ARFID Treatment for Children, Teens, and Young Adults in MN, WI, ND, & FL
Specialized Therapy at Ezer Psychotherapy
Are you or your child struggling with extreme picky eating, fear of food, or limited diet? You’re not alone—and help is available.
At Ezer Psychotherapy, we provide evidence-based treatment for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) for children, adolescents, and young adults across Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and Florida—with optional Christian integration for families who desire it.
What Is ARFID?
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder characterized by severe restriction of food intake—not driven by body image concerns, but by:
Sensory sensitivities (texture, smell, taste)
Fear of choking, vomiting, or illness
Lack of interest in eating
Extremely limited “safe foods”
ARFID can lead to:
Poor growth or weight loss
Nutritional deficiencies
Anxiety around eating
Social isolation
Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID is not about weight or shape—but it can still have serious medical and emotional consequences.
Signs You, or Your Child or Teen May Have ARFID
Eats fewer than ~10–20 foods consistently
Avoids entire food groups
Strong emotional reactions to new foods
Gagging, anxiety, or panic around eating
Difficulty eating at school, restaurants, or social events
Reliance on supplements or “safe” foods only
If this sounds familiar, early treatment can make a significant difference.
Evidence-Based ARFID Treatment:
At Ezer Psychotherapy, we use gold-standard, research-supported approaches tailored to each client.
-
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for ARFID (CBT-AR)
CBT-AR is one of the most promising treatments for ARFID. It focuses on:
- Gradual exposure to new foods
- Reducing fear and avoidance
- Expanding food variety and volume
- Building confidence and flexibility
Research shows that up to 70% of patients no longer met ARFID criteria after treatment, with significant increases in food variety and weight restoration when needed (Thomas et al., 2020).
-
Family-Based Therapy (FBT)
Especially effective for children and adolescents, FBT:
- Empowers parents to support eating at home
- Reduces blame and increases collaboration
- Helps restore nutrition and structure
FBT is commonly used in pediatric ARFID treatment and supports long-term recovery
-
Exposure-Based & Skills-Focused Interventions
We incorporate:
- Food exposure hierarchies
- Sensory desensitization
- Anxiety regulation strategies
- Mealtime coaching
Treatment is always gradual, respectful, and individualized—never forced.
Optional Christian Integration
For families who desire it, we offer faith-integrated therapy, including:
Incorporating prayer or scripture (if requested)
Exploring identity, worth, and body stewardship through a Christian lens
Supporting both emotional and spiritual healing
This is always optional and tailored to your preferences.
Who We Help
We specialize in ARFID treatment for:
Children (ages 6+)
Adolescents & teens
Young adults (college & early career)
We also support:
OCD-related food fears
Neurodivergence (e.g., autism, ADHD)
What Makes Ezer Psychotherapy Different?
✔ Specialized expertise in eating disorders & ARFID
✔ Former professional dancer perspective (understanding performance & body pressures in performing artists/athletes)
✔ Family-centered, compassionate care
✔ Evidence-based + holistic approach
✔ Optional faith integration
✔ Serving MN, WI, ND, and FL via telehealth
What to Expect in Treatment
Comprehensive Assessment
Understand your or your child’s unique ARFID presentationPersonalized Treatment Plan
Tailored to sensory, fear-based, or low-interest profilesGradual Exposure Work
Building confidence with new foods step-by-stepParent & Family Support
Practical tools for home successSustainable Recovery
Focus on long-term flexibility—not perfection
ARFID Recovery Is Possible
ARFID can feel overwhelming—for both individuals and families. But with the right support, children and young adults can expand their diets, reduce anxiety, and regain confidence around food.
You don’t have to navigate this alone.
Start ARFID Treatment Today
If you’re located in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, or Florida, Ezer Psychotherapy is here to help.
Schedule a consultation today
Get expert support for ARFID and eating concerns
Help yourself or your child build a healthier relationship with food
Struggling to understand eating disorders or how to help someone you love? Visit our blog for expert advice, real-world strategies, and support for every stage of recovery.
