Eating Disorder Treatment

Eating disorders are serious conditions involving persistent disturbances in eating and in the thoughts and emotions connected to food, weight, and body image. They have biological, psychological, and social causes and can affect physical health, so treatment often involves both a therapist and medical providers.

Signs can include preoccupation with food, weight, or body shape; skipping meals or avoiding eating with others; rigid food rules; episodes of eating large amounts with a sense of loss of control; compulsive exercise; and withdrawing from usual activities. Eating disorders can occur at any weight, so you do not need to look a certain way to need support.

For adolescents, we use Family-Based Treatment (FBT). For young adults and adults, we use enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-E). Treatment may also draw on CBT for ARFID (CBT-AR), dialectical behavior therapy skills, exposure-based strategies, and parent-focused approaches such as SPACE and Emotion-Focused Family Therapy.

In Family-Based Treatment, parents take an active role in supporting their child's eating and recovery at home, with guidance from the therapist. Parents are partners in treatment rather than observers, and the clinician helps them manage mealtimes and difficult moments.

ARFID (avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder) involves limited food intake or variety that is not driven by concerns about weight or shape. It may relate to sensory sensitivity, fear of choking or vomiting, or low interest in eating. Unlike typical picky eating, it can lead to nutritional problems, weight loss or poor growth, or significant interference with daily life.

Eating disorders can affect physical health, so ongoing medical monitoring by a physician is an important part of care. With your consent, our program director coordinates care with your pediatrician, primary care doctor, and dietitian.

If an assessment suggests that more support would be helpful, such as a day program or residential treatment, we can draw on our professional network to help you find an appropriate program and coordinate care with that team.

Yes. Sessions are available in person at our Chappaqua and Hartsdale offices and by secure video.

Our clinicians provide therapy and do not prescribe medication. If medication may be helpful, we can coordinate with your primary care doctor or a psychiatric prescriber, with your consent.

PPG provides outpatient care and is not an emergency service. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, at any time. If you are in immediate danger or having a medical emergency, call 911.

Schedule a free consultation. We will talk briefly about what you are looking for and match you with a clinician whose training and style fit your needs.