Disordered Eating Therapy
Specialized Mental Health Care for Disordered Eating
At New York Child Psychiatry (NYCP), our Disordered Eating Division provides specialized, compassionate mental health care for children and adolescents experiencing disordered eating, body-image concerns, and eating disorders.
We understand that eating concerns are rarely just about food. Disordered eating can be connected to anxiety, depression, trauma, perfectionism, sensory sensitivities, emotional regulation, self-esteem, family dynamics, and other mental health concerns. Our approach looks at the whole child and provides individualized treatment based on their unique needs.
Our goal is to help young people develop a healthier relationship with food, their bodies, and themselves while supporting families throughout the treatment process.
What Is Disordered Eating?
Disordered eating refers to unhealthy or concerning patterns around food, eating, exercise, or body image. These behaviors can range from mild or emerging concerns to symptoms associated with a diagnosed eating disorder.
Early intervention can be especially important. A child does not need to meet the full criteria for an eating disorder to benefit from professional support.
Signs that may indicate a child or adolescent could benefit from an evaluation include:
Increasing food restriction or avoidance
Skipping meals frequently
Fear or anxiety around eating
Avoiding specific foods or food groups
Significant changes in eating habits
Binge eating or feeling out of control around food
Compensatory behaviors after eating
Excessive or compulsive exercise
Frequent comments about weight or body size
Negative or distressing body image
Increased concern about calories, nutrition, or food
Withdrawal from family meals or social activities involving food
Changes in mood or behavior related to eating
Sensory-based food avoidance
Increasing distress surrounding meals
Eating Disorders We Treat
Our specialized team provides psychiatric and behavioral health care for children and adolescents experiencing a range of eating disorders and related concerns, including:
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa can involve food restriction, intense fear of weight gain, and significant distress surrounding body weight or shape. Early assessment and treatment can be important for both psychological and physical health.
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa may involve episodes of binge eating followed by behaviors intended to compensate for eating. Treatment addresses both the eating behaviors and the underlying emotional and psychological factors.
Binge-Eating Disorder
Binge-eating disorder involves recurrent episodes of eating unusually large amounts of food accompanied by a sense of loss of control and emotional distress.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
ARFID can involve significant food avoidance or restriction that is not primarily driven by concerns about body weight or shape. Children may avoid foods because of sensory sensitivities, fear of negative consequences from eating, or limited interest in food.
Other Disordered Eating Concerns
We also provide care for children and adolescents experiencing emerging or atypical eating-disorder symptoms, restrictive eating, body-image concerns, compulsive exercise, and other problematic relationships with food.
A Whole-Child Approach to Eating Disorder Care
Eating disorders are complex conditions that can affect a young person's physical health, emotional well-being, relationships, school functioning, and development.
Our approach may incorporate:
Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation
Psychotherapy
Medication management when clinically appropriate
Family involvement and caregiver support
Behavioral interventions
Assessment of co-occurring mental health concerns
Coordination with pediatricians and other healthcare professionals
Collaboration with nutrition and medical providers when appropriate
We recognize that every child and family is different. Treatment recommendations are individualized based on the child's symptoms, developmental needs, family circumstances, and level of support required.
Supporting the Whole Family
Eating disorders can affect the entire family. Parents and caregivers may feel confused, worried, or unsure about how to respond when a child is struggling with food or body image.
We work with families to provide education, guidance, and practical support while helping caregivers become an active part of their child's recovery.
Our goal is to create a treatment environment where children feel heard and supported and families feel informed and empowered.
Early Support Can Make a Difference
You don't have to wait for an eating disorder to become severe before seeking help. If you are noticing changes in your child's eating habits, relationship with food, exercise patterns, or body image, an evaluation can help determine what is happening and what type of support may be appropriate.
At NYCP, we provide a compassionate, nonjudgmental environment where children and adolescents can begin addressing these concerns with specialized mental health professionals.