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Compassionate Outpatient Family-Based Treatment for Adolescents and Teens with Anorexia, Achieve Recovery with Nutrition Therapy in Colorado and Washington


Get specialized eating disorder support to help your teen achieve full recovery from anorexia and holistic well-being. Our certified dietitians provide medical nutrition therapy and compassionate care to guide you toward lasting healing. We will empower you to reclaim food and body trust and freedom,  embracing life with a renewed sense of wellness and vitality.

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Outpatient Treatment and Medical Nutrition Therapy for Teens with Anorexia:

At Side By Side Nutrition, our team of certified medical nutrition therapy dietitians offers personalized family-based treatment nutrition counseling tailored specifically for teens struggling with anorexia and other eating disorders. We collaborate with both parents/caregivers and adolescents to facilitate a cooperative and team-based approach to family-based treatment.

Our objective is to equip and empower parents/caregivers and teens with the essential tools and insights necessary to navigate the complexities of eating disorder recovery. Through fostering open communication, providing education, establishing a foundation of trust, and working with the family to create an individualized plan, our family-based treatment and nutrition counseling program is crafted to address the distinct requirements of each family, creating a supportive atmosphere for healing and fostering lasting and positive relationships with food and body image.

 

Our approach is grounded in a holistic philosophy that prioritizes behaviors, and overall well-being, fostering a positive relationship with food and our bodies, and practicing self-compassion rather than fixating on numbers. This philosophy forms the foundation of values-aligned, intuitive, sustainable health and well-being. Our focus lies in assisting clients in cultivating a sustainable, empathetic, respectful, and trusting connection with food, body image, and self.

Our dietitians are based in Colorado Springs and Fort Collins, Colorado, as well as Woodinville, Washington, and we work with patients from all over the state and country providing in-person and online nutrition counseling.

 
 

Treatment for Anorexia in Teens with Expert Dietitian Nutritionists:

At Side By Side Nutrition, our nutrition therapy for teens grappling with anorexia is a personalized and nuanced approach that acknowledges the distinctive needs of each individual and their family. The determination of the extent of family involvement is made through a thorough assessment, enabling us to choose the most effective approach for sustainable recovery. This may encompass individual support for the teen, with varying degrees of family engagement, ranging from some family assistance to extensive collaboration with caregivers.

In our individual therapy, tailored for holistic healing in conditions like Anorexia, we adopt a comprehensive approach:

  • A Comprehensive Initial Assessment: Our holistic approach begins with a detailed assessment. We explore the teen’s past and present relationship with food, body image, as well as health history and exercise history. Together, we establish goals and aspirations. This shapes our partnership in your teen’s recovery. For those diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa, we prioritize holistic healing by nurturing a positive relationship with food and body.

  • Build Trust in the Body’s Natural Cues: Breaking free from the distress cycle associated with eating disorders, we embark on a transformative journey to cultivate trust in the body's natural cues, fostering freedom and openness in life. Targeted interventions address the root causes of disordered eating, liberating your teen from the constraints of Anorexia Nervosa.

  • Shift Body Image Perception: Beyond symptom management, our focus extends to instilling a profound shift in body image perception, encouraging self-acceptance, and dismantling mental and emotional barriers imposed by the eating disorder. Follow-up sessions involve examining the relationship with food and body, addressing challenges, and co-creating individualized tools.

  • Continued Support: Throughout the journey, we offer unwavering support, celebrating progress, and standing by teens during the inevitable ups and downs. Our mission encompasses not only eating disorder recovery but also cultivating a life aligned with their values.

Family-Based Treatment (FBT) for anorexia:

A modified version of FBT might be the best approach for your teen’s recovery from anorexia. This is one of the most successful treatment approaches for children and teens struggling with anorexia. There are three phases of FBT:

  • PHASE 1: Parental Management and Weight Restoration: Parents or caregivers take charge of planning, preparing, and plating all meals and snacks, focusing on adequate nutrition and weight restoration if needed.

