![Photo of Breathe Life Healing Centers - Breathe Life Healing Center, CA Lic, JACHO, Treatment Center](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a980c314-1a16-420d-938c-a1e4ec13e7bb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Treating addiction, eating disorders, and trauma requires a multi-faceted, comprehensive approach that addresses one’s mind, body, and spirit.
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.
Treating addiction, eating disorders, and trauma requires a multi-faceted, comprehensive approach that addresses one’s mind, body, and spirit.
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.
![Photo of Our Admissions Team - HHNC Treatment Centers, Treatment Center](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b7a3fb93-55c8-4ada-bd8f-3f1485ebb531/2/320x400.jpeg)
At His & Her House Treatment Centers, we provide individualized substance abuse treatment at the highest quality facilities with an experienced clinical team. Beginning at intervention; then on to residential detox and treatment; progressing towards intensive outpatient and sober living; we help you forge your path to health, recovery, and a drug-free lifestyle. Our team's focus is upon the psychological and emotional components of recovery in addition to the physical aspects of treatment (such as withdrawal, craving, and nutrition). Founded in 1994 by an addicted person himself, His and Her Houses have grown to incorporate an exceptional staff each of whom have been personally touched by substance use disorder. We intimately understand each individual client’s circumstance, and we are here to help. His House is dually accredited by JCAHO and CARF.
At His & Her House Treatment Centers, we provide individualized substance abuse treatment at the highest quality facilities with an experienced clinical team. Beginning at intervention; then on to residential detox and treatment; progressing towards intensive outpatient and sober living; we help you forge your path to health, recovery, and a drug-free lifestyle. Our team's focus is upon the psychological and emotional components of recovery in addition to the physical aspects of treatment (such as withdrawal, craving, and nutrition). Founded in 1994 by an addicted person himself, His and Her Houses have grown to incorporate an exceptional staff each of whom have been personally touched by substance use disorder. We intimately understand each individual client’s circumstance, and we are here to help. His House is dually accredited by JCAHO and CARF.
We are a highly experienced residential mental health treatment program with expertise in treating complex psychiatric issues. We are physician operated and we can provide highly advanced treatment options such as ketamine and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Our philosophy is to minimize medications as much as possible and provide one on one individualized treatment in an intimate small group environment. We service all adults and offer specialty treatment tracts that addresses the unique needs of seniors, students and chronic pain sufferers. Treatment is provided to only 6 clients at a time to provide highly individualized attention. Unlike most programs that advertise for mental health but are really substance abuse treatment programs, we are proud to be one of the very few double certified true mental health programs in existence. We are licensed and certified for advanced mental health crisis stabilization (which means our clinical program, staffing and services must be the most intensive and highest caliber).
We are a highly experienced residential mental health treatment program with expertise in treating complex psychiatric issues. We are physician operated and we can provide highly advanced treatment options such as ketamine and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Our philosophy is to minimize medications as much as possible and provide one on one individualized treatment in an intimate small group environment. We service all adults and offer specialty treatment tracts that addresses the unique needs of seniors, students and chronic pain sufferers. Treatment is provided to only 6 clients at a time to provide highly individualized attention. Unlike most programs that advertise for mental health but are really substance abuse treatment programs, we are proud to be one of the very few double certified true mental health programs in existence. We are licensed and certified for advanced mental health crisis stabilization (which means our clinical program, staffing and services must be the most intensive and highest caliber).
More Treatment Centers Nearby
![Photo of Allen Davis - Dignity Mental Health Inpatient Treatment Program, Treatment Center](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1b7c47a9-a9a4-4fcf-ab5f-7f7946d2b076/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dignity Mental Health Inpatient Treatment Program
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Anaheim, CA 92802
Dignity is committed to being a leader of quality mental health residential and outpatient treatment services in Los Angeles. We only treat a handful of clients at at time in order to provide highly personalized treatment with maximum personalized attention. Our luxurious and beautiful home like environment is the backdrop to help our clients get better control of their lives. We can treat most complex mental health disorders and we work with the patient every step of the way to ensure long-term recovery outcomes. We combine our unique clinical approach to treatment with new therapies to ensure long-term recovery and growth. Our goal is to make sure each patient has the tools needed to manage their mental health diagnosis in everyday life once treatment is completed. Patients will establish a strong relationship with their therapist and learn how to change their unhealthy behaviors that can bring about their mental illness symptoms. Our small group setting provides a safe space to recognize and work on relationship and behavior patterns, while identifying and drawing out strengths.
