Eating Disorders Therapists in San Marcos, CA

Emilia Ramirez
Psychologist, PsyD
San Marcos, CA 92069
Dr. Emilia Ramirez is both from Texas and California, loves what she does and considers it her calling. She has worked in the field of social services for approximately 25 years and began her training as a therapist in 2015. Dr. Ramirez completed her Clinical Psychology doctorate in 2011 in Dallas, Texas. Prior to this, she obtained a Masters in Clinical Psychology in 2009 in Dallas Texas and graduated as a fourth-generation Longhorn from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2001, After completing graduate school, she moved back to California and is here to stay.
Dr. Emilia Ramirez is both from Texas and California, loves what she does and considers it her calling. She has worked in the field of social services for approximately 25 years and began her training as a therapist in 2015. Dr. Ramirez completed her Clinical Psychology doctorate in 2011 in Dallas, Texas. Prior to this, she obtained a Masters in Clinical Psychology in 2009 in Dallas Texas and graduated as a fourth-generation Longhorn from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2001, After completing graduate school, she moved back to California and is here to stay.
(760) 970-8658 View (760) 970-8658
Dr. Megan B. Lewis
Psychologist, PsyD
San Marcos, CA 92078
My specialties include anxiety and depressive disorders, substance abuse, dual diagnosis, eating disorders, stress management, executive health and PTSD.
I am the CEO/owner of Sea Wellness Therapy Group in San Marcos. I am a clinical psychologist who has been in private practice for 24 years. I have extensive experience treating a wide variety of issues and psychological disorders from the most mild to the most severe and I work with adults and adolescents. My office is centrally located in San Marcos and is easily accessible. My approach is warm, positive and compassionate. I can help you to achieve your personal goals, more effectively manage your emotions and stressors and develop strategies that will promote positive self-growth and lead you to and a more satisfying life.
My specialties include anxiety and depressive disorders, substance abuse, dual diagnosis, eating disorders, stress management, executive health and PTSD.
I am the CEO/owner of Sea Wellness Therapy Group in San Marcos. I am a clinical psychologist who has been in private practice for 24 years. I have extensive experience treating a wide variety of issues and psychological disorders from the most mild to the most severe and I work with adults and adolescents. My office is centrally located in San Marcos and is easily accessible. My approach is warm, positive and compassionate. I can help you to achieve your personal goals, more effectively manage your emotions and stressors and develop strategies that will promote positive self-growth and lead you to and a more satisfying life.
(760) 512-0422 View (760) 512-0422
Catherine Lamme
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
I have significant experience in treating trauma, substance use, and eating disorders.
Welcome! Are you feeling tired of the patterns and old stories that impact the development of your vitality and the best version of your life? Does your sense of self feel fractured? Does your body seem to mirror the internal negative thought patterns that seem to block you creating the life you want to live? Do you feel like there are moments that you cannot imagine living in the internal chaos another moment? I am inspired and honored to work with adults who are motivated to heal and release the negative internal stories, especially from trauma, that have dictated their behavior in order to create their own life worth living.
I have significant experience in treating trauma, substance use, and eating disorders.
Welcome! Are you feeling tired of the patterns and old stories that impact the development of your vitality and the best version of your life? Does your sense of self feel fractured? Does your body seem to mirror the internal negative thought patterns that seem to block you creating the life you want to live? Do you feel like there are moments that you cannot imagine living in the internal chaos another moment? I am inspired and honored to work with adults who are motivated to heal and release the negative internal stories, especially from trauma, that have dictated their behavior in order to create their own life worth living.
(760) 263-6052 View (760) 263-6052
Joncannon Eiden
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Online Only
I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, addiction, eating disorders, and life transitions.
I draw from psychodynamic, trauma-informed, CBT, and solution-focused approaches, tailoring treatment to your unique needs. My work is active and insight-oriented — we go beyond managing symptoms to understand the patterns beneath them and build lasting change from the inside out.
I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, addiction, eating disorders, and life transitions.
I draw from psychodynamic, trauma-informed, CBT, and solution-focused approaches, tailoring treatment to your unique needs. My work is active and insight-oriented — we go beyond managing symptoms to understand the patterns beneath them and build lasting change from the inside out.
