Teen Eating Disorder Treatment in California

Eating Disorder Treatment for Teens

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Eating Disorders in Teens

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that often emerge during adolescence, a critical period for physical, emotional, and social development. Research indicates that approximately 22% of children and adolescents worldwide exhibit some form of disordered eating. Some of the most common eating disorders affecting teens include:

Anorexia nervosa – Characterized by severe food restriction, an intense fear of weight gain, and a distorted body image.
Binge eating disorder – Marked by frequent episodes of consuming large amounts of food, often accompanied by feelings of distress and loss of control.
Bulimia nervosa – Involves cycles of binge eating followed by purging behaviors such as vomiting or excessive exercise.

These conditions can significantly impact a teen’s overall well-being, affecting their physical health, self-esteem, relationships, and academic performance. Early intervention and professional treatment are essential in helping teens build a healthier relationship with food and their bodies.

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Signs of Eating Disorders in Teens

Eating disorders can manifest through a combination of physical, behavioral, and emotional symptoms. Recognizing these signs early can help ensure timely intervention and support. Common signs of eating disorders in teens include:

Rigid Eating Habits – Strict food rules, cutting out entire food groups, or becoming overly focused on “healthy” eating.
Increased Dietary Restraint – Eating much less than usual, avoiding previously enjoyed foods, or expressing fear of certain foods.
Secretive or Avoidant Eating – Skipping meals, making excuses to avoid eating, or eating in isolation.
Heightened Preoccupation with Food & Body – Constantly talking about weight, calories, or “good” vs. “bad” foods.
Emotional & Behavioral Shifts – Increased anxiety, irritability, or distress around mealtimes, as well as excessive exercise or compulsive movement.

If a teen exhibits these signs, professional treatment can help address underlying issues and promote a healthier relationship with food and self-image. Early intervention is key to recovery and long-term well-being.

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Our Program

Eating disorder treatment for teens is a structured and specialized approach to addressing disordered eating behaviors, underlying emotional struggles, and co-occurring mental health conditions. At Oasis Eating Recovery, we offer a holistic, evidence-based approach to treating eating disorders in teens. Below are the key components of our treatment program:

Individualized Meal Plans & Supervised Meals

Proper nutrition is a critical aspect of recovery. We provide individualized meal plans tailored to meet each teen’s unique nutritional needs, ensuring balanced and adequate nourishment. Supervised meals help teens rebuild a healthy relationship with food, reduce anxiety around eating, and practice mindful eating habits in a supportive, non-judgmental environment.

Nutrition Education Groups

Our nutrition education groups empower teens with the knowledge and tools to make informed food choices. These sessions help debunk harmful diet myths, address misconceptions about nutrition, and encourage a sustainable, healthy approach to eating.

Body Image Groups

Teen years can be especially challenging when it comes to body image and self-esteem. Our Body Image Groups provide a safe space for teens to challenge unrealistic societal beauty standards and develop a positive and accepting relationship with their bodies.

Family-Based Therapy (FBT)

Eating disorders don’t just affect individuals—they impact entire families. Family-Based Therapy (FBT) is a leading intervention that actively involves parents and caregivers in the recovery process. This approach helps families understand, support, and reinforce their teen’s healing journey while improving communication and strengthening family dynamics.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a gold-standard therapy for treating eating disorders and co-occurring mental health concerns like anxiety, depression, and OCD. Through structured sessions, teens learn to identify and challenge distorted thoughts about food, weight, and self-worth while developing healthy coping strategies to replace disordered eating behaviors.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Many teens struggling with eating disorders also experience emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and difficulty managing stress. DBT equips them with skills in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness, allowing them to develop healthier ways to cope with emotions.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

For teens whose eating disorder is linked to trauma or distressing past experiences, we offer EMDR therapy as part of our treatment program. EMDR is a highly effective, evidence-based therapy that helps individuals process and heal from traumatic memories that may be contributing to disordered eating behaviors. By using bilateral stimulation techniques, EMDR assists in reframing negative beliefs and reducing the emotional impact of past experiences, allowing teens to move forward with greater emotional resilience.

