Eating Disorders Therapists in San Diego, CA

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Photo of Kate I Smiley, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Diego, CA
Kate I Smiley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I became interested in clinical therapy after recovering from a 20 year battle with anorexia and bulimia .
I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) who specializes in eating disorders , trauma, depression and anxiety. Emotional pain is very real and there are times recovery seems unattainable. Don’t lose hope. Healing is achievable. Further, finding the right therapist is extremely important. Studies have shown the therapeutic alliance between therapist and client proves to be a stronger determinant of clients’ success than the modality of therapy practiced. I am an experienced therapist who provides the space for vulnerability and transparency without fear of judgment or rejection.
(619) 658-4437
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San Diego, CA 92122
& Online
Waitlist for new clients
Photo of Caley Eileen Bailey, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Diego, CA
Caley Eileen Bailey
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I received my early training from the UCSD Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research and continued my clinical work with the UCSD Center for Healthy Eating and Activity Research Clinic.
I know how difficult it can be to reach out for support when you need it most, so, let me first start off by saying that I appreciate the courage you have shown by taking this first step towards finding a therapist that will meet your needs. I am passionate about working with people who are dealing with life/relationship stressors, experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, or are struggling with body image, overeating, binge eating, or bulimia nervosa. I take a strengths-based approach and work collaboratively with my clients to understand their goals for therapy which allows us to develop a personalized treatment plan.
(619) 361-7360
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San Diego, CA 92108
& Online
Waitlist for new clients
Photo of Claire Spencer, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Diego, CA
Claire Spencer
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I have expertise treating depression, anxiety, eating disorders , substance use, PTSD and relationship issues.
Life is an emotional journey. During challenging times, we often struggle to maintain hope and optimism. Feelings of depression and anxiety are common throughout many tough transitions and can leave us overwhelmed and stuck. My passion lies right here, helping clients weather life's setbacks on the path toward happiness and success. Seeking therapy is a vulnerable first step toward living the life you envision. I strive to bring light and clarity to clients, inspiring them to find the hope and meaning essential to creating lasting change and personal growth.
(619) 658-6397
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San Diego, CA 92115
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Photo of Christin Conkle, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Diego, CA
Christin Conkle
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified
Verified
I have specific training in Family Based Therapy for Anorexia Nervous, CBT-E for Bulimia Nervosa, binge/purge disorders, and abnormal eating.
The world has been tough the last few years during this pandemic! Taking care of our mental health is more important then ever. Life transitions, grief/loss, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders are on the rise. I am expert in the field and have a specialty with teens, adolescents, and young adults. I work from an evidence-based modality. I am committed to being up to date on the latest research and treatments. Please connect with me if your interested in learning strategies to help cope effectively with life challenges.
(858) 683-6415
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San Diego, CA 92109
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Photo of Ellen M Greenfield, Psychologist in San Diego, CA
Ellen M Greenfield
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
I have a subspecialty working with individuals dealing with eating disorders .
My primary goal in working with individuals, couples, and families is to help you achieve your full potential and lead a life in the present that is fulfilling and meaningful. We achieve this through a structured, non-confrontational approach where together, we will search for patterns in your life that are causing you difficulties. I am a cognitive-behavioral therapist with 15 years experience in private practice. My office is conveniently located just west of the 15 freeway and Miramar Road. For more detailed information about my services, please visit my website at Cognitivebehaviortherapy.net
(619) 822-1692
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San Diego, CA 92126
Photo of Liana Abascal, Psychologist in San Diego, CA
Liana Abascal
Psychologist, PhD, MPH, dipACLM
Verified
Verified
We focus on health psychology, diabetes, chronic disease, eating disorders , lifestyle medicine, anxiety, depression, and wellness.
Is your life not where you want it to be? Change is hard. While doing things differently can feel uncomfortable at first, it is possible to do, and becomes more comfortable with time. Change often applies to the behaviors we engage in, or the thoughts that we have. Change can also apply to our relationship with our thoughts, and it is powerful to become less tied to the random thoughts that appear in our head. Let us help you with this! We are passionate about helping people get unstuck and move forward in their lives. Our approach is collaborative and non-judgmental, and includes warmth, compassion and humor.
(858) 682-6427
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San Diego, CA 92121
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Photo of Melissa McCormick, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Diego, CA
Melissa McCormick
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I provide trauma informed therapy, with training in EMDR and eating disorders .
