According to the National Institute of Mental Health, eating disorders affect millions of people in the United States, and anorexia nervosa has among the highest mortality rates of any psychiatric condition. Eating disorders are serious, potentially life-threatening mental health conditions that involve significant disturbances in eating behaviors, body image, and the thoughts and emotions surrounding food and weight. They are not lifestyle choices, phases, or signs of vanity, they are complex psychiatric conditions with real biological, psychological, and social underpinnings that require professional treatment.
At PsychBright Health, our board-certified psychiatrists specialize in eating disorder diagnosis and treatment. We take a compassionate, whole-person approach, understanding that recovery from an eating disorder requires addressing both the psychiatric and medical dimensions of the condition. Whether you are in Los Angeles or anywhere else in California, we are here to help.
Eating disorders are characterized by persistent disturbances in eating behavior and related thoughts and emotions that significantly impair physical health, psychological functioning, or both. They are among the most medically serious psychiatric conditions, and also among the most treatable with the right care.
Eating disorders affect people of all genders, ages, body sizes, and backgrounds. The stereotype of who develops an eating disorder is far narrower than reality, and this misconception frequently delays diagnosis and treatment.
Our psychiatrists are experienced in evaluating and treating all major eating disorders, including:
Anorexia Nervosa
Characterized by restriction of energy intake leading to significantly low body weight, intense fear of weight gain, and distorted body image. Anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder and requires prompt, comprehensive treatment. Two subtypes exist, restricting type and binge-eating/purging type.
Bulimia Nervosa
Characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, laxative use, fasting, or excessive exercise. Bulimia involves a sense of loss of control during binge episodes and is associated with intense shame, secrecy, and significant physical health consequences.
Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
The most prevalent eating disorder, characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short period with a sense of loss of control, without regular compensatory behaviors. BED is associated with significant distress, guilt, and a range of physical health consequences.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
A pattern of extremely limited food intake not driven by body image concerns, but rather by sensory sensitivities, fear of choking or vomiting, or apparent lack of interest in food. ARFID can lead to significant nutritional deficiencies and functional impairment.
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED)
Clinically significant eating disorder presentations that do not meet full criteria for the above diagnoses but cause significant distress and impairment. OSFED is common and deserves the same level of clinical attention as other eating disorders.
Orthorexia
An obsessive focus on “healthy” or “clean” eating that becomes so extreme it causes nutritional deficiencies, impairs social functioning, and causes significant distress, despite not being formally classified in the DSM-5.
Eating disorders are often hidden and easy to miss, particularly in individuals who do not fit the stereotypical image of someone with an eating disorder. Signs that warrant a psychiatric evaluation include:
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of an eating disorder, please seek professional help promptly. Early intervention significantly improves outcomes.
Eating disorders are diagnosed through a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation that reviews eating behaviors, body image, weight history, physical health, and co-occurring mental health conditions. A psychiatrist assesses symptom patterns against diagnostic criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to identify the specific disorder present.
Medical evaluation is also an important component of eating disorder assessment, as these conditions can cause serious physical health consequences, including electrolyte imbalances, cardiac arrhythmias, bone density loss, and hormonal disruption, that require monitoring and treatment alongside the psychiatric condition.
Co-occurring psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and personality disorders, are extremely common in people with eating disorders and must be identified and treated as part of a comprehensive plan.
Eating disorders are complex conditions with multiple contributing factors. No single cause explains their development, they arise from the interaction of biological vulnerabilities, psychological factors, and social and cultural influences.
Eating disorders are frequently hidden, both from others and from the person experiencing them. Many people minimize their symptoms or delay seeking help due to shame, fear of being told to gain weight, or uncertainty about whether their experiences “count.” All eating disorders deserve professional attention. You should consider speaking with a psychiatrist if:
If any of these resonate with you, a psychiatric evaluation is an important next step.
At PsychBright Health, we take a comprehensive, compassionate approach to eating disorder treatment. We understand that recovery is complex and non-linear, and that the relationship between a patient and their treatment team is foundational to progress. Our psychiatrists address both the eating disorder and any co-occurring psychiatric conditions, working in coordination with therapists, dietitians, and medical providers as part of a multidisciplinary care team.
Every patient begins with a thorough psychiatric evaluation to accurately diagnose the eating disorder, identify co-occurring conditions, assess medical risk, and understand the patient’s history, patterns, and treatment goals. This evaluation forms the foundation of an individualized treatment plan.
Medication plays an important role in eating disorder treatment — particularly in addressing co-occurring psychiatric conditions that drive or maintain eating disorder behaviors. Our psychiatrists carefully prescribe and monitor:
Learn more about our Psychiatric Medication Management.
Psychotherapy is central to eating disorder recovery. The most evidence-based approaches include:
We work collaboratively with your existing therapist if you have one, or can refer you to a therapist experienced in eating disorder treatment across California.
Many patients with eating disorders also experience depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Learn more about our Depression Treatment, Anxiety Treatment, and PTSD Treatment.
Eating disorder recovery typically requires a team approach. We coordinate with dietitians, therapists, and primary care or internal medicine providers to ensure that both the psychiatric and medical dimensions of the eating disorder are addressed comprehensively.
Recovery from an eating disorder involves rebuilding a healthy, sustainable relationship with food, movement, and the body. We incorporate guidance on mindful eating practices, appropriate exercise relationships, stress management, and self-compassion as part of a holistic treatment approach.
Eating disorder recovery is a long-term process that requires consistent support. We provide regular follow-up appointments, in-person or via Telepsychiatry to monitor progress, adjust medications, address setbacks with compassion, and provide continuous support throughout recovery.