(760) 973-5144 View (760) 973-5144
Gina Bongiorno Burkhardt
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
San Marcos, CA 92078
You’re functioning. You’re getting things done. From the outside, you probably look like you’re doing just fine. But inside, you may be exhausted, anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected, or wondering why things feel harder than they should. Maybe you’re struggling in your relationship, caught in unhealthy patterns with food or substances, carrying grief you haven’t had space to process, or navigating a life transition that has left you questioning what comes next. You don’t have to wait until things fall apart to ask for help.
You’re functioning. You’re getting things done. From the outside, you probably look like you’re doing just fine. But inside, you may be exhausted, anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected, or wondering why things feel harder than they should. Maybe you’re struggling in your relationship, caught in unhealthy patterns with food or substances, carrying grief you haven’t had space to process, or navigating a life transition that has left you questioning what comes next. You don’t have to wait until things fall apart to ask for help.
(760) 387-8622 View (760) 387-8622
Ashley Azin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MS, LMFT
San Marcos, CA 92069
I have been treating anxiety, depression, identity, codependency, eating disorders, low self esteem and relationships issues in children, teens and adults since 2007.
I strongly believe that the biggest factor in positive growth and healing in therapy is because of the relationship between the therapist and client. Change cannot occur if you do not trust your therapist or feel judged. I strive to make every session feel as safe as possible for you. I love helping my clients reach their goals.
I have been treating anxiety, depression, identity, codependency, eating disorders, low self esteem and relationships issues in children, teens and adults since 2007.
I strongly believe that the biggest factor in positive growth and healing in therapy is because of the relationship between the therapist and client. Change cannot occur if you do not trust your therapist or feel judged. I strive to make every session feel as safe as possible for you. I love helping my clients reach their goals.
(858) 386-7502 View (858) 386-7502
David B Lavenau
Psychologist, PsyD
San Marcos, CA 92069
I work best with clients who are open to understanding the issues which contribute to their struggles. Sometimes these are transitional situations, like a relationship break-up, loss of a job, or moving out on ones own. Other times these issues are related to underlying trauma or chronic life situations which contribute to ongoing suffering and pain. Being insightful and curious about oneself often leads to healing—of depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and relational and intimacy issues. My goal is to provide a therapeutic relationship which helps hold fears, sadness, and anger as we progress along the journey together.
I work best with clients who are open to understanding the issues which contribute to their struggles. Sometimes these are transitional situations, like a relationship break-up, loss of a job, or moving out on ones own. Other times these issues are related to underlying trauma or chronic life situations which contribute to ongoing suffering and pain. Being insightful and curious about oneself often leads to healing—of depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and relational and intimacy issues. My goal is to provide a therapeutic relationship which helps hold fears, sadness, and anger as we progress along the journey together.
(442) 245-5681 View (442) 245-5681
Journeys Inward Hypnotherapy (Mariah Shipp)
Verified Verified
Online Only
Are you at a time in your life when you don't know where to turn? Are you on overwhelm or faced with a major life decision? For over 32 years I have been helping people with their issues. My passion is to help clients integrate the different conflicting aspects of their personality and transform the limiting beliefs that keep them stuck. I work with adults and teens. I have found that using hypnotherapy is the quickest and most lasting way for most people to accomplish their goals. I focus on short term intensive therapy, meaning long sessions 60/90 min. that create lasting change. I offer phone sessions as well for your comfort.
Are you at a time in your life when you don't know where to turn? Are you on overwhelm or faced with a major life decision? For over 32 years I have been helping people with their issues. My passion is to help clients integrate the different conflicting aspects of their personality and transform the limiting beliefs that keep them stuck. I work with adults and teens. I have found that using hypnotherapy is the quickest and most lasting way for most people to accomplish their goals. I focus on short term intensive therapy, meaning long sessions 60/90 min. that create lasting change. I offer phone sessions as well for your comfort.
(760) 610-0895 View (760) 610-0895
Connor Berk
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
San Marcos, CA 92069
While Connor is skilled in treating a wide range of concerns, he is especially passionate about supporting people who are coping with trauma, relationship challenges, and mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. He has extensive experience guiding individuals through the complexities of post-traumatic stress, helping couples rebuild trust and connection, and empowering those who feel stuck in cycles of worry or self-doubt. His compassionate and goal-oriented approach allows clients to feel both supported and encouraged as they take steps toward healing.
