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Get back to your life with more balance & skill.

Eating Disorder & Behavioral Health Treatment Centers in Santa Cruz & San Francisco

You’re not a problem to fix — you’re a whole person, deserving of care, respect, and understanding for every part of your journey.


Our Approach

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HOLISTIC HEALING

We balance evidence-based therapies with psychospiritual care, creating a soulful and science-backed approach to address the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.

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REAL LIFE INTEGRATION

Our programs are designed to help clients practice recovery in their daily lives, so they can transition seamlessly back into their home and community with confidence.

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COLLABORATIVE CARE

We’re committed to ensuring every client feels heard, valued, and empowered to shape their treatment journey— finding your voice is a vital part of the recovery process.

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We’re here to honor your story and help you build what’s next.

You might feel like life has become a cycle you can’t break—caught between struggles with food, overwhelming emotions, or feeling disconnected from yourself and others. It’s exhausting to carry so much alone, especially when it feels like no one truly understands.

At The Lotus Collaborative, we see you as more than a diagnosis. Your story, your struggles, and your strengths all matter here. With a team that listens deeply and tailors care to your needs, we’re here to help you build a path forward—one that feels grounded, empowering, and entirely your own.

You’re ready for this, and we’re here to help you get there.

YOUR PLAN

YOUR PLAN

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Explore all of our holistic treatments & services.

Options are available both virtually or in person at our Santa Cruz and San Francisco, California, locations.

  • Comprehensive care for depression, anxiety, and PTSD. This program offers 3+ hours of structured therapy, several days a week, combining evidence-based approaches, skill-building, and practical tools to help clients heal and regain balance while managing daily responsibilities.

  • Specialized care for anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, and disordered eating.
    Our PHP offers 5–7 hours of daily structured support, including therapy, nutrition counseling, and supervised meals. This level of care provides intensive treatment while allowing clients to return home at the end of each day.

  • Focused recovery support for eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating. Our IOP provides 3+ hours of structured care, 3–7 days a week. This program is ideal for those who need more support than weekly therapy but want the flexibility to maintain their daily routines.

  • Flexible, personalized support for recovery. Our outpatient services include individual therapy sessions to address emotional healing and recovery goals, as well as nutrition counseling to rebuild trust in food and the body. This level of care is ideal for clients needing less intensive support.

  • Innovative support for mood disorders and trauma. Through our partner clinic, Luminous Healing Center, clients can access ketamine-assisted psychotherapy to address depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Learn more about this evidence-based treatment at here.

  • A safe, supportive space for anyone in eating disorder recovery. This weekly online group provides an opportunity to share experiences, connect with others on a similar path, and practice recovery skills in a welcoming, non-judgmental environment.

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

Hear real stories of gratitude & growth.

Dr. Liz Esalen, founder of The Lotus Collaborative, smiling with her dog.

Meet our Founder

Dr. Elizabeth Esalen founded The Lotus Collaborative in 2011 with a vision to create a place where science, compassion, and individuality converge in the pursuit of healing. After witnessing the limitations of traditional treatment models, Liz was driven to create a center that treats every client as a whole person—honoring their unique stories and providing tools for lasting recovery.

With a background in counseling psychology and years of experience in mental health leadership, Liz brings a depth of knowledge and passion to her work. As someone who has personally navigated the challenges of recovery, she understands the importance of holistic care that goes beyond the surface to address the heart, mind, and body.

Liz’s commitment extends to her team and the broader community. She fosters a culture of care and respect, ensuring that both staff and clients feel supported and valued. Her mission is simple yet profound: to empower individuals to heal, grow, and reclaim their lives with resilience and confidence.