Eating Disorder Therapy Chicago
Expert Treatment at Tides Mental Health
At Tides Mental Health, we provide specialized eating disorder therapy Chicago residents trust for compassionate, evidenced-based care. Our diverse team of therapists understands that eating disorders are complex mental health conditions requiring personalized treatment approaches. We’re here to support you in developing a healthier relationship with food, improving self-esteem, and addressing the underlying factors contributing to disordered eating behaviors.
Whether you’re struggling with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, or other forms of disordered eating, our eating disorder treatment combines clinical expertise with genuine warmth and understanding. We believe healing happens when you feel truly seen and heard by therapists who “get it.”
Comprehensive Eating Disorder Treatment Services
Individual Therapy for Eating Disorders
Our individual therapy sessions provide personalized attention for treating eating disorders through evidence-based approaches. We utilize proven modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to address disordered eating patterns, body image issues, and co- occurring disorders.
During individual therapy, we work collaboratively to identify triggers, challenge distorted thoughts about food and body image, and develop healthier coping strategies. Our therapists are trained to address the complex relationship between eating behaviors, self-esteem, and mental health conditions that often accompany eating disorders.
Group Therapy Programs
We offer specialized group therapy for individuals working on eating disorder recovery. Group therapy provides the powerful experience of connecting with others who understand your struggles with eating disorders, body image concerns, and related challenges. These sessions focus on building self-esteem, developing healthier coping strategies, and reducing the isolation that often accompanies eating disorders.
Our group therapy programs address various aspects of recovery, including body image issues, emotional regulation, and developing healthier relationships with food. Participants benefit from shared experiences while learning from others’ recovery journeys in a supportive, non-judgmental environment.
Family-Based Treatment
For young adults and teens, we provide family-based treatment that involves loved ones in the eating disorder treatment process. This approach recognizes that eating disorders affect entire family systems and that family support can be crucial for recovery, particularly when addressing weight restoration and developing healthy eating patterns.
Our family-based treatment helps family members understand eating disorders, learn healthy ways to support recovery, and address dynamics that may inadvertently maintain disordered eating behaviors. We work with families to create supportive environments while respecting individual autonomy.
What We Treat
Types of Eating Disorders
Anorexia Nervosa: Characterized by restrictive food intake, intense fear of weight gain, and distorted body image that can lead to serious medical consequences.
Bulimia Nervosa: Involves cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting or excessive exercise.
Binge Eating Disorder: Recurrent episodes of consuming large amounts of food while feeling out of control, often leading to significant distress and shame.
Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: Limited food variety or quantity that impacts nutritional needs and social functioning.
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED): Disordered eating patterns that significantly impact functioning but don’t meet full criteria for other diagnoses.
Co-Occurring Conditions
We understand that eating disorders rarely exist alone. Our therapists are skilled in treating co occurring disorders including:
- Anxiety disorders and social anxiety
- Depression and mood disorders
- Trauma and PTSD
- OCD tendencies
- ADHD
- Body dysmorphic disorder
- Low self-esteem and self-image concerns
Our Evidence-Based Treatment Approach
Specialized Therapeutic Modalities
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Our therapists use Dialectical Behavior Therapy to help clients build emotional regulation skills, distress tolerance, and mindfulness practices that reduce urges to engage in disordered eating behaviors during difficult emotions.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: CBT helps identify and challenge distorted thoughts about food, weight, and body image while developing healthier behavioral patterns and coping strategies.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: We help clients identify important values and develop psychological flexibility, making choices aligned with what matters most rather than being driven by eating disorder thoughts.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Cultivates present-moment awareness and self-compassion, supporting the development of intuitive eating practices and a more peaceful relationship with food and body.
Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores unconscious patterns and early relationships that may contribute to eating disorder development, providing deeper insight into disordered eating roots.
Integrative, Trauma-Informed Care
Our integrative approach ensures that all aspects of your mental health are addressed as part of comprehensive eating disorder treatment. We also incorporate Somatic and Polyvagal Informed Therapy, Exposure Therapy for food-related anxieties, and Narrative Therapy when appropriate.
All our therapists are trained in trauma-informed care, recognizing how past experiences may contribute to eating disorders and ensuring our treatment process feels safe and supportive throughout your recovery journey.
What to Expect: Your Treatment Journey
Free 15-Minute Consultation
We begin every potential therapeutic relationship with a free 15-minute consultation. During this call, you can share about your experiences and learn about our approach while we ensure we’re the right match for treating your eating disorder.