  • PHASE 2: Gradual Return of Control to the Teen/Adolescent: As eating disorder behaviors subside and weight is restored, the teen/adolescent gradually participates in choosing or preparing some meals or snacks.

  • PHASE 3: Establishing Healthy Independence: Treatment may shift towards helping the teen/adolescent develop identity and independence while being free of the eating disorder, moving towards a life that is rich, meaningful, and aligned with their values.

As a parent/caregiver with a teen with anorexia, it’s fundamental to understand that recovering from an eating disorder is different for everyone. There is no set timeframe, and FBT requires active participation by parents and caregivers. This option might not be for everyone. Talk to a dietitian nutritionist and family therapist to determine if this is the best route for you and your family.

 
 

How to prevent anorexia in teens:

Preventing anorexia in teens involves promoting a healthy body image, fostering open communication, and encouraging balanced eating habits. Talk to teens about the dangers of dieting, social media, and the diet culture. Talk about food, nutrition, and nourishment, steering clear of “good foods” and “bad foods.” Be mindful of your language. How do you talk about your body? About food? Parents, teachers, caregivers, and coaches are models of how to talk about bodies and model great eating habits. Find joy in eating! Be attentive to signs of stress, anxiety, or low self-esteem. Make physical activity a family affair. It should be something everyone can share, instead of a weight control mechanism. Provide support networks for emotional challenges.

Prevention begins at home.

Eating Disorder and Anorexia Risk Factors in Teens:

Eating disorders can arise from a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors, impacting individuals of all ages, including children. While certain factors may heighten the chance of developing an eating disorder in teens and children, it's important to note that these don't guarantee it will happen, and various factors may influence an individual's vulnerability.

Potential risk factors for eating disorders in teens and children include:

  • genetic predisposition

  • psychological traits such as perfectionism or low self-esteem

  • societal pressures regarding ideal body images

  • influence from peers

  • involvement in dieting or weight concerns

  • participation in certain sports or activities

  • exposure to childhood trauma

  • parental influence

  • pre-existing mental health conditions

  • the bodily changes that occur during puberty

Recognizing the complexity of eating disorders is crucial, understanding that not every young person with these risk factors will develop such conditions, and a mix of different elements contributes to their risk profile. Early intervention, open communication, and a supportive atmosphere are key in lessening these risks and promoting a positive body image and healthy relationship with food in teenagers and adolescents.

 
 

The Role of Families in Eating Disorder Treatment and Recovery in Adolescents and Teens:

In the treatment of eating disorders for adolescents and teens, the family plays a central role, working in tandem with dietitians to support their child's recovery. Families provide crucial emotional support, participate collaboratively in the therapeutic process, and actively contribute to meal planning and support. Education on eating disorders and awareness of potential triggers equip families to create a supportive environment. Effective communication within the family, addressing dynamics related to food and body image, and establishing healthy boundaries contribute to a positive atmosphere. Families encourage treatment adherence, help identify triggers, and support emotional regulation, playing a key role in relapse prevention. Through this collaborative approach, families become essential partners in fostering a nurturing environment that promotes the overall well-being and sustained recovery of their adolescents and teens.

 
 

What does a dietitian do for ED?

 

Our devoted team of nutrition experts specializing in eating disorders is dedicated to guiding clients toward a journey of healing that transcends fear and shame. By addressing concerns around food and dismantling negative body image perceptions and behaviors, we empower clients to reclaim ownership of their relationships with food and body and to shift their outlook, beliefs, and behaviors towards love, respect, and acceptance. This transformation paves the way for sustainable recovery and lasting wellbeing. Together, we strive to eradicate feelings of shame related to food and body image, identify triggers that fuel self-doubt, and nurture a trusting relationship with both food and body, creating space for our authentic selves and true values to emerge and thrive.