We offer secure, HIPAA-compliant video appointments for patients throughout California. Telepsychiatry removes geographic barriers to specialized eating disorder psychiatric care — making it possible to access expert treatment regardless of where you are in the state.
PsychBright Health brings together board-certified psychiatrists experienced in eating disorder diagnosis and treatment, same-week availability for most patients within 5 business days, and telepsychiatry available to any California resident. We accept Aetna, Blue Shield, UHC, Cigna, Anthem, Medicare, and Medicare Advantage, including Medicare Advantage plans that many psychiatric practices do not accept. Our approach addresses eating disorders alongside co-occurring psychiatric conditions simultaneously, and we coordinate directly with therapists, dietitians, and primary care providers as part of a multidisciplinary care team. Bilingual care in Spanish is also available.
Recovery from an eating disorder opens the door to a life no longer governed by food rules, body obsession, or the secrecy and shame that eating disorders create. Patients who engage in treatment report improvements in physical health, energy, concentration, emotional stability, and the ability to participate fully in relationships and daily life. Social meals become possible again. The mental space consumed by food and body thoughts becomes available for the things that actually matter.
Recovery is not a straight line, but it is absolutely possible. Many people who once felt entirely controlled by their eating disorder go on to build full, nourishing lives in recovery.
No. Eating disorders affect people of all genders, ages, body sizes, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Men, older adults, and people in larger bodies are frequently underdiagnosed because they do not fit the stereotypical image of someone with an eating disorder. Any person experiencing disordered eating behaviors deserves professional evaluation and care regardless of how they look or who they are.
Eating disorders are diagnosed through a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation reviewing eating behaviors, body image, weight history, physical health, and co-occurring mental health conditions. DSM-5 criteria are used to identify the specific disorder. Medical evaluation is also an important component given the serious physical health consequences these conditions can cause, including electrolyte imbalances, cardiac arrhythmias, and bone density loss.
Many eating disorders can be effectively treated in outpatient settings, particularly when identified early and medical stability is maintained. More severe cases, particularly anorexia nervosa with significant medical compromise, may require a higher level of care such as residential or inpatient treatment. Our psychiatrists assess each patient’s level of medical and psychiatric risk and help determine the appropriate level of care for their specific situation.
Fluoxetine (Prozac) is FDA-approved for bulimia nervosa. Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) is FDA-approved for binge eating disorder. Other medications including SSRIs, SNRIs, and mood stabilizers are often used to treat co-occurring depression, anxiety, and OCD that accompany eating disorders. Medication is most effective as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes psychotherapy and, where appropriate, nutritional support.
Yes. Full recovery from an eating disorder is absolutely possible, particularly with early intervention and comprehensive treatment. Research shows that the majority of people who receive appropriate treatment achieve significant improvement or full remission. Recovery takes time and is not linear, but with the right support it is one of the most meaningful and achievable goals a person can pursue.
Your first appointment is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, typically 45 to 60 minutes. Your psychiatrist will review your eating history, body image concerns, any co-occurring psychiatric symptoms, your medical and psychiatric history, and your goals for treatment. The evaluation is non-judgmental and does not require you to have a particular weight or body size to be taken seriously. Medication is not automatically prescribed at the first visit. Some patients begin medication if the diagnosis is clear and medication is appropriate; others begin with therapy coordination or multidisciplinary referrals first. Bring a list of any current medications.
Treatment timelines vary significantly depending on the type and severity of the eating disorder, the presence of co-occurring conditions, and the level of care required. Outpatient CBT-E for bulimia nervosa typically runs 20 sessions over approximately five months. Recovery from anorexia nervosa typically requires longer treatment, often a year or more. Binge eating disorder often responds well within three to six months of combined medication and therapy. Many patients continue with maintenance support after acute treatment to protect against relapse.
Previous treatment attempts that did not produce lasting results are common in eating disorder recovery. It does not mean recovery is impossible. It often means the treatment approach, level of care, or combination of interventions needs to be adjusted. Our psychiatrists will review what has been tried before and work with you to identify a more effective plan. Eating disorder treatment has evolved significantly and there are multiple evidence-based options available.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose eating disorders, prescribe and manage medications, oversee medical risk monitoring, and coordinate overall psychiatric care. A therapist provides evidence-based psychotherapy such as CBT-E, DBT, or FBT. Both are typically part of effective eating disorder treatment. At PsychBright Health, our role is psychiatric evaluation and medication management, and we coordinate directly with therapists and dietitians as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Yes. All psychiatric care at PsychBright Health is protected under HIPAA. Your employer cannot access your psychiatric records without your written consent. Your family members cannot access them either unless you authorize it. The only circumstances under which information may be shared without consent involve a serious, imminent risk of harm to yourself or others. Your privacy is protected by federal law.
Yes. We offer secure, HIPAA-compliant video appointments for patients across California for eating disorder evaluation, medication management, and follow-up appointments. Telepsychiatry removes geographic barriers to specialized eating disorder psychiatric care and makes consistent treatment accessible regardless of where you are in the state.
Yes. PsychBright Health accepts Aetna, Blue Shield, UHC, Cigna, Anthem, Medicare, and Medicare Advantage. Call (213) 584-2331 to confirm your specific coverage before your first appointment.
Most patients are seen within 5 business days. Request an appointment online or call (213) 584-2331 and our team will follow up within one business day.
You do not have to keep struggling alone. Our experienced psychiatric team is ready to provide a compassionate evaluation, an accurate diagnosis, and a treatment plan built around your specific needs and recovery goals.
Schedule an appointment with a board-certified psychiatrist at PsychBright Health today. Telepsychiatry appointments are available across California.
Request an appointment online or call (213) 584-2331.
1180 S Beverly Dr #700, Los Angeles, CA 90035 · Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
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