Virtual ARFID Nutrition Counseling Across Florida

Compassionate support from a Certified ARFID Specialist—available in Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, and beyond

What is ARFID?

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a serious and often misunderstood eating disorder. Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID isn’t driven by a desire to lose weight or change body shape. Instead, it’s marked by extreme food avoidance or restriction due to fear, low appetite, or sensory sensitivities. Left untreated, ARFID can lead to nutritional deficiencies, anxiety, poor growth, and serious health consequences.

Jamie, a Certified ARFID Specialist, offers virtual nutrition counseling for children, teens, and adults with ARFID throughout the state of Florida. Her approach is gentle, individualized, and grounded in clinical expertise.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of ARFID

ARFID often begins in childhood, but it can continue into or emerge during adolescence or adulthood.

Signs may include:

  • Eating a very limited variety of foods (often “safe foods” only)

  • Avoidance of foods based on texture, smell, color, or temperature

  • Intense fear of choking, vomiting, or food-related illness

  • Little interest in eating or chronic low appetite

  • Mealtime anxiety, distress, or refusal to eat

  • Nutritional deficiencies (e.g., low iron, vitamin D)

  • Weight loss or difficulty gaining weight/growing

  • Dependence on supplements, meal replacements, or tube feeding

Understanding ARFID Subtypes

ARFID doesn’t look the same for everyone.

Most individuals fall into one (or more) of the following subtypes:

Sensory-Avoidant

Avoids foods based on texture, smell, taste, appearance, or temperature (e.g., only eating crunchy or beige-colored foods).

Fear-Based

Avoids eating due to fear of negative consequences like choking, vomiting, or allergic reactions—even if no medical issue is present.

Low-Interest/Appetitie

Has minimal interest in eating or forgets to eat, often describing food as unappealing or unimportant.

Virtual ARFID Support—Available Anywhere in Florida

Jamie offers secure, HIPAA-compliant virtual sessions for clients across Florida. Whether you’re in a large city or a rural area, you can access expert care without the stress of commuting or clinic visits.

She works with clients in:

  • Miami

  • Tampa

  • Orlando

  • Jacksonville

  • Fort Lauderdale

  • Gainesville

  • West Palm Beach

  • Sarasota

  • St. Petersburg

  • Boca Raton

  • Naples

  • Tallahassee

  • Delray Beach

  • Lakeland

  • Palm Beach Gardens

  • And throughout Florida

Why Work with a Certified ARFID Specialist?

Jamie is a Certified ARFID Specialist, one of the few providers in Florida with advanced training specifically in Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. This certification reflects her deep knowledge of ARFID’s unique challenges across all age groups including sensory sensitivities, fear-based avoidance, and chronic low appetite.

Her approach is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and evidence-based strategies. Jamie understands that ARFID isn’t about “being difficult” with food, it’s about survival strategies that deserve respect, not shame. By working with Jamie, you or your child will be met with curiosity, not pressure—and will receive care that’s tailored, trauma-informed, and genuinely supportive.

For Parents of Kids and Teens with ARFID

If you’re a parent feeling frustrated or scared about your child’s eating, you’re not alone. ARFID can make everyday meals feel like a battleground—but it’s not your fault, and there is help.

Jamie offers specialized ARFID support for kids and teens, helping them gradually expand their diets in a pressure-free, empowering way. She also works closely with parents to reduce mealtime stress, build routines, and foster curiosity around food.

For Adults with ARFID

Living with ARFID as an adult can feel isolating and overwhelming—especially if your struggles have never been validated. Jamie provides a compassionate, nonjudgmental space to unpack your food history, address fear or sensory issues, and work toward more nourishing, flexible eating.

Whether you're starting fresh or revisiting old challenges, Jamie helps adults with ARFID:

  • Expand their list of safe foods

  • Reduce anxiety and shame around eating

  • Improve nutrition and energy

  • Navigate social situations involving food

  • Feel more confident and empowered

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Jamie’s treatment model is rooted in trauma-informed, evidence-based care and may include:

    • Nutrition counseling and education

    • Food chaining and sensory exploration

    • Exposure-based interventions

    • Parent coaching and meal support

    • Collaboration with therapists, doctors, and treatment teams

    She believes in meeting each client where they are, building trust first, then gently working toward new goals.

  • No. If your child is showing signs of ARFID or struggling significantly with food, they can benefit from support regardless of diagnosis.

  • Yes! Jamie often partners with other providers as part of a collaborative treatment team.

  • Treatment is highly individualized. Some clients benefit from short-term support, while others need ongoing care. Jamie will work with you to set realistic goals and timelines.

  • Jamie is out-of-network but can provide superbills for reimbursement, depending on your plan.

  • Yes! Virtual care is highly effective for ARFID treatment, especially when sessions are led by a Certified ARFID Specialist. Jamie uses secure video sessions to offer the same evidence-based support, food exposure guidance, and family coaching you’d receive in person, all from the comfort of your home.

  • Virtual sessions eliminate the need to travel or rearrange your day to make it to an office. Whether you're managing a busy family schedule, live in a more remote part of Florida, or simply prefer the privacy of being at home, virtual care makes it easier to stay consistent with treatment.

  • All you need is a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and a reliable internet connection. Sessions are conducted through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform that’s easy to use.

Getting Started

Ready to take the first step toward healing your or your child’s relationship with food? Jamie offers virtual ARFID nutrition counseling across Florida and welcomes you to reach out.

Schedule your free 15-minute consultation to see if working together is the right fit.