Recognizing that each individual holds the key to their own healing journey, our diverse team of medical nutrition specialists facilitates a process of self-exploration and empowerment. Recovery from an eating disorder and disorder eating extends beyond overcoming the eating disorder; it involves cultivating a rich and empowered life through healing around food and body image.

A full treatment team is recommended in order to provide effective care. Your dietitian at Side by Side can help refer you to other care providers.

  • A dietitian can assist in developing and adjusting a suitable meal plan, offer educational resources, facilitate exposure to diverse foods to broaden variety, provide exercise recommendations, help with body image struggles, aid in challenging eating disorder thought patterns and much more.

  • A FBT family therapist who has been trained specifically in FBT can with the family to provide support for challenges, help teach coping skills, provide guidance, and more.

  • A PCP that is ideally educated on eating disorder can help regularly monitor vital signs, weight, labs, and any other tests recommended.

  • Other providers, such as a psychiatrist or therapists for other family members, may be recommended.

 

What does nutrition therapy include?

 

A Comprehensive Initial Assessment

Our holistic approach begins with an in-depth initial evaluation, delving into your individual needs by exploring your history with food, body image, and overall health. With your consent, we engage in a collaborative process to grasp your objectives and hopes for our collaboration and your journey toward full recovery.

 

Build Trust in the Body’s Natural Cues

Our approach is centered on breaking free from the constant thoughts and behaviors associated with the eating disorder that keep individuals stuck in a cycle of distress. Together, we embark on a transformative journey to build trust in the body's natural cues and become intuitive and trusting eaters, allowing for a renewed sense of freedom and openness in life.

 

Go Beyond Symptom Management - Shift Body Image Perception

Our focus goes beyond merely managing symptoms; we aim to facilitate a profound transformation in how body image is perceived, fostering self-acceptance and a genuine appreciation for one's unique self. By breaking down the mental and emotional barriers imposed by the eating disorder, we empower our clients to embrace a life free from never-ending negative food and body image thoughts, nurturing a newfound sense of joy, purpose, and opportunity. Follow-up sessions are central to our collaborative efforts. We thoroughly explore your connection with food and body, addressing obstacles and co-creating personalized strategies. We delve into body image examination, dismantling external pressures of food and body negativity, and establishing supportive frameworks as necessary. Our objective is to assist you in broadening the spectrum and adaptability of your eating habits, learning to nuture and tend to your body's signals of hunger and satisfaction, and cultivating a joyful relationship with both food and body.

 

Continued Support

Throughout your journey, we offer unwavering support, navigating the inevitable ups and downs. We celebrate your progress and stand by you as you cross the finish line. Our mission is not only eating disorder recovery but also the cultivation of a life that is rich, meaningful, and fully aligned with your values. We believe in the importance of this journey and the therapeutic relationship, and our dedicated dietitians are here to guide you every step of the way.

 

TESTIMONIALS

Testimonials List

Recent “graduate” from Side by Side Nutrition. I started working with SBSN to figure out how food worked after having an eating disorder for years. And I’m so happy I got so much more than that! SBSN introduced me to Self-Compassion and met me with an approach that never included shaming me. I looked forward to our sessions every week, even if I hadn’t done any of my work, because I knew she’d be understanding and work with me to figure out what I needed to make it happen. And none of that compassion and presence was lost when we had to switch to telehealth. When I started, I didn’t think healing from an eating disorder was possible. And I never in my wildest dreams imagined that I’d come out of it with an unshakable love for my body (certainly not a plus size body with chronic illness)! I’m so glad circumstances sent me here because I know I wouldn’t have gotten to this place with my previous dietician! I am STRONG, I am CONFIDENT, and I am in LOVE with myself! Thank you so much for helping me on my journey here! It wasn’t easy, but it was so worth it!

