Eating Disorder Therapy for Children and Teens
Specialized Support for Children and Teenagers in Rockville, Bethesda, Potomac, Gaithersburg, Maryland, Arlington, Fairfax, Virginia, and Surrounding Areas
Is your teen fixated on their body and comparing themselves to their peers?
Are you worried about your teen’s eating habits?
Do you seem to be scared of weight gain or body changes?
Have you noticed changes in your teen's eating habits like eating much less than before, food rules, eating large amounts of food in a short period of time, or spending lots of time in the bathroom after meals?
Eating disorders can affect children and teens of all ages, body types, and backgrounds. In fast-paced environments, academic pressures, athletic expectations, social media, and peer comparison can all contribute to unhealthy relationships with food, body image, and self-esteem. What may look like dieting, “clean eating,” or picky habits can sometimes signal something deeper.
Eating disorders in children and adolescents are more common than many parents realize, and they can develop gradually or escalate quickly. Warning signs may include skipping meals, sudden changes in weight, increased anxiety around food, rigid eating rules, secretive eating, or withdrawing from friends and family.
If this sounds familiar, help is available, and early support matters. We specialize in working with children, teens, and families who are navigating eating disorders and disordered eating. Our approach is compassionate, collaborative, and age-appropriate, helping your child feel supported while giving you clarity and guidance as a parent.
At The Eating Disorder Center, we provide specialized eating disorder therapy for kids, teens, and their families across Maryland and Virginia, including Rockville, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Potomac, Gaithersburg, Arlington, Fairfax, Falls Church, and Alexandria. We also offer confidential virtual therapy for kids, teens, and parents located in Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania, Florida, and California.
Early intervention can make a meaningful difference for your child and your family.
Are you worried about your teen’s eating habits?
Do you seem to be scared of weight gain or body changes?
Have you noticed changes in your teen's eating habits like eating much less than before, food rules, eating large amounts of food in a short period of time, or spending lots of time in the bathroom after meals?
Eating disorders can affect children and teens of all ages, body types, and backgrounds. In fast-paced environments, academic pressures, athletic expectations, social media, and peer comparison can all contribute to unhealthy relationships with food, body image, and self-esteem. What may look like dieting, “clean eating,” or picky habits can sometimes signal something deeper.
Eating disorders in children and adolescents are more common than many parents realize, and they can develop gradually or escalate quickly. Warning signs may include skipping meals, sudden changes in weight, increased anxiety around food, rigid eating rules, secretive eating, or withdrawing from friends and family.
If this sounds familiar, help is available, and early support matters. We specialize in working with children, teens, and families who are navigating eating disorders and disordered eating. Our approach is compassionate, collaborative, and age-appropriate, helping your child feel supported while giving you clarity and guidance as a parent.
At The Eating Disorder Center, we provide specialized eating disorder therapy for kids, teens, and their families across Maryland and Virginia, including Rockville, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Potomac, Gaithersburg, Arlington, Fairfax, Falls Church, and Alexandria. We also offer confidential virtual therapy for kids, teens, and parents located in Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania, Florida, and California.
Early intervention can make a meaningful difference for your child and your family.
Specialized Eating Disorder Care For Children and Teens
Our team provides comprehensive, evidence-based eating disorder treatment for children and teens throughout Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania, Florida, and California. We understand that youth have unique needs and that effective treatment often involves family support.
Our Treatment Approach
We focus on early intervention and personalized care. Our services for children and teens may include:
Each plan is tailored to the child or teen’s age, developmental stage, and specific needs. Our goal is not only recovery but also helping children and teens build confidence, self-esteem, and healthy coping skills that last a lifetime.
- Individual therapy for eating disorders
- Family therapy and parent guidance
- Coordination with pediatricians
- Support for co-occurring anxiety, depression, or trauma
- Educational resources to help families understand and support recovery
Each plan is tailored to the child or teen’s age, developmental stage, and specific needs. Our goal is not only recovery but also helping children and teens build confidence, self-esteem, and healthy coping skills that last a lifetime.
Why Early Support Matters
Eating disorders can have serious consequences for growth, development, mental health, and overall well-being. Early intervention is crucial—it improves recovery rates, reduces long-term health risks, and supports emotional resilience. Parents and caregivers play a critical role in creating a supportive environment, but professional guidance ensures safety, accountability, and effective treatment.
