Bipolar Disorder Psychiatrists in Illinois

Dr. Samuel Russell is a psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He is board certified in Addiction Psychiatry and Adult Psychiatry. His particular clinical focus is on the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and behavior addictions, as well as trauma, mood, and anxiety disorders. Dr. Russell's practice focuses on evidence-based treatments for psychiatric illness that utilizes a combination of medications and psychotherapy modalities best suited for an individual patient and their needs. He offers this in conjunction with supportive or emotionally focused therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. Weekly hour-long psychotherapy may be available if indicated. However, occasionally, Dr. Russell may believe that different therapies are also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome. He received his medical education at the University of Washington in Seattle after completing undergraduate studies in psychology and later a post-baccalaureate at Boston University. After residency at the University of Chicago where he specialized in addiction psychiatry and psychotherapy, he completed an Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of Washington in Seattle.

Dr. Boski Patel holds the position of psychiatrist at Talkiatry. She is double board-certified in geriatric and adult psychiatry and she has been practicing for over 3 years. Dr. Patel's practice focuses on medication management and she typically in conjunction with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. On occasion, Dr. Patel may believe that additional therapy is also needed and asks that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh, and then went on to receive her medical degree from Penn State University. Following medical school, she completed general psychiatry residency training at the University of Connecticut where she was Chief resident of outpatient psychiatric services. During that time, she was also chosen as an Honors scholar by the American Association of Geriatric Psychiatry. After training, she moved to California to do her geriatric psychiatry fellowship at Stanford. Following her fellowship, she worked at Kaiser Permanente in clinical roles of outpatient, geriatric, and C/L.

Dr. Jiang is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. His practice focuses on medication management and supportive therapy. His major goal is for treatment to be patient centered, with a focus on high quality, evidence-based care in the safest and most meaningful way. Dr. Jiang completed an undergraduate degree at the University of California, Los Angeles. He received his medical degree from Oakland University William Beaumont, School of Medicine. He then completed his psychiatry residency at Loyola University Medical Center. Dr. Jiang's areas of interest include depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.‍

Dr. Sabrina Lefcochilos-Fogelquist earned her bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University and her medical degree from Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University. She completed her psychiatry residency at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Morningside/West in New York City. She has experience in outpatient, inpatient, and emergency psychiatry, treating a broad spectrum of mental health conditions across diverse populations.

Dr. Lefcochilos-Fogelquist values compassionate, holistic care and strives to build long-term, collaborative relationships with her patients. She is particularly drawn to the outpatient setting, where she can engage with the evolving narratives of her patients’ lives. She creates a warm, supportive environment where individuals feel safe, respected, and heard.

Her process begins with a comprehensive evaluation to understand each patient’s history, concerns, and goals. Treatment plans are individualized and may include medication management and psychotherapy. She integrates supportive, cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, and mindfulness-based techniques to meet patients' evolving needs.

Dr. Sierra-Cintron is board-certified in adult psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and has been in practice for 12 years. Dr. Sierra-Cintron focuses her practice on medication management. She also engages in supportive therapy in a comprehensive way, focusing on the patient as a whole and not just the symptoms. Dr. Sierra-Cintron has a broad understanding of vitamin support as an adjunctive treatment to traditional medication. She has broadened her understanding of second-line treatment, having been certified in Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), conducting clinics in Clozapine and Long-Acting Antipsychotics (LOA), and even conducting assessments for patients interested in weight loss surgery. Dr. Sierra-Cintron has a comprehensive approach to treatment, and might consider the addition of therapy, either by referral or collaborating with an existing therapist for a more rounded approach and improved outcome. Dr. Sierra-Cintron received her medical degree from the Universidad Central del Caribe located in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. Upon graduation, she relocated to Philadelphia, where she started her residency program at Einstein Medical Center. After completing her training, she worked for 8 years in a community mental health clinic, treating an underserved population in all modalities of psychiatric care. In her 12-year career, Dr. Sierra-Cintron has treated both adult males and females, including seniors. This has led to varied and wide-ranging diagnoses during the length of her career. After leaving the community clinic setting, she started working for an outpatient clinic in a suburb of Philadelphia. Dr. Sierra-Cintron's current areas of focus are adults with Mood Disorders, Anxiety Co-Occurring Substance disorders, as well as patients with varied concomitant medical problems.‍

Dr. Thomas O’Brien holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and earned his medical degree from Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his psychiatry residency at Loyola University Medical Center. Dr. O’Brien has experience practicing across outpatient, PHP, IOP, and inpatient settings.

He strives to create a supportive environment where patients feel heard, respected, and understood. His approach emphasizes a holistic, whole-person method to healing, guided by the patient’s own goals and values. Dr. O’Brien integrates psychotherapy with medication management, drawing on his background in psychodynamic psychopharmacology and acceptance and commitment therapy.

Dr. O’Brien focuses on understanding each patient as a whole to create individualized treatment plans. This begins with a comprehensive history during the initial session to identify biopsychosocial factors. Treatment is then tailored to align with the patient’s unique goals and values, promoting meaningful progress.