— Michaela Myers

I worked with SBSN at Side by Side after an eating disorder diagnosis, and it changed my life for the better. The entire team is incredibly supportive, patient, and full of resources. There's a lot of confusion out there about dieticians and nutritionists, and I'm lucky to have found a place that helped me the way no one ever had. I thought recovery was impossible for me, but it's not! You just have to find the right people, and that can take some digging. Side by Side is the real deal.

— Melanie Smith

As the director of an eating disorder outpatient clinic, licensed psychologist, and certified eating disorders specialist, I am extremely picky about the dietitians my team and I will collaborate with. I can say with full confidence that my team completely trusts Jamie Magdic and her entire team of dietitians. Jamie is incredibly compassionate and dedicated to her patients, in addition to being extremely knowledgeable . Side By Side Nutrition is one of our clinic's top picks for nutrition therapy. They are excellent, know eating disorders, and are actually weight-inclusive and HAES-informed. I would trust Side By Side Nutrition with any patient with any diagnosis in any stage of recovery.

— Dr. Janean Anderson

I started working with SBSN after 20 years of disordered eating and 3 years of eating disorder treatment. My RDs were always focused on my weight restoration and how I felt food, but never really got how I felt about my body. I have made bigger strides in recovery working with SBSN than I ever did with any other RD. SBSN is kind, compassionate, non-judgemental, and easy to relate to. I felt comfortable with SBSN starting from day 1. To quote my therapist, SBSN is a unicorn and you won't find anyone like them!

— Alexandria McCombs

When I started working with SBSN, I had been struggling with my eating disorder for over six years. I had worked with RDs and therapists before, but they solely focused on weight restoration and not the mental aspect of recovery, so I stayed stuck in my disorder while in a "recovered" body. SBSN's approach was unlike any other RD or eating disorder specialist I had worked with before in that she treats her clients as whole, multifaceted people and addresses so much more than just the food piece of recovery. They helped me to constantly challenge my eating disorder and tackle food fears while also teaching me about the importance of self care and self compassion in recovery and how I could incorporate these into my life. I truly feel that my work with SBSN not only helped me win my battle against my eating disorder but helped me to be a stronger, happier, healthier person in general now that I have those self care tools. It was so refreshing to work with someone with a holistic approach to eating disorders and body image issues and I cannot recommend working with her enough! Thank you so much SBSN for your support!

— Kacey

SBSN gave me peace and restoration in my mind, body, and life. I had deeply rooted issues surrounding food and my body, and I thought I would never recover from my concerns. I had my reservations about meeting a dietician on my first appointment, but the therapy is never diet-focused, and focused more on client-centered care and recovery. They tailor therapy sessions around your goals and comfort. They provide many resources for her clients to guide them through each phase of recovery. I will never forget SBSN, they were an essential factor in my recovery.

— Lauren

I am so thankful to this organization, they are helping me out so much in so many different areas. My dietitian is an outstanding registered dietitian to work with and Jamie has jumped hoops to make sure that I could get into this program and I am so humbled by their partnering care! I love the inviting and accepting feel of the staff and overall office feel, from when I walk in the doors through when I walk out after my appointment every time I come. I truly don’t know where I’d be if I didn’t have Side by Side guiding me through my healing journey. My eyes well with gratitude for this practice as I write this review! Thank you!!!

— Mary Sanders

Our team of Expert Dietitian Nutritionists Have Been Featured In:

 

Our Team of Dietitian Nutritionists, Expert ED and Medical Nutrition Counselors

 

The Side by Side Nutrition team has a team of 12+ outpatient registered dietitians. We provide online nutrition counseling to patients in Colorado and around the country. We offer one-on-one and family nutrition counseling for patients either online or in person, with offices located in Colorado Springs and Fort Collins. We specialize in eating disorder recovery and body image healing.

RD - Registered Dietitian
RDN - Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
MS - Masters of Science

As specialists in ED nutrition counseling our mission is rooted in compassion. We:  

  • Strive to create a safe and nurturing space for individuals on their journey to wellness. 

  • Understand the profound impact that eating disorders can have on one's life.

