Why Teens Need Specialized Eating Disorder Care

Adolescents face unique challenges that make them especially vulnerable to eating disorders. Social pressures, body image concerns, bullying, trauma, and academic stress can all contribute to the development of conditions such as anorexia, bulimia, ARFID, binge eating disorder, or body dysmorphia.

Early intervention is key. Specialized treatment for teens provides age-appropriate therapy, family involvement, and academic support — helping young people heal without falling behind in life.

5 Signs of Eating Disorders in Adolescents & Teens

Significant Weight Changes

Unexplained weight loss, gain, or fluctuations.

Preoccupation with Food or Body Image

Obsessive thoughts about dieting, calories, or appearance.

Avoidance of Meals or Social Events

Withdrawing from family meals or activities that involve food.

Emotional Distress

Irritability, depression, or anxiety tied to food and body image.

Unusual Eating Behaviors

Restriction, bingeing, purging, or rigid food rituals.

Do I Have an Eating Disorder?

If you’re concerned about your symptoms, click below to take our eating disorders quiz.

Adolescent / Teen Eating Disorder Treatment at Virtue Recovery

  • Individual Therapy – CBT, DBT, ACT, ERP, and trauma-informed approaches adapted for teens.

  • Family-Based Therapy (FBT) – Parents and caregivers play an active role in recovery.

  • Nutritional Counseling – Developmentally appropriate education and meal support.

  • Group Therapy – Peer support that reduces isolation and builds connection.

  • Academic Support – Schoolwork assistance to keep teens on track.

  • Holistic Therapies – Art, yoga, music, and mindfulness for whole-person healing.

Family Involvement in Teen Eating Disorder Treatment

Family plays a vital role in adolescent recovery. At Virtue Recovery, we include parents and caregivers in therapy, education, and meal support training. Family-Based Therapy (FBT) is central to our program, helping parents feel empowered to guide their child’s recovery.

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Our Las Vegas Adolescent / Teen Inpatient Eating Disorder Treatment Center

Our inpatient program provides 24/7 medical and therapeutic care tailored to adolescents. Teens receive structured daily therapy, supervised meals, academic support, and family involvement.

This immersive setting ensures teens receive intensive care while maintaining connection to their education and family.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Our adolescent program typically serves ages 11–17, though younger or older clients may be considered depending on developmental needs.

Yes. We provide academic support and coordination with schools to help teens stay on track.

Yes. Family participation is a critical part of adolescent eating disorder treatment and is strongly encouraged.

We treat anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, ARFID, OSFED, body dysmorphia, and related conditions.

Yes, but adapted for their developmental stage. CBT, DBT, ACT, and trauma-informed therapy are all tailored for adolescents.

Glossary of Terms for Teen Eating Disorder Treatment

A therapy that empowers parents to help restore healthy eating.

Therapy to change harmful thought and behavior patterns.

Therapy focused on emotional regulation and coping skills.

Therapy centered on values-based living.

Therapy that reduces food fears and rituals.

Guidance to restore balanced eating and growth.

24/7 residential care for intensive support.

Flexible therapy while living at home.

Art, yoga, and mindfulness practices for whole-person healing.

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