Dr. Kahlon is an experienced Psychiatrist who spent the last 24 years of his career working in Veterans Affairs, where he was able to treat a wide variety of patients. Dr. Kahlon provides medication management along with supportive therapy. In some cases Dr. Kahlon may refer you to a counselor or therapist for further care and collaboration. He has experience treating a wide range of conditions, including major depressive disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and PTSD. Dr. Kahlon utilizes a well-rounded approach to treat the whole person, through medication, active listening, and recommending talk-centered counseling programs. Dr. Kahlon was trained in the VA system associated with Chicago Medical School (Finch University), which is located in North Chicago, Illinois. At the conclusion of his training, he was hired at the VA in Danville, Illinois until 2021. He also had a part-time private practice, which enhanced his experience in adult psychiatry. Dr. Kahlon graduated from a prestigious medical school that has consistently held a high position (4th) among the top 100 medical schools in the world.‍

Dr. Irene Pastis is a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in adult psychiatry.  She completed residency training at East Carolina University in both internal medicine and psychiatry.  After residency, she pursued her passion in psychiatry and stayed on as a clinical assistant professor in the department of psychiatry at East Carolina University.  In this role she specialized in treating adults with mental illness in both the inpatient and outpatient settings.  She has spent a considerable amount of time teaching residents and medical students and has published several papers focusing on the neuroscience pathways of mental health conditions.  In her daily practice, Dr. Pastis focuses on evidence-based treatments utilizing the latest clinical guidelines and current approved treatments.  In addition to medication management, she also incorporates psychotherapy in the treatment of mental health conditions.  Dr. Pastis is passionate about taking a collaborative approach with her patients to help them reach their potential.

Dr. Sarita Sharma is a board-certified adult psychiatrist dedicated to providing personalized psychiatric treatment that addresses the mind, body, and spirit for optimized health and healing. Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, she earned her medical degree from Avalon University School of Medicine in Curacao and completed her residency at Southern Illinois University in Springfield, Illinois. Dr. Sharma has extensive experience working with underserved patients from diverse backgrounds and with varying severities of psychiatric disorders. She has a genuine interest in treating mood and anxiety disorders like depression and anxiety. She views medication as one of many tools to aid patients, emphasizing the importance of therapy and lifestyle changes aligned with each patient's goals. Believing in a holistic approach, she incorporates mindfulness techniques, lifestyle optimization (sleep, diet, movement), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to target the root causes of unease. She enjoys helping patients navigate meaning and purpose, relationship dynamics, and self-image. With a sincere, direct, and practical approach, Dr. Sharma values empathy and understanding as vital components of effective care. In her free time, she enjoys spontaneous adventures, connecting with fellow human beings, and just being in nature. She is committed to helping you achieve a balanced, fulfilling life.

Dr. Mennella is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. Her practice focuses on medication management and supportive therapy. Treatment emphasizes patient education and autonomy. Dr. Mennella is a proponent of shared decision-making and believes this facilitates a strong therapeutic relationship, greater satisfaction with care, and improved clinical outcomes. She completed an undergraduate degree in Information Technology from Purdue University and a master's degree in information systems from DePaul University. She received her medical degree from the University of Toledo College of Medicine and then completed her psychiatry residency at Loyola University Medical Center. Areas of interest include depression, bipolar, anxiety, and PTSD.

Background and credentials

Dr. Phillip Azouz is a board-certified general adult psychiatrist. He earned his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School, where he was awarded the Albert M. Barret Award for Distinguished Performance in Psychiatry. He completed his psychiatric residency at Florida Atlantic University. Prior to medical school, he obtained his undergraduate degree in economics with honors from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. His background includes research at the Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Center and the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind-Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. Additionally, he worked as a Mental Health Specialist at McLean Psychiatric Hospital.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Azouz provides a relaxed, conversational, and non-judgmental space for patients to reflect on and integrate all aspects of their lives. He believes that vulnerability is key to healing and growth and works with individuals seeking to improve mood, reduce anxiety, enhance sleep, boost attention, or heal from trauma. His approach blends the latest research in medical treatment with insights from psychotherapy and coaching. He specializes in treating major depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, addiction, and personality disorders.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive and collaborative evaluation where Dr. Azouz takes the time to understand their symptoms, challenges, and goals. He fosters an open and supportive environment, ensuring that treatment plans are personalized and aligned with each patient’s unique needs. His approach integrates evidence-based medication management, psychotherapy techniques, and coaching strategies to help patients achieve their full potential.

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Why Talkiatry?

We’re a virtual mental health practice that makes it easy to find great care. We combine quality and convenience to help you thrive—faster. Our providers, like this one, are highly trained experts who specialize in medication management and collaborate with you on a treatment plan that fits your needs and comfort level.