  • Are committed to fostering a supportive community where every client feels seen, heard, and understood. 

  • Work from an intuitive eating, HAES (Health at Every Size) Informed Approach.

  • Believe everyone has the right to high-quality care – accessibility and inclusivity are at the core of our values.

  • Stand firm in our belief in the possibility of full recovery. 

  • Continually invest in our education to stay at the forefront of the field.

  • Are committed to ongoing learning.

  • Channel all our resources into becoming the best eating disorder nutritionist counselors.

  • Are dedicated to guiding our clients toward a life of lasting health and empowerment.

 

We Accept Insurance:

We are committed to ensuring that our clients have access to healthcare, and we make every effort to facilitate this. We accept insurance plans such as BlueCross Blue Shield (Anthem/Regence), United HealthCare (Optum), Aetna, and Cigna.

 
 

Dietitian for ED and Medical Nutrition Therapy FAQ

 

What age is most likely to have anorexia?

Anorexia can affect individuals of all ages, but it often begins during adolescence or early adulthood. However, people of any age can develop anorexia.

What causes anorexia in teens?

The causes of anorexia in teens are multifaceted and can include societal pressures, body image concerns, genetic factors, family dynamics, and psychological triggers.

How common is anorexia in teens?

Anorexia is relatively common in teens, with many cases going undiagnosed. The prevalence highlights the importance of awareness and early intervention.

How many teens in the U.S. have anorexia?

Exact numbers are challenging to determine, but it is estimated that a significant number of teens in the U.S. experience anorexia. Cases may be underreported or undiagnosed.

How to prevent anorexia in teens?

Preventing anorexia involves fostering a positive body image, promoting healthy eating habits, open communication, and addressing societal pressures. Early education, awareness, and support from a team is key.

Why is anorexia becoming more common in adolescents?

The increase in anorexia among adolescents is attributed to various factors, including societal pressures, unrealistic body standards, social media influence, and increased awareness. Early intervention and addressing contributing factors are crucial in mitigating this trend.

What insurance plans do you accept?

Side By Side Nutrition is in network with Cigna, Cigna Localplus, Aetna, BlueCross Blue Shield (Anthem/Regence), UMR, and United Healthcare. Prior to your visit, please call your insurance company to check your benefits. We can not guarantee coverage. For other insurance companies, we are out-of-network providers. This means we can provide you a superbill to submit to insurance for possible reimbursement. SBS can not submit superbills without a medical diagnosis. Payment is due at time of service for folxs using out of network benefits.

How does treatment work? What does a typical session look like?

An outpatient team consists of a dietitian, therapist, and primary care physician at minimum. Sessions are highly individualized and change from week to week depending on the needs, goals, behaviors, and journey of each client. Our dietitians are constantly assessing the needs, progress, safety, and next steps with their client’s short and long term goals in mind. 

An outpatient team works collaboratively to ensure clients get the best care for their recovery while staying in their day to day life. Clients in eating disorder recovery being treated on the outpatient level will typically visit with their dietitians 1-2x/week, therapist 1-2x/week, PCP monthly, and psychiatrist as needed.

I don’t live in Colorado, can we still work together?

Absolutely! We are passionate about making care accessible for you and offer telehealth services and online nutrition therapy when appropriate. We will meet via a HIPAA-compliant video conference platform and communicate between sessions using email. 

We provide nutrition counseling to clients from around the county. 

Do you work with children and adolescents?

Dietitians at Side By Side Nutrition work with teens and adolescents ages around 9+ and up. With treating adolescents for an eating disorder, we typically use a modified family based treatment approach which involves treating the entire family. You can learn more about Family Based Treatment for eating disorders here.

How do I get started?

You can schedule directly online here!

You can also contact us to help you schedule via our contact form here.

If you have any questions about working with us or scheduling, feel free to contact us via email or phone: contact@sidebysidenutrition.com or call us at 708-717-7394.