Assessing for Appropriate Level of Care

We will start our by assessing the level of support you need to keep yourself safe. Eating disorders are deadly illnesses, and we want to ensure you are receiving the best possible care for where you currently are. Sometimes this may mean you need a Higher Level of Care (HLOC) such as Inpatient, Residential, Partial Hospitalization or Intensive Outpatient. We are aware this can be intimidating and scary. However, if a HLOC is needed, we will work collaboratively with you to make sure we find you the safest and best fit possible for you and your needs.

Building an Outpatient Team

If you and our STG therapist determine that we are a good fit for outpatient eating disorder therapy, we will work with you to help you establish the other necessary team members to support you in your recovery. Every person has different needs on their recovery journey, and we take that into consideration when making recommendations. Commonly, outpatient eating disorder treatment is comprised of a team with an eating disorder therapist, a registered dietitian who specializes in eating disorders, a medical doctor and a psychiatrist. At Stark Therapy Group, we only offer the therapy component. However, our therapists are happy to offer recommendations and referrals for other team members. We are happy to collaborate with your other team members and ensure that we are collectively providing you the best care possible.

Why a registered dietitian?

We usually recommend you are also assessed by an Eating Disorder specialized Registered Dietitian (RD). Dietitians are helpful in providing guidance around the specifics of establishing regular and adequate patterns of eating. This process looks different for everyone. We recommend dietitians who operate from a Health At Every Size and Intuitive Eating lens. They can also help you troubleshoot specific questions you have about nutrition science and help you debunk the lies that diet culture has engrained in you. An RD can help you navigate specific nutritional deficiencies, allergies or specific nutritional needs you might have.

Why a medical doctor?

Eating disorders are mental illnesses that can severely compromise one’s physical health, even resulting in death. Eating disorders have the second highest mortality rate of all mental illnesses. Because of the serious connection between eating disorder behaviors and physical health, we may recommend you see your PCP or an MD who specializes in treating eating disorders. We might ask some folks to receive medical clearance for being treated at an outpatient level, and others may need on-going medical oversight.

We want to acknowledge that people of size, people of color, and trans and nonbinary folks have disproportionately been harmed in healthcare settings. If you have experienced harmful medical care and are worried about returning to the doctor, we hear you. We understand. As your eating disorder therapist, we are committed to supporting you, helping advocate for you, and empowering you to advocate for yourself as you navigate going to the doctor.

Why a psychiatrist?

As therapists, we are unable to prescribe any psychotropic medications. Psychiatrists (and sometimes primary care physicians) are able to prescribe and oversee any medications that might be necessary to help you in your recovery journey. We are happy to support you as you find and see a psychiatrist.

Reminder: You are not alone!

We are happy to help you find other team members. We are happy to collaborate with each member of your care team to help ensure you receive the best, comprehensive, and collaborative care.

You are your own best advocate!

We will never assume to know more about your experience than you do. YOU are the expert of your story, and everyone’s story and recovery journey is unique.

Our Therapists

Our team of diverse therapists work from a Health at Every Size and Fat Positive perspective, which we believe is vital to eating disorder recovery for every individual, no matter their size. We see people virtually throughout all of California, and we see people in-person in our beautiful office in Tustin, California.

We are here to answer any questions you may have and help get you started on our recovery journey! Reach out to us today to embark on your recovery journey. You’re worth it!

Services:

Stark Therapy Group offers therapy for all types of eating disorders, including Anorexia, Binge Eating Disorder and Bulimia. We offer a 3-tiered family based support for teens in eating disorder recovery. We also provide cutting edge trauma therapy called Brainspotting. We treat anxiety, depression and general mental health conditions. We offer 3-tiered family based support for teens with general mental health issues. We offer culturally competent therapy for BIPOC folks. We also offer couples therapy. We would love to help you on your mental health journey. Reach out today for a free consultation!