Dignity is committed to being a leader of quality mental health residential and outpatient treatment services in Los Angeles. We only treat a handful of clients at at time in order to provide highly personalized treatment with maximum personalized attention. Our luxurious and beautiful home like environment is the backdrop to help our clients get better control of their lives. We can treat most complex mental health disorders and we work with the patient every step of the way to ensure long-term recovery outcomes. We combine our unique clinical approach to treatment with new therapies to ensure long-term recovery and growth. Our goal is to make sure each patient has the tools needed to manage their mental health diagnosis in everyday life once treatment is completed. Patients will establish a strong relationship with their therapist and learn how to change their unhealthy behaviors that can bring about their mental illness symptoms. Our small group setting provides a safe space to recognize and work on relationship and behavior patterns, while identifying and drawing out strengths.
![Photo of Amy Dutton - Anchored Tides Recovery, Treatment Center](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ab3276d-c738-45b7-b5ce-62e019043b45/1/320x400.jpeg)
Anchored Tides Recovery is a comprehensive dual-diagnosis enhanced Huntington Beach rehab program designed specifically for women, by women. We offer various levels of addiction treatment services including a Women’s Partial Hospitalization Program, an Intensive Outpatient Program, an Outpatient Program, and an aftercare program. We believe that unaddressed trauma, mental health, and other issues that lead to relapse must be addressed in order to help women get into longer-lasting recovery. Our treatment approach incorporates evidence-based addiction treatment and dual diagnosis modalities while incorporating a programing geared toward the issues women face.
Anchored Tides Recovery is a comprehensive dual-diagnosis enhanced Huntington Beach rehab program designed specifically for women, by women. We offer various levels of addiction treatment services including a Women’s Partial Hospitalization Program, an Intensive Outpatient Program, an Outpatient Program, and an aftercare program. We believe that unaddressed trauma, mental health, and other issues that lead to relapse must be addressed in order to help women get into longer-lasting recovery. Our treatment approach incorporates evidence-based addiction treatment and dual diagnosis modalities while incorporating a programing geared toward the issues women face.
Westwind Recovery holds the belief that every life is valuable. Every individual has unlimited potential to effect positive change in our world. When one of us gets caught up in a substance use or mental health disorder, we lose our ability to bring our gifts to others. We lose our capacity to love, hope, help, and heal. We lose ourselves. It brings tragedy.
Westwind Recovery holds the belief that every life is valuable. Every individual has unlimited potential to effect positive change in our world. When one of us gets caught up in a substance use or mental health disorder, we lose our ability to bring our gifts to others. We lose our capacity to love, hope, help, and heal. We lose ourselves. It brings tragedy.
![Photo of Katherine Wismer - Forward Wellness, Treatment Center](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48989614-bf68-4938-b5c7-012e8d0ab9c0/1/320x400.png)
Are you feeling stressed, anxious, fearful, or lonely? Our therapists understand how you are feeling and can help you feel better as well as help you begin to manage your symptoms. At Forward Wellness our goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life worth celebrating. While no one can change the difficulties of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. We offer treatment services for individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, isolation, substance use, co-occurring disorders, pain management, adjustment issues, life transitions, relationship and family difficulties, and grief. Holistic approaches are known to help you reduce anxiety and improve your mood. We look forward to teaching you the tools needed to get your life back.
Are you feeling stressed, anxious, fearful, or lonely? Our therapists understand how you are feeling and can help you feel better as well as help you begin to manage your symptoms. At Forward Wellness our goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life worth celebrating. While no one can change the difficulties of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. We offer treatment services for individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, isolation, substance use, co-occurring disorders, pain management, adjustment issues, life transitions, relationship and family difficulties, and grief. Holistic approaches are known to help you reduce anxiety and improve your mood. We look forward to teaching you the tools needed to get your life back.
