Eating disorder recovery is a journey to reconnect with your true self.
What is ARFID?
Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder characterized by a persistent failure to meet nutritional needs due to selective eating, food aversions, or sensory sensitivity. It differs from typical “picky eating” as it can lead to severe health impacts like malnutrition and hinder daily functioning.
ARFID Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of ARFID vary, but common ARFID signs include:
- Selective eating focused on specific textures, colors, or types of foods
- Nutritional deficiencies due to restrictive eating habits
- Physical symptoms like weight loss, weakness, or fatigue
- Psychological impacts, such as heightened anxiety around food or specific eating environments
Prompt treatment is essential for addressing ARFID’s physical and psychological aspects. If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms, contact us today.
Want to learn more? Talk with a professional today.
What to Expect from ARFID Residential Treatment
ARFID residential treatment at ‘Ai Pono Hawaii provides an immersive, supportive environment where individuals can receive focused care for both the primary symptoms of ARFID and any co-occurring issues.
Located on serene Maui, our residential ARFID treatment program allows you or a loved one to fully engage in a structured recovery process. Stays typically last 45-60 days. While not as medically intensive as a hospital setting, this level of care offers round-the-clock support tailored to address ARFID symptoms, including nutritional deficiencies and related physical issues.
Our dedicated team provides 24/7 nursing care, physician and psychiatrist consultations, individual and group therapy, meal support, recreational activities, and more—all designed to support a holistic path to recovery.
Why Residential ARFID Treatment Supports Long-Term Recovery
ARFID can be difficult to diagnose and treat due to its varied presentation, often mistaken for “picky eating” in childhood. Many parents may not realize the severity of ARFID until more noticeable symptoms, such as weight loss or malnutrition, prompt them to seek help. Residential ARFID treatment provides an ideal environment for addressing these symptoms comprehensively, offering targeted support beyond initial impressions of food aversion.
For some individuals, ARFID may focus on specific textures, colors, or types of foods, often linked to past trauma, such as choking or other distressing events. In these cases, residential ARFID treatment is particularly effective because it allows for gradual, supportive exposure to these feared foods within a safe, therapeutic setting.
By addressing trauma-related triggers alongside dietary challenges, our residential program helps individuals move toward sustainable recovery, fostering healthier relationships with food and alleviating the emotional burdens associated with ARFID.
Medical Monitoring in Residential ARFID Treatment
Residential ARFID treatment is essential for medical challenges such as:
- Significant weight loss or malnutrition
- Abnormal lab results, irregular heart rate, or blood pressure
- Menstrual irregularities and sleep disturbances
These symptoms can impact quality of life, so they are monitored closely by our 24/7 nursing staff, doctors, and psychiatrists in a safe and supportive environment.
Comprehensive Assessment and Personalized Care
Upon admission, each patient undergoes a complete medical and psychological assessment. This evaluation provides a baseline and allows us to create a treatment plan tailored to individual needs, targeting specific ARFID symptoms, including:
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Gastrointestinal distress
- Emotional and psychological challenges
Ongoing Monitoring for Recovery Support
Throughout the stay, people benefit from regular health assessments by our medical team, enabling them to re-establish consistent eating patterns that support both physical and mental health. Our team guides appropriate medications, supplements, and vitamins to address nutritional gaps. This comprehensive approach ensures a path toward balanced health and sustainable recovery.
Therapeutic Approaches for ARFID Treatment in Residential Care
At ‘Ai Pono, we view ARFID as a biopsychosocial condition, meaning that its roots span biological, psychological, and social factors. Our residential program addresses these multiple dimensions, offering individualized care for lasting recovery.
Addressing Trauma in ARFID Treatment
Many ARFID cases involve past traumas, with certain foods or textures tied to distressing memories. Our program specializes in trauma-informed care, allowing clients to explore the connections between trauma and eating in a safe space. Our therapists use evidence-based techniques like EMDR, brain spotting, and somatic approaches to help people reframe their relationship with food and move toward healing.
Individualized Support for Lasting Change
Our residential ARFID program’s intimate, home-like setting and high staff-to-patient ratio allow us to provide four individualized sessions weekly (three with a primary therapist and one with a registered dietitian). This structure ensures tailored support before, during, and after meals, making treatment highly responsive to each person’s unique challenges.
A Tranquil Setting for Deep Healing
Our Maui residential program combines the security of intensive, round-the-clock care with the calming influence of Hawaii’s natural beauty. Set between Iao Valley and the ocean, ‘Ai Pono provides a peaceful space free from daily stressors, where you or a loved one can focus on recovery in a nurturing, grounding environment.
Creative, Holistic Therapies
In addition to traditional therapy, we offer a variety of therapeutic and cultural experiences designed to support holistic healing.
Activities include:
- Hawaiian cultural groups
- Ukulele lessons
- Narrative therapy and storytelling
- Full moon intention-setting gatherings
- Mindfulness practices and mindful walking
- Beach excursions and nature immersion
- Horticultural therapy and visits to local cultural sites
These enriching therapies provide creative outlets, support individuals in exploring the deeper meanings behind their eating behaviors, and foster sustainable growth on their recovery journey.
Exposure Therapy for ARFID Recovery
Exposure to challenging foods is a critical step in ARFID treatment. Our residential program provides a safe, supportive environment to face new or “fear” foods gradually. Through structured food exposures with guidance from dietitians, therapists, and peer support, clients expand their comfort zones and build effective coping skills.
Step-Down Care for ARFID
At ‘Ai Pono, we encourage a “step-down” approach after completing residential treatment for ARFID. This gradual transition allows clients to continue their recovery in an outpatient setting, such as Partial Hospitalization or Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP).
This step-down approach is especially beneficial for ARFID clients, providing ongoing exposure therapy with continued support to navigate challenges in real time.
For those remaining in Hawaii, ‘Ai Pono offers in-person IOP and a Virtual IOP option for flexibility.
For those returning home, we ensure a comprehensive aftercare plan is in place to facilitate a smooth transition to their new environment without a lapse in treatment.
Additionally, all residential program participants leave with a customized, four-week menu cycle developed with our dietitian, which helps them maintain progress as they continue their recovery journey.
Finding Residential Treatment for ARFID
ARFID can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. As a newer diagnosis, awareness and resources for ARFID are still growing, and many people may not know where to seek support.
As a leading ARFID treatment center, ‘Ai Pono on Maui is dedicated to being a valuable resource for individuals and families affected by this condition.
If you or a loved one may be experiencing symptoms or require long-term ARFID support, we encourage you to contact us. Our team is here to help you find the right path toward effective treatment and recovery.