-
![Christian eating disorder treatment and therapy, Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Florida, child, teens, adolescents, young adults, college students, anorexia, bulimia, ARFID, binge eating disorder, Hallie Orton, Ezer Psychotherapy. Virtual]()
Does My Child (or do I) Have an Eating Disorder? Signs Not to Ignore
-
![Christian eating disorder treatment and therapy, Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Florida, child, teens, adolescents, young adults, college students, anorexia, bulimia, ARFID, binge eating disorder, Hallie Orton, Ezer Psychotherapy. Virtual.]()
What to Expect in Outpatient Eating Disorder Therapy: A Complete Guide for Recovery
-
![Christian eating disorder treatment and therapy, Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Florida, child, teens, adolescents, young adults, college students, anorexia, bulimia, ARFID, binge eating disorder, Hallie Orton, Ezer Psychotherapy. Virtual.]()
Common Co-Occurring Diagnoses in People With Eating Disorders and How Ezer Psychotherapy Treats Them
-
![Christian eating disorder treatment and therapy, Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Florida, child, teens, adolescents, young adults, college students, anorexia, bulimia, ARFID, binge eating disorder, Hallie Orton, Ezer Psychotherapy. Virtual.]()
How to Provide Meal Support for People with Eating Disorders
-
![Christian eating disorder treatment and therapy, Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Florida, child, teens, adolescents, young adults, college students, anorexia, bulimia, ARFID, binge eating disorder, Hallie Orton, Ezer Psychotherapy. Virtual.]()
What to Do if Your Child or Teen Refuses to Eat
-
![What to do if your child refuses to eat, does my child have an eating disorder, what are symptoms of an eating disorder, malnutrition, eating disorder treatment and therapy Minneapolis, St. Paul, Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Florida]()
Healing the Mirror: Supporting Your Child’s Journey to Body Acceptance
-
![Christian eating disorder treatment and therapy, Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Florida, child, teens, adolescents, young adults, college students, anorexia, bulimia, ARFID, binge eating disorder, Hallie Orton, Ezer Psychotherapy. Virtual.]()
Common Myths About Eating Disorders Debunked: What Every Parent, Teen, and Adult Needs to Know
-
![Christian eating disorder treatment and therapy, Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Florida, child, teens, adolescents, young adults, college students, anorexia, bulimia, ARFID, binge eating disorder, Hallie Orton, Ezer Psychotherapy. Virtual.]()
Parent Survival Guide: Navigating Family-Based Treatment (FBT) for Your Child’s Eating Disorder
-
![A blurry, black and white photograph of a person pressing their hands against a foggy or frosted glass surface, with their face and body obscured behind the glass.]()
Brain Fog and Eating Disorders: Why You Can’t Think Clearly (and How to Fix It)
-
![Two hands reaching towards each other with one hand extended and the other hand slightly curled, in front of a concrete wall with vertical lines.]()
How to Support Someone with an Eating Disorder: A Guide for Friends and Family
-
![Athlete in starting position on a red track, holding a baton, ready to race.]()
Eating Disorders & Athletes: When Performance and Health Collide
-
![A person wearing a denim jacket and holding a stack of notebooks while walking outdoors, with earphones in and a backpack on their shoulder.]()
Eating Disorders in College Students: You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
-
![]()
When You’re Worried About Your Child’s Eating: A Guide for Parents
-
![]()
Does My Child Have ARFID? Signs Parents Should Not Ignore and What to Do
-
![]()
Christian-Based Eating Disorder Therapy: Integrating Faith and Healing in Recovery
-
![]()
How Malnutrition Changes Your Brain, Affects Mental Health, (And Why Recovery Feels So Hard)
-
![]()
Why Eating Disorder Recovery Feels So Hard (Even When You're Trying)
-
![]()
Refeeding and Mental Health Symptoms: Why You Feel Worse Before You Feel Better in Eating Disorder Recovery
-
![]()
Picky Eating vs. Eating Disorder: How to Tell the Difference (and When to Seek Help)
-
![]()
Aggression and Anger Outbursts During Eating Disorder Treatment: A Guide for Parents Using Family-Based Treatment (FBT)
-
![]()
How to Support a College Student with an Eating Disorder (Without Making Things Worse)
-
![]()
Parents: What to Do When Your Teen Refuses Help for Their Eating Disorder
-
![]()
How Starvation Affects Mental Health: What Happens to Your Brain During an Eating Disorder