![Photo of John Varvara - Spencer Recovery Centers, Inc., Treatment Center](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8e307f5e-52bd-4e5a-836f-6f56ef8b25d9/4/320x400.png)
Spencer Recovery Centers is dedicated to helping individuals heal from addiction, mental health, trauma, and co-occurring conditions. Our detox and residential treatment program offers comprehensive care for individuals struggling with substance abuse. Our program includes medical detoxification to safely and comfortably manage withdrawal symptoms, as well as individualized treatment plans based on specific needs. Our team of experienced and compassionate professionals is dedicated to providing individuals with the highest quality care and support. We use evidence-based treatment programs that have been proven to be effective in helping achieve long-term recovery.
Spencer Recovery Centers is dedicated to helping individuals heal from addiction, mental health, trauma, and co-occurring conditions. Our detox and residential treatment program offers comprehensive care for individuals struggling with substance abuse. Our program includes medical detoxification to safely and comfortably manage withdrawal symptoms, as well as individualized treatment plans based on specific needs. Our team of experienced and compassionate professionals is dedicated to providing individuals with the highest quality care and support. We use evidence-based treatment programs that have been proven to be effective in helping achieve long-term recovery.
![Photo of Salisu Aikoye - Sal Rediscovery Center, MPH, MD, Treatment Center](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2d256f2f-3b02-4815-af9e-c9f38032d710/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Salisu offers treatment and a recovery program for opioids and other forms of substance abuse. IOP, OP, PHP, and DETOX. AT Sal Rediscover Center we listens to every patient and works well with diverse patient populations. Dr Sal has years of experience working with veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Along with psychiatric support for substance use disorders, he also offers medications and medical interventions. Patients benefit from Suboxone and VIVITROl, which require medical management to work effectively. Patients and families struggling with substance use should call or use the online tool to set up an appointment at Sal Rediscovery Center to get compassionate, effective care.
Dr. Salisu offers treatment and a recovery program for opioids and other forms of substance abuse. IOP, OP, PHP, and DETOX. AT Sal Rediscover Center we listens to every patient and works well with diverse patient populations. Dr Sal has years of experience working with veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Along with psychiatric support for substance use disorders, he also offers medications and medical interventions. Patients benefit from Suboxone and VIVITROl, which require medical management to work effectively. Patients and families struggling with substance use should call or use the online tool to set up an appointment at Sal Rediscovery Center to get compassionate, effective care.
![Photo of Lisa Marie Merry - Sober Partners Network, LMFT, Treatment Center](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9607596e-4412-47d0-8f5b-477987cbb3e6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Located in Huntington Beach, also known as the famous Surf City USA. Sober Partners Network offers Luxury Accommodations and a world class clinical staff. While the setting is beautiful, it is our clinical staff that sets us apart. Each client is assigned a personal therapist and a Case Manager who works with each client to develop a customized treatment plan. Our goal is to prepare each client with the tools and support necessary for Long Term Sobriety. After the initial Detox phase our clients will begin to participate in FUN activities while not in therapy sessions. We absolutely insist on having fun. Our promote fun in sobriety because it truly is a better life and our clients will proceed to have a much more rewarding and successful life than ever before. Many of our Staff and the founders of Sober Partners have personally experienced Addiction and we truly Know how it feels. Not only the early cravings and the feelings of low self esteem but we have also gotten through it ourselves and now experience the benefits. We know how RECOVER because we did it ourselves. We have assembled a World Class Team and it shows.
Located in Huntington Beach, also known as the famous Surf City USA. Sober Partners Network offers Luxury Accommodations and a world class clinical staff. While the setting is beautiful, it is our clinical staff that sets us apart. Each client is assigned a personal therapist and a Case Manager who works with each client to develop a customized treatment plan. Our goal is to prepare each client with the tools and support necessary for Long Term Sobriety. After the initial Detox phase our clients will begin to participate in FUN activities while not in therapy sessions. We absolutely insist on having fun. Our promote fun in sobriety because it truly is a better life and our clients will proceed to have a much more rewarding and successful life than ever before. Many of our Staff and the founders of Sober Partners have personally experienced Addiction and we truly Know how it feels. Not only the early cravings and the feelings of low self esteem but we have also gotten through it ourselves and now experience the benefits. We know how RECOVER because we did it ourselves. We have assembled a World Class Team and it shows.
