Supporting children with ARFID through family-centered care
Family UP is a group‑based treatment program designed to support children with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) and the caregivers who guide them. Built on more than a decade of clinical experience, the program brings together the Unified Protocol for Children and Family‑Based Treatment (FBT) to help families build skills, confidence and shared progress.
What is Family UP?
Family UP is a structured, supportive program that helps families learn practical tools for addressing ARFID. Care begins with two individual family sessions, giving our clinicians time to understand your child’s needs, your family’s goals, and the challenges you hope to address.
Once group sessions begin, families meet weekly for 1.5 hours. Each session includes:
- Time together as a full group to introduce the day’s focus.
- Separate learning spaces for children and caregivers to build skills at their own level.
- A shared closing to review at‑home practice and prepare for the week ahead.
Families follow the Unified Protocol for Children Workbook, which supports learning both in and outside of sessions. We encourage each family to bring a copy. If purchasing a workbook is difficult, your therapist will help explore other options.
Who is this group for?
Family UP is designed for:
- Children ages 7–11 with a primary diagnosis of ARFID.
- Parents or caregivers who can attend sessions alongside their child.
- Children who are medically stable for outpatient care.
Some children may also experience concerns such as social anxiety, OCD, or autism spectrum disorder. Because the Unified Protocol is transdiagnostic, the skills taught in group can support a range of emotional and behavioral needs.
Program schedule
Individual sessions: Two required sessions held at the Children’s Minnesota St. Paul Clinic or via teletherapy.
Group sessions: Weekly 3:45–5:15 PM for 16‑weeks. Your care team will share the next available start date.
Attendance policy: Families may miss up to two sessions. If more than two sessions are missed, families may be asked to transition to individual therapy to ensure consistent support.
Locations
Individual therapy sessions
Children’s Minnesota – St. Paul Clinic
345 North Smith Ave, Suite 301
St. Paul, MN 55102
Group therapy sessions
Children’s Minnesota – Roseville Partial Hospitalization Program
2990 Centre Point Drive
Roseville, MN 55113
Take the next step
ARFID can feel overwhelming, but your family doesn’t have to navigate it alone. Family UP offers a supportive, evidence-based path forward—centered on partnership, skill-building, and your child’s wellbeing. To get started:
- Connect with our team to schedule an initial assessment.
- Ask questions about whether Family UP is the right fit for your child and family.
