Eating Disorder Treatment Options in Los Angeles

Eating disorders affect thousands of individuals in Los Angeles, impacting physical health, mental well-being, and daily life. If you or a loved one is struggling, finding the right eating disorder treatment near you is crucial for recovery. At The Forge Recovery Center, we understand the complexities of eating disorders and offer compassionate, evidence-based treatment tailored to your needs. Seeking help is the first step toward healing, and with the right support, recovery is possible.

In this article, we will explore the various eating disorder treatment options in Los Angeles, helping you make an informed decision about your path to recovery.

Recognizing the Need for Treatment

Eating disorders often develop gradually, making it difficult to recognize when professional help is necessary. However, if disordered eating habits interfere with your daily life, relationships, or overall well-being, it’s time to consider treatment. 

Many individuals delay seeking care due to denial, stigma, or fear of change, but early intervention is key to a successful recovery. If you or a loved one is searching for eating disorder treatment near you, understanding the signs and consequences of these conditions is the first step toward healing.

Common Signs of an Eating Disorder

Eating disorders manifest differently in each person, but some key warning signs indicate a serious problem:

• Drastic Weight Changes – Sudden weight loss or gain that isn’t due to medical reasons.

• Obsession with Food & Calories – Constantly thinking about food, dieting, or body weight.

• Extreme Dieting or Restriction – Skipping meals, fasting excessively, or eliminating entire food groups.

• Binge Eating – Eating large amounts of food in a short period, often in secrecy.

• Purging Behaviors – Using vomiting, laxatives, or excessive exercise to “compensate” for eating.

• Body Image Distortion – Viewing oneself as overweight despite being underweight or at a healthy weight.

• Social Withdrawal – Avoiding social events, especially those involving food.

• Mood Swings & Anxiety – Increased irritability, depression, or anxiety related to eating and body image.

If any of these symptoms feel familiar, seeking professional guidance is essential. The Forge Recovery Center provides personalized, compassionate care to help individuals regain control over their health and lives.

The Consequences of Untreated Eating Disorders

Ignoring the signs of an eating disorder can lead to severe physical and emotional complications, including:

Physical Effects

• Malnutrition, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances

• Heart complications, including arrhythmias and heart failure

• Gastrointestinal issues such as acid reflux and bloating

• Weakened bones, increasing the risk of fractures (osteoporosis)

• Organ damage, including liver and kidney failure

Emotional & Mental Health Effects

• Increased anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts

• Social isolation and difficulty maintaining relationships

• Obsessive behaviors that interfere with daily life

• Loss of focus, motivation, and ability to function at work or school

Understanding Your Treatment Options

Eating disorders vary in severity, and treatment should be tailored to each individual’s unique needs. The right approach depends on factors such as medical stability, psychological health, and the level of daily support required. If you’re searching for eating disorder treatment near me, it’s important to understand the different levels of care available.

1. Outpatient Therapy – Best for Mild to Moderate Cases

Outpatient therapy is ideal for individuals with mild symptoms who can continue daily responsibilities while receiving treatment. Sessions are typically held once or twice a week with a licensed therapist specializing in eating disorders.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals identify and change distorted thought patterns related to food, body image, and self-worth.

• Family-Based Treatment (FBT): Designed for adolescents, this therapy involves parents in the recovery process to support healthy eating behaviors and weight restoration.

Outpatient therapy is a great option for those who need professional support but do not require intensive medical monitoring.

2. Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) – More Structure with Flexibility

IOP is a step up from traditional outpatient therapy, providing structured support while allowing individuals to live at home. These programs typically include:

• Multiple weekly therapy sessions (individual and group)

• Nutritional counseling to rebuild a healthy relationship with food

• Group therapy & peer support to foster accountability and shared experiences

IOPs are ideal for individuals who need more than weekly therapy but do not require full-time care. They provide a balance between treatment and personal responsibilities, such as work or school.

3. Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) – Full-Day Treatment Without Overnight Stays

PHPs are intensive, structured programs that provide comprehensive care during the day while allowing individuals to return home at night. These programs are best for those who:

• Need a highly structured environment but do not require hospitalization

• Struggle with disordered eating behaviors that interfere with daily life

• Require regular medical monitoring but are medically stable

A PHP typically runs for 6–8 hours per day, 5–7 days a week, offering therapy, medical support, meal supervision, and nutrition counseling. It serves as a bridge between outpatient and residential treatment.

4. Residential Treatment – 24/7 Comprehensive Care

For those with severe eating disorders, residential treatment provides round-the-clock medical, nutritional, and psychological support in a structured environment. This level of care is best for individuals who:

• Have persistent disordered eating behaviors that do not improve with outpatient care

• Require continuous monitoring for medical safety

• Need intensive therapy to address underlying mental health conditions

Residential treatment focuses on weight restoration, medical stabilization, and psychological healing through individual and group therapy, supervised meals, and a structured daily routine.

5. Inpatient Hospitalization – Immediate Medical Stabilization

For life-threatening eating disorders, inpatient hospitalization is required to address severe malnutrition, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or cardiac risks. Individuals in need of inpatient care often:

• Have dangerously low body weight and require medical stabilization

• Experience life-threatening complications such as heart irregularities or organ failure

• Need immediate psychiatric intervention due to suicidal thoughts or self-harm

This level of care is provided in a hospital setting, with 24/7 medical supervision to ensure the patient is physically stable before transitioning to a lower level of treatment.

Finding the Right Eating Disorder Treatment Center in Los Angeles

With so many options for eating disorder treatment near me, choosing the right facility can feel overwhelming. The right treatment center can make a significant difference in your recovery journey, so it’s essential to evaluate your options carefully. Here’s what to consider when selecting an eating disorder treatment center in Los Angeles:

1. Accreditation & Expertise – Quality Care Matters

Not all treatment centers are created equal. The best facilities have proper accreditation and specialized expertise in treating eating disorders. When researching options, check for:

• Accreditation by reputable organizations like the Joint Commission or the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).

• A multidisciplinary team, including psychiatrists, therapists, dietitians, and medical doctors specializing in eating disorders.

• Proven success in treating eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).

A center with dedicated specialists in eating disorder treatment ensures you receive the highest standard of care for both physical and psychological recovery.

2. Treatment Approach – Evidence-Based and Holistic Care

Effective treatment should go beyond symptom management—it should address the underlying emotional, behavioral, and medical aspects of eating disorders. When evaluating treatment centers, look for:

• Evidence-based therapies such as:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps change negative thought patterns related to food and body image.

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Teaches emotional regulation and coping skills.

  • Family-Based Treatment (FBT): Particularly effective for adolescents.

• Medical monitoring for individuals struggling with severe malnutrition, dehydration, or organ complications.

• Nutritional counseling with registered dietitians to rebuild a healthy relationship with food.

• Holistic treatments such as yoga, mindfulness, and art therapy to support emotional healing.

A comprehensive approach—combining medical care, therapy, and nutritional support—offers the best chance for long-term recovery.

3. Insurance & Cost – Understanding Financial Options

Treatment costs vary widely, and understanding what your insurance covers is crucial when choosing a treatment center. Here’s what to do:

• Check with your insurance provider to see what levels of care are covered (outpatient, IOP, PHP, residential, or inpatient).

• Ask the treatment center for an insurance verification—most facilities will assist in determining what costs are covered.

• Explore payment plans or financial assistance programs if insurance does not fully cover treatment.

At The Forge Recovery Center, we work with various insurance providers to make quality treatment accessible. If you need help verifying coverage, our team can guide you through the process and discuss affordable options tailored to your situation.

Choosing the Right Treatment Center: A Personal Decision

The best eating disorder treatment center is the one that meets your unique needs and makes you feel safe, supported, and empowered in your recovery. At The Forge Recovery Center, we provide compassionate, evidence-based care designed to help individuals break free from the cycle of disordered eating.

If you’re searching for eating disorder treatment near me, contact us today to learn how we can help you or a loved one start the path to healing. You don’t have to do this alone—help is available.

Written by

The Forge Recovery Center

Reviewed by

Jeremy Arzt

Chief Clinical Officer

February 22, 2025