Welcome to Friendly Recovery Center, where we specialize in providing comprehensive support for individuals struggling with anorexia nervosa. Located in the supportive environment of Orange County, our center offers evidence-based care and dedicated support for individuals working to overcome the challenges of this serious eating disorder and rebuild a healthy relationship with food and their body.
Anorexia nervosa treatment involves a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach aimed at addressing the severe food restriction, distorted body image, and intense fear of weight gain characteristic of the condition. Through a combination of therapeutic interventions, nutritional rehabilitation, medical monitoring, and psychological support, treatment helps individuals restore healthy eating patterns, challenge distorted beliefs about food and weight, and develop sustainable coping strategies for long-term recovery. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anorexia nervosa has one of the highest mortality rates of any mental health disorder, making specialized treatment essential for recovery.
Identifying the symptoms of anorexia nervosa early is essential for timely intervention and successful recovery. Here are some common signs that you or someone you know may be experiencing anorexia nervosa:
Many individuals with anorexia also experience co-occurring conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, or perfectionism, which must be addressed alongside the eating disorder for effective treatment.
Accurate diagnosis of anorexia nervosa requires a comprehensive evaluation by qualified mental health and medical professionals. This assessment typically involves:
Medical Evaluation: Physical examination, vital signs monitoring, lab work to assess nutritional status, and evaluation of potential medical complications such as cardiac issues, bone density loss, or electrolyte imbalances.
Psychological Assessment: Thorough clinical interview exploring eating behaviors, thoughts about food and body image, weight history, and mental health symptoms. Standardized assessments may include the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) or similar diagnostic tools.
Nutritional Assessment: Evaluation of current eating patterns, nutritional deficiencies, and metabolic functioning conducted by a registered dietitian.
Co-occurring Conditions: Screening for anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, or other mental health conditions that commonly co-occur with anorexia.
Diagnosis considers not just weight, but the full clinical picture including behaviors, psychological symptoms, and medical complications. Individuals at higher weights can still have anorexia (atypical anorexia), making comprehensive assessment essential.
At Friendly Recovery Center, we understand that each individual’s experience with anorexia nervosa is unique. Therefore, we tailor our treatment approach to meet each client’s specific needs, recovery goals, and medical requirements. Here’s how we can assist you:
We utilize proven therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to challenge distorted thoughts about food, weight, and body image; Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to build emotional regulation and distress tolerance skills; and Family-Based Therapy when appropriate to involve loved ones in the healing process.
Our registered dietitians work collaboratively with clients to develop personalized meal plans that restore nutritional health, challenge food fears, normalize eating patterns, and rebuild a balanced relationship with food. Nutritional counseling addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of eating.
Regular medical oversight ensures physical safety throughout treatment. Our healthcare team monitors vital signs, weight restoration progress, cardiac function, bone health, and other medical concerns that may arise from malnutrition. We coordinate care with physicians and other medical specialists as needed.
Many individuals with anorexia have experienced trauma that contributes to their eating disorder. Our trauma-informed approach recognizes the connection between past experiences and current symptoms, providing safe, compassionate care that addresses underlying wounds alongside eating disorder behaviors.
Through holistic therapeutic approaches including mindfulness practices, body scan exercises, and movement therapy, we help clients develop a more compassionate and realistic relationship with their bodies, challenging the distorted perceptions that fuel restrictive behaviors.
We address co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, OCD, or perfectionism through our comprehensive dual diagnosis approach, recognizing that these conditions often interact with and reinforce eating disorder symptoms.
Our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) provides structured, full-day support for medical stabilization and intensive treatment. Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) offers several hours of therapy multiple days per week while allowing you to maintain work or school commitments. Outpatient services provide ongoing support for relapse prevention and continued recovery.
We offer specialized programming through our Women's Mental Health Treatment program, recognizing that anorexia disproportionately affects women and that gender-specific treatment can address unique challenges and experiences.
Connecting with others who understand the struggle of anorexia can be powerful. Our process group therapy sessions provide a safe space to share experiences, reduce isolation, learn from peers, and build a recovery community.
Living with anorexia nervosa presents profound challenges, yet with appropriate treatment and support, full recovery is possible. Research shows that early intervention and comprehensive care significantly improve outcomes, and many individuals go on to develop peaceful relationships with food and their bodies.