While Connor is skilled in treating a wide range of concerns, he is especially passionate about supporting people who are coping with trauma, relationship challenges, and mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. He has extensive experience guiding individuals through the complexities of post-traumatic stress, helping couples rebuild trust and connection, and empowering those who feel stuck in cycles of worry or self-doubt. His compassionate and goal-oriented approach allows clients to feel both supported and encouraged as they take steps toward healing.
(760) 971-4407 View (760) 971-4407
Donna Priano-English
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Online Only
I have also received specialized training in the treatment of eating disorders and have provided support to clients experiencing eating-related concerns for the past three years.
I strive to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives.
I have also received specialized training in the treatment of eating disorders and have provided support to clients experiencing eating-related concerns for the past three years.
I strive to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives.
Samantha Shields
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
San Marcos, CA 92069
Samantha Shields is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Pepperdine University in 2001 and her Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego. Her years of experience in outpatient and inpatient settings have included individuals, families, couples, children and teens.
Samantha Shields is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Pepperdine University in 2001 and her Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego. Her years of experience in outpatient and inpatient settings have included individuals, families, couples, children and teens.
(760) 359-9494 View (760) 359-9494
Ellie Messinger-Adams
Counselor, MA, LPCC, PPS-SC, SCL
3 Endorsed
San Marcos, CA 92078
Lately, you’ve been reacting in ways that don’t feel like you. You're snapping faster, overthinking everything, struggling to relax even when you get a moment. You keep telling yourself you should be able to handle this, but something feels off. Whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, or deep in motherhood, things feel louder, harder, and more constant than they used to. You’re still showing up, but quietly wondering, "what is happening to me?" It's exhausting trying to keep up appearances when you feel this way inside. I help moms in this exact place slow things down, make sense of what’s underneath, and start feeling steady again.
Lately, you’ve been reacting in ways that don’t feel like you. You're snapping faster, overthinking everything, struggling to relax even when you get a moment. You keep telling yourself you should be able to handle this, but something feels off. Whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, or deep in motherhood, things feel louder, harder, and more constant than they used to. You’re still showing up, but quietly wondering, "what is happening to me?" It's exhausting trying to keep up appearances when you feel this way inside. I help moms in this exact place slow things down, make sense of what’s underneath, and start feeling steady again.
(442) 259-8061 View (442) 259-8061
Jani Dix
Pre-Licensed Professional
2 Endorsed
San Marcos, CA 92069
You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or emotionally exhausted — or you may be watching your child or teen struggle and wondering how to help. I work with children, teens, adults, and families navigating anxiety, trauma, behavioral challenges, emotional dysregulation, and family conflict. Starting therapy can feel intimidating, but you don’t have to do it alone. My goal is to create a safe, compassionate space where you or your child can feel understood, develop healthier coping skills, and begin moving toward greater calm, connection, and confidence. Together, we’ll work on practical tools that create real change both in and outs
You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or emotionally exhausted — or you may be watching your child or teen struggle and wondering how to help. I work with children, teens, adults, and families navigating anxiety, trauma, behavioral challenges, emotional dysregulation, and family conflict. Starting therapy can feel intimidating, but you don’t have to do it alone. My goal is to create a safe, compassionate space where you or your child can feel understood, develop healthier coping skills, and begin moving toward greater calm, connection, and confidence. Together, we’ll work on practical tools that create real change both in and outs
(951) 501-3931 View (951) 501-3931
Alexandra Donnelly
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, DCSW
1 Endorsed
Online Only
My style involves working collaboratively to help my patients improve the quality of their lives in their work, their relationships and their interests. My approach brings to light how past experiences affect the choices that we make in our current lives, both positively and negatively, and how we can alter destructive patterns by learning new healthy coping skills.
My style involves working collaboratively to help my patients improve the quality of their lives in their work, their relationships and their interests. My approach brings to light how past experiences affect the choices that we make in our current lives, both positively and negatively, and how we can alter destructive patterns by learning new healthy coping skills.
(760) 561-5697 View (760) 561-5697
LifeStance Health
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
San Marcos, CA 92069
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
(760) 491-6595 View (760) 491-6595
Maria Aurora San Pedro
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
2 Endorsed
San Marcos, CA 92078
Hi there, my name is Aurora San Pedro and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in the state of CA. Challenges are inevitable and being able to move beyond them requires effort to find what works best for you. Our minds are like a GARDEN. What we choose to nourish, will grow and what will grow will lead to our actions and behaviors. I am here to help you plant (replant) seeds that will help you live the life you truly want to have. When experiencing hardship, the resilience, courage and strength it takes to prioritize your needs can be challenging. I want to provide reassurance that you are not alone in getting there.
