ARFID is an eating disorder not related to body image, but to avoidance, fear, or low interest in food.

Do parents/caregivers attend sessions?

Yes. In Family-Based Treatment (FBT) parents and/or caregivers play an active role and are involved throughout the process.

How do I know if my child needs therapy?

If eating has become stressful, limited, or confusing to manage, it's worth having a conversation.

Is picky eating the same as an eating disorder?

Not always. But when eating becomes very limited or starts impacting daily life, it may be something more.

Do you offer virtual therapy?

Yes, we offer in-person in Mount Pleasant or virtual across South Carolina.

Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) Therapy in Mount Pleasant, SC

Support for children, teens, adults, and families navigating eating challenges

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Struggling with Picky Eating or Limited Foods?

If your child (or you) only eats a small number of foods, refuses to try new things, or seems to have little interest in eating at all, you’re not alone.

What may look like “picky eating” can sometimes go beyond typical preferences. For some, eating is limited by strong sensitivities to textures, smells, or appearance. For others, it may be driven by fear of choking, vomiting, or getting sick, or simply lack of appetite or interest in food.

When eating becomes restricted or inconsistent, it may be something more, often referred to as Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).

Not sure if this is typical picky eating or something more? We can help you understand what’s going on and what kind of support may help.

Schedule a free consultation

Looking for broader eating disorder support? Visit our Eating Disorder Treatment page.

Support for ARFID: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for ARFID (CBT-AR)

Some children, teens, and adults struggle with eating in a way that isn’t related to body image, but instead involves strong food preferences, sensory sensitivities, or fear around eating.

This is often referred to as Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT-AR) is an evidence-based approach designed to help individuals gradually expand what feels possible with food, while reducing anxiety and building confidence over time. Progress is gradual and paced in a way that feels manageable and not overwhelming.

How CBT-AR Helps

This approach may be helpful if:

You or your child won’t eat or eats a very limited range of foods
Meals are stressful or involve refusal, avoidance, or anxiety
Certain textures, smells, or appearances are overwhelming
There is fear around choking, vomiting, or trying new food
Eating habits are impacting nutrition, growth, or daily life

Not sure if this is picky eating or something more? We can help you figure that out.

Schedule a free consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime.

ARFID is an eating disorder not related to body image, but to avoidance, fear, or low interest in food.
Yes. In Family-Based Treatment (FBT) parents and/or caregivers play an active role and are involved throughout the process.
If eating has become stressful, limited, or confusing to manage, it’s worth having a conversation.
Not always. But when eating becomes very limited or starts impacting daily life, it may be something more.
Yes, we offer in-person in Mount Pleasant or virtual across South Carolina.