I am passionate about supporting women and teens facing the challenges of life in a way that helps them find sustained change. It is hard to live in this world and not question if our bodies, stories, and voices are “good enough.” We wonder if it is possible for us to be okay with who we are, and make different choices than we’ve made in the past. We often make decisions that are rooted in insecurity, leaving us trapped in anxiety. I value helping women learn to understand and respect their whole story on their own terms. Together we can define your own goals for change.
(619) 649-8023
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San Diego, CA 92108
& Online
Not accepting new clients
Joelle A Tonkovich
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker offering therapy to adults, children, adolescents, and families. I have worked extensively with issues related to depression, anxiety, eating disorders , trauma, and abuse (physical abuse,sexual abuse, neglect, child endangerment, and domestic violence). I believe that healing, growth, and lasting change can occur within the safety of a therapeutic relationship. I provide a safe, confidential, and supportive environment in which issues can be explored.
(619) 722-3025
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San Diego, CA 92110
Not accepting new clients
Photo of Victoria Kapper, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Diego, CA
Victoria Kapper
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Victoria specializes in treating anxiety, depression, behavior problems, trauma and eating disorders .
Victoria Kapper is a licensed psychotherapist treating children, adolescents, adults and families across California. In addition, she is affiliated with the La Jolla Therapy Center. Victoria whole-heartedly believes that the most significant indicator of successful therapy is the therapeutic relationship. Her approach is engaged, compassionate, strength-based and solution-focused. Victoria strives to create an open, respectful and safe environment where clients can address sensitive matters and experience growth, insight and change.
(858) 251-8177
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San Diego, CA 92122
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Photo of AMALY, Pre-Licensed Professional in San Diego, CA
AMALY
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, APCC
Verified
Verified
Our clinicians have experience working with various issues including relationship/marriage conflicts, eating disorders , transgenerational trauma, racial trauma, adults with severe mental illness, substance use, homelessness, familial conflicts, being a first generation college student, religious and cultural barriers, etc.
We are currently accepting clients! AMALY is a virtual mental health organization that serves individuals and couples across California. We specialize in providing services to BIPOC clients.
(619) 505-3750
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San Diego, CA 92111
& Online
Photo of Monica Rixon, Pre-Licensed Professional in San Diego, CA
Monica Rixon
Pre-Licensed Professional, APCC
Verified
Verified
I am an empathetic trauma-informed Associate Professional Clinical Counselor in California. I specialize in Grief, Trauma, and Eating Disorders , having worked with these populations in multiple settings. As you are reading this you may be minimizing various experiences you have had in life. Often, we tend to minimize our experiences as a way of coping with them and the world around us.  While this may have been necessary at some point in life, I am here to support you through the process of looking at those experiences once again and learning how to hold them in a way that you may have not felt was possible.  
(858) 251-8207
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San Diego, CA 92101
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Photo of Mia Najor, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Diego, CA
Mia Najor
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with experience treating mood disorders, relationship issues, and self esteem issues. I believe Black Lives Matter and love is love. I strive to do my own work as an AntiRacist clinician. I am a HEALTH AT EVERY SIZE advocate. I specialize in the treatment of disordered eating, eating disorders , and body image dissatisfaction. I love empowering my clients. Since 2013, I have been working with the eating disorder population including adolescents, adults, and families. I have worked at various levels of treatment including residential, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient.
(858) 295-1338
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San Diego, CA 92103
& Online
Waitlist for new clients
Photo of Patty Schroeder, Psychologist in San Diego, CA
Patty Schroeder
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I'm experienced in treating eating disorders and body image issues from a Health at Every Size® perspective, and I'm passionate about helping my clients build healthy relationships with food and their bodies.
I'm constantly amazed at the human capacity for resilience. Using a strengths-based approach, I would be honored to help you tap into your power to achieve the health and wellness to live your best life! I approach my therapeutic relationships with warmth, respect, empathy, and a little bit of humor at times. I know it takes a great deal of courage to begin therapy -- my goal is to create a safe, comfortable space for honest exploration so we can tackle your concerns together. I look forward to meeting you :)
(858) 987-4457
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San Diego, CA 92121
& Online
Waitlist for new clients
Photo of Maria Wilson, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Diego, CA
Maria Wilson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
My two specialities include providing highly specialized and individualized care for clients struggling with eating disorders at an outpatient level of care, as well working with couples and individuals feeling dissatisfied with intimacy, communication barriers, and negative conflict cycles.
