Comprehensive Eating Disorder Treatment in Santa Ana, CA

Eating disorders affect millions of individuals, impacting both physical and mental health. If you or a loved one is struggling, finding eating disorder treatment near me is a crucial step toward recovery. Left untreated, these disorders can lead to severe health complications, emotional distress, and a diminished quality of life.

At The Forge Recovery Center in Santa Ana, CA, we provide compassionate, evidence-based care to help you regain control and build a healthier future. With personalized treatment plans and a dedicated team, we support your journey to recovery. In this article, we will explore comprehensive treatment options available to you.

Understanding Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that affect a person’s relationship with food, body image, and overall well-being. These disorders often stem from a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors and can lead to severe physical and emotional consequences if left untreated.

Common Types of Eating Disorders

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, leading to extreme food restriction, excessive exercise, and severe weight loss. Individuals with anorexia often have a distorted body image and may see themselves as overweight even when they are dangerously underweight. If untreated, anorexia can result in life-threatening complications such as organ failure, heart problems, and severe malnutrition.

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa involves cycles of binge eating followed by purging behaviors, such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or laxative use, to prevent weight gain. Unlike anorexia, individuals with bulimia may maintain a normal weight, making it harder to detect. However, bulimia can cause severe health issues, including electrolyte imbalances, digestive problems, and damage to the heart and teeth due to frequent vomiting.

Binge Eating Disorder (BED)

Binge eating disorder is characterized by episodes of excessive food consumption, often accompanied by a lack of control and feelings of shame or guilt. Unlike bulimia, there is no purging behavior, leading to potential weight gain and related health risks such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. BED is the most common eating disorder in the United States and requires both medical and psychological intervention for recovery.

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

ARFID is a lesser-known but equally serious eating disorder where individuals avoid certain foods due to sensory sensitivity, fear of choking, or a lack of interest in eating. Unlike anorexia, ARFID is not driven by body image concerns but can lead to dangerous nutritional deficiencies, weight loss, and impaired growth in children.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Eating Disorders

While symptoms vary based on the type of disorder, some general warning signs include:

• Extreme food restriction or avoidance of specific food groups

• Binge eating or purging behaviors (vomiting, laxative use, excessive exercise)

• Intense fear of gaining weight or obsession with body size

• Significant weight loss or weight fluctuations

• Preoccupation with dieting, calories, or food rituals

• Social withdrawal and avoidance of eating around others

• Physical symptoms such as dizziness, hair loss, digestive problems, or fatigue

Potential Health Consequences if Left Untreated

Without proper treatment, eating disorders can lead to severe, even life-threatening complications, including:

• Cardiovascular issues: Irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, and heart failure

• Gastrointestinal problems: Acid reflux, constipation, and stomach rupture

• Endocrine disorders: Hormonal imbalances, loss of menstruation, and osteoporosis

• Mental health effects: Anxiety, depression, and increased risk of suicide

• Weakened immune system: Greater susceptibility to illness and infections

Early intervention is critical in preventing these complications. At The Forge Recovery Center, we provide expert care tailored to your needs, helping you overcome disordered eating and reclaim your health.

Treatment Approaches at The Forge Recovery Center

At The Forge Recovery Center, we understand that eating disorders are complex and require a personalized treatment plan tailored to each individual’s unique needs. Our comprehensive approach integrates evidence-based therapies, medical support, nutritional counseling, and holistic healing to ensure long-term recovery.

Personalized Treatment Plans

No two individuals experience an eating disorder the same way, which is why we create customized treatment plans that address both the physical and psychological aspects of recovery. Our multidisciplinary team—including therapists, nutritionists, and medical professionals—works together to develop a plan that supports your unique challenges, goals, and needs.

Evidence-Based Therapies

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is one of the most effective treatments for eating disorders. It helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns related to food, body image, and self-worth. By learning healthier coping strategies, you can regain control over eating behaviors and break free from destructive cycles.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT is particularly useful for individuals who struggle with emotional regulation, self-harm, or co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression. This therapy teaches mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness—skills essential for maintaining long-term recovery.

Family-Based Therapy (FBT)

For adolescents and young adults, family involvement is a key component of treatment. FBT empowers families to support their loved one’s recovery by rebuilding healthy communication, setting boundaries, and fostering a positive home environment that promotes healing.

