At Sierra Center for Wellness in Sacramento, California, our team of experienced clinicians provides expert care for teenagers with anorexia. We use Family-Based Treatment (FBT), the method with the best supporting evidence, as the basis for our family outpatient program.
What Is Anorexia?
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, restrictive eating behaviors, and a distorted body image. It can affect people of all ages, but it most commonly develops in adolescence. Anorexia can have severe physical and emotional consequences, so the sooner it is treated, the better patient outcomes are likely to be.
Signs of Anorexia in Teenagers
Recognizing anorexia early is critical for limiting long-term harm. Common signs include:
- Significant weight loss or not gaining expected weight for growth
- Avoiding meals or obsessing over calorie counts
- Intense fear of gaining weight, even when underweight
- Excessive exercise
- Withdrawal from social activities, especially those involving food
- Comments about “feeling” fat
- Physical symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, hair thinning, or feeling cold often
How Family-Based Treatment (FBT) Works
Family-Based Treatment is the leading evidence-based approach for treating anorexia in adolescents. Unlike traditional therapy, FBT empowers parents to take an active role in helping their child recover. Treatment at Sierra Center for Wellness, based in Sacramento, occurs in three phases:
- Weight Restoration – Parents take responsibility for ensuring their teen eats enough food to restore their physical health. The therapist supports the family in overcoming resistance and re-establishing normal eating patterns.
- Returning Control to the Teen – Once physical health improves, parents gradually return age-appropriate control over eating to the teenager in a structured way.
- Supporting Independence and Preventing Relapse – The final phase helps the teen develop a healthier relationship with food and body image while possibly getting therapy for other emotional challenges.
Compassionate and Expert Care
At Sierra Center for Wellness, we believe that full recovery is possible with the right support. Our clinicians work closely with families to provide expert treatment that fosters long-term healing. If you think your teenager is struggling with anorexia, contact us by calling (916) 794-2051 for California residents, (808) 359-2315 in Hawaii, or requesting an appointment online.