Medical TreatmentsMental Health ClinicMental Health Service
Monte Nido Vista provides residential eating disorder treatment for female-identifying adults in a home-like setting. Located in the foothills of Santa Monica Mountains, we offer individualized, outcome-backed treatment with a multi-disciplinary team for all eating disorder diagnoses including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, ARFID, OSFED, as well as co-occurring disorders.
Monte Nido Vista saved my life. And I don’t say that lightly. I had been in and out of treatment for years when I stumbled upon Vista. I had all my walls up and had confidently decided that my eating disorder would get to dictate the rest of my life. I was hopeless and numb to care. But Vista and the staff there changed me. I am alive today because of the people who work here. Specifically the Clinical Director, she expressed genuine care, patience, and an unmatched level of dedication to my care. She gave me hope again. She made my life worth living again. She is who I want to be when I become a therapist too. She runs a tight ship and therefore the rest of the staff are lovely as well. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder in any capacity, please consider Vista as your place of healing. The people here changed the trajectory of my life and they deserve all the praise in the world.
MK
Michal Kaufman
Sep 8, 2025
3.0
I was just there, a lot of mixed feelings about this specific location. MN is great, each location is very different.
KM
Kenzie Mapstead
Jan 3, 2024
1.0
If I could do less than one star I would. This was one of the most traumatic experiences in my life. In case you were considering going, I’ll break it down for you.
The brochure boasts wraparound support such as chiropractor care, massage therapy, weight training, yoga, mindful walks (daily! which is actually not allowed) There are actually no physical advantages to this program. No weight training, mindful walks, chiropractor care, massage therapy or even yoga. Everything is based on a level system. Outings, and movement are all level based. If you get 3 restrictions (not finishing a meal) you don’t have any privileges. If you get 1, you don’t have any privileges for the following day. For yoga my first week I laid on the mat and occasionally did a stretch. Your bathroom uses are monitored, someone stands by the door with the door cracked and they check the toilet before you flush. (This happens up until level 3 to my understanding.)
The staff is brilliant at gaslighting, manipulating and invalidating the residents, so much so, we had to strategize how to stand our ground. They’ll talk all day long about how it’s a voluntary program and that you’re free to leave, but once you say you want to go there’s an onslaught from many of the providers. This includes threatening of AMA and ACA, stating it’s your eating disorder that wants you to leave, or simply minimizing your experience and gaslighting you to believe it’s not as bad as you think. Example; I was fed wheat, and I have a gluten sensitivity. The dietician and clinical director minimized and invalidated my experience by saying it was human error, it was only once and it’s only a sensitivity. Wheat makes me feel really ill, and I expressed that concern to every staff member and to the staff BEFORE admittance as well!! I understand mistakes happen, but I’m at an eating disorder program. Mistakes should NOT happen in regards to food. (Also, there were only 5 of us. How hard is it to feed 5 people). I’m not going to speak on other peoples behalf, but there were multiple “mix ups” or misunderstandings with other residents as well.
Most of the staff felt incredibly unsupportive. We were treated like toddler inmates. I felt like I was just a number on a paycheck to most of them. On my last day, leaving ACA, only one RC was kind to me and encouraged me. (Shoutout Ruby) On my second day there, because I felt so ill (not entirely convinced they weren’t giving me wheat the whole time) and was talking to an RC about how sick I felt talking about the previous meal. She told me it wasn’t an option to not talk about it and that that specific behavior would be challenged. Obviously I’m there to challenge my eating disorder. But on my second day, only my first lunch there, to say that my feelings were immediately invalidated made me sob. On my first morning, I was crying so hard I was heaving. I went to throw up but the nurse wouldn’t hand me the trash can. She said if I threw up it would be marked as a behavior in my chart. I felt more supported and encouraged by the other residents than I ever did from the staff.
Residents say it’s impossible to get to level 3. I personally don’t think they want you to get to level 3 because the longer you’re there the more money they get.
IF you decide to go, these are some question to ask PRE admission. (These are all questions I wish I knew to ask.)
How long does it take to move levels?
Explain in detail the level system.
Explain in detail the contract system.
Explain in detail the “consequences”.
Explain in detail, what types of movement I’m allowed to partake in, and reasonings of why and why not.
