anorexia athletica treatment
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anorexia athletica treatment for adults and adolescents
Anorexia Athletica, also called sports or compulsive exercise disorder, is a condition in which individuals engage in excessive exercise and strict dietary restriction to control body weight or enhance athletic performance. This behavior can lead to physical injury, nutritional deficiencies, and mental health challenges. At Galen Hope, we provide specialized care for adolescents and adults struggling with Anorexia Athletica, helping clients restore balance between health, performance, and well-being.
what is anorexia athletica?
Anorexia Athletica is characterized by compulsive exercise and restrictive eating patterns, often driven by the desire to achieve a specific body image or athletic goal. Unlike typical fitness routines, this disorder involves overtraining, rigid dietary control, and significant distress when unable to exercise or follow dietary rules.
The condition can lead to serious consequences, including hormonal imbalances, fatigue, injury, weakened immunity, and emotional strain. Early recognition and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term physical and psychological complications.
our approach to anorexia athletica treatment
At Galen Hope, we use a multidisciplinary approach to treat Anorexia Athletica, combining therapy, nutritional guidance, and medical monitoring. Our team helps clients understand the physical and psychological effects of overtraining and restrictive eating, while developing healthier habits.
Therapists work to address underlying issues such as perfectionism, body image concerns, and anxiety. The goal is to create a sustainable balance between exercise, nutrition, and mental well-being, fostering long-term recovery and confidence in healthy lifestyle choices.
what anorexia athletica treatment might look like at galen hope
1. connect
Connect with us: A compassionate care coordinator will listen and help you take the first step towards healing and moving forward with your life.
2. Collaborate
Collaborate on your treatment plan: Our expert clinical team will design a personalized roadmap based on your goals, needs, and life circumstances.
3. Engage
Engage in our healing community: Participate in a structured, supportive treatment program alongside peers and professionals who understand trauma.
4. Healing
Begin your journey toward lasting healing: As symptoms ease, you will develop skills, insight, and a renewed sense of self to carry with you long after treatment ends.
typical anorexia athletica clients we work with
Galen Hope serves clients from across the United States and beyond, offering compassionate, expert care to individuals from states like: Florida, New York, Texas, California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Illinois, Wisconsin, Montana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Arizona, Tennessee, Washington, Maryland, Virginia, and more. Many clients travel nationally and internationally to receive personalized treatment in our welcoming, supportive environment. Our programs are designed to meet the diverse needs of those seeking deeper healing—no matter where they’re coming from.
At Galen Hope, we provide specialized care for adolescents, teens, college students, and adults struggling with anorexia athletica. Our programs address both the physical and emotional aspects of compulsive exercise and disordered eating, helping clients restore balance, build healthier habits, and improve overall well-being.
We also support clients from diverse backgrounds, including athletes, men and women, LGBTQ+ individuals, BIPOC and Latin/Hispanic communities, and those who have experienced trauma, grief, or life stressors. Families and caregivers can participate in treatment when appropriate, creating a supportive network that fosters lasting recovery and holistic health.
we invite you here to heal in your own very special way
At Galen Hope, every client is immediately acknowledged as an individual whose story may not be represented by traditional diagnostic criteria. We seek to fully understand their life experience and to provide them with an affirming environment where they feel accepted and supported.
For someone struggling with an eating disorder or mental illness, finding a place in the world, forming connections, developing meaning and purpose in life, and having day-to-day support is vital to better outcomes, long-term health, and well-being. We create a sense of community inside our doors, where we facilitate a commitment to recovery. We find tremendous meaning in bringing someone into our circle and helping them recognize the importance they play in it. It is through these relationships that healing takes place and clients begin to develop the skills to live both independently and in relation to others.
anorexia athletica faqs
how is Anorexia Athletica different from anorexia nervosa?
Anorexia Athletica focuses on excessive exercise and dietary restriction primarily to control body weight or enhance athletic performance, whereas anorexia nervosa typically centers on fear of weight gain and severe caloric restriction regardless of athletic goals. While both involve unhealthy eating and body image concerns, Anorexia Athletica is often masked as a “healthy” fitness routine. Both conditions can have serious physical and psychological consequences and require professional care.
what are the warning signs of Anorexia Athletica?
Warning signs include excessive or compulsive exercise, rigid workout schedules, skipping meals, over-restricting calories, and distress when unable to exercise. Physical signs can include fatigue, frequent injuries, hormonal imbalances, and low body weight. Emotional symptoms like anxiety, irritability, or obsession with body image may also be present.
how can excessive exercise lead to disordered eating?
Emotional or psychological factors often drive eating beyond physical hunger, such as stress, boredom, sadness, or anxiety. Compulsive overeating can become a learned coping mechanism to manage difficult emotions. Over time, this pattern can reinforce itself, creating cycles of emotional eating and guilt.
how can I tell if my exercise routine is unhealthy?
An exercise routine may be unhealthy if it causes pain, fatigue, or injury, or if you feel anxious or guilty when unable to work out. Obsessive focus on calories burned, strict adherence to exercise rules, and neglect of social or personal obligations are also warning signs. Consulting a professional can help determine whether your routine is safe and balanced.
what role does body image play in Anorexia Athletica?
