Eating disorders are more prevalent, and more dangerous, than many people realize. In the United States alone, over 30 million individuals are affected, with more than 70 million globally. These disorders are five times more common than Alzheimer’s and are among the most fatal psychiatric illnesses, second only to opioid overdose in mortality rate.

Despite their prevalence, eating disorders often go unseen or misunderstood. That’s why our team at Recovery Without Walls is committed to early identification, trauma-informed care, and integrative healing for those navigating disordered eating.

Eating disorders come in various forms, each with its own challenges and emotional underpinnings. At our Bay Area clinic, we approach each diagnosis with nuance and care. Common types include:

• Anorexia Nervosa – Marked by extreme food restriction and a distorted body image. Often driven by a strong link between self-worth and appearance.
  
  
• Bulimia Nervosa – Characterized by cycles of binge eating followed by purging behaviors, such as vomiting or laxative misuse.
  
  
• Binge Eating Disorder – Involves episodes of eating large quantities of food, often quickly and to the point of discomfort, without subsequent purging.
  
  
• Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) – Involves extreme restriction not related to body image, often rooted in sensory sensitivity or fear of adverse consequences from eating.
  
  
• Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED) – Encompasses disordered eating behaviors that don’t fit neatly into one diagnostic box, such as purging disorder without bingeing.
  

These conditions may share behaviors (such as restricting, bingeing, or purging) but differ in motivation, emotional patterns, and severity. Treatment at Recovery Without Walls considers each person’s lived experience and underlying psychological and physiological factors.

Eating disorders don’t always “look” a certain way, and individuals of all shapes, sizes, genders, and backgrounds can be affected. That’s why awareness is key. Some early signs include:

• Obsessive focus on food, weight, or body shape
  
  
• Avoiding meals or eating in secret
  
  
• Withdrawal from social activities or loved ones
  
  
• Sudden changes in mood, energy, or physical appearance
  
  
• Frequent trips to the bathroom after meals
  
  
• Excessive exercise, often driven by guilt or anxiety
  
  
• Offering others food while avoiding eating themselves
  

Eating disorders are often intertwined with depression, anxiety, perfectionism, or trauma. At our Mill Valley clinic, we look beyond the surface and explore what’s really driving these behaviors.

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical assessment, psychological evaluation, and discussion of eating patterns and behaviors. Screening tools like the SCOFF questionnaire or the Eating Attitudes Test can provide helpful insight, but a comprehensive, compassionate clinical evaluation is key.

At Recovery Without Walls, we create a safe and nonjudgmental environment where patients can speak openly about their struggles. We recognize that shame and secrecy often accompany disordered eating, and our role is to offer understanding, not judgment.

We believe healing from an eating disorder requires whole-person care, not a one-size-fits-all solution. Our integrative psychiatry program combines evidence-based approaches like psychotherapy, nutritional counseling, and psychiatric support with complementary therapies such as mindfulness, somatic work, and functional medicine.

Treatment often includes:

• Individual and group therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed approaches
  
  
• Nutritional rehabilitation and guidance with a registered dietitian
  
  
• Medical monitoring to support physical recovery
  
  
• Family involvement and education, where appropriate
  
  
• Mind-body techniques, such as yoga, meditation, or acupuncture
  

Because eating disorders are rarely just about food, we help patients uncover the deeper emotional patterns beneath their symptoms and develop new ways of coping.

Absolutely. Many people with eating disorders also experience co-occurring conditions, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or substance use disorders. Our team at Recovery Without Walls is experienced in addressing these overlapping challenges through integrative treatment planning and trauma-informed care.

We take the time to understand your full health picture and offer cohesive, multidisciplinary support, so you’re not navigating recovery alone.

Approach with compassion, not control. Express concern in a nonjudgmental way and offer to listen. Avoid commenting on weight or appearance, and instead focus on how they’re feeling. Encourage them to seek professional help, and remind them that support exists, and that recovery is possible.

You can also reach out to our team directly for guidance on how to approach these conversations and explore care options.

Located in the serene hills of Mill Valley, Recovery Without Walls offers a uniquely integrative and compassionate environment for healing. Our pioneering approach doesn’t just treat symptoms, it honors the full complexity of each person’s journey. We combine cutting-edge psychiatry with holistic therapies to help individuals reclaim their wellbeing from the inside out.

Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or someone you love, our team is here to walk beside you, with expertise, integrity, and heart.