Case Management & Aftercare Planning

A successful recovery extends beyond treatment. Our case management and aftercare planning ensure that each teen has a strong support system and resources in place once they complete our program. We work with families to create a step-down plan, connect teens with continued outpatient care, and help them transition back to their daily lives with confidence.

Body Positive Movement

We encourage movement as a means of self-care, rather than a way to control or punish the body. Our Body Positive Movement Groups promote joyful, intuitive movement that helps teens reconnect with their bodies in a positive, non-judgmental way, free from rigid exercise rules.

A Path Toward Healing

At Oasis Eating Recovery, we are committed to helping teens heal, grow, and reclaim their lives from eating disorders. Our multifaceted approach ensures that each individual receives the care, tools, and support needed for lasting recovery.

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Why Early Treatment for Eating Disorders Matters

When left untreated, eating disorders can have serious and lasting consequences on both physical and mental health. While the immediate effects of disordered eating may seem manageable, the long-term impact can be life-threatening and significantly affect a person’s quality of life. Some of those risks include:

Severe Malnutrition & Organ Damage – Muscle loss, heart complications, liver and kidney damage, digestive issues, and a weakened immune system.
Bone Density Loss & Osteoporosis – Increased risk of fractures, stunted growth in teens, and long-term joint pain.
Reproductive Health Issues – Irregular or absent periods, infertility, delayed puberty, and hormonal imbalances.
Permanent Digestive Problems – Chronic acid reflux, esophageal damage, slow digestion, severe bloating, and constipation.
Cognitive & Mental Health Decline – Difficulty concentrating, memory loss, depression, anxiety, and increased risk of self-harm.
Social & Emotional Consequences – Isolation, academic decline, emotional distress, perfectionism, and difficulty maintaining relationships.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Eating disorders worsen over time if left untreated. Early intervention is key to preventing irreversible damage and improving recovery outcomes.

Admissions Process

We know that asking for help takes courage. Getting in touch is the first step. We’re here for you, no matter what. Once submitted, our admissions team will be in touch within 24 hours.

Or call us directly to get started: (559) 245-6203

Comprehensive Treatment and Therapy

We create a comprehensive treatment plan to ensure continued healing and support with group therapy, nutrition, body image groups, individual/family sessions.

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Take the First Step Toward Healing

If you or a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder, you don’t have to face it alone. At Oasis Eating Recovery, we provide compassionate, evidence-based treatment to help teens and young adults reclaim their health and well-being. Our team is dedicated to guiding you toward recovery in a safe, supportive environment.

Don’t wait to get the help you deserve. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and take the first step toward lasting healing.

Q & A:

How long does eating disorder treatment usually take?

The length of treatment varies depending on the severity of the disorder, individual progress, and the level of care needed. Some teens may require several weeks of Partial Hospitalization (PHP) before stepping down to Intensive Outpatient (IOP) and eventually Outpatient (OP) therapy. Recovery is a gradual process, and lasting change takes time. Our team works closely with each teen to develop a personalized treatment plan that evolves as they make progress.

Will my teen be able to continue school while in treatment?

Yes! We understand that academics are important, which is why our PHP and IOP programs are designed to allow teens to balance treatment with school responsibilities. We work with families to ensure academic accommodations are in place, whether through modified schedules, online learning, or communication with school counselors. The goal is to provide the care they need without falling behind in their education.

What role do parents and families play in treatment?

Family involvement is critical to a teen’s recovery. At Oasis Eating Recovery, we offer Family-Based Therapy (FBT) and individual family counseling sessions to help caregivers learn how to support their teen’s recovery, improve communication, and create a healthy home environment. We provide education about eating disorders so families feel empowered to help their teens heal.