![Photo of Jodi Tilley - Lido Wellness Center, CA, CARF, Treatment Center](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47db9324-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lido Wellness Center is located in the beautiful Lido Village of Newport Beach. We at Lido Wellness Center are dedicated to providing integrative, holistic and comprehensive care. We seek to understand and honor the unique composition of each person; focusing on mental, physical, relational and spiritual wellness.
Lido Wellness Center is located in the beautiful Lido Village of Newport Beach. We at Lido Wellness Center are dedicated to providing integrative, holistic and comprehensive care. We seek to understand and honor the unique composition of each person; focusing on mental, physical, relational and spiritual wellness.
Online Treatment Centers
![Photo of Alisa Duclos - Wings Recovery, PhD, Treatment Center](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ae5eb82-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
We use research-based therapy to treat conditions such as: PTSD, Borderline Personality Disorder, Depressive Disorders, suicidality, Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, social anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, Dissociative Disorders, Bereavement, Bipolar Disorder, eating disorders and more.
Wings Recovery is a residential treatment center for women located in San Diego. We offer intensive treatment in a small, private setting. We specialize in treating women with trauma, dissociative disorders, addiction issues, self harm and general mental health issues. Throughout the duration of treatment you will be living at our residential treatment center and receive 24 hour care. Wings Recovery was developed by a doctor and therapist to provide the highest level of care and healing. Wings Recovery emphasizes a safe and empowering community, fostering healing through individual therapy, group therapy, EMDR and other trauma-focused therapies, medication management, nutrition services, vocational support, yoga, creative arts groups, mindfulness and therapeutic outings.
We use research-based therapy to treat conditions such as: PTSD, Borderline Personality Disorder, Depressive Disorders, suicidality, Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, social anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, Dissociative Disorders, Bereavement, Bipolar Disorder, eating disorders and more.
Wings Recovery is a residential treatment center for women located in San Diego. We offer intensive treatment in a small, private setting. We specialize in treating women with trauma, dissociative disorders, addiction issues, self harm and general mental health issues. Throughout the duration of treatment you will be living at our residential treatment center and receive 24 hour care. Wings Recovery was developed by a doctor and therapist to provide the highest level of care and healing. Wings Recovery emphasizes a safe and empowering community, fostering healing through individual therapy, group therapy, EMDR and other trauma-focused therapies, medication management, nutrition services, vocational support, yoga, creative arts groups, mindfulness and therapeutic outings.
![Photo of Psyclarity Mental Health Los Angeles - Psyclarity Mental Health - Los Angeles, MD, PhD, PsyD, LMFT, Treatment Center](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50f475aa-8d72-49df-9ca0-4929fd6c456f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Psyclarity Mental Health - Los Angeles
Treatment Center, MD, PhD, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Psyclarity Mental Health caters to individuals struggling with various mental health issues, providing tailored treatments for anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, BPD, PTSD, and more. The facility emphasizes a holistic approach to address each client's unique needs and challenges, aiming to foster recovery and resilience. With a combination of expert counselors, professional medical staff, and a lifelong support system, our primary mission is to give every client the tools they need to sustain recovery after treatment.
Psyclarity Mental Health caters to individuals struggling with various mental health issues, providing tailored treatments for anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, BPD, PTSD, and more. The facility emphasizes a holistic approach to address each client's unique needs and challenges, aiming to foster recovery and resilience. With a combination of expert counselors, professional medical staff, and a lifelong support system, our primary mission is to give every client the tools they need to sustain recovery after treatment.
![Photo of Anew Era Tms Psychiatry - Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry - We are Open!, Treatment Center](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fbabce1e-1be3-4f3c-bd8f-868f8bbca200/1/320x400.png)
Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry - We are Open!
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90503 (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 ***
![Photo of Marine Chakhchakhian - Crosspointe Recovery, Treatment Center](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cde374ab-e124-4d55-91c9-7303352f1548/2/320x400.jpeg)
At Crosspointe Recovery, we work with a wide array of individuals and their families to help combat risks and challenges posed by substance use and mental health disorders. We strive to provide those who seek our support with the utmost care and respect. We take a more collaborative approach to treatment by treating our clients as the experts in their lives and emphasize their strengths- we meet them where they are at. We acknowledge how previous life stressors or changes, experiences, relationships, or instability coupled with difficult emotions can contribute or maintain substance/alcohol use. Therefore, we encourage our clients to explore possible root causes of their use or resolve the underlying concerns, instead of only targeting the symptom (i.e. substance or alcohol use).
