What is Family-Based Therapy (FBT)?
Family-Based Therapy (FBT), sometimes referred to as the Maudsley Method, is an evidence-based treatment approach for children and adolescents with eating disorders. Instead of placing responsibility solely on the individual, FBT empowers parents and family members to take an active role in supporting their loved one’s recovery.
This method emphasizes weight restoration, rebuilding healthy eating patterns, and reducing harmful eating behaviors — all while strengthening the family unit as a source of support.
At Virtue Recovery, FBT is integrated into our treatment programs for adolescents and, when appropriate, adapted for older clients with strong family involvement.
5 Key Principles of FBT
Parents Are Central to Recovery
Families play an essential role in supporting their loved one’s healing.
Externalization of the Disorder
The eating disorder is treated as separate from the person — shifting blame and reducing shame.
Weight and Health Restoration
Families help restore healthy eating behaviors and nutritional stability.
Gradual Return of Control
Over time, clients regain autonomy in their eating as recovery progresses.
Family Empowerment
The process strengthens families and teaches lifelong recovery support skills.
How FBT Works at Virtue Recovery
Our Las Vegas Luxury Inpatient Eating Disorder Treatment Center
Our inpatient program in Las Vegas incorporates FBT into treatment for adolescents and young adults. Families are involved in therapy sessions, meal support, and education so they can continue providing effective care at home.
Inpatient care ensures 24/7 support while strengthening the family’s role in recovery.
Our Las Vegas Outpatient Eating Disorder Treatment Center
Our outpatient program provides ongoing FBT sessions for families who do not require inpatient treatment or who are transitioning from residential care.
Outpatient FBT services include:
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Weekly family therapy sessions
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Family meal coaching
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Parent education and support groups
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Relapse prevention strategies for the home environment
Our Las Vegas Adolescent / Teen Inpatient Eating Disorder Treatment Center
FBT is most effective for adolescents, making it a cornerstone of our Teen Inpatient Program. Families are deeply involved in their child’s recovery journey, with regular therapy sessions, meal support, and educational workshops.
Key program features include:
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24/7 medical and therapeutic supervision for teens
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Family-based meal coaching and support
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Age-appropriate CBT, DBT, and experiential therapies
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Academic support to continue schoolwork during treatment
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Family therapy integration for long-term recovery success
