At Oasis Eating Disorders Recovery, located in the heart of the Central Valley, we understand that the pursuit of wellness can sometimes take a detour into disordered eating. Our center for eating disorders in Fresno offers compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals struggling with orthorexia nervosa, a condition where the desire for healthy eating transforms into a rigid and damaging obsession. We provide a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to the unique needs of each client, helping them move from a place of fixation to true well-being.
Our mission is to offer a safe harbor for healing, serving residents of California who are seeking a personalized alternative to the large-scale systems often found in major cities. Whether you are looking for structured daily support or flexible outpatient care, our dedicated treatment team is here to guide you toward a healthy relationship with food and yourself. We focus on treating the whole person, ensuring that every individual feels seen, heard, and supported throughout their recovery journey.
While society often praises clean eating and dietary discipline, there is a fine line between making healthy choices and developing a serious mental health condition. Orthorexia nervosa is characterized by an unhealthy obsession with food quality and purity. Unlike Anorexia, which is typically driven by a fear of weight gain and a desire for weight loss, orthorexia is primarily focused on the biological purity of food intake.
The individual becomes consumed by strict food rules, often eliminating entire food groups they deem “unclean” or toxic. This fixation can be just as debilitating as Bulimia or Binge Eating disorder, leading to severe emotional distress and physical impairment. Although orthorexia is not currently listed as a distinct diagnosis in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), it is widely recognized by mental health professionals and is often treated under the category of Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders, a condition we specialize in treating.
Identifying the symptoms of orthorexia can be difficult because the behaviors often masquerade as a dedication to physical health. However, when eating habits begin to interfere with daily life and social connection, it is a strong indicator that professional healthcare is needed. The preoccupation with food often hijacks executive functioning, creating a constant mental noise that makes it impossible to focus on anything else.
For a deeper deep into this type of feeding/eating disorder please visit our Signs of Orthorexia Nervosa blog.
The development of orthorexia usually stems from a combination of psychological and environmental factors. Perfectionism is a common trait, where the individual applies their high standards to their diet in an attempt to feel a sense of control or self-worth. This rigidity often mirrors obsessive-compulsive tendencies, where intrusive thoughts drive compulsive eating behaviors.
The influence of social media and “wellness culture” also plays a significant role. The constant bombardment of images promoting restrictive diets can warp body image and validate restrictive eating patterns. For some, orthorexia may also develop alongside other conditions like Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), where sensory sensitivities or fear of adverse consequences drive food avoidance.
Recovering from orthorexia requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both the nutritional and psychological aspects of the disorder. At Oasis Eating Recovery, we utilize evidence-based treatments delivered by a multidisciplinary team. We do not offer inpatient care; instead, we focus on high-level outpatient services that allow clients to practice recovery skills in real-world settings.
Our therapeutic approach helps clients challenge the diagnostic criteria-like symptoms of fixation. We employ specific modalities to retrain the mind:
A key component of our program involves working with a dietitian. Nutrition Therapy and Counseling is essential to debunk myths about healthy food and restore physical balance.
We offer different tiers of treatment to meet you where you are in your recovery journey. Whether you are stepping down from a higher level of care or seeking in-person support for the first time, we have a program designed for you.
At Oasis Eating Recovery, we believe that eating disorder recovery is possible for everyone. We treat the whole person, not just the eating disorder. Our programs in the Central Valley are rooted in compassion, intentionality, and the belief that you deserve to feel at home in your body. We are experienced in treating complex cases, including those with co-occurring mental health conditions and neurodivergent traits,.
If you or a loved one are trapped in the cycle of orthorexic thinking, you do not have to navigate it alone. Our compassionate admissions team is ready to help you verify your insurance and create a treatment plan that leads to lasting wellness. Reach out to us today to begin your journey toward a life defined by freedom, connection, and true health.
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
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