Depression Psychiatrists in Illinois

Dr. Lisette Rodriguez-Cabezas earned her medical degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago and completed her psychiatry residency and a Women’s Mental Health Fellowship at Northwestern University. She has been Board Certified in adult psychiatry since 2017 and is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. With over 10 years of experience, she specializes in Women’s Reproductive Mental Health.

Dr. Rodriguez-Cabezas values a patient-centered approach, emphasizing open communication and creating a supportive environment where patients feel heard and understood.

She begins by gathering a detailed history from each patient to fully understand their goals and concerns. From there, she develops an individualized treatment plan tailored to the patient’s unique needs, ensuring care is collaborative and focused on achieving meaningful outcomes.

Dominika is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has been in the field for ~20 years performing individual, group, and family service. During her education, Dominika focused on various forms of treatment modalities including DBT, ACT, CBT, trauma informed, family systems, motivational interviewing, and substance abuse treatment. Dominika has been an active remote, mental health therapist for the past several years, and has experience with working with diverse populations providing services to adults and children in mixed settings.

Dominika has an extensive background working with survivors of trauma, depression/bipolar disorder, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, grief, PTSD, schizophrenia and other forms of psychosis, gender/sexual identity difficulties, eating disorders, substance abuse, domestic violence, life transitions, as well as combinations of multiple problems. Dominika is a firm believer meeting people at their own pace to accomplish their objectives at their own speed.

Dominika’s initial appointment is an assessment, gathering the client’s background information and reason for seeking treatment, focusing on the client's own specific goals/desires for therapy and helping ct envision what this would look like for them in order to establish a general roadmap on moving towards their aspirations. After the first session, Dominika concentrates on what complications exist to ct’s objectives and how ct can utilize supportive tools/resources to help overcome these barriers. Dominika then helps cts establish weekly, smaller goals that can lead cts to their larger scale aspirations.

Dr. Maralys Colón is a board-certified psychiatrist. She graduated from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, and she completed a subspecialty in Forensic Psychiatry at the University of Tulane. Dr. Colón is keen in involving and guiding her patients in their treatment; she believes that patients benefit from taking an active role in their care. Dr. Colón specializes in psychopharmacology, tailoring the medication to your needs and preferences. She has experience in treating patients with depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, bipolar and psychotic disorders. Her practice focuses on medication management in conjunction with techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy and supportive therapy. Her years of experience include working as an inpatient psychiatrist, an intensive outpatient program, and consultation and liaison. She has helped train physician assistants at Valparaiso University, helping expand the knowledge of future providers. Dr. Colón is looking forward to working with you to improve your mental health and quality of life.

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. 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. Qureshi is a Board-Certified General Psychiatrist. She was born and raised in Hyderabad, India. She underwent her medical training at Mamata Medical College, India and completed residency at Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY. Dr. Qureshi has gained extensive training in psychiatric inpatient, outpatient, and emergency settings and has worked with diverse populations. She has practiced Telepsychiatry since her graduation, including working at community mental health centers serving the serious mentally ill in underserved areas. Dr. Qureshi's practice includes management of psychiatric disorders in adults including Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, and others. She is interested in treating issues related to women's health as well. Dr. Qureshi has an empathetic and culturally sensitive approach that is patient-centered and focused on building a strong therapeutic alliance. She believes in collaborating with other providers involved in the patient's care. Her approach involves medication management in tandem with therapy techniques like CBT, Supportive therapy, IPT, and motivation therapy.

Dr. Chelsea Karson is a board-certified psychiatrist who completed her residency training at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital where she was Chief Resident of her program. Dr. Karson is passionate about patient care, believing in caring for the whole person. While completing her residency training, she led an interprofessional team to bring miniature-therapy horses to the inpatient psychiatry unit and thereby forge a relationship between the organization and all of Advocate Aurora Healthcare. Dr. Karson partnered with a mental health counselor to create a virtual therapy program of resources, the Bridge Project, to close the gap between inpatient and outpatient care that is now used throughout the Advocate Aurora network. At graduation Dr. Karson received the 2024 Advocate Lutheran General Hospital Ruggie Humanitarian Award. The Ruggie Award selects and honors a graduating resident or fellow who displays academic excellence, commitment to the education of others, professional bearing, and a concern for the patient within the light of Human Ecology. Dr. Karson attended undergraduate at Elmhurst University, a biology major with minors in chemistry and medical humanities. She went to medical school at Rosalind Franklin University and was chosen to join the Gold Humanism Honor Society for her dedication to compassionate patient care.

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.

