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Teen & Adolescent Eating Disorder Treatment Providing Experienced, Evidence-Based Care for Empowering Recovery

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Taking Your Concern Seriously

Eating Disorders in Teens Require Specialized Care

As a parent, when you begin to notice changes in your teen’s eating patterns, mood, or behavior, it can be difficult to know how serious it may be. Eating disorders in adolescents can escalate quickly, affecting emotional well-being, physical health, school performance, and family life.

Treatment here is designed specifically for adolescents and focuses on supporting ongoing physical growth, emotional regulation, family involvement, and the realities of school and peer life. By addressing both medical stability and developmental needs early, specialized care can improve long-term outcomes and reduce the risk of lasting physical and psychological complications.

New Directions Eating Disorders Center offers comprehensive virtual outpatient and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) treatment for teens across California. Our structured, small-group program provides specialized care led by experienced clinicians who understand the unique developmental needs of adolescents.

Signs Parents Often Notice

Sudden restriction or skipping meals

Anxiety around certain foods or food groups

Avoidance of social situations involving food

Eating alone or hiding food

Compulsive or excessive exercise

Increased irritability or withdrawal

Frequent bathroom use after meals

Noticeable weight changes

Eating Disorder Treatment Designed for Teens — and the Parents Who Support Them

Developed for adolescents who need structured care within a supportive, family-aware framework.

Eating disorders during the teen years often involve emotional vulnerability, identity development, peer pressure, and academic stress. Many parents describe feeling unsure when concern turns into something more serious.

Take the First Step

Our program provides:

Telehealth-Based Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): A 15-week structured program designed specifically for eating disorder recovery.

Small Therapist-Led Groups: Teens participate in focused sessions addressing emotional regulation, coping skills, body image, and underlying anxiety or depression.

Registered Dietitian Support: Nutrition education and practical guidance to restore balance and stability.

Coordination of Care: We collaborate with pediatricians and provide referrals to psychiatrists when needed. Parents and caregivers are included appropriately to strengthen communication and support at home.

Take the First Step

What our Pogram Addresses

Anorexia Nervosa

When a teen begins severely restricting food, losing weight, or expressing intense fear around eating or body changes, it can feel alarming and confusing for parents. Healing looks like improved nourishment, greater flexibility around food, safer health markers, and renewed emotional steadiness.

Binge Eating Disorder

Teens struggling with binge eating may eat rapidly, hide food, or feel intense guilt or distress afterward. Parents often notice frustration, emotional withdrawal, or increased sensitivity around meals. We focus on rebuilding trust with food while addressing the stress, anxiety, or emotional triggers that drive overeating behaviors.

Orthorexia

Orthorexia often begins with a desire to “eat healthy,” but can turn into anxiety when those rules are not followed. Parents may notice increasing restriction, distress around social meals, moral language about food being “good” or “bad,” or intense fear of certain ingredients. Treatment focuses on reducing anxiety around food choices, challenging perfectionistic thinking, and restoring balance.

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia in teens often involves cycles of binge eating followed by purging or other compensatory behaviors. Parents may notice secrecy, mood swings, frequent bathroom use after meals, or sudden shifts in eating patterns. Our program focuses on interrupting these cycles in a safe, structured environment. We help teens build emotional regulation skills, reduce shame, and develop healthier coping strategies.

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

ARFID is not about body image. Parents may notice extreme selectivity, anxiety around textures or smells, limited “safe” foods, or distress at family meals. This can impact growth, energy, and social development. Progress looks like increased comfort around meals, improved nutritional stability, and reduced family stress at mealtimes.

Exercise Addiction

Exercise compulsion involves feeling driven to exercise excessively, even when injured, ill, or emotionally exhausted. Parents may notice panic around missed workouts, exercising in secret, irritability when rest is required, or prioritizing movement over school, relationships, or recovery. Recovery looks like reduced anxiety around rest days, improved physical safety, and a healthier understanding of exercise as supportive rather than punitive.

Testimonials

"New Directions felt different to me from the start. It’s a small program so there’s no 800 number to call – instead you are connected directly with the owner and clinical director, Brooke Hailey, PhD. Brooke is easy to talk to and really understands eating disorders. Brooke runs two of the groups herself. The program is very personal. Brooke listens to each client’s struggles then figures out what would be most helpful. Sometimes the focus is communication skills, other times it’s body image issues. Each group is different, and the environment is supportive and safe."

"This program is small and the team really cares. I was able to call Dr. Hailey any time I had a question or concern and she got back to me almost immediately."

"The text support provided by the dietician was so valuable to me. I was able to get daily feedback on my meals."

" I was skeptical of zoom sessions at first, but being able to participate from the comfort of my home actually worked well. The program was invaluable, and I am grateful to now have two years of eating disorder recovery."

Confidential, Accessible Care Across California

All services are provided via secure telehealth.
No commuting. No waiting rooms. No additional school disruption.

Your teen can receive structured treatment from the safety and privacy of home.

Take the First Step

Questions?

Treatment FAQ

Do you accept insurance?

Yes. We work with many insurance providers across California. After your initial assessment, our team verifies your benefits, obtains necessary authorizations, and explains any co-pays or deductibles so you understand your coverage before beginning treatment.

What does the program cost?

We prioritize accessibility and work with many insurance providers across California to help cover the cost of treatment. Program costs vary depending on your specific insurance plan. After your initial assessment, our team verifies your benefits, obtains authorizations, and explains any co-pays or deductibles so you understand your financial responsibility before beginning care.

For clients who prefer private pay or do not have insurance coverage, we provide clear self-pay pricing and can discuss available payment options.

We aim to make the financial process straightforward and supportive so you can focus on your recovery.

What does the Intensive Outpatient Program include?

Our 15-week Intensive Outpatient Program includes:

Three virtual group sessions per week
Licensed therapist-led treatment
Weekly involvement from a registered dietitian
Skills-based therapy and emotional regulation support
Family sessions when appropriate
Coordination with medical providers as needed

The program addresses both eating disorder behaviors and the underlying emotional and psychological factors contributing to them.

What treatment approach do you use for eating disorders?

Our program follows evidence-based treatment recommendations that combine psychotherapy with careful attention to medical and nutritional needs. Care is tailored to each individual based on the severity of symptoms, personal strengths, and specific challenges. We focus on both behavior change and the underlying emotional and relational factors contributing to the eating disorder.

Is treatment really effective through telehealth?

Yes. Our entire program is designed specifically for virtual delivery. Many adults prefer telehealth because it allows them to receive structured, professional treatment without disrupting work, family, or daily responsibilities. Sessions are conducted securely and confidentially.

Can family members be involved in treatment?

When appropriate, we offer family sessions that include significant others or family members. We encourage involvement because recovery is often strengthened when loved ones better understand how to provide support. Family participation is always handled thoughtfully and with your consent.

Will I work with more than one provider?

Yes. Our Intensive Outpatient Program uses a multidisciplinary approach. You will participate in small, therapist-led group sessions and receive support from a registered dietitian. When appropriate, we can also refer you to a psychiatrist and coordinate with your primary care physician to ensure comprehensive care.

How do I know if this program is right for me?

If you are an adult in California struggling with an eating disorder and ready for structured, professional support, our program may be a strong fit. We begin with a confidential assessment to determine whether Intensive Outpatient treatment is appropriate for your needs, goals, and level of care.

Scheduling an assessment also gives you the opportunity to ask questions, review program details, and better understand what treatment would look like for you. Our team will walk you through the process so you can make an informed, supported decision about your next step.