Why does the brochure boast physical advantages such as chiropractor care, massage therapy and movement, when those are not actually involved in their residential care?
Explain in detail, the different forms of therapy, how often they’re provided and by what providers.
Explain the roles of the RC’s. Many of the RC’s relished their power.
Ask about exposures, and how often they happen.
Good luck!
SL
Sneeds Louious
Jan 22, 2021
5.0
I Recommend this place 100%. I always felt safe, and I learned so much about myself.
EL
Espinosa L
Jun 29, 2020
5.0
The family therapy and mindful movement classes were really helpful. They helped me prepare for graduating and going back to real life.
During a quick, confidential call, our admissions team will gather your basic information and explain the next steps, which typically include requesting blood work, verifying insurance coverage, and scheduling an intake assessment.
Do I need to fill out any forms in the admissions process?
Our admissions team will walk you through every step of the process and will try to make it as easy as possible while ensuring we collect the information we need. Anything that requires your signature or feedback will be available for electronic signing in a patient portal. This may include releases of information for providers and family members, and financial forms once admission is scheduled.
How long will the evaluation process take?
The intake assessment typically takes 45-60 minutes and is generally done over Zoom. We will ask for eating disorder history and current concerns, as well as supporting information to help us make a level of care recommendation. With your permission, the clinician may also contact your outpatient providers and/or family members for additional information.
What levels of care could I be admitted to?
We provide comprehensive care options, including intensive inpatient, home-like residential living, day (PHP/IOP), and virtual care (PHP/IOP) options, to best meet your recovery needs.
When I’m admitted to full-time in-person care (Intensive 24-hour Care or Residential Living), what should I bring with me?
We ask that you limit your total belongings to what will fit in one medium suitcase. Items not approved will be sent home. Please bring appropriate, comfortable clothing. Upon admission, a staff member will respectfully look through your belongings, and any items deemed inappropriate will be removed and either sent home or kept by staff. A complete list of suggested items will be provided by admissions.
What should I bring if I am admitted part-time or to transitional care?
On your first day of treatment, please bring contact information for your outpatient providers and pack meals. We will provide snacks, beverages, and supplemental exchanges. A staff member will meet with you when you arrive to give you an orientation to the program and answer any questions you may have.
Can I receive mail during treatment?
Yes. You may receive mail during your stay with us.
Who is included in my treatment team?
Your treatment team depends on the level of care you are receiving. At the 24/7 inpatient and residential levels of care, the primary treatment team will include medical staff of psychiatrist, doctor or nurse practitioner.
What types of eating disorders does Monte Nido Vista treat?
Monte Nido Vista provides treatment for anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, ARFID, OSFED, and other co-occurring disorders.
How do I get started with the admissions process at Monte Nido Vista?
You begin with a quick, confidential call with the admissions team to provide basic information, after which blood work is requested, insurance verified, and an intake assessment scheduled.
What should I bring if admitted to full-time residential care?
Limit your belongings to what fits in one medium suitcase, bring comfortable clothing, and expect staff to review your items upon admission.
Can I receive mail during my treatment at Monte Nido Vista?
Yes, you are allowed to receive mail during your stay.
Who will be part of my treatment team?
Your team depends on your level of care, but for intensive inpatient and residential care, it includes medical staff such as psychiatrists, doctors, or nurse practitioners.
What are the operating hours of Monte Nido Vista?
Monte Nido Vista is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Is Monte Nido Vista LGBTQIA+ friendly?
Yes, Monte Nido Vista welcomes LGBTQIA+ clients and is recognized as a transgender safe space.
What nearby attractions can I visit around Monte Nido Vista?
Nearby, you can visit the Reagan Ranch at Malibu Creek State Park, Paramount Ranch, and Malibu Lake, all offering beautiful natural and historical experiences to complement your visit.
How can nearby places like The Lodge at Malibou Lake enhance my stay?
The Lodge at Malibou Lake offers hotel accommodations and event planning services, providing convenient lodging options close to Monte Nido Vista.
Are there recreational activities near Monte Nido Vista for visitors?
Yes, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities like trail runs at Paramount Ranch Trail Runs or spend time at the Malibou Lake Mountain Club and skate park at Reagan Ranch.