We build with clarity, act with integrity, and always stay curious.

Massachusetts telehealth

Online ARFID treatment across Massachusetts

Telehealth can make specialized ARFID treatment more accessible for clients across Massachusetts, including Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Worcester, Springfield, Lowell, Newton, Brookline, Quincy, and nearby communities.

This service may be a fit if you are looking for a Massachusetts ARFID therapist, online eating disorder therapy, or support for food avoidance that is affecting health, relationships, independence, or quality of life.

  • Adults with long-standing selective eating or food avoidance
  • Parents or families seeking support around ARFID patterns
  • Clients with OCD, anxiety, emetophobia, or sensory sensitivity connected to eating
  • People who need coordinated care with a physician, dietitian, or other provider
Treatment approach

Structured, compassionate, and practical

ARFID treatment is not about forcing change, shaming food preferences, or rushing into foods before you are ready. The work is collaborative and paced carefully.

Treatment may include education about ARFID, anxiety and avoidance work, gradual exposure-based practice, cognitive and behavioral strategies, family support, and coordination with medical or nutrition providers when appropriate.

Step One

Clarify the pattern

We identify whether restriction is driven by sensory sensitivity, fear of consequences, low interest in food, or a mix of factors.

Step Two

Build a plan

We set measurable goals for food variety, flexibility, daily functioning, and support around meals.

Step Three

Practice gradually

We use step-by-step exposure and skills practice so change feels challenging but possible.

Frequently asked questions

ARFID Therapy Questions

These questions are written for people searching for ARFID treatment in Massachusetts and for families trying to understand whether specialized therapy may help.

What is ARFID?

ARFID stands for avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder. It involves food avoidance or restriction that can lead to nutritional, medical, emotional, or social difficulties. ARFID is not simply picky eating, and it is not defined by a desire to lose weight.

Do you provide ARFID treatment online in Massachusetts?

Yes. Ricardo Despradel, LMHC-D, LPC provides online therapy for clients located in Massachusetts, as well as clients in New York and New Jersey where he is also licensed.

How is ARFID treated?

Treatment often includes education, anxiety and avoidance work, gradual exposure to feared or avoided foods, skills for tolerating sensations and uncertainty, and coordination with medical or nutrition professionals when clinically appropriate.

Is ARFID the same as anorexia?

No. ARFID and anorexia nervosa are different eating disorders. ARFID is typically not driven by body image disturbance or a fear of weight gain, though a careful clinical assessment is important because eating concerns can be complex.

Can adults have ARFID?

Yes. ARFID can affect children, adolescents, and adults. Many adults describe years of limited food variety, fear around eating, or difficulty eating socially before finding specialized support.

How do I start ARFID therapy?

The first step is a consultation to discuss your concerns, goals, current supports, and whether specialized online ARFID therapy is the right fit.

Start ARFID treatment in Massachusetts

Build a more flexible relationship with food.

If food avoidance, fear of eating, sensory sensitivities, or restricted food variety are making life smaller, specialized therapy can help you take the next step.

For urgent medical, nutritional, or safety concerns, contact your physician, local emergency service, or 988 in the United States.

Schedule a Consultation ricardodespradelmhc@gmail.com