Outpatient Eating Disorder Treatment Approach
I provide specialized outpatient eating disorder treatment for adolescents and young adults in California experiencing:
anorexia nervosa (AN)
bulimia nervosa (BN)
avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)
other feeding and eating concerns
My approach is grounded in Family-Based Treatment (FBT), an evidence-based treatment for adolescents with eating disorders, while also incorporating Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Treatment is individualized to each young person and their family, with a focus on reducing eating-disorder behaviors while building the skills needed to navigate emotions, body image concerns, relationships, and everyday challenges.
I believe that families are an essential part of recovery - not the cause of the eating disorder. Parents and caregivers often have a powerful ability to support their child’s recovery, particularly when they are given the knowledge, tools, and support to do so. As the clinician, I bring expertise in eating disorders and evidence-based treatment, but parents are the experts of their child. I work collaboratively with families to build on both forms of expertise and help caregivers and teens feel confident and supported throughout the recovery process.
Treatment may include individual sessions, parent-focused sessions, or a combination of individual and family work, depending on the needs and developmental stage of each client.
Eating Disorder Therapy in California | Cruz Psychology
Outpatient Eating Disorder Treatment in California
What is FBT?
Family-Based Treatment (FBT) is an evidence-based approach that involves parents and caregivers as an important part of an adolescent’s eating disorder recovery. It is also known as the Maudsley method. Rather than expecting the teen to manage the eating disorder on their own, FBT helps parents take an active role in supporting regular eating and challenging eating-disorder behaviors.
FBT typically moves through three phases. Early on, parents take a more active role in supporting their teen’s nutrition and recovery. As things improve, responsibility is gradually returned to the teen. The final phase focuses on maintaining progress, building independence, and helping the teen get back to typical developmental activities.
I believe parents are not to blame for their child’s eating disorder and can be one of their child’s greatest sources of support. I work alongside families to provide practical tools, guidance, and support while helping both parents and teens feel more confident throughout the recovery process.