What ages do you treat ARFID and picky eating for at the Center for CBT? 

Ages 5 - 22

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What is picky eating? 

Picky eating is a very common characteristic of development and growth throughout early childhood. Particularly in early childhood, picky eating and having certain restrictive foods is very normative. Children are consistently exploring the world and the foods that accompany it; this may involve becoming comfortable with a few specific foods and rejecting others. However in some cases, picky eating in children may seem to take over and cause impairment in several settings (e.g., home, school, etc.). Once this happens, it's important to determine if the child's picky eating is part of their normal developmental process or if it is something that they need some extra help with.

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What is ARFID?

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a feeding disorder where a child eats only a very limited range of foods, often due to sensory sensitivities, fear of choking or vomiting, or a lack of interest in eating. ARFID can lead to nutritional deficiencies, growth concerns, and stress for the whole family. Unlike typical picky eating, ARFID doesn’t go away on its own and can affect a child’s health and social life. The good news is, with the right approach, children can expand their diets and feel more comfortable around food.

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How do I know if my picky eater needs treatment?

Some signs that your child may be a good candidate for therapy for picky eating may be:

• Conflict and stress at meal times

• A limited and slim number of acceptable foods

• Power struggles around eating

• Needing to accommodate and design family meal menus around picky eating

• Associated challenges present in numerous settings (e.g., restaurants, school, friend’s house, parties)

• Growth or nutrition concerns such as weight loss, poor weight gain, or vitamin/mineral deficiencies

• Physical symptoms like frequent gagging, choking, or stomachaches when faced with new foods

• Long-lasting patterns (picky eating that’s persisted for years without much change)

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What does treatment for ARFID/picky eating look like?

Treatment is not about forcing your child to “just eat it.” Instead, we create a safe, supportive space where your child can gradually explore new foods without pressure. We use evidence-based techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and gradual exposure, helping kids face fears, reduce anxiety, and expand the foods they feel comfortable eating. Parents play an active role ; you’ll learn tools to make mealtimes calmer, respond to food refusal in ways that encourage progress, and support your child’s growth at home. Over time, children discover that trying new foods can feel safe (and sometimes even fun!) while getting the nutrition they need.

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Is ARFID treatable?
Yes! ARFID is highly treatable. With the right support, kids can learn to feel safer with food, try new things, and get the nutrition they need. Treatment focuses on gradual, positive changes rather than forcing a child to eat. This helps reduce anxiety, build trust, and make mealtimes less stressful. 

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Why is The Center for CBT so effective for ARFID treatment?
We use evidence-based techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), gradual exposure, and contingency management to help kids face fears, reduce anxiety, and expand the foods they feel comfortable eating. Our therapists understand that ARFID is not about willpower ; it’s about fear, comfort, and sensory experience. We partner closely with parents, so you know exactly how to support your child at home. Our team is highly experienced in making food exploration feel safe and fun. Most importantly, we focus on progress you can see—more variety, more confidence, and less stress at the table.