to you and being excited about what might happen next.
Hillcrest Adolescent–Behavioral and Mental Health
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center is CARF-accredited and provides compassionate, holistic residential treatment for teens struggling with mental health, eating disorders, and substance abuse. Nestled among the lush tropical foothills of Agoura Hills, CA, our exquisite residential facility provides a sanctuary for healing and rehabilitation. Our residence accommodates a maximum of six teens at a time, allowing us to offer highly personalized treatment programs that cater to your child's specific needs. Our serene estate, combined with our dedicated doctoral-level staff, creates the ideal environment for restoration and recovery.
Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center is CARF-accredited and provides compassionate, holistic residential treatment for teens struggling with mental health, eating disorders, and substance abuse. Nestled among the lush tropical foothills of Agoura Hills, CA, our exquisite residential facility provides a sanctuary for healing and rehabilitation. Our residence accommodates a maximum of six teens at a time, allowing us to offer highly personalized treatment programs that cater to your child's specific needs. Our serene estate, combined with our dedicated doctoral-level staff, creates the ideal environment for restoration and recovery.
Newport Academy offers treatment for teens between the ages of 12-17. Our integrated approach treats the trauma and attachment wounds underlying teen mental health and behavioral issues, such as anxiety, depression, & eating disorders. We address these root causes through comprehensive, solution-focused treatment that involves the entire family in the healing process. To support our teens and their families in achieving long-term, sustainable healing, our clinical model takes into account every aspect of a teen’s well-being—physical, psychological, relational, educational, and spiritual—so they can thrive when they return home to their families, schools, and communities. Moreover, we are committed to ongoing research on the efficacy of our treatment. To ensure that our care is truly evidence-based, we track a variety of treatment goals and commission rigorous third-party evaluations of our programming. Data gathered on our outcomes using industry-approved measurement tools shows consistent positive results in measures of well-being, depression, and anxiety, with patients’ improvements, on average, exceeding levels of clinical significance.
Newport Academy offers treatment for teens between the ages of 12-17. Our integrated approach treats the trauma and attachment wounds underlying teen mental health and behavioral issues, such as anxiety, depression, & eating disorders. We address these root causes through comprehensive, solution-focused treatment that involves the entire family in the healing process. To support our teens and their families in achieving long-term, sustainable healing, our clinical model takes into account every aspect of a teen’s well-being—physical, psychological, relational, educational, and spiritual—so they can thrive when they return home to their families, schools, and communities. Moreover, we are committed to ongoing research on the efficacy of our treatment. To ensure that our care is truly evidence-based, we track a variety of treatment goals and commission rigorous third-party evaluations of our programming. Data gathered on our outcomes using industry-approved measurement tools shows consistent positive results in measures of well-being, depression, and anxiety, with patients’ improvements, on average, exceeding levels of clinical significance.
Beachside Teen Mental Wellness, Insurance Accepted
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90045
Founded in 2015, Beachside Teen on the cliffs of Malibu, offers a calming, peaceful environment with an experienced clinical team that is focused on your teen's wellbeing. You can rest assured from the moment your teen begins their unique healing journey with us, your loved one is safe, welcomed and supported. Our exclusive residence accommodates a maximum of six teens at a time, allowing us to offer highly personalized treatment programs that cater to your teen’s specific needs. Providing personalized treatment plans and comprehensive support, we ensure that every teen receives the necessary assistance to navigate their path toward healing and recovery from mental health challenges like: Depression, Anxiety, Substance Abuse, OCD, Self-Harm, PTSD and Trauma, Eating Disorders, Mood Disorders, and Addiction. We also ensure through our Rise to Success program that your teen is growing and empowered achieving critical clinical and life skill milestones and stays on track with academics.
Founded in 2015, Beachside Teen on the cliffs of Malibu, offers a calming, peaceful environment with an experienced clinical team that is focused on your teen's wellbeing. You can rest assured from the moment your teen begins their unique healing journey with us, your loved one is safe, welcomed and supported. Our exclusive residence accommodates a maximum of six teens at a time, allowing us to offer highly personalized treatment programs that cater to your teen’s specific needs. Providing personalized treatment plans and comprehensive support, we ensure that every teen receives the necessary assistance to navigate their path toward healing and recovery from mental health challenges like: Depression, Anxiety, Substance Abuse, OCD, Self-Harm, PTSD and Trauma, Eating Disorders, Mood Disorders, and Addiction. We also ensure through our Rise to Success program that your teen is growing and empowered achieving critical clinical and life skill milestones and stays on track with academics.
See more therapy options for Inglewood
Eating Disorders Treatment Centers
What happens in therapy for eating disorders?
In therapy for eating disorders, patients typically describe their eating and exercise behaviors, their patterns of eating in relation to stress, their beliefs about their body, the ways their eating behavior affects their relationships, and their desire (or lack of it) to change. Such information helps the therapist understand the origins of the disorder and the role it plays in the patient’s life, important for guiding treatment. Attitudes and feelings about food and eating, body weight, and physical appearance are common topics of discussion throughout treatment.
What therapy types help with eating disorders?
Once any acute medical or psychiatric emergency is resolved, psychoactive medication is often prescribed, requiring the supervision of a psychiatrist. In addition, patients receive some form of nutritional counseling along with one or more forms of psychotherapy. For adolescents, family-based treatment is empirically validated and considered the first line of treatment; parents and their children meet weekly with a clinician as the adults are coached on how to nourish and psychologically support the young patient. Adults typically receive some form of individual psychotherapy, intended to resolve the cognitive and behavioral disturbances that underlie the disorder and to relieve the mood disturbances that accompany it. In addition, patients may also be helped by group therapy.
What is the goal of therapy for eating disorders?
The most immediate goal of treatment for eating disorders is to save the life of people who are on a path of starving themselves to death or engaging in eating patterns that are doing irreparable physical harm to their body. Once the acute medical danger is past, therapy is required to understand the nature of the disordered eating and/or exercise patterns, establish healthy eating behavior, and to tackle the many erroneous beliefs and distorted self-perceptions that underlie eating disorders and continue to pose a threat to health and life. Therapy also addresses the impaired mood that not only accompanies eating disorders but intensifies the danger to health and life.
What are the limitations of therapy for eating disorders?
Therapy can be very helpful for eating disorders—but that can happen only after people recognize they have a condition that must be treated. Especially with anorexia, the distortions in self-image that accompany the disorder can keep people from acknowledging they have a problem. Individuals may in fact see their eating disorder as a badge of self-control. Those with binge-eating disorder may feel too ashamed to seek help. Therapy cannot help those who do not avail themselves of it.
How long does therapy last for eating disorders?
Because of their complexity, recovery from eating disorders is usually a long-term process—measured in months and years— often marked by setbacks and relapse. Some form of help, such as individual or group therapy, may be advisable for much of that time. It is a general rule of thumb that the longer the illness has endured and the dysregulated eating behavior has taken root, the longer treatment is likely to be needed.