Get Help for Children and Teens
If your child or teen is struggling with an eating disorder, reaching out for help is the first step toward recovery. Our compassionate team is ready to answer your questions, discuss treatment options, and guide your family through this process.
Getting started is simple. Fill out the contact form on our website, email [email protected], or call 301-246-6856 to connect with a caring member of our team. Recovery is possible, and your child or teen does not have to face this alone.
Getting started is simple. Fill out the contact form on our website, email [email protected], or call 301-246-6856 to connect with a caring member of our team. Recovery is possible, and your child or teen does not have to face this alone.
FAQ About Eating Disorder Treatment
What is an eating disorder?
An eating disorder is a serious mental health condition that involves unhealthy thoughts and behaviors around food, weight, and body image. It can affect how someone eats, feels about their body, and functions day-to-day. Common eating disorders in children and teens include anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder).
Can kids and teens have eating disorders?
Yes. Eating disorders can occur at any age, including childhood and adolescence. Teens are particularly vulnerable due to puberty, social pressures, and the development of self-image. Early detection and treatment are important for long-term health and recovery.
What are some signs of an eating disorder in teens or kids?
Signs can vary but may include skipping meals, avoiding certain foods, frequent dieting, extreme concern about weight or appearance, rapid weight changes, secretive eating, or emotional changes like irritability, anxiety, or withdrawal from friends and family.
Do you have to look a certain way to have an eating disorder?
No. Eating disorders affect people of all shapes, sizes, and appearances. Someone may be underweight, overweight, or have a healthy weight and still struggle with disordered eating behaviors. Symptoms are not always visible from the outside.
Why do eating disorders happen?
Eating disorders are caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Stress, trauma, social pressures, family dynamics, and certain personality traits can all contribute, but no single factor causes an eating disorder on its own.
Can eating disorders be treated?
Yes. Eating disorders are treatable, especially when addressed early. Treatment often includes therapy, nutrition counseling, medical monitoring, and family support. With professional care, children and teens can recover, build healthier relationships with food, and regain physical and emotional well-being.
When should a parent or caregiver seek help for a child or teen?
If you notice changes in eating habits, mood, energy levels, weight, or behaviors around food or body image, it’s a good idea to seek professional support. Early intervention can make treatment more effective and help prevent symptoms from becoming more severe.
What does eating disorder treatment for kids and teens involve?
Treatment for children and teens often includes individual therapy, family involvement, nutrition support, and coordination with medical providers. Care is tailored to the child’s age, developmental stage, and specific needs, with a strong focus on safety and support.
How can parents and caregivers support recovery at home?
Parents and caregivers play an important role in recovery by creating a supportive, nonjudgmental environment, encouraging regular meals, and working closely with the treatment team. Education and guidance can help families feel more confident and less overwhelmed throughout the process.
How can I get my child connected with a therapist?
There are several ways to connect with our team. You can submit the contact form on our website, email [email protected], or call 301-246-6856 to speak directly with an eating disorder specialist who specializes in working with children, teens, and their families.
Eating disorder treatment for children and teens isn’t the only service we offer at The Eating Disorder Center. Other mental health services at The Eating Disorder Center include therapy for individuals who are pregnant or postpartum, therapy for dancers, therapy for therapists, recovery coaching, therapy for athletes, therapy for for adults, therapy for college students, EMDR and trauma therapy, and OCD therapy.
Eating disorder therapy in Rockville, Maryland. Serving Potomac, Bethesda, Gaithersburg, and Montgomery County. Specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, as well as obsessive compulsive disorder and trauma.
Eating disorder therapy in Arlington, Virginia. Serving McLean, Vienna, Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Leesburg, Purcellville, and Herndon. Specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, as well as obsessive compulsive disorder and trauma. Virtual eating disorder therapy serving clients throughout Virginia.
Eating disorder therapy in Florida. Serving Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Pinecrest, Parkland, Naples, Miami Shores, and Palmetto Bay. Virtual eating disorder therapy throughout Florida. Specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. Virtual eating disorder therapy in Florida.
Eating disorder therapy in Arlington, Virginia. Serving McLean, Vienna, Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Leesburg, Purcellville, and Herndon. Specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, as well as obsessive compulsive disorder and trauma. Virtual eating disorder therapy serving clients throughout Virginia.
Eating disorder therapy in Florida. Serving Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Pinecrest, Parkland, Naples, Miami Shores, and Palmetto Bay. Virtual eating disorder therapy throughout Florida. Specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. Virtual eating disorder therapy in Florida.