Eating Disorder Treatment for Teens in California

At Ascend Behavioral Health, we provide compassionate, specialized teen eating disorder treatment in California designed to help adolescents reclaim their lives. Our mission is to support teens and their families through every stage of the recovery journey—offering personalized, evidence-based care in a safe, inclusive environment for all genders. Whether your teen is struggling with body image issues, purging behaviors, or complex conditions like OSFED, we’re here to help with comprehensive treatment options led by expert clinicians in psychiatry, therapy, and nutrition. On this page, you’ll find information about the types of eating disorders we treat, the treatment programs we offer, and how Ascend creates a foundation for long-term healing.

What Are Eating Disorders?

From a clinical perspective, eating disorders are serious psychiatric conditions characterized by persistent disturbances in eating behaviors, body image, and weight regulation. These disorders are not simply about food—they often stem from underlying emotional, psychological, or biological factors and can co-occur with other mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

The most common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), and OSFED (Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder). Each presents uniquely but may involve behaviors like severe restriction, bingeing, purging, or an intense fear of gaining weight. Without treatment, these conditions can lead to serious health complications—but with the right treatment program, recovery is possible.

Who Is at Risk of Developing an Eating Disorder?

Eating disorders can impact anyone, but certain teens may be more vulnerable due to psychological, genetic, and social factors. Early recognition of risk factors is crucial for prevention and timely intervention.

Teens may be at higher risk if they:

• Have a family history of eating disorders or other mental health conditions
• Struggle with low self-esteem or negative body image
• Exhibit perfectionist traits or high achievement pressure
• Have experienced trauma, bullying, or major life changes
• Are involved in sports or activities that emphasize appearance or weight
• Are exposed to media promoting unrealistic beauty standards
• Suffer from anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive tendencies

Eating disorders affect people of all genders, ethnicities, and backgrounds, making it essential to stay informed and seek support when concerns arise.

Eating Disorders We Treat

At Ascend Behavioral Health, we provide specialized care for a wide range of eating disorders that affect teens. Each condition presents differently, but all require compassionate, evidence-based treatment tailored to the individual. Our experienced team builds a personalized treatment plan for every teen, addressing both the eating disorder and any underlying mental health challenges.

Some of the Eating Disorders We Treat:

• Anorexia Nervosa – Characterized by extreme restriction of food intake, intense fear of weight gain, and distorted body image.
• Bulimia Nervosa – Involves cycles of binge eating followed by purging behaviors such as vomiting or misuse of laxatives.
• Binge Eating Disorder – Marked by recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food, often accompanied by feelings of guilt and loss of control.
• ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) – Involves restrictive eating not related to body image, often due to sensory sensitivities or fear of choking.
• OSFED (Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder) – A category for disordered eating patterns that don’t meet full criteria for the above disorders but still cause significant distress and impairment.

No matter the diagnosis, our goal is to help teens achieve lasting recovery through compassionate, individualized care.

What Are the Symptoms of Eating Disorders?

While each eating disorder has its own specific signs, there are several general symptoms that may indicate a teen is struggling with disordered eating. These behaviors and emotional patterns often reflect a deeper struggle with body image, control, or underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression.

Common symptoms of eating disorders include:

• Preoccupation with food, weight, calories, or body shape
• Sudden or extreme changes in eating habits (restricting, bingeing, or purging)
• Avoidance of meals or eating in secret
• Intense fear of gaining weight, even when underweight
• Significant weight fluctuations
• Use of diet pills, laxatives, or excessive exercise to control weight
• Mood swings, irritability, or withdrawal from friends and activities
• Physical signs like fatigue, dizziness, hair thinning, or digestive issues

Recognizing these symptoms early can make a significant difference in a teen’s recovery journey. If you notice any of these signs, professional help is essential.

Most Common Treatments for Eating Disorders

Treating eating disorders typically requires a multidisciplinary approach that addresses the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of the condition. The most effective treatments combine therapy, medical monitoring, and nutritional support to promote long-term recovery and relapse prevention.

Common treatments include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on challenging and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors related to food, body image, and self-worth.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Helps individuals manage intense emotions and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
• Family Therapy: Encourages open communication and family involvement, which is especially important for adolescents.
• Nutrition Counseling: Provides education on balanced eating and supports the development of healthy, sustainable food habits.
• Group Therapy & Support Groups: Creates a space for connection and shared experiences, reducing isolation and building community.

Depending on the severity of the disorder, treatment may take place in various settings, including inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization (PHP), or intensive outpatient programs (IOP). The chosen level of care should align with the individual’s medical and psychological needs.

Our Perspective on Eating Disorder Treatment

At Ascend Behavioral Health, we understand the complexity of treating eating disorders in teens. That’s why we’ve partnered with Oasis Eating Recovery, a leading provider of adolescent eating disorder care in California, to ensure our clients receive specialized, high-quality treatment. Through this partnership, we offer a seamless referral and support process to help teens and their families access the comprehensive care they need. Here’s what makes this collaborative approach so effective:

Age-Appropriate, Teen-Centered Care

Oasis Eating Recovery provides treatment designed exclusively for adolescents, offering a developmentally appropriate environment where teens feel seen, supported, and safe throughout the recovery process.

Integrated Dual Diagnosis Support

Many teens with eating disorders also face conditions like depression, anxiety, or trauma. Our partnership ensures coordinated care that addresses both the eating disorder and any underlying mental health concerns through integrated, dual diagnosis treatment planning.

Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches

Teens referred through Ascend benefit from evidence-based therapies at Oasis, including CBT, DBT, and family-based interventions. These therapies are combined with experiential modalities to support emotional healing and behavior change.

Nutritional Rehabilitation & Meal Support

Registered dietitians and clinical staff at Oasis guide teens through structured meals, nutrition counseling, and food-related exposures—helping rebuild a positive relationship with food in a safe and therapeutic environment.

Full Continuum of Care

From residential treatment and inpatient stabilization to PHP and IOP, We offer multiple levels of care so each teen receives support tailored to the severity and stage of their eating disorder.

Family Education & Involvement

Family is essential to the recovery process. Teens in treatment receive structured family therapy, while parents and caregivers are offered education and guidance to support healing at home and beyond.

Ready to Take the Next Step Toward Healing?

If your teen is struggling with an eating disorder, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Through our partnership with Oasis Eating Recovery, we connect families with specialized care designed for adolescents.

Contact us today to learn how we can help your teen begin their path to recovery.