At Crosspointe Recovery, we work with a wide array of individuals and their families to help combat risks and challenges posed by substance use and mental health disorders. We strive to provide those who seek our support with the utmost care and respect. We take a more collaborative approach to treatment by treating our clients as the experts in their lives and emphasize their strengths- we meet them where they are at. We acknowledge how previous life stressors or changes, experiences, relationships, or instability coupled with difficult emotions can contribute or maintain substance/alcohol use. Therefore, we encourage our clients to explore possible root causes of their use or resolve the underlying concerns, instead of only targeting the symptom (i.e. substance or alcohol use).
Bliss Recovery is a luxury drug and alcohol treatment center, located in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles, California. We are a dual diagnosis facility helping patients with drug and alcohol abuse coupled with a wide range of mental health issues.
Bliss Recovery is a luxury drug and alcohol treatment center, located in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles, California. We are a dual diagnosis facility helping patients with drug and alcohol abuse coupled with a wide range of mental health issues.
![Photo of Frederik Schulin - Insight Treatment - Teen Mental Health Treatment, Treatment Center](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1901105b-6d50-45fe-b296-6781cea5b467/1/320x400.png)
Insight Treatment - Teen Mental Health Treatment
Treatment Center
Not Verified Not Verified
South El Monte, CA 91733
Insight Treatment Programs are intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) programs for teens and early young adults (14-19 years of age) suffering from mental health and addiction issues. Every family is unique and has different needs, problems, and resources. Therefore, Insight’s treatment staff takes pride in creating individualized treatment plans tailored to each family’s specific goals. Whether your teen is suffering from mental health disorders (depression, anxiety, or trauma) or is showing self-harming, aggressive or addictive behaviors, we are here to help. Adolescent issues can only be effectively treated by addressing all aspects of their lives, we use treatment attending to emotional, psychological, spiritual, familial, academic and biological factors.
Insight Treatment Programs are intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) programs for teens and early young adults (14-19 years of age) suffering from mental health and addiction issues. Every family is unique and has different needs, problems, and resources. Therefore, Insight’s treatment staff takes pride in creating individualized treatment plans tailored to each family’s specific goals. Whether your teen is suffering from mental health disorders (depression, anxiety, or trauma) or is showing self-harming, aggressive or addictive behaviors, we are here to help. Adolescent issues can only be effectively treated by addressing all aspects of their lives, we use treatment attending to emotional, psychological, spiritual, familial, academic and biological factors.
Roots Through Recovery
Treatment Center, PsyD, PhD, LCSW, LMFT, CADC
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90807
We treat all mental health and substance use issues at Roots, with a focus on trauma. Whether you're dealing with depression, anxiety, alcoholism or drug abuse, we believe that underneath these issues is unresolved trauma. For many, this trauma may have come as a result of adverse childhood experiences, such as divorce, abuse or neglect, observing violence or being the victim of bullying; while for others, it could be a more recent experience. Our goal is to identify and treat the trauma through our trauma-focused care, build resilience, and provide tools and healthy coping skills to help deal with triggers and future issues that arise. The result of doing this work is a reduction in depression and anxiety symptoms, suicidal ideation, and no longer needing to turn to alcohol or substances to cope with feelings triggered by trauma.
We treat all mental health and substance use issues at Roots, with a focus on trauma. Whether you're dealing with depression, anxiety, alcoholism or drug abuse, we believe that underneath these issues is unresolved trauma. For many, this trauma may have come as a result of adverse childhood experiences, such as divorce, abuse or neglect, observing violence or being the victim of bullying; while for others, it could be a more recent experience. Our goal is to identify and treat the trauma through our trauma-focused care, build resilience, and provide tools and healthy coping skills to help deal with triggers and future issues that arise. The result of doing this work is a reduction in depression and anxiety symptoms, suicidal ideation, and no longer needing to turn to alcohol or substances to cope with feelings triggered by trauma.
See more therapy options for Santa Ana
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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.