Nutritional Counseling and Meal Planning

Proper nutrition is critical for restoring physical health and developing a balanced relationship with food. Our registered dietitians work closely with you to:

• Develop structured meal plans that meet your body's nutritional needs.

• Challenge fear foods and unhealthy food-related behaviors.

• Educate on intuitive eating and mindful eating practices to promote a sustainable approach to nutrition.

Medical Monitoring and Psychiatric Care

Eating disorders can have serious physical consequences, which is why medical monitoring is an integral part of treatment at The Forge Recovery Center. Our team provides:

• Regular health assessments to track progress and prevent medical complications.

• Medication management for co-occurring disorders such as anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

• Psychiatric support to address underlying emotional challenges that contribute to disordered eating behaviors.

Holistic Therapies for Lasting Recovery

At The Forge Recovery Center, we go beyond traditional therapy to incorporate holistic treatments that support mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Mindfulness and Stress Management

Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation, guided breathing, and yoga, help individuals become more aware of their thoughts and emotions while reducing stress. These practices improve self-awareness, emotional regulation, and overall resilience in the recovery process.

Art and Recreational Therapy

Creative expression can be a powerful tool for healing. Our art and recreational therapy programs allow individuals to process emotions, develop self-expression skills, and build confidence through activities like painting, music therapy, journaling, and outdoor recreation.

A Comprehensive Approach to Healing

At The Forge Recovery Center, we believe in treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures that every aspect of your recovery is supported, helping you build a healthier, more fulfilling life free from disordered eating.

Levels of Care Available

At The Forge Recovery Center, we provide a full continuum of care to ensure that individuals struggling with eating disorders receive the right level of support at every stage of their recovery journey. Whether you need 24/7 medical supervision or a structured outpatient program, we offer comprehensive treatment options tailored to your unique needs.

Inpatient/Residential Treatment

For individuals with severe eating disorders, inpatient or residential treatment offers the highest level of care. This program provides:

• 24/7 medical supervision to address nutritional deficiencies, medical complications, and co-occurring disorders.

• Structured meal plans and monitored eating to ensure proper nourishment.

• Intensive therapy sessions, including individual, group, and family therapy.

• A safe, supportive environment free from triggers that may reinforce disordered eating behaviors.

Inpatient treatment is ideal for those who need a highly structured setting to stabilize physically and emotionally before transitioning to a lower level of care.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is a step down from inpatient care but still provides intensive, structured treatment during the day while allowing clients to return home in the evenings. PHP includes:

• Daily therapy sessions, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).

• Nutritional counseling and monitored meals to reinforce healthy eating behaviors.

• Medical monitoring to track progress and address any health concerns.

• Skill-building sessions to help clients develop coping strategies and emotional resilience.

PHP is best suited for individuals who still require intensive support but are medically stable enough to live at home or in a supportive environment.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) offers a flexible treatment option for individuals who are ready to transition back to their daily lives while still receiving structured support. This program typically includes:

• Multiple therapy sessions per week, including individual and group therapy.

• Nutritional guidance and meal planning support to maintain progress.

• Relapse prevention strategies to help clients navigate real-world challenges.

• Ongoing psychiatric care for co-occurring mental health conditions.

IOP is ideal for those who no longer need full-time treatment but still require structured care and professional support to maintain recovery.

Outpatient Services

For individuals who have completed higher levels of care but still need continued support, our outpatient services provide ongoing therapy and guidance to help maintain progress. Outpatient services may include:

• Individual therapy sessions to reinforce coping strategies and address personal challenges.

• Support groups to foster connection and accountability.

• Nutritional counseling for long-term recovery and maintenance.

• Medication management and psychiatric care as needed.

Outpatient treatment is best for individuals who have developed strong coping skills and need continued support to sustain their recovery in everyday life.

Struggling with an Eating Disorder? We’re Here to Help

Recovering from an eating disorder is possible, and The Forge Recovery Center is here to guide you every step of the way. Seeking help early can prevent serious health complications and set you on the path to healing. Our admissions team is ready to assist you with personalized treatment plans, insurance verification, and a smooth intake process. You don’t have to face this alone—reach out today and take the first step toward recovery. Call us now or visit our website to get the help you need.

Written by

The Forge Recovery Center

Reviewed by

Jeremy Arzt

Chief Clinical Officer

February 22, 2025