Eating Disorder Center of Fresno

I took my daughter to the Eating Disorders Center of Fresno (EDCF), and received excellent support and education regarding her disorder. During our time there my daughter made gains physically and psychologically. As a mother I learned skills to support my daughter in recovery at home. The staff at EDCF went above and beyond in availability and flexibility, for treatment sessions and support even outside of sessions. I never felt like I was being rushed out. In spite of every effort for progress in recovery, on the part of the facility and my daughter and self, our insurance company insisted that the placement was not appropriate, a higher level of care was needed, and the insurance denied coverage for continued treatment at EDCF. Staff at EDCF, continued to provide support through the process, helping to locate alternate treatment, they also provided emotional support during the transition and decision making process. After discharge from EDCF and admittance to residential treatment center, staff continued to follow up with myself and my daughters’ progress. They made me feel like they truly cared about my daughter and our family. After my daughter is discharged from residential treatment I hope to return to EDCF for continued support as my daughter recovers. I will always be grateful for EDCF for the role they have played in our lives.

I have received treatment at this center. I was there for seven months, and in such a short time, this place has impacted on my life so much. This place saved my life and i could not be more appreciative. I recommend this place as number one if you have any eating struggles. The ways and people are amazing and like no other. Please check it out. You will not be disappointed.

Eating disorders, as we have learned, are much more complex of a condition that we had ever imagined. This disorder requires a unique specialty in treating it. The Eating Disorder Center of Fresno, directed by Steve Shaefer, did an amazing job dealing with our daughter’s eating disorder. The program staff is very focused, knowledgeable, and professional. They handled all aspects of the care and even dealt with the insurance. I want to personally thank Steve, his staff, and all of the families that helped us to the road to recovery. This place is amazing!

The Eating Disorder of Fresno saved my life, family and marriage. When insurance cut me off, Steve Schaefer, LCSW, appealed and the California State Department of Managed Health Care agreed with Steve's assessment of the case and ordered insurance to pay for my treatment they had said was not necessary. But Steve let me finish treatment whether or not the appeal was in my favor. I had heard Steve is one of the leading trauma clinicians in the country. Well, not only was he for me, his Body Work for Eating Disorders technique uncovered a secret I had long ago forgotten until he woke it up, and as the negative energy left my body I felt a lightness and freedom that I had never felt before and finally realized why I had the eating disorder. I have never met a more honest, caring and wise man. He is brilliant as is the facility. They taught my family a lot. All the other facilities I was in didn't even let my family be involved. My eating disorder was so complicated with so much underneath it and they made it so simple to understand it for my children. The family groups were so well attended and interesting. They have all the families attend at once and we learned we are not alone. They helped me with all the paper and disability work. We all were dysfunctional but Steve helped all my family generations get well.. The physician, Dr. Tyson is a nationally acclaimed expert. Dr. Smith is a brilliant psychiatrist out of UCSD. He saw me every week and was so careful and patient with my care and medication management. The RD's taught me about portions and exchanges and how food is just food, not good or bad and I learned to eat intuitively and rediscover my hunger/fullness cue. There are also women in recovery that taught me to re-discover my voice and supported me at meals and grocery shopping. After I completed treatment, my family and I attended a group for families in the community while I alumni group. I cannot thank you enough EDCF for the caring compassionate firmness of EDCF!