February marks National Eating Disorder Awareness Week (Feburary 22-28 of 2021), and it couldn’t come at a more important time. As the pandemic rages on, our habits with group eating have been wildly disrupted. Triggers for eating disorders–including on social media–are everywhere.
Eating Disorders During the Pandemic
As an eating disorder specialist affiliated with UCLA, I have personally observed an increase of anorexia nervosa in adolescent women in a clinical setting over the last year. Contrary to what you might think, these girls and young women ages 13-28 are smart. They are high achievers. They are perfectionists. They are often gifted in an area of performance like sports or dance. They want to thrive.
They also struggle with underlying anxiety induced by food. The high-competition environments these young women live in can also trigger that anxiety. Genetics plays a role, too. Patients dealing with these issues often have a family and personal history that can predispose them to these issues.
Seeking Therapy for an Eating Disorder
Because of my experience of working with these young women, I wanted to launch my own private practice to help teenagers struggling with eating disorders. I want to help those seeking services for the first time as well as those transitioning from one level of care to another. As a practitioner, I educate clients about how they can overcome this disorder and live the life they dream of.
I use examples of successful people in the music industry to explain how even the best of the best are challenged by the same anxieties my clients are. People close to the Jonas Brothers have dealt with eating disorders. Lady Gaga and Alanis Morisette have also publicly discussed their private struggles. Eating disorders can affect anyone, and I’m there to help every step of the way.
How Family Can Help Someone with an Eating Disorder
Because of the family nature of this disorder, parents of these young women often blame themselves for their child’s struggles. After all, eating is a family ritual. But eating disorders are not the parents’ fault.
In order for their child to thrive, however, the entire family needs more education on the disorder. I can help guide you as I offer both individual and family centered therapy.s.
Navigating Health Insurance with an Eating Disorder
Clients seeking help for eating disorder issues often experience long wait time and difficult-to-navigate authorization processes. The type of health insurance a client has can make seeking help even more difficult.
Particularly, clients with Medi-Cal have to go through a lengthy process to establish care. Once they complete an intake assessment with a Department of Mental Health (DMH) provider, the provider can refer the client for psychiatric evaluation, if indicated. The DMH psychiatrist then makes recommendations for treatment, and only then does the insurance authorize the services. This is because the adolescent eating disorder program contracted with Medi-Cal has been suspended since last year (and until further notice) due to Covid.
Most levels of care, residential programs like Monte Nido/Clementine, Center for Discovery, etc. have a four- to six-week wait time, making it difficult for clients to get care right away. As a therapist, I not only help clients sort through these procedures, I provide support as they wait for placement. I can also help them find the best placement for their needs at that time.
Reaching Out for Help
If you or someone you love struggles with an eating disorder, please visit the National Eating Disorders Association’s website (NEDA). They are the nation’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders.
You can also reach out to me to schedule your free 15 minute consultation. I not only have experience working with ED clients in a clinical setting, I have close friends who have overcome this struggle. I have seen the journey first hand, and I know there is a better future waiting for anyone struggling with an eating disorder. Together, we can ease your anxiety and help you find a healthy relationship with food. Reach out today–I’m here for you.
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