Body image concerns often drive compulsive exercise and restrictive eating in Anorexia Athletica. Individuals may feel pressure to achieve a specific physique for athletic performance or social standards. Addressing body image and developing self-compassion is a central part of treatment.
can males experience anorexia athletica?
Yes, males can experience Anorexia Athletica, although it is sometimes under-recognized due to societal expectations around masculinity and exercise. Male identifying athletes may face similar pressures regarding performance and appearance, which can lead to unhealthy exercise and eating behaviors. Early recognition and treatment are crucial for all genders.
what’s the difference between an inpatient vs outpatient treatment center?
Inpatient centers provide 24/7 supervision, structured meals, and intensive therapy, which may be necessary for severe cases or medical complications. Outpatient centers, like Galen Hope, allow clients to live at home while attending regular therapy sessions, nutritional guidance, and medical check-ins. This model offers expert multidisciplinary support while integrating recovery into daily life.
how can I help a friend or family member with anorexia athletica?
Offer empathy and nonjudgmental support while encouraging them to seek professional help. Avoid focusing solely on exercise or weight, and instead emphasize overall health, balance, and well-being. Providing practical support, such as attending appointments or helping track behaviors, can also be helpful while maintaining patience and understanding.
does galen hope take insurance?
Yes. Galen Hope accepts insurance for mental health and eating disorder treatment. We are in-network with ComPsych, Claritev (formerly called Multiplan), Aetna, and Optum/UnitedHealthcare plans. We also work with many out-of-network insurance providers and offer benefit verification to help you understand your options.
What insurance plans does Galen Hope accept for eating disorder and mental health treatment?
Galen Hope is currently in-network with ComPsych, Multiplan, Aetna, and select Optum/UnitedHealthcare plans. Through our Optum contract, we may also be able to work with commercial plans such as UnitedHealthcare, AvMed, and Oscar. We also support many clients through out-of-network benefits with providers like Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Cigna, First Health, and others. To determine how your specific plan may apply to treatment, please contact us for a complimentary insurance verification.
Can I use out-of-network insurance to pay for treatment at Galen Hope?
In some instances, we can accept out-of-network (OON) as full payment while in others, we provide a scaled partial payment. This may also be connected with your out or pocket max, as well as co-pays and co-insurance. The degree to which out of network benefits cover the full cost of treatment varies greatly from policy to policy. In some instances it can serve as full payment, while others may cover a portion. In all cases, individuals using out of network benefits will be subject to paying their out-of-network deductible and other fees such as the out of pocket max, co-insurance or co-pays as dictated by your insurance policy.
Does Galen Hope help verify insurance benefits for treatment?
Absolutely. We offer free insurance benefit verification to help you understand what your policy may cover before you begin treatment. We aim to provide full transparency around coverage and any potential out-of-pocket costs.
Can I get a Single Case Agreement (SCA) for treatment at Galen Hope?
When clinically indicated and appropriate, we pursue Single Case Agreements (SCAs) to help families access in-network-level coverage with an out-of-network provider. Our team advocates on your behalf and provides clinical documentation to support the request. We encourage you to call us so that we can determine if a SCA is warranted.
What happens if my insurance stops covering treatment early?
If your insurance coverage ends unexpectedly and we believe the denial of care is not in your best clinical interest, our team will work directly with your insurance carrier to appeal the decision. You will receive timely notification of any changes in authorizations for care in order to explore financial options and clinical recommendations to help minimize any disruption in care.
How can I find out what my insurance covers for eating disorder or mental health treatment?
Our admissions team will assess your insurance policy, the recommended level of care, and your treatment location to give you a clear understanding of what your plan is likely to cover. We’ll guide you every step of the way.
Are insurance benefits different depending on where I live?
Yes. Insurance coverage may vary by state and plan type. We consider your plan’s regional requirements when evaluating your benefits.
Will I know my treatment costs before starting at Galen Hope?
Yes. Before admission, we’ll walk you through all anticipated costs, including what insurance is likely to cover and any out-of-pocket expenses, so there are no surprises.
Can Galen Hope help me understand my insurance coverage?
Yes. Our experienced admissions team will break down your policy, explain your mental health or eating disorder benefits, and help you make the most informed decision possible.
our anorexia athletica treatment centers in florida
With two state-of-the-art anorexia athletica treatment centers in Florida, Galen Hope is dedicated to helping individuals regain physical health and emotional balance while addressing co-occurring mental health conditions. Our programs integrate therapy, nutritional guidance, and behavioral strategies to support sustainable recovery and healthy relationships with exercise and food.
Whether you are local or traveling from out of state, Galen Hope provides a structured, compassionate environment where clients can develop coping tools, restore balance, and achieve long-term wellness. Treatment focuses on addressing underlying emotional and behavioral patterns, ensuring progress extends well beyond symptom management.
Galen Hope proudly serves clients across South Florida through our two conveniently located treatment centers. Our Coral Gables location, just south of Miami and ~30 miles south of Fort Lauderdale, offers accessible care in a vibrant, culturally rich setting. In Delray Beach—just south of Palm Beach—clients will find a serene and supportive environment ideal for healing and growth. Whether you’re local to Florida or traveling from out of state, our programs offer a safe, welcoming space for true healing and growth.
coral gables
Address: 806 Douglas Road, Suite 625
Coral Gables, FL 33445
delray beach
Address: 4600 Linton Blvd.
Delray Beach, FL 33445