What is Meal Support Therapy?
Meal Support Therapy is an evidence-based intervention where clients receive professional guidance and emotional support during meals and snacks. For many people with eating disorders, eating is the most stressful part of the day. This therapy provides a safe, structured environment to challenge food fears, resist disordered behaviors, and build confidence around eating.
At Virtue Recovery, Meal Support Therapy is an essential part of treatment, integrated with therapies like CBT, DBT, ERP, ACT, and nutritional counseling to ensure both emotional and physical healing.
5 Benefits of Meal Support Therapy
Reduces Mealtime Anxiety
Helps clients feel supported and less alone when facing difficult meals.
Challenges Food Rules & Rituals
Breaks patterns of restriction, avoidance, or compulsions around eating.
Builds Confidence with Food
Encourages balanced eating and reintroduces a variety of foods.
Provides Real-Time Coping Skills
Therapists coach clients through urges, fears, and emotional distress during meals.
Promotes Long-Term Recovery
Helps clients translate mealtime success into sustainable habits outside treatment.
Treatment Options for Anorexia Nervosa
Our Las Vegas Luxury Inpatient Eating Disorder Treatment Center
Our inpatient program incorporates supervised meals and snacks into daily treatment. Clients receive 24/7 support from therapists, dietitians, and staff to ensure nutritional rehabilitation while reducing food-related anxiety.
Our Las Vegas Outpatient Eating Disorder Treatment Center
Meal Support Therapy continues in outpatient care, where clients can practice new skills while maintaining daily responsibilities.
Outpatient meal support services include:
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Supervised meals and snacks during sessions
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Exposure therapy for feared foods
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Group meal support sessions
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Relapse prevention strategies for eating at home
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Family involvement for continued support outside treatment
Our Las Vegas Adolescent / Teen Inpatient Eating Disorder Treatment Center
Meal Support Therapy is especially important for teens learning to restore healthy eating habits. Our Teen Inpatient Program provides developmentally tailored support for adolescents and their families.
Program highlights include:
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Age-appropriate meal support sessions
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Family-based meal coaching
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Exposure to feared foods in a safe, supportive way
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Peer groups for shared mealtime experiences
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24/7 medical and therapeutic supervision
