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Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), often conceptualized as “extreme picky eating,” is an eating disorder characterized by highly selective eating habits, disturbed feeding patterns, and/or food aversion that may be due to lack of interest, fear of medical consequences, and/or sensory sensitivities.

Unlike cases of anorexia and bulimia, ARFID does not typically involve poor body image, body dysmorphia, or a drive to be thin. Because of this unique presentation, Walden has launched an ARFID Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) designed to meet the needs of our ARFID patents and their families.

Therapy Designed to Treat ARFID

In Walden’s ARFID-IOP, your child will benefit from treatment specifically designed to meet their needs. We utilize CBT-AR, a unique approach to CBT therapy created by ARFID experts at Massachusetts General Hospital. MGH’s experts also provide our team with training and regular group supervision.

Family Support: Like all eating disorders, ARFID impacts the entire family. Family involvement is a key component to successful treatment outcomes. That’s why Walden is dedicated to supporting a patient’s family while they’re in care. Our ARFID IOP offers three mixed-family therapeutic groups each week.

Ages: Walden’s ARFID IOP is open to children and adolescents ages 10-17.

ARFID IOP Program Elements:

• Staff trained to support ARFID patients and their families
• Individualized nutritional support
• Case management
• Three multi-family therapeutic groups each week

Schedule: Walden’s ARFID IOP is offered through Walden’s HIPAA-compliant virtual program. Groups meet Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3:45 pm – 6:45 pm