ARFID therapy · Atlanta & virtual

ARFID therapy for when eating feels stressful

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is more than picky eating. It can involve a very limited range of foods, sensory avoidance, or anxiety around meals. We offer structured, evidence-based treatment.

Who we see

Kids, teens & adults

Approach

Gradual exposure

Sessions

In person or virtual

Location

Atlanta, GA

Does this sound familiar?

ARFID is restricted or avoidant eating that isn't driven by body image concerns. Many people have a mix of sensory, fear-based, and low-interest patterns.

Eating a very limited number of foods
Avoiding foods because of texture, smell, or look
Fear of choking, vomiting, or getting sick
Little interest in eating, or feeling full fast
Strong reactions to new or unfamiliar foods
Stress or avoidance around meals with others

The cycle of avoidance

ARFID is often closely linked to anxiety, and can overlap with OCD, sensory sensitivities, or autism spectrum traits.

Avoiding a food brings relief, but it makes the fear stronger over time.

  1. 1Food feels unsafe. Or uncomfortable, because of texture, smell, or a past experience.
  2. 2Anxiety rises. Eating it feels like too much.
  3. 3Avoidance or restriction. Sticking to a few "safe" foods.
  4. 4Temporary relief. The distress drops, for now.
  5. ↻Fear grows. The list of safe foods can get smaller.

How we treat it

Gradual, structured, and supportive

The goal isn't to force eating. It's to make eating feel safer and more manageable, at a pace that builds success without overwhelm.

01

Initial consultation

Understanding your eating patterns and challenges.

02

A food ladder

A step-by-step plan from easier foods to harder ones.

03

Gradual exposure

Trying new or feared foods, with effort and progress reinforced.

04

Family support

Tools for parents to use at home between sessions.

Who we help

We work with children, teens, adults, and families, including:

Children

Kids with extreme picky eating, with parents closely involved.

Teens & adults

Food avoidance or long-standing restrictive eating and food-related anxiety.

Families

Help responding to food refusal and taking pressure off mealtimes.

Common questions

Is ARFID just picky eating?

No. Many kids are picky for a while. ARFID involves a very limited range of foods or fear-based avoidance that causes real stress and can affect health, growth, or social life.

How are parents involved?

For children, parent involvement is essential. We help you respond to food refusal, reduce pressure at meals, and support practice at home.

Do you offer virtual sessions?

Yes. We see clients in person at our Atlanta office and virtually.

How do I get started?

Fill out our short New Patient Screener Form and we'll reach out within 24–48 hours to schedule your free consultation. You can also call us at (404) 462-5533.

Build a calmer relationship with food

Start with a short screener, and we'll follow up to set up your consultation.

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