Hi there! I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in both Couples Therapy, and Eating Disorder treatment at an outpatient level of care. Through a client-centered approach, my passion lies in restoring disruptions in early childhood attachment, and helping those identify negative thought patterns, core beliefs, and emotions that have led to maladaptive coping behaviors. If you are either feeling exhausted from the shame towards your body and want freedom from disordered eating, or are longing to strengthen your relationship and communication with a loved one, I would love to create that space for you!
(760) 452-3635
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San Diego, CA 92109
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Photo of Gina Bongiorno, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Diego, CA
Gina Bongiorno
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I have also dedicated much of my career to the co-occurrence of eating disorders , substance use and trauma, and the families that are supporting their loved ones with these struggles.
People come to therapy for many reasons. We all want to be seen, validated, and accepted. Finding the right therapist can be a powerful step to making meaningful change in your life. In my clinical practice, I have worked as a supervisor, lead therapist, adjunct professor, trainer and consultant. It is my purpose to offer the best care to those who are ready to move away from unhealthy patterns and into a more fulfilling, meaningful life.
(760) 387-8622
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San Diego, CA 92121
& Online
Photo of BrightMind Therapy, Psychologist in San Diego, CA
BrightMind Therapy
Psychologist, PhD, MS
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
Areas of expertise include family-based treatments, eating disorders , anxiety disorders, parent management training, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for all ages.
BrightMind is a group practice of therapists treating children, adolescents and young adults. BrightMind's mission is to provide treatments that are youth-focused and evidence-based. As practitioner-scientists trained at UCSD, we are committed to providing treatments supported by scientific evidence. Our treatments are tailored for our clients' age and developmental stage. BrightMind strives to instill youth and their families with the skills and insight necessary to independently manage stress, mental health challenges, and life experiences. All of our behavioral treatments reflect our values, which are: science-based, child-empowe
(619) 452-3950
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San Diego, CA 92109
& Online
Photo of Jana Crosby, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Diego, CA
Jana Crosby
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders , self esteem, chronic illness or life transitions in young adults. Do you feel stressed, insecure, or ashamed, constantly battling with intrusive thoughts or impulses that you may not even entirely believe, but still can't seem to let go of? Are you feeling stuck in the trap of perfectionism, alone with high levels of emotional or physical pain, confused about sense of self or life direction, or wondering why your relationships aren't as fulfilling as you'd like? If so, we might be a good match to explore potential therapy together.
(619) 329-1360
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San Diego, CA 92108
Photo of Trishala Bijoy Khandheria, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Diego, CA
Trishala Bijoy Khandheria
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT , MA, MS
Verified
Verified
I have specialized experience working with patients and families living with anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and eating disorders , such as anorexia nervosa (AN).
“Treat the patient, not just the disease.” This mantra has always been an inspiration for my practice, as I truly believe that successful therapy is rooted in the positive, working relationships I form with my patients. If you are living with an eating disorder, depression, anxiety, or have family and/or marital issues, life might feel complicated and overwhelming. You may need a safe space to heal, explore yourself, and feel heard. My education & experience as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist has given me the tools to help empower people like you to create positive change and work towards achieving a state of well-being.
(858) 251-6862
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San Diego, CA 92109
& Online
Photo of Makenzie Gilliam, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Diego, CA
Makenzie Gilliam
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I work collaboratively with individuals, couples and families to create a path toward specific goals for therapy. Throughout the years I have worked with people from all different walks of life, and I believe in the importance of individualizing treatment to each person and their experiences. I have extensive knowledge of eating disorders and have assisted people of all ages in better understanding and overcoming their disordered eating behaviors. I understand how alcohol and drug addiction, eating disorders , depression, anxiety, grief and loss, and trauma can leave you feeling disconnected from parts of yourself and others.
(858) 251-8438
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San Diego, CA 92126
& Online
Photo of Kayla Karesh, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Diego, CA
Kayla Karesh
Marriage & Family Therapist, MAT, MA, LMFT, ATR
Verified
Verified
Stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders , addictive behaviors: all of these struggles hinder peace and wholeness, and require a skillful and compassionate support. Kayla practices Integrative Psychotherapy, which combines the core elements of current evidence-based psychotherapy practices as well as integrative modalities that focus on the body and spirit. This allows for truly individualized psychotherapeutic care that responds effectively to settle symptoms through the cultivation of whole person wellbeing practices.
(619) 505-0895
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San Diego, CA 92117
& Online

