Alsana Tackles Teen Eating Disorder Crisis with New California Program

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. – March 25, 2026 – As rates of eating disorders among young people are projected to climb, treatment provider Alsana has launched a new in-person Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) in Westlake Village, California, expanding access to specialized care for a vulnerable population. The new day treatment program is designed for adolescents aged 12 to 17, offering an intensive level of support while allowing them to remain at home with their families.

The expansion comes at a critical juncture for youth mental health. A comprehensive 2025 study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders analyzed global data and projected a continued rise in the prevalence of eating disorders through 2035. The study identified adolescents and young adults aged 10 to 24 as a particularly high-risk group, sounding an alarm for healthcare providers and families.

"Adolescence is a pivotal time, one where early, meaningful intervention can change the trajectory of a young person's life," said Jordan Watson, Chief Executive Officer of Alsana. "With the addition of in-person PHP in Westlake Village, we are increasing access to care that meets adolescents where they are, while surrounding them with the structure, connection, and support needed to begin healing."

A Response to a Growing Public Health Concern

The data underpinning the urgent need for such programs is stark. The research in the Journal of Affective Disorders, which analyzed trends from the Global Burden of Disease Study, found that the age-standardized prevalence rate of eating disorders among young people had already increased significantly between 1990 and 2021. The study's projections indicate this upward trend is not slowing, with a notable and statistically significant increase in anorexia nervosa observed specifically among girls aged 10 to 14. This rise has been further exacerbated by stressors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a surge in reported eating disorder cases worldwide.

Alsana's new PHP directly addresses this escalating crisis by providing a structured, local treatment option. The program operates five days a week, with six to eight hours of daily programming. This intensive model serves as a crucial bridge for adolescents who require more support than standard outpatient therapy but do not need 24-hour residential care, or as a step-down for those transitioning from a higher level of care.

Beyond Symptoms: A Holistic and Family-Centered Approach

Moving beyond simple symptom reduction, Alsana's program is built on a philosophy of treating the whole person. The company's proprietary "Recovery Story clinical framework" guides the treatment process, viewing each client as the author of their own healing journey. This model helps adolescents separate their identity from the eating disorder and rediscover a more authentic sense of self.

"Eating disorder recovery is not one-dimensional, especially for adolescents," explained Keesha Amezcua, LMFT, CEDS-C, Chief Clinical Officer at Alsana. "Our Recovery Story clinical framework invites each adolescent to explore who they are beyond the eating disorder, creating space to rediscover themselves, rebuild connection, and begin writing a future rooted in possibility."

Central to the adolescent program is the integration of a Family-Based Treatment (FBT)-informed approach. FBT is widely recognized by experts as a leading evidence-based model for adolescent eating disorder treatment. It empowers parents and caregivers, positioning them as essential partners in their child's recovery rather than as sources of blame. The Westlake Village program includes weekly supportive-other sessions to actively engage families, strengthen the family system, and provide practical tools for supporting recovery at home.

The daily schedule is a blend of therapeutic and experiential activities, including approximately four group therapy sessions, weekly individual therapy, and weekly nutrition counseling. To help rebuild a healthy relationship with food and body, the program incorporates hands-on cooking experiential sessions and weekly yoga and movement experiences.

Expanding Access and Overcoming Barriers to Care

The launch of this program also addresses a significant challenge for families: access. The Southern California region has a recognized need for adolescent mental health services, with several providers in the area. However, finding specialized, in-network, and geographically convenient care remains a major hurdle for many.

By establishing this in-person PHP in Westlake Village, Alsana provides a much-needed local option. Furthermore, the program is in-network with major insurance providers, including Anthem, BlueCross BlueShield, Kaiser Permanente, Aetna, and Cigna. This is a critical feature, as families often face immense financial strain and bureaucratic obstacles when seeking treatment. Insurance denials based on restrictive "medical necessity" criteria, high out-of-pocket costs, and limited provider networks are common barriers that can delay or prevent life-saving care.

This new in-person service complements Alsana’s existing continuum of care, which includes virtual PHP and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) available in 40 states, as well as in-person programs for adults and adolescents in California and Alabama. This integrated system allows for a smoother transition between different levels of care as a client's needs evolve, ensuring continuity and consistency throughout their recovery journey.