Eating Disorder Therapy in Brooklyn & Online Across NY

Eating disorders are the most lethal psychiatric conditions, but they're also among the most treatable when caught and treated early with evidence-based approaches. Crown's eating disorder team provides specialized outpatient care for adults and adolescents, and we coordinate closely with dietitians, primary care, and (when needed) psychiatrists as part of a multidisciplinary team.

For adults with anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder, our first-line approach is enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-E), developed by Christopher Fairburn at Oxford. CBT-E targets the core maintaining mechanism of most eating disorders — the over-evaluation of shape and weight in determining self-worth — and works through normalization of eating, behavioral experiments, and body image work over roughly 20–40 weekly sessions. Outcome research shows roughly 60–70% of completers achieving remission, with effects sustained at follow-up [1].

For adolescents with anorexia nervosa, our first-line treatment is Family-Based Treatment (FBT, also called the Maudsley approach). FBT empowers parents to lead refeeding at home, with the therapist serving as a coach. Multiple randomized controlled trials show FBT produces better outcomes than individual therapy for adolescent anorexia, with full remission rates around 40–50% at end of treatment and roughly two-thirds at long-term follow-up [2]. We also adapt FBT for adolescent bulimia and ARFID.

When clients present with eating disorder symptoms alongside emotion regulation difficulties, self-harm, or borderline traits, we add DBT skills work. Body image distress almost always outlasts behavioral recovery, so we incorporate direct body image exposure work (mirror, clothing, photos) as a standard part of treatment — not an optional add-on.

We require coordination with a medical provider for ongoing vital sign and lab monitoring; this is non-negotiable for safety. If outpatient care isn't enough — based on weight, labs, vital signs, or severity of behavior — we refer to a higher level of care (intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, or residential) and resume working with you when you step back down. Crown's clinicians are weight-inclusive and HAES-informed; we don't use language or interventions that reinforce the disorder.