Center for Healthy Eating and Activity Research
Eating Disorder Treatment with a Proven, Evidence-based Approach
Welcome to CHEAR. We’re here to assist you in creating a life that is not bound by thoughts about food, eating disorder behaviors, and body shape and size. Our proven, evidence-based approach to treating binge eating, overeating, and obesity focuses on your overall well-being, ensuring a balanced and supportive journey towards recovery.
About chear
INTRODUCTION:
Located in the vibrant community of La Jolla, the Center for Healthy Eating and Activity Research (CHEAR) extends a warm welcome to San Diego residents facing challenges with weight, eating habits, and overall well-being. Our focus is on addressing a spectrum of concerns, from binge eating and overeating to obesity, through a lens of compassion and understanding.
At CHEAR, we pride ourselves on delivering treatments and programs that aren’t just friendly and supportive but are also grounded in rigorous scientific research. This evidence-based approach ensures that we offer the most effective strategies and solutions to our community. A highlight of our services is the Binge Eating Disorder Intensive Outpatient Program for adults and adolescents, a testament to our commitment to specialized, research-based care.
We also provide a range of no-cost research studies tailored for children, adolescents, and adults, each designed to meet the unique needs of these different age groups.
Our environment is not just about treatment; it’s about building a supportive community where every individual feels valued and understood. Whether you’re seeking guidance for yourself or a loved one, CHEAR is where you can find professional support, cutting-edge treatment, and a path toward a healthier lifestyle in a welcoming and nurturing setting.
Regulation of Cues (the ROC program) - CHEAR’s Approach to Treating Eating Disorders
Binge Eating Disorder Clinic —
Three Levels of Treatment
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Our IOP is designed to provide a structured and supportive treatment experience while allowing you to maintain your daily life commitments. This program is ideal for individuals seeking comprehensive therapy for Binge Eating Disorder, but who don’t require full-time residential care. In the IOP, you’ll participate in a range of evidence-based therapeutic activities and receive personalized support, all within a schedule that respects your personal and professional life. It’s a balanced approach to treatment, blending intensive care with the freedom to apply your learnings in real-world settings. Our groups utilize evidence-based modalities, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) targeting emotion regulation, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) targeting dysfunctional thoughts, and ROC targeting the physiological overresponding to food, providing a multifaceted approach to binge eating and overeating. Targeting these three triggers of binge eating gives our patients the best chance of success, and gives them back control of their eating.
Outpatient Group Treatment
Group therapy at our center offers a unique opportunity to connect, share, and grow alongside others who understand your experiences. In a safe and supportive environment, you can explore personal challenges, learn new coping strategies, and gain different perspectives under the guidance of our skilled therapists. This collaborative form of therapy not only fosters a sense of community and belonging but also provides the encouragement and support needed for personal growth and healing. Our outpatient groups also offer DBT, CBT, and ROC to comprehensively address binge eating and overeating. We focus on the emotional, cognitive, and physiological aspects that contribute to binge eating, ensuring participants have the highest likelihood of overcoming these challenges.
Individual/FAMILY Treatment
Our individual therapy program offers a tailored and integrative approach, combining the strengths of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Regulation of Cues (RoC). This combination provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and addressing a range of emotional and behavioral challenges. DBT focuses on building skills in mindfulness and emotion regulation, CBT on modifying unhelpful thought and behavioral patterns, and ROC on managing environmental and internal triggers. Together, these therapies form a robust and adaptive approach, personalized to meet your unique needs and goals. In this individualized setting, you’ll have the opportunity to delve deeply into personal issues with the dedicated support of our skilled therapists, fostering significant and lasting change.
CHEAR’s Research
At the Center for Healthy Eating and Activity Research (CHEAR), we bring together compassion and cutting-edge interventions to make healthy living achievable and enjoyable for everyone.
Our programs are thoughtfully designed for children, teens, and adults, offering comprehensive guidance on nurturing healthy eating habits, increasing physical activity, and organizing a home environment that supports sustainable weight loss. Families are also a key part of our focus, as we believe in empowering whole families with the knowledge and skills to thrive together.
CHEAR is actively recruiting participants for several research studies for children, teens, and adults. Your participation could be invaluable. To explore more about these studies and to find out if you’re eligible to join, we encourage you to reach out to us. Your involvement could make a significant difference in advancing our understanding and treatment of binge eating, overeating, and obesity.
Published Papers
At CHEAR, led by Dr. Kerri Boutelle and our dedicated team, we have made significant contributions to the field of overeating, binge eating and weight management with over 200 published papers. Our research delves into critical areas such as binge eating, overeating, and obesity, encompassing behavioral studies, treatment methods, and cognitive neuroscience. Our work has substantially enhanced the understanding of the clinical aspects and brain mechanisms underlying appetite control and eating disorders. This extensive research is instrumental in shaping more effective interventions informed by neurobiology, underscoring our commitment to advancing the science and treatment of eating-related issues.
What Our Clients Say About CHEAR — Testimonial
My daughter and I participated in your program pre-COVID. I just wanted to let you know that she is now a competitive cyclist and rower. She is a junior in high school now and placed 10th at nationals this year. Thanks for helping build a healthy foundation for her and my family. ~ reFRESH Study Participant
“I am so grateful that we were recommended to this program. It has not only brought my daughter and I closer together but has eased my worries about the health of my daughter.”
With every food that I did an exposure on, I have NO problems at all. Even after a year, I can't make myself eat more than a small serving!
"My involvement with FRESH, from my perspective, was one of the best decisions my family has ever made. I have stopped gaining weight and started losing weight---15 pounds!”
I don't know where I would be without CHEAR. Their clinicians are world-class and actually cared about my progress. I now have so much more perspective, tools, and support to understand and address my binge eating.
The program gave my 8 year old son and me a new understanding about food and the choices we need to make, to be healthy. The experience and the support we have gotten from the staff have only been positive.
I recommend this program wholeheartedly! My entire family is now so much more aware and informed about how to be help my son - who now feels much more empowered and in control of his cravings. This program has helped him so much. Thank you!!