Personalized Treatment Matching
Rather than assigning you to whoever is available, we take time to match you with a therapist whose specialties and approach align with your specific needs. Our supportive intake team guides you through our streamlined onboarding process and helps you choose the right therapist from our diverse group of specialists.
Collaborative Treatment Planning
Once care begins, we typically meet weekly or bi-weekly through individual therapy sessions, with group therapy options available. Our approach is collaborative and tailored to your unique situation – whether you need immediate coping strategies for managing emotions around food, deeper processing of underlying issues, or support navigating life stressors impacting your eating behaviors.
We conduct regular check-ins to reassess goals, evaluate progress, and ensure the therapeutic relationship continues supporting your recovery process effectively.
Specialized Care for Diverse Communities
Our Chicago eating disorder therapy practice is committed to providing culturally responsive, affirming care. Our diverse team includes therapists who understand how cultural, social, and systemic factors influence eating disorder development and treatment.
We work with individuals from BIPOC communities, understanding how cultural attitudes toward food and body image impact eating disorder experiences. Our LGBTQ+ affirming therapists recognize how identity exploration and minority stress may intersect with disordered eating and body image issues.
We support neurodivergent clients, understanding how sensory sensitivities and executive functioning differences might influence eating patterns. For young adults navigating transitions, we address how academic stress and identity development intersect with eating disorder symptoms.
Why Choose Tides Mental Health for Eating Disorder Treatment
Specialized Expertise with Personal Connection
Our therapists combine advanced training in eating disorder treatment with genuine warmth, creating an environment that feels both professional and deeply human. We work collaboratively with healthcare providers when appropriate for comprehensive care.
Diverse, Inclusive Team
Our therapists represent various backgrounds, increasing the likelihood you’ll find someone who truly understands your experience and can provide culturally responsive care for treating eating disorders.
Flexible Treatment Options
We offer both in-person and telehealth sessions, including after-hours availability, making it easier to access individual therapy and group therapy that fits your schedule.
Evidence-Based, Personalized Approach
Our treatment is grounded in research-supported methods including Dialectical Behavior Therapy, CBT, and other proven approaches while maintaining sensitivity to trauma and complex factors contributing to eating disorders.
Comprehensive Support
While we focus on therapy, we help coordinate care with other providers as needed and will soon offer integrated psychiatric services within our practice.
Benefits of Professional Eating Disorder Treatment
Working with our specialized team provides benefits extending beyond changing eating behaviors:
Improved Emotional Regulation: Developing healthier coping strategies for difficult emotions without turning to disordered eating or unhealthy weight control methods.
Enhanced Self Esteem and Body Image: Learning to separate self-worth from appearance while developing a more compassionate relationship with your body and addressing body image issues.
Stronger Relationships: As shame and secrecy decrease, relationships become more authentic and connected.
Increased Life Satisfaction: Freedom from food preoccupation creates space for pursuing meaningful activities and goals aligned with important values.
Better Physical Health: Many clients experience improved energy and overall well-being as they develop healthier relationships with food.
Greater Self-Awareness: Reconnecting with values, interests, and identity beyond food and body image, supporting improved self-image and self esteem.
Who We Serve
We provide eating disorder therapy for:
- Teens facing school stress, identity exploration, and family conflict
- Young adults managing transitions, relationships, and independence
- Adults of all genders dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions
- Families and couples struggling with communication and relational challenges
- Individuals from marginalized communities seeking culturally responsive care
Our ideal clients are motivated for growth, open to reflection, and seeking meaningful therapeutic connections in a space where they can feel seen and supported.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
If you’re struggling with an eating disorder, disordered eating behaviors, or concerns about your relationship with food and body image, know that seeking help demonstrates strength. Recovery from eating disorders is possible with the right support and evidence-based treatment.
Our Chicago eating disorder therapy practice is committed to walking alongside you as you regain control and develop a peaceful, healthy relationship with food. Whether you’re dealing with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, or other concerns, we’re here to support your journey toward improved self esteem, body image, and overall well-being.
Ready to begin? Contact us today for your free 15-minute consultation. During this call, you can share about your experiences, learn about our approach to treating eating disorders, and determine if we’re the right fit for your recovery journey. Let us help you take the first step toward the healing and freedom you deserve.
Recovery is possible. You don’t have to face this alone.