Hi there, my name is Aurora San Pedro and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in the state of CA. Challenges are inevitable and being able to move beyond them requires effort to find what works best for you. Our minds are like a GARDEN. What we choose to nourish, will grow and what will grow will lead to our actions and behaviors. I am here to help you plant (replant) seeds that will help you live the life you truly want to have. When experiencing hardship, the resilience, courage and strength it takes to prioritize your needs can be challenging. I want to provide reassurance that you are not alone in getting there.
(760) 388-9035 View (760) 388-9035
Chris Cade
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
2 Endorsed
Online Only
From the outside, things look fine. On the inside, it’s a different story. You might be used to pushing through stress, overthinking everything, and/or holding yourself to a standard that’s hard to maintain. Maybe you’re showing up, getting things done, and doing what’s expected, but it comes with anxiety, self-doubt, a constant feeling that you’re falling short. At some point, it stops feeling sustainable.
From the outside, things look fine. On the inside, it’s a different story. You might be used to pushing through stress, overthinking everything, and/or holding yourself to a standard that’s hard to maintain. Maybe you’re showing up, getting things done, and doing what’s expected, but it comes with anxiety, self-doubt, a constant feeling that you’re falling short. At some point, it stops feeling sustainable.
(858) 682-1554 View (858) 682-1554
David J Cain
Psychologist, PhD, ABPP, CGP
San Marcos, CA 92078
I prefer to work with adults and couples who are invested in learning more about themselves and their relationships as a means to address the problems they currently experience. I view problems as opportunities for growth and see my role as helping you draw on your personal resources to become the person you wish to be. I have worked with all age groups and a wide range of problems in clinical, university, and private practice settings. Professional activities include teaching and supervising psychology graduate students and professional therapists, writing, editing, conducting workshops and presentations, and serving my profession.
I prefer to work with adults and couples who are invested in learning more about themselves and their relationships as a means to address the problems they currently experience. I view problems as opportunities for growth and see my role as helping you draw on your personal resources to become the person you wish to be. I have worked with all age groups and a wide range of problems in clinical, university, and private practice settings. Professional activities include teaching and supervising psychology graduate students and professional therapists, writing, editing, conducting workshops and presentations, and serving my profession.
(760) 533-9066 View (760) 533-9066
Stacie Redmond
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Online Only
Hey there, I’m Stacie! I consider it a huge privilege and honor to get to do therapy work with folks, and I approach sessions with compassion, curiosity, and deep respect for my clients. I understand the vulnerability it takes to show up, even when the work is hard. I want to provide a space to allow for healing and exploration to happen naturally, and at your own pace. Therapy works best when you feel seen, heard, and understood, and my intention is to create that connection with my clients from the beginning!
Hey there, I’m Stacie! I consider it a huge privilege and honor to get to do therapy work with folks, and I approach sessions with compassion, curiosity, and deep respect for my clients. I understand the vulnerability it takes to show up, even when the work is hard. I want to provide a space to allow for healing and exploration to happen naturally, and at your own pace. Therapy works best when you feel seen, heard, and understood, and my intention is to create that connection with my clients from the beginning!
(949) 832-6759 View (949) 832-6759
Dr. Ashley Rachael Amundson
Counselor, DBH, MS, LPCC, EMDR
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from yourself? Healing is not just about talking—it’s about transformation on every level. As an EMDR therapist with a holistic perspective, I blend evidence-based therapy with the deep intuitive power of energy work to help you release trauma, break patterns, and reconnect with your true self. My approach is comprehensive, integrative, and uniquely tailored to you—addressing the mind, body, and spirit for lasting change. Whether you're navigating anxiety, past wounds, or simply seeking a deeper sense of alignment, I create a safe, supportive space where real healing happens.
Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from yourself? Healing is not just about talking—it’s about transformation on every level. As an EMDR therapist with a holistic perspective, I blend evidence-based therapy with the deep intuitive power of energy work to help you release trauma, break patterns, and reconnect with your true self. My approach is comprehensive, integrative, and uniquely tailored to you—addressing the mind, body, and spirit for lasting change. Whether you're navigating anxiety, past wounds, or simply seeking a deeper sense of alignment, I create a safe, supportive space where real healing happens.
(619) 614-7625 View (619) 614-7625

See more therapy options for San Marcos

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.