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Eating Disorders Therapists

What happens in therapy for eating disorders?

In therapy for eating disorders, patients typically describe their eating and exercise behaviors, their patterns of eating in relation to stress, their beliefs about their body, the ways their eating behavior affects their relationships, and their desire (or lack of it) to change. Such information helps the therapist understand the origins of the disorder and the role it plays in the patient’s life, important for guiding treatment. Attitudes and feelings about food and eating, body weight, and physical appearance are common topics of discussion throughout treatment.

What therapy types help with eating disorders?

Once any acute medical or psychiatric emergency is resolved, psychoactive medication is often prescribed, requiring the supervision of a psychiatrist. In addition, patients receive some form of nutritional counseling along with one or more forms of psychotherapy. For adolescents, family-based treatment is empirically validated and considered the first line of treatment; parents and their children meet weekly with a clinician as the adults are coached on how to nourish and psychologically support the young patient. Adults typically receive some form of individual psychotherapy, intended to resolve the cognitive and behavioral disturbances that underlie the disorder and to relieve the mood disturbances that accompany it. In addition, patients may also be helped by group therapy.

What is the goal of therapy for eating disorders?

The most immediate goal of treatment for eating disorders is to save the life of people who are on a path of starving themselves to death or engaging in eating patterns that are doing irreparable physical harm to their body. Once the acute medical danger is past, therapy is required to understand the nature of the disordered eating and/or exercise patterns, establish healthy eating behavior, and to tackle the many erroneous beliefs and distorted self-perceptions that underlie eating disorders and continue to pose a threat to health and life. Therapy also addresses the impaired mood that not only accompanies eating disorders but intensifies the danger to health and life.

What are the limitations of therapy for eating disorders?

Therapy can be very helpful for eating disorders—but that can happen only after people recognize they have a condition that must be treated. Especially with anorexia, the distortions in self-image that accompany the disorder can keep people from acknowledging they have a problem. Individuals may in fact see their eating disorder as a badge of self-control. Those with binge-eating disorder may feel too ashamed to seek help. Therapy cannot help those who do not avail themselves of it.

How long does therapy last for eating disorders?

Because of their complexity, recovery from eating disorders is usually a long-term process—measured in months and years— often marked by setbacks and relapse. Some form of help, such as individual or group therapy, may be advisable for much of that time. It is a general rule of thumb that the longer the illness has endured and the dysregulated eating behavior has taken root, the longer treatment is likely to be needed.