At Friendly Recovery Center, we are committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that addresses the complex medical, psychological, and emotional aspects of anorexia nervosa. Our experienced team understands the courage it takes to seek help and will support you every step of the way toward lasting recovery.
If you or a loved one is struggling with anorexia nervosa, don’t wait until the medical or psychological consequences become more severe. Contact Friendly Recovery Center today to learn more about our comprehensive anorexia nervosa treatment programs in Orange County, explore your options, and take the first step toward reclaiming your health, rebuilding your life, and rediscovering who you are beyond the eating disorder.
Shahana Ham, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California. She specializes in client-centered care for individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges, fostering a supportive environment for healing and growth.
Recovery rates vary, but research shows that with comprehensive treatment, approximately 60-70% of individuals achieve full or partial recovery. Success depends on factors including early intervention, treatment intensity and duration, addressing co-occurring conditions, and ongoing support. Our multidisciplinary approach combining therapy, nutritional rehabilitation, and medical monitoring is designed to maximize recovery outcomes.
Treatment length varies based on medical severity, duration of illness, and individual progress. Many clients benefit from 3-6 months in PHP or IOP, followed by ongoing outpatient support for 12-18 months or longer. Research indicates that longer engagement in treatment leads to better long-term outcomes and lower relapse rates.
No. While significant weight loss is a common symptom, individuals at any weight can have anorexia nervosa. "Atypical anorexia" describes the same restrictive behaviors and psychological symptoms in people at higher body weights. The psychological and medical complications are equally serious regardless of current weight. If you're engaging in severe restriction or experiencing intense fear of weight gain, you deserve treatment.
Weight restoration is approached collaboratively and compassionately. If you're medically compromised, stabilization is necessary for safety, but the process is gradual and supportive. Our team works with you to understand health goals, address fears, and develop realistic targets based on your body's needs—not arbitrary numbers. The focus is on restoring health and challenging eating disorder thoughts, not simply gaining weight.
Absolutely. Most individuals with anorexia experience co-occurring mental health conditions. Our dual diagnosis treatment addresses anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, and perfectionism alongside eating disorder symptoms. Treating these conditions together is essential, as they often fuel and maintain restrictive behaviors.
Family involvement can be highly beneficial, especially for adolescents and young adults. Family-based therapy helps loved ones understand the disorder, learn how to support recovery without enabling behaviors, and heal relationship dynamics. For adults, family participation is optional and based on your preferences. We offer family education and support regardless of your living situation.
Most major insurance plans cover eating disorder treatment at the same level as other mental health conditions due to the Mental Health Parity Act. Coverage typically includes PHP, IOP, and outpatient services. We work with Aetna, Cigna, Health Net, and many other providers. Verify your benefits to understand your coverage.
Yes. Our IOP program is specifically designed for people maintaining work or school commitments, with sessions scheduled around your obligations. PHP requires full days but allows you to return home nightly. Many students arrange medical leave or reduced course loads. We also offer telehealth options for additional flexibility.
Our approach combines medical expertise, evidence-based therapy, nutritional rehabilitation, and compassionate support in a flexible outpatient setting. We treat the whole person—addressing physical health, psychological symptoms, co-occurring conditions, and underlying trauma. Our trauma-informed care model recognizes that eating disorders often serve as coping mechanisms. We work collaboratively with you, respecting your autonomy while providing the structure needed for recovery.
Yes. Full recovery—meaning freedom from eating disorder thoughts and behaviors, restored physical health, and a peaceful relationship with food and your body—is absolutely possible. While the path isn't linear and setbacks may occur, research shows that with appropriate treatment and support, many people achieve lasting recovery. Early intervention, comprehensive care, and addressing co-occurring conditions like anxiety or perfectionism all improve outcomes. Recovery is a journey, and we'll support you every step of the way.
Ready to start your journey towards recovery and stability? Contact Friendly Recovery Center today and let us help you improve your mental health and wellness.
Our experienced team provides expert IOP, PHP, and outpatient care for individuals in Orange County. We deliver personalized counseling, group therapy, and holistic treatments in a supportive environment designed to improve your life.
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