
Thomas O'Brien, DO
I strive to create a supportive environment where patients feel heard, respected, and understood. My approach emphasizes a holistic, whole-person method to healing, guided by the patient's own goals and values. I integrate psychotherapy with medication management, drawing on my background in psychodynamic psychopharmacology and acceptance and commitment therapy. I focus 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.
I hold a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and earned my medical degree from Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. I completed my psychiatry residency at Loyola University Medical Center. I have experience practicing across outpatient, PHP, IOP, and inpatient settings.

Tony Tu, MD
I am a board certified adult psychiatrist who emphasizes patient education and a psychodynamic approach to outpatient psychiatry. My practice focuses on blending medication management together with psychotherapy, and I prioritize collaboration with your therapist, encouraging working together as a team. I understand that medications are not the end-all-be-all of treatment, but just the beginning. For trauma and acute stress, I understand that the journey starts at the tip of the iceberg, with much to explore as you feel more ready. Areas of specialization include psychopharmacology, patient-centered medicine, and combination treatment of psychiatry and psychotherapy.
I am a graduate of the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, where I completed an MD and PhD combined program, which helped develop my "doctors as teachers" style of practice. I completed my psychiatry residency training at Loyola University Medical Center in Illinois. My passion for empowering patients with knowledge stems from my academic experience in psychiatry residency training. I served as an Associate Program Director of Loyola's Psychiatry residency training program for two years and now maintain an Affiliate Assistant Professor of Psychiatry role with Loyola. I continue to contribute to residency training, as well as mentorship of medical students and psychology externs. Over the years, I have received several awards that demonstrate my affinity for teaching, including the Educator of the Year Award in 2022 from the Loyola Psychiatry Residency Program.

Velda Pugh, MD
I value open communication and believe in building a warm, respectful environment where patients feel heard. I work collaboratively with patients to set clear treatment goals and tailor my approach to meet each person's unique needs. My practice emphasizes both medication management and supportive therapy to promote long-term well-being. During initial sessions, I take time to understand each patient's history, concerns, and goals, and I use a team-based approach, partnering with patients in treatment planning and decision-making to ensure care is both effective and aligned with their values.
I am a Board-Certified Psychiatrist with over three decades of experience in both outpatient and inpatient settings. I earned my medical degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine and completed my psychiatry residency at University Hospital. I have previously served as Chief of Mental Health at a VA Hospital and have maintained a successful private practice focused on medication management and supportive therapy.
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Zeshen Wu, MD
I focus on effective and safe medication management as well as supportive and psychodynamic therapy in my practice. I take a gentle, collaborative, and patient-centered approach, specializing in forming individualized pharmacological treatments as well as taking time to explore stressors and psychological issues to achieve complete and comprehensive care.
I am an ABPN board certified psychiatrist with more than 10 years of experience. I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Texas at Austin, followed by medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch, and completed my residency in psychiatry at Dell Medical School in Austin. I previously served as assistant professor of psychiatry at UTHealth McGovern Medical School in Houston and have been involved in many years of teaching and mentorship. At UTHealth, I also served as clinical faculty in one of the nation's largest inpatient psychiatric campuses and am experienced in treating a wide range of adult mental illnesses including mood disorders, anxiety, OCD, and ADHD.
Find a psychiatrist in Chicago, IL
Finding a psychiatrist in Chicago, IL can felt out of reach. Talkiatry fixes that. We can connect you with a licensed psychiatrist who see patients via video, wherever you are in the city. You meet from home on your own schedule, so a packed calendar or a long commute across Chicago does not stand between you and care. Because visits happen online, you are not limited to whoever has an opening near your neighborhood.
Online psychiatry for Chicago residents
Getting started is straightforward. You take a short online assessment, then get matched with a psychiatrist licensed in Illinois who can see you by secure video from anywhere in Chicago. Your first appointment runs about 60 minutes, which gives you time to talk through your symptoms, ask questions, and start building a treatment plan together. Follow-up visits usually last around 30 minutes. Since care is virtual, there is no Chicago office to drive to and no need to sit in traffic on the way to an appointment.
What a psychiatrist can help with
Talkiatry psychiatrists are medical doctors who can evaluate your symptoms, prescribe and manage medication when it fits your needs, and adjust your plan over time. They work with a range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Medication is one possible part of a plan, not the automatic result of a visit. Depending on what you are dealing with, therapy may also be part of your care, and your psychiatrist will talk with you about what makes sense.
Does insurance cover a psychiatrist in Chicago?
Talkiatry is in-network with major insurers, and your coverage is checked during the free assessment before you schedule anything. What you pay out of pocket depends on your specific plan, so it is worth confirming the details with your insurer. You will know where you stand on coverage before your first visit.
Mental health care in Chicago
Finding timely psychiatric care in the area can be difficult. Across Illinois, there are 228 designated mental health professional shortage areas covering about 7.0 million people, and only about 22.9% of the need for psychiatric care is currently met (KFF). For someone in Chicago, that shortage can mean long waits or few openings nearby. Online psychiatry helps here by connecting you with a licensed psychiatrist across Illinois, rather than limiting you to the providers who happen to practice in your immediate area.
Psychiatry across Illinois
Talkiatry psychiatrists see patients throughout the state. For the full picture of online psychiatric care and providers licensed statewide, visit our Illinois psychiatry page.
Start with a free assessment
Ready to begin? Take the free online assessment, get matched with a psychiatrist licensed in Illinois, and schedule a video visit that fits your week. Take our free online assessment.
Can I see a psychiatrist online in Chicago?

Yes. If you are located in Chicago, you can meet with a psychiatrist licensed in Illinois by secure video. You take a short assessment, get matched, and then have your visits from home, with no office to travel to.
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist in Chicago?

No referral is needed to get started with Talkiatry. You begin with a free online assessment, and if it looks like a good fit, you are matched with a psychiatrist licensed in Illinois who can see you by video.
Is Talkiatry available in Chicago?

Yes, virtually. Talkiatry serves anyone located in Chicago and throughout Illinois through online appointments. Your psychiatrist is licensed in Illinois, so you can be seen from anywhere in the state.
Does insurance cover online psychiatry in Chicago?

Talkiatry is in-network with major insurers, and your coverage is verified during the free assessment before you schedule. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan, so check the specifics with your insurer.
Can I get a prescription from an online psychiatrist in Chicago?

A psychiatrist can prescribe and manage medication when it is clinically appropriate and legally permitted. Medication is not guaranteed at any visit; your psychiatrist evaluates your symptoms first and decides with you what belongs in your plan.
How quickly can I see a psychiatrist in Chicago?

Many patients are seen within days rather than months, though the exact timing depends on availability. The online assessment is the fastest way to get matched and book your first video visit.