Specialized, Compassionate Care for a Life-Threatening Eating Disorder
Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental health condition that extends far beyond food and body image. At its core, it is a disorder of control, anxiety, and emotional pain—often linked to perfectionism, trauma, or deeply rooted self-worth issues. At NY Mental Health Center, we treat anorexia with the comprehensive attention it demands—addressing both the physical and psychological challenges of this complex condition.
We offer individualized, evidence-based care through our secure telehealth platform, bringing expert support directly to you, no matter where you live in New York. Whether you’re reaching out for yourself or a loved one, our multidisciplinary team is here to guide you toward recovery with empathy, clinical excellence, and lasting strategies for healing.
Why Clients Choose NY Mental Health Center for Eating Disorder Care
Experienced, Collaborative Providers
Our clinical team includes psychologists and psychiatrists with an average of 18 years of post-academic experience. We provide the “gold standard” of care: coordinated treatment between therapist and psychiatrist. This ensures that both the emotional drivers of anorexia and any physical or co-occurring psychiatric symptoms (like anxiety, OCD, or depression) are addressed in a fully integrated plan.
Confidential, Convenient Access to Care
Through telehealth, clients can receive specialized treatment from the comfort and privacy of home. This flexible model reduces common barriers to care—including stigma, travel, and scheduling conflicts—and allows us to serve clients across the state of New York.
Insurance-Accepting and Accessible
We accept most commercial insurance plans to help ease the financial burden of long-term care. Few practices offer our level of clinical experience and coordination while maintaining this level of affordability and access.
What Is Anorexia Nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa is characterized by extreme restriction of food intake, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted perception of body shape or size. Individuals with anorexia may appear outwardly high-functioning or disciplined, even as they engage in harmful and potentially life-threatening behaviors to control their weight.
Common Symptoms Include:
- Severe weight loss or refusal to maintain a healthy body weight.
- Intense fear of gaining weight, even when underweight.
- Restrictive eating habits or rituals around food.
- Denial of hunger or refusal to eat.
- Excessive exercise or compulsive movement.
- Preoccupation with calories, body image, or food rules.
- Social withdrawal or isolation.
- Missed menstrual cycles or hormonal changes.
- Physical symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, dry skin, hair thinning, or feeling cold.
Anorexia can also coexist with conditions such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and substance misuse (including diet pills, stimulants, or laxatives).
How We Treat Anorexia at NY Mental Health Center
Anorexia requires thoughtful, multidisciplinary care. We tailor every treatment plan to the unique needs of the individual, often including the following components:
1. Psychological Assessment
We begin with a thorough diagnostic evaluation, including emotional history, medical background, eating behaviors, and co-occurring symptoms. This allows us to design a plan that meets each client where they are—whether they’re newly diagnosed or managing a relapse.
2. Individual Therapy
We use proven therapeutic modalities such as:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to challenge harmful thought patterns.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to develop emotional regulation and distress tolerance.
- Psychodynamic or trauma-informed approaches to explore deeper-rooted causes.
3. Psychiatric Care and Medication Management
If symptoms such as depression, anxiety, or obsessive thinking are present, our psychiatrists may prescribe medication to reduce psychological distress and support the recovery process. All psychiatric care is closely coordinated with your therapist for consistency and safety.
4. Nutritional and Behavioral Support
While we do not offer in-house dietitians, our therapists regularly work in tandem with clients' primary care providers or nutrition professionals to support weight stabilization, eating behavior change, and health monitoring. For individuals requiring medical intervention (such as refeeding or hospitalization), we can provide referral coordination.
5. Ongoing Support
Anorexia recovery takes time. We offer long-term support focused on preventing relapse, strengthening identity outside of the disorder, and rebuilding healthy relationships with food, self, and others.
Begin the Path to Recovery Today
At NY Mental Health Center, we know that anorexia is not a choice—but recovery is. With the right support, healing is absolutely possible. Whether you’re seeking help for the first time or continuing your recovery journey, we are here to provide a safe, empowering space for growth.
Book a confidential consultation today and let’s talk about how our team can support your recovery.