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Dr. Laura Rosas is an adult psychiatrist at Talkiatry who practices compassionate, patient-centered care. As a multiracial psychiatrist, she serves diverse communities and focuses on treatment plans that respect each patient's background. She treats various diagnoses, including trauma, mood, personality, and eating disorders, with a particular interest in the student and LGBTQ+ communities. Using a range of skills and interventions from psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and mentalization-based therapy (MBT), Dr. Rosas prioritizes a collaborative approach. She ensures patients are actively involved in shaping their treatment, including decisions about medication and supplements. This cooperation allows for personalized care plans that align with each patient's needs, values, and goals. Recognizing that cultural influences, substance use, financial constraints, and other societal factors impact mental health, Dr. Rosas examines these personal aspects to provide effective, holistic care in a non-judgmental space. She graduated from McGovern Medical School (UT Houston) and completed her residency in psychiatry at the University of Chicago. She aims to make healthcare more accessible and affordable, driving systemic changes in mental health care.

Dr. Arjun Kaverimanian is an adult psychiatrist with a clinical approach emphasizing the intersection of medication-based treatment and talk therapy. He earned his medical degree from Saint Louis University School of Medicine, after which he completed his psychiatry residency training at Loyola University Medical Center. During his training, he gained experience across a wide range of mental health settings, including community mental health centers and the Department of Veterans Affairs, and worked at various levels of care—from inpatient units to partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs, as well as outpatient clinics.

Dr. Kaverimanian has cultivated a robust skill set in psychotherapy techniques—including psychodynamic therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, supportive therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches—which he integrates alongside evidence-based medication management.

Dr. Kaverimanian is committed to understanding each patient as a whole, taking into account the interplay of psychological, social, and biological factors that shape a person's mental health. He has particular areas of interest in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

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Dr. Karla Garcia is a board-certified psychiatrist trained in Adult Psychiatry. She graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Education. She then went on to complete her medical education and residency training at the University of Chicago. She is board certified in Adult Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Dr. Garcia believes in patient-centered care, seeking to care for the whole person.  She values the therapeutic relationship, working to guide patients in their treatment while also encouraging patients to take an active role in their care. Dr. Garcia cares about getting to know you as a person and helping you reconnect with your values. Her clinical approach is holistic, collaborative, and supportive.

Dr. Garcia focuses on evidence-based treatments for psychiatric illness that utilize a combination of medications and psychotherapy. Using a range of skills and interventions, Dr. Garcia believes in a multi-faceted approach to treatment.

Dr. Garcia has experience working in a wide variety of inpatient, emergency, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient psychiatric settings and in treating a broad spectrum of psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, substance use disorders, personality disorders, ADHD, and OCD. She treats patients in English and Spanish.

* THIS PROVIDER CANNOT PRESCRIBE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES FOR MN PATIENTS * Dr. Dung ("Young”) Truong is board-certified in both psychiatry and family medicine. Prior to joining Talkiatry, he worked in a busy Minneapolis emergency room for 20 years. He cared for patients presenting in mental health crisis, treating their acute presentation and helping find solutions to their concerns, ranging from starting and adjusting medications to identifying and addressing contributing factors such as medical illness, substance use, and life stressors. Dr. Truong has extensive experience and can comfortably manage a wide range of illnesses and problems. He sees patients of all ages and ethnicities, including LGBTQ+ populations. He has interests in mood disorders during and after pregnancy, and immigrant and refugee mental health. Dr. Truong's approach is to help you ultimately feel better and move forward with a hopeful plan involving medication management, education about your illness, and therapy to manage your emotional and environmental stressors. He is known for his calm demeanor and his excellent instincts. He strives to meet your expectations. Recognizing the challenges and complexities of the mental health condition, he also encourages input from your established care provider, therapist, and loved ones who want to be involved in your care. He feels such collaboration provides optimal treatment .Dr. Truong has also worked as a psychiatrist in an integrated primary care clinic. He has taught and supervised medical students, psychiatric residents/fellows and family medicine residents. He has collaborated extensively with social workers, therapists, and other health care providers to achieve the best outcomes for his patients. He works on staying current with the latest evidence-based care and mental health treatments.

Dr. Dave Kopacz studied psychology, medicine, and psychiatry at the University of Illinois. He has over 25 years of clinical experience, most recently 11 years at the Seattle Veterans Affairs and as a national VA Whole Health Education Champion, teaching holistic self-care to staff and veterans. Prior to that, Dr. Kopacz was Clinical Director of a psychiatric rehabilitation center in New Zealand. He has worked in private practice, rural community mental health, and ran a VA tele-health program for Native American/Alaskan and Pasifika veterans.

Dr. Kopacz is board certified in Psychiatry & Integrative Medicine, a certified yoga instructor and a certified iRest (Integrative Restoration) meditation teacher. He is an author and international speaker on topics of burnout, well-being, medical humanities, creativity and health, and cross-cultural approaches to healing. His books include Caring for Self & Others: Transforming Burnout, Compassion Fatigue, and Soul Loss, and Re-humanizing Medicine. He has also co-authored four books with Joseph Rael (Beautiful Painted Arrow), including Walking the Medicine Wheel: Healing Trauma & PTSD.

"What is your typical process for working with patients?"

Dr. Kopacz combines psychiatric diagnosis with a collaborative and holistic focus on your strengths and personal growth. Combining a psychiatric and self-care assessment, he will help you find a plan for medication, psychotherapy, and well-being work that feels right for you.

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