Click here to learn about our treatment programs for teenagers.
For Confidential Help, Call:
(866) 729-1012

Why might a dietitian be helpful to your recovery?

Guest blog by Jessica Martinez, RD, LDN, Director of Residential Nutrition Services

Throughout my time working at SunCloud Health, I cannot begin to count how many times a client without an eating disorder diagnosis asks “Why do I need to attend a nutrition group? I do not have an eating disorder.” I get it. There is already so much on one’s plate coming into residential treatment; it can feel incredibly overwhelming to have to think about nutrition, as well. However, no matter the diagnosis, we all deserve to know how to nourish ourselves in a way that is both physically and mentally fulfilling. That is what I love about the SunCloud integrated model; we treat the whole person. Regardless of one’s diagnosis, a dietitian is readily available to support clients in meeting their nutritional goals. Many patients who hesitate to engage in our dietary program at first, ultimately find that having a nutrition program in place allows them to grow deeper into their recovery, as a nourished body supports a nourished mind.

In my experience, those who struggle with mental illness, likely have not nourished themselves in a sustainable, productive way. Many who struggle with issues such as mood disorders or substance use lie at either end of the spectrum; eating minimally (I.e., alcoholism, stimulant use, depression/anxiety) or overeating, using food to cope (I.e., substance use, trauma). For example, if someone struggles with alcoholism, they may be replacing their food and beverage intake with alcohol. Another example may look like a person who struggles with PTSD that overeats for comfort to cope with trauma. At SunCloud, we have three meals and three snacks built into our daily schedule. This allows clients who may have never had structure around meals, begin to nourish themselves regularly and lean into their bodies optimal functioning. Many simply do not realize how much energy our brains need to function. Almost 30% of our daily energy intake goes towards keeping our brain functioning effectively. This means, in order for ones brain to process and integrate the therapeutic work needed for recovery, they must be nourishing themselves adequately.

Another reason it is so important to have a dietitian on hand during recovery is you may have an undiscovered eating disorder. According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), 28.8 million Americans will have an eating disorder at some point in their life. Additionally, eating disorders are often co-occurring with mental illness. Research shows that 35% of those diagnosed with substance use disorder also have an eating disorder. Conversely, 50-75% of those with an eating disorder have mood disorders or past trauma. These are shocking statistics and highlight the importance of having nutrition support during one’s treatment.

Sometimes, clients may not have any disordered eating, but an underlying medical condition. For example. we diagnosed a client with Type 2 Diabetes. This client’s depression SKYROCKETED after the diagnosis. This person was shocked and expressed feelings of hopelessness. She was shocked and expressed feelings of hopelessness. Unfortunately, chronic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes and heart disease can have stigma attached and often clients feel they created the issue, which can cause one to experience significant shame and guilt . Unfortunately, these diseases have a high genetic component, and while they can be delayed, often they cannot be prevented. With intense nutrition support, our team educated this client through her treatment stay and she was able to lower her blood sugar into a normal range.

Again, I get it. One may feel overwhelmed adding a dietitian to their treatment team or attending a nutrition group after discussing trauma; it is incredibly difficult. With that being said, proper nutrition is vital for the level of energy and cognitive processing needed for recovery. I have seen the benefits firsthand day in, and day out. From the man who sobbed to me, once sober, regarding his difficult relationship with food and poor body image, to the woman who never thought it was possible to have an eating disorder in a larger body, and everything in between. Everyone deserves to be seen, and treated, as a whole person. That is the SunCloud difference.

Jessica Martinez, RD, LDN

she/hers
Director of Residential Nutrition Services
Registered Dietitian, Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist

Read more about our Residential Treatment Center and level of care

Rachel Collins, LCSW
Site Director of Northbrook PHP and IOP

Rachel Collins, LCSW, is the Site Director of SunCloud Health’s Northbrook Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) programs for both adolescents and adults. Rachel earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and went on to complete her master’s degree in social work from Michigan State University. She has since worked in a wide range of settings, including inpatient treatment, PHP/IOP programs, therapeutic group homes, and private practice. Rachel specializes in treating trauma (using Cognitive Processing Therapy) and anxiety, practicing through a relational, compassionate, and client-centered lens. She is passionate about creating a therapeutic space in which clients feel safe and able to explore various parts of themselves with curiosity as opposed to judgement. In addition to her leadership and clinical work, she is passionate about creating art, and learning about the intersection between creativity and mental health.

Kayla Corirossi, MA, LCSW
Site Director, Naperville PHP/IOP (Adolescents & Adults)

Kayla Corirossi, MA, LCSW, is the Site Director of SunCloud Health’s Naperville Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) programs for adolescents and adults. She brings extensive experience working with individuals across the lifespan, including adolescents, adults, and geriatric populations, and specializes in the treatment of mood disorders, trauma, substance use, family systems, forensic populations, and individuals in crisis.

Kayla has worked in a wide range of clinical and community settings, including community-based interventions, police crisis response, correctional facilities, inpatient treatment, PHP/IOP programs, and with vulnerable and underserved populations. In addition to her clinical and leadership work, she is passionate about providing mental health education and advocacy within the community.

Kayla earned her Bachelor’s degree with a double major in Psychology and Sociology from Aurora University and went on to complete her Master’s degree in Forensic Social Work, also at Aurora University. Her clinical approach is evidence-based, compassionate, trauma-informed, and integrative, emphasizing collaboration and individualized care.

Driven by a personal mission to meet individuals where they are, Kayla is committed to helping clients feel safe, supported, and understood. She strives to create a natural and empathetic healing environment while ensuring individuals from all backgrounds and identities know they are not alone and have access to meaningful resources and support.

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  
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.

VIDEO: 2. Meet Lacey Lemke, PsyD.