Online ARFID Therapy in New York and Florida
Private-pay, specialized therapy for teens and adults struggling with avoidant or restrictive eating — even if others call it “just picky eating.”
You’re Not “Just a Picky Eater.” You’re Stuck — and Exhausted.
Stephanie Van Schaick, LMHC, C-DBT, CIMHP
Eating Disorder and Trauma Therapist
• 10+ years working with eating disorders
• Specialized in private-pay care
• Serving NY & FL virtually
It might look small from the outside.
But every meal feels stressful.
You want to eat normally.
Maybe you’re even hungry.
But something in your body says no.
Textures.
Smells.
Fear of choking.
Fear of gagging.
Fear of getting sick.
So you avoid.
You stick to “safe foods.”
You skip events.
You plan your day around what feels manageable.
And your world slowly gets smaller.
You may feel embarrassed.
Frustrated.
Misunderstood.
Other people might say:
“Just try a bite.”
“You’ll grow out of it.”
“Stop being dramatic.”
But ARFID isn’t about being difficult.
It’s about fear — and your nervous system being on high alert around food.
Not Sure If This Is ARFID?
You don’t need a formal diagnosis to begin therapy.
ARFID often looks like:
• Eating only a small range of “safe” foods
• Avoiding certain textures, colors, or smells
• Fear of choking, vomiting, or getting sick
• Skipping social events because of food anxiety
• Weight loss or difficulty gaining weight appropriately
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Feeling intense anxiety around meals
ARFID can develop after:
• A traumatic choking experience
• Severe anxiety
• Sensory sensitivities
• Illness
• Long-term food avoidance
Many teens and adults with ARFID appear high-functioning.
But internally, meals feel overwhelming.
You don’t have to wait until your health declines to get help.
ARFID therapy focuses on reducing fear around food while expanding safety and flexibility at a manageable pace.
What Is ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder)?
ARFID is a clinically recognized eating disorder characterized by persistent food avoidance that leads to nutritional, medical, or psychosocial consequences.
Unlike anorexia or bulimia, ARFID is not driven by body image concerns.
It is rooted in:
• Fear-based responses
• Sensory sensitivities
• Anxiety
• Trauma
• Avoidance patterns
ARFID is not about willpower.
It is about a nervous system that feels unsafe around food.
Early intervention can prevent long-term health and social complications.
Structured, evidence-based therapy significantly improves outcomes.
My Approach to ARFID Therapy
My work goes beyond “just trying new foods.”
We move at a pace that feels manageable — but structured.
In our sessions, we will:
• Identify the root of your food fear (sensory, emotional, traumatic)
• Understand how avoidance is reinforcing anxiety
• Slowly expand your tolerance using evidence-based exposure strategies
• Address perfectionism or control patterns when present
• Strengthen emotional regulation skills
• Build sustainable, balanced eating patterns
• Reclaim confidence and autonomy around food
My approach is:
• Structured
• Collaborative
• Evidence-based
• Trauma-informed
Sessions are typically held weekly to support steady progress.
I provide virtual therapy throughout New York and Florida.
This May Be a Good Fit If:
• You feel trapped in food avoidance
• You are tired of your world shrinking
• You want specialized eating disorder treatment
• You value privacy and individualized care
• You are ready for consistent weekly therapy
• You are willing to invest in private-pay treatment
Where I Provide Online ARFID Therapy
• New York (statewide)
• New York City
• Long Island
• Florida
Start ARFID Therapy Today
You are not broken.
You are not dramatic.
And you are not alone.
If you’re ready to feel more confident and steady around food, I invite you to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.
Most clients feel relief even after the first conversation.
ARFID Therapy FAQs:
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ARFID goes beyond typical picky eating. While many people have preferences, ARFID involves significant anxiety, fear, or sensory distress that interferes with nutrition, health, or daily functioning. It can lead to weight changes, nutritional deficiencies, and social avoidance. ARFID is a recognized eating disorder and often requires structured therapeutic support.
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Treatment involves identifying the root of the avoidance and gradually expanding tolerance to feared foods using evidence-based exposure strategies. We also address anxiety, trauma, and emotional regulation skills that may be maintaining the cycle. Therapy is structured but collaborative, and paced appropriately for each client.
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Yes. ARFID can affect both teens and adults. While it often begins in childhood, many adults continue struggling silently. Virtual therapy provides a flexible and supportive way to address food anxiety at any age.
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I am a private-pay provider and do not accept insurance directly. Many clients choose private-pay therapy for increased privacy, flexibility, and specialized care. I can provide a superbill upon request that you may submit to your insurance company for possible out-of-network reimbursement.
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Sessions are typically held weekly to support steady, measurable progress. As treatment progresses, we can reassess frequency based on your goals and stability.
