What is FBT?
Family-Based Treatment (FBT), also known as the Maudsley Approach, is a three-phase outpatient therapy for adolescents (typically ages 12–18) with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. It is the only treatment for adolescent anorexia with strong Level 1 evidence.
In FBT, parents are not seen as causing the eating disorder — they are the most important asset in their child's recovery. Therapists work alongside families to temporarily externalize the eating disorder so parents can support nutritional rehabilitation.
Treatment unfolds across three phases: parents take full control of meals to restore weight, then gradually return age-appropriate autonomy as health improves, and finally focus shifts to supporting normal adolescent development.
Who is FBT for?
Adolescents ages 10–18 with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa
Families seeking active, structured involvement in recovery
Early or established illness — FBT works at any stage
Adolescents who have not responded to other outpatient treatments
ARFID in children and adolescents (adapted FBT protocol)