Eating Disorder Clinical Philosophy

A Personalized, Integrated Approach to Healing

At SunCloud Health, we understand that eating disorders are complex, deeply personal conditions that affect individuals across emotional, physical, psychological, spiritual and social dimensions. Our clinical philosophy is rooted in the belief that healing must be integrated, trauma-informed, size-inclusive and inclusive of co-occurring conditions like trauma, mood disorders, anxiety disorders and substance use disorders.

Trauma-Informed, Holistic Care

Many of our patients have experienced trauma—either episodic or chronic—and find that disordered eating was a way of coping with emotional pain. Our clinical team is trained in trauma-informed modalities, including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), creating a space that prioritizes safety, patient voice, bodily autonomy and trust. Healing is built not through control, but through connection, self-compassion, emotional awareness and community.

Individualized Nutrition Philosophy

We take a flexible, person-centered approach to nutrition. Instead of applying a rigid “one-size-fits-all” nutritional therapy model, our registered dietitians collaborate with patients to develop meal plans that are medically appropriate, psychologically sustainable, culturally respectful and aligned with our patients’ values. The goal is to help our patients experience trust with food and their bodies, one step at a time, in order build sustainable recovery plans that make sense for each person. At SunCloud Health, our patients always have a say in their nutritional goals and which type of approach they think will work best for them.

Evidence-Based Therapies in a Whole-Person Framework

Treatment at SunCloud Health draws from a wide range of clinically validated therapeutic models, including:

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – identifying and restructuring unhelpful thinking patterns
  • Motivational Interviewing (MI) – enhancing internal motivation and reducing resistance to change
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – promoting psychological flexibility and values-driven living
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)—processing and reframing traumatic memories and beliefs to reduce the symptoms of PTSD
  • Expressive therapies – using art, movement, and creativity to access deeper emotional insight

Video: We Do Not Ignore the Co-Occurring at SunCloud Health

Video: Individualized Care for the Treatment of Eating Disorders at SunCloud Health

Dr. Sita shares her expertise in treating eating disorders.

Levels of Care to Meet Patients Where They Are

Our continuum of care allows patients to step into the level of support that matches their current needs:

  • Residential Treatment – For those needing 24/7 care in a medically monitored, emotionally supportive environment
  • Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) – Day treatment with intensive therapy and clinical structure
  • Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) – Flexible support that bridges higher levels of care with independent living

This integrated model helps patients transition safely and successfully at each phase of their recovery journey.

Inclusive, Identity-Affirming Treatment

SunCloud Health is committed to providing inclusive care that affirms each person’s lived experience. We are culturally attuned, LGBTQ+ affirming, and attuned to the complex intersections of identity, trauma, and mental health. Patients deserve to feel seen, respected, and safe—and we work daily to uphold that standard.

Supporting the Whole Family

Eating disorders affect more than the individual—they impact loved ones too. We offer family therapy, education, and support to help families rebuild communication, repair trust, and better understand the recovery process.

Our Commitment to Clinical Excellence

We are constantly evaluating our outcomes, refining our methods, and listening to patient feedback to improve the care we provide. Our commitment is not just to symptom relief—but to meaningful, lasting transformation.

In-network with most major carriers, including:

Begin Your Healing Journey

If you or someone you care about is living with an eating disorder—especially alongside trauma/PTSD and/or a substance use disorder. SunCloud Health offers the depth, structure, and compassion needed to begin the path to recovery.

Contact us today to learn more about our personalized, integrative care.

Elizabeth E. Sita, MD
Medical Director of Adult Services

Dr. Elizabeth E. Sita, MD, is a Board Certified psychiatrist specializing in the care of patients with eating disorders. She completed her undergraduate training at the University of Chicago and graduated with Highest Honors. She then earned her medical degree at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and was recognized with the Chairman’s Award for Excellence in Psychiatry. She subsequently completed residency with the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University, where she was elected Chief Resident and received the Resident Psychiatrist Leadership & Service Award.
Upon completing her training, Dr. Sita came to Ascension Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital, where she served as Assistant Medical Director of the Center for Eating Disorders and Director of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Services before transitioning to lead the new inpatient eating disorder unit as Medical Director of Eating Disorder Services at Ascension Saint Joseph Hospital – Chicago. In these roles, she has cared for a multitude of adolescents and adults struggling with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other eating disorders as well as severe, cooccurring mood, trauma, personality, and substance use disorders.
Dr. Sita has been recognized throughout her training and practice for a commitment to excellence in patient care and for her ability to engage patients in their most challenging moments. Her passions include the care of treatment-resistant eating and mood disorders as well as questions of medical capacity and end-of-life decision making.
She believes that, first and foremost, human connection is key to mental health and well-being and strives to share this philosophy in each and every patient encounter. She is excited to bring her expertise to SunCloud Health as the Medical Director of Adult Services!
 
VIDEO: Meet Elizabeth E. Sita, MD, Medical Director of Adult Services


 https://youtu.be/JbmELh2UGXE

Lacey Lemke, PsyD
Assistant Vice President of Clinical Services

Dr. Lacey Lemke (she/her) is a licensed clinical health psychologist with specialized expertise in the treatment of eating disorders and the practice of medical and health psychology. She completed her doctoral training in clinical psychology with a Primary Care emphasis at the Adler School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Lemke went on to complete both her predoctoral clinical internship and postdoctoral fellowship through Ascension Health, where she gained advanced training working with individuals experiencing eating disorders and self-injurious behaviors, as well as within pediatric subspecialty settings including endocrinology, neurology, and adolescent medicine.

Dr. Lemke is deeply committed to providing evidence-based, compassionate care and collaborates closely with interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive treatment. Her professional mission is to support patients in achieving their fullest potential by guiding them to the most appropriate level of care and empowering them to make meaningful, sustainable progress toward improved health and well-being.