Frequently Asked Questions About Online Eating Disorder & Trauma Therapy
If you're considering therapy, you probably have questions.
Here are answers to the most common ones I hear from clients in New York and Florida.
Stephanie Van Schaick, LMHC, C-DBT, CIMHP
Eating Disorder Therapist & Trauma Therapist
Eating Disorder Questions
How do I know if I have an eating disorder?
You do not have to meet a specific weight or “look sick” to have an eating disorder. If your thoughts feel consumed by food, weight, calories, or your body — or if eating feels chaotic, rigid, or shame-filled — that is enough to seek support.
Common signs include:
Obsessing over calories, macros, or “clean” eating
Restricting and then losing control
Feeling guilt or shame after eating
Avoiding social events because food is involved
Feeling disconnected from hunger and fullness cues
If you are asking this question, that alone is worth exploring in therapy.
Do I need to be underweight to get help?
No. Eating disorders exist at every body size.
You do not need to be underweight, hospitalized, or in crisis to deserve help. In fact, early intervention significantly improves long-term recovery outcomes.
If food, body image, or control around eating is impacting your life, you qualify for support.
What type of therapy is best for eating disorders?
Evidence-based treatment is essential.
I use structured approaches including:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Exposure-based work
Cognitive Processing Therapy (when trauma is present)
Treatment focuses on:
Normalizing eating patterns
Reducing binge/purge cycles
Increasing flexibility around food
Decreasing body image distress
Addressing underlying anxiety or trauma
Eating disorder therapy is not vague “talk therapy.” It is structured and goal-oriented.
Learn more about my approach to Eating Disorder Therapy.
How long does eating disorder therapy take?
There is no one-size-fits-all timeline.
Most clients attend sessions once per week. Some benefit from twice weekly early in treatment.
Recovery depends on:
How long symptoms have been present
Whether trauma or anxiety is involved
Consistency in treatment
We regularly assess progress together and adjust as needed.
Is online eating disorder therapy effective?
Yes.
Research supports telehealth as an effective treatment option for eating disorders. I conduct online sessions the same way I would in person — structured, interactive, and focused.
Many clients prefer online therapy because:
It reduces travel time
It allows privacy
It fits into busy schedules
I provide online eating disorder therapy throughout New York (including New York City and Long Island) and Florida (including Central Florida and surrounding areas).
Trauma Therapy Questions
What kind of therapy helps with trauma?
Trauma treatment should be structured and evidence-based.
I use Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and other trauma-informed approaches to help clients:
Process traumatic experiences safely
Reduce shame and self-blame
Challenge unhelpful beliefs
Build emotional regulation skills
You do not have to relive every detail of your trauma to heal.
Learn more about Trauma Therapy here.
What does unprocessed trauma look like?
Unprocessed trauma can show up as:
Chronic anxiety
Perfectionism
Control struggles
Emotional numbness
Irritability or reactivity
Eating disorder behaviors
For many individuals, food becomes a coping strategy for deeper emotional pain.
If trauma is part of your story, we address it strategically — without overwhelming you.
Is online trauma therapy effective?
Yes.
Trauma-focused therapy can be highly effective online when conducted in a structured and supportive environment.
Many clients feel safer processing trauma from the privacy of their own home.
I provide virtual trauma therapy throughout New York and Florida.
Online Therapy & Location Questions
Can I still get help if I am not local?
Yes.
I am licensed in the entire states of New York and Florida. That means if you live anywhere in those states, we can work together virtually.
This includes:
Upstate New York
Central Florida
Ocala and surrounding areas
Northern and Southern Florida
All sessions are conducted securely online.
Where do sessions take place?
Sessions are held virtually through a secure telehealth platform.
You simply need:
A private space
A stable internet connection
A device with a camera
Many clients attend sessions from home or during a quiet break in their workday.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
For most clients, yes.
The structure and therapeutic process remain the same. Online therapy often increases consistency because it removes travel barriers.
Consistency is one of the most important predictors of progress.
Fees, Insurance & Scheduling
Do you accept insurance?
I am an out-of-network provider.
Payment is made directly to my practice. I provide a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement.
If you are unsure about your out-of-network benefits, we can discuss that during your consultation call.
How do I seek reimbursement from my insurance company?
I provide a detailed superbill after payment.
You submit this to your insurance company according to their reimbursement process (often through an online portal).
If you have questions about how this works, I can guide you during our consultation.
How often are sessions held?
Most clients attend once per week.
In early treatment or during higher symptom severity, twice-weekly sessions may be recommended.
Consistency is key in eating disorder and trauma recovery.
Do you offer evening appointments?
Yes, I offer evening availability on select days. At this time, weekend appointments are not available.
Still Have Questions?
Starting therapy can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to figure it out alone.
We’ll spend 15 minutes on the phone discussing what’s going on and whether I’m the right fit for you.
Most clients tell me they feel relief even after the first conversation — especially when they realize they’re not alone in their struggle with eating disorders or trauma.