Kevin Seske is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who specializes in Sport and Health Psychology. His approach to therapy is collaborative, empowering, nonjudgmental, trauma informed, and goal-focused. He sees therapy as a method to find the individual's strengths to help overcome any hardships.‍Kevin integrates treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, Existential Therapy, and mindfulness techniques. In addition, he incorporates Sports Psychology in sessions where appropriate as he believes physical activity can empower us and teach us life skills that boost self-esteem, promote team building, and aid in relaxation. These methods are proven to show reduction in anxiety and depression.‍Kevin specializes in treating PTSD among young adults, adults, and/or immigrant populations. He is also skilled in treating mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, grief, emotional abuse, and life transitions. Kevin has been told by clients and colleagues that he has a calming presence and is a good listener.‍Kevin's 10 years of experience as a counselor has included providing trauma-informed care for undocumented minors who arrived at the US border seeking refuge from their home countries, including ones experiencing Adjustment Disorder, PTSD, and ODD. Additionally, Kevin served in a FQHC on the Southwest side of Chicago, in their clinical setting and school-based health center.

Dr. Stephen Byrd is a clinical psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He is board-certified in both psychiatry and addiction medicine. He has been practicing for over 31 years in a wide variety of settings, including working with inpatients and outpatients in private practice, community mental health, geriatric, VA, and community hospital/medical center settings. Dr. Byrd's practice focuses on evidence-based medication management, usually provided in conjunction with 30-minute supportive psychotherapy, which is informed by cognitive behavior therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and motivational enhancement. When more intensive therapy is needed, Dr Byrd may ask you to include a therapist as part of your care team. He received his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in Ohio and completed his residency training in psychiatry at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, University Hospitals of Cleveland. Throughout his career, he has treated patients with a wide variety of conditions in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Additionally, He has served as director of inpatient geropsychiatry at Lutheran Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, program manager of the substance abuse treatment program at the Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia, and medical director of outpatient behavioral health at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, Idaho. Throughout his career, Dr. Byrd has been active in training medical students and psychiatry residents, and he has held clinical teaching appointments at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, University of Washington School of Medicine, Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine and Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine.�.�

Dr. Nicholas Sahagian is a Psychiatrist in Colorado who has been practicing since 2023. He completed his MD and Adult Psychiatry Residency at the Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University and earned his BA in Neuroscience at Skidmore College. Dr. Sahagian has experience managing a broad array of complex psychiatric diagnoses in patients of diverse socioeconomic, cultural, and clinical backgrounds. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, biking, skiing, playing guitar, reading, and collecting board games.

Dr. Sahagian offers psychiatric medication management while also incorporating elements of cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, internal family systems, and lifestyle interventions. He believes that every patient is unique, and he works to create a supportive environment where individuals feel heard and empowered in their care.

Grounded in the biopsychosocial model, Dr. Sahagian takes a collaborative, patient-centered approach. He partners with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that integrate biological, psychological, and social factors, with the goal of guiding them along their path to improved wellness.

Dr. Natalia Roque is a psychiatrist who received her BA in Biology from the University of Chicago and her medical degree from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. She returned to the University of Chicago to complete her psychiatry residency, where she served as Chief Resident of the outpatient psychiatry clinics and was a member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. She has experience treating patients across inpatient, outpatient, and consultation-liaison psychiatry settings, with additional training in treatment-resistant depression, trauma, neuropsychiatry, ECT, ketamine, geriatric psychiatry, student counseling, LGBTQ+ mental health, women’s mental health, and culturally sensitive care.

Dr. Roque believes in building a strong therapeutic alliance grounded in empathy, respect, and curiosity. She values collaboration and open communication, ensuring that patients feel like active partners in their care. Her goal is to create a safe, supportive space where individuals feel understood as whole people, not defined solely by their symptoms. She also prioritizes incorporating cultural background and social determinants of health, including financial stressors and systemic barriers into treatment planning.

In her work, Dr. Roque begins by taking time to understand each patient’s unique story, experiences, and goals. She approaches care through a trauma-informed lens and with cultural sensitivity to ensure treatment feels safe, respectful, and relevant. Her process integrates evidence-based approaches, including psychodynamic therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), while tailoring care plans to meet both clinical needs and patient preferences. Dr. Roque regularly checks in on progress, invites feedback, and adjusts treatment collaboratively to support an ongoing, responsive therapeutic process.

Dr. Long is a board-certified psychiatrist with over 14 years of experience treating adult and older adult patients from a wide variety of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Dr. Long's practice focuses primarily on medication management, in addition to supportive and cognitive and behavioral therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. Sometimes, Dr. Long will suggest that additional therapy be included in your treatment plan in order to provide the best outcome. Dr. Long received her medical degree from the University of Illinois and completed her residency at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. She has worked in emergency psychiatry, community psychiatry and private practice and operated her own independent practice in downtown Chicago. Most recently she has spent over 9 years working with veterans with PTSD and other mental health issues. Dr. Long received her B.A. from Yale University, graduating cum laude with a double major in Biology and Literature. She enjoys working with a wide variety of patients of different ages and from different cultural backgrounds and has extensive experience treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and PTSD along with comorbid substance use disorders. Dr. Long views patients as partners working toward a common goal of improving patients' quality of life. She also appreciates the strong connection between physical and mental health and provides encouragement and support to patients to make behavioral changes that will benefit both.

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. 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. 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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