Watching your teen struggle with food, body image, or mealtime battles can feel like being on a roller coaster without a safety bar. One day, they seem fine. The next, small habits turn into worry-inducing behaviors: skipping meals, obsessing over calories, or withdrawing from family meals.
Eating disorders often start quietly but affect the whole household. According to research, 28.8 million Americans will have disordered eating in their lifetime. In California, specifically, between 177 and 205 per 100,000 teens are hospitalized because of an eating disorder per year.
Early support is vital. The sooner families engage with therapy, the better the outcomes, not just for teens, but for everyone in the household.
Red Flags to Watch For
Recognizing the signs of disordered eating early is essential.
Some common indicators include:
- Skipping meals or drastically changing eating habits
- Frequent comments about feeling “fat” or self-critical talk
- Avoiding social situations involving food
- Extreme concern with dieting, calories, or food rituals
- Sudden changes in mood, energy, or academic performance
These behaviors are rarely isolated. Teens may struggle with co-occurring anxiety or depression, making it essential to approach treatment holistically.
How Therapy Supports Teens and Families
Online therapy allows teens to engage in care from the comfort of their home. Telehealth mental health counseling in California ensures therapy can fit around school schedules, extracurricular activities, and family obligations.
Here’s how therapy helps:
1. Evidence-Based Care
Licensed therapists in California provide structured, evidence-based approaches tailored to each teen’s unique needs. From cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to family-focused interventions, therapy targets both behaviors and underlying emotional struggles.
2. Family Involvement
Eating disorders affect family dynamics. Therapists work with parents to understand triggers, improve communication, and create supportive environments that reinforce healthy habits.
3. Flexible Access
Online mental health counseling in California means therapy can continue consistently, even when schedules are tight. Families can join sessions from home, ensuring everyone remains connected in the recovery process.
4. Emotional Support
Therapists help teens manage anxiety, perfectionism, and self-criticism, while also equipping parents to respond compassionately rather than with frustration. Over time, the family learns to navigate mealtimes, social events, and triggers with confidence.
5. Prevention of Escalation
Early intervention reduces the risk of complications. Teens who receive timely support are more likely to regain healthy eating patterns, emotional stability, and improved family relationships.
Why Choose MindShift Psychological Services
At MindShift Psychological Services, we provide telehealth therapy services in California, as well as in-person psychotherapy in Corona and Riverside. Our licensed psychotherapists offer compassionate, practical guidance to teens and families facing eating disorders, anxiety, and related emotional challenges.
Therapy is a lifeline that equips families with the tools and understanding needed to heal together. If you’ve noticed worrying patterns in your teen, reaching out early can make a lasting difference.
Schedule a session today to start building a healthier, more supportive path forward.
FAQs
- Can therapy help if my teen resists eating disorder treatment?
Yes. Online sessions often feel safer for reluctant teens, making it easier to engage in therapy gradually.
- How often should my teen attend sessions?
Frequency varies, but most teens benefit from weekly therapy, with family sessions scheduled as needed.
- Can therapy address co-occurring anxiety or depression?
Absolutely. Therapy for anxiety is commonly integrated into eating disorder treatment.
- Are online sessions as effective as in-person therapy?
Yes. Many teens feel more comfortable opening up at home, and therapists provide structured, evidence-based care.
- Can parents participate in online sessions?
Yes. Family involvement is imperative, and sessions can include parents to support communication, structure, and emotional guidance.
