Eating Disorder Treatment in Orange County, California
What are Eating Disorders?
Eating disorders are more than just problems with food. They are mental health conditions that affect how a person thinks, feels, and behaves around eating, body image, and weight. They can lead to unhealthy eating habits such as restricting food, avoiding certain foods, binge eating, purging, or exercising excessively.
These conditions can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, body size, race, or background. Many people with eating disorders appear healthy on the outside, making them difficult to recognize. Common signs may include constant thoughts about food or weight, feeling guilty after eating, avoiding meals, or using food as a way to cope with stress and emotions.
Eating disorders are serious but treatable. With the right support, therapy, and medical care, recovery is possible, and people can rebuild a healthier relationship with food, their body, and themselves.
How to know if I need medication support for eating disorders?
What Are the Symptoms?
Eating disorders can affect people in different ways, but some common signs include:
Constant worry about food, weight, body shape, or appearance
Skipping meals or eating very small amounts of food
Avoiding certain foods or entire food groups
Feeling guilty, ashamed, or anxious after eating
Eating in secret or hiding eating habits from others
Episodes of binge eating, where a person feels out of control and eats a large amount of food in a short period of time
Purging behaviors such as self-induced vomiting or misuse of laxatives
Excessive exercise to "make up" for eating
Extreme picky eating, sensory sensitivities, or fear of choking or vomiting
Noticeable changes in weight, energy, mood, or physical health
If these symptoms sound familiar, know that help is available. Eating disorders are treatable, and recovery is possible with the right support and care.
How are Eating Disorders Treated?
At Shine Psychiatry, treatment is tailored to your unique needs and may include therapy, medication, lifestyle support, and coordination with other specialists.
Evidence-based therapies can help improve your relationship with food, body image, and emotions.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Identifies and changes unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – Builds emotional regulation and coping skills.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – Promotes self-compassion and values-based living.
Trauma-Informed Therapy – Addresses underlying experiences that may contribute to symptoms.
Medication may help when eating disorders occur alongside anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, or binge eating symptoms.
Antidepressants (SSRIs, Wellbutrin)
Medications for binge eating disorder such as Vyvanse
Treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions
Recovery involves building healthy habits that support long-term wellness.
Balanced eating routines
Sleep and stress management
Body image and self-esteem support
Mindfulness and coping skills
Healthy movement and exercise habits
For individuals needing additional support, we can help coordinate care with:
Primary Care Providers and/or Registered Dietitians
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)/ and or Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)
Residential treatment programs
Eating disorders are treatable, and early support can make a meaningful difference. Our team is here to help you understand your symptoms and explore treatment options that fit your needs.