Meridian Psychiatric Partners, LLC

04/09/2026

According to a new analysis of data from nearly 121,000 high school students, the number of teenagers getting insufficient sleep — or less than eight hours a night — increased by 8% between 2007 and 2023 to approximately three out of four teens. What’s more, nearly one in four teens was getting five hours of sleep or less per night in 2023.

Nearly a quarter of teens sleep 5 hours or less per night and the majority sleep less than 8 hours. The problem is pervasive and technology doesn't seem to be the main culprit, according to a new report.

04/07/2026

This National Minority Health Month presents a valuable opportunity to discuss an incredibly important trend that’s unfolding right now: diminishing mental health and well-being among those impacted by the immigration, detention and deportation crisis.

Undocumented individuals and families have always been forced to navigate a challenging path, but amid the current crisis, mental health risks are more prevalent than ever before. Consider this information from the American Psychological Association (https://tinyurl.com/4wyhxfy8):

- An unpredictable future, lack of control over their situation and concerns about personal safety can lead to anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health issues for many immigrants
- Although 77% of undocumented individuals become residents with an authorized immigration status, rigid immigration policies, public opinion and structural violence can also contribute to an increased risk of mental illness
- Parents’ fear of detention and deportation can result in developmental challenges for children from undocumented families due to isolation from the broader community and avoidance of public health programs

There is good news, though. Here in Chicagoland, Healing Without Fear is helping make compassionate, trauma-informed mental health care available in a confidential setting for our most vulnerable communities. If you are a clinician who’d like to volunteer counseling services free of charge or a community partner who’d like to make a referral, visit them on Instagram today. https://tinyurl.com/3h5f69b6

04/03/2026

We’re getting excited for the Oak Park - River Forest (OPRF) Chamber of Commerce’s 10th Anniversary Community Health and Wellness Fair on Sunday, April 19! It’s always so nice when we have the chance to get out and connect with the community at this annual event.

There’s a lot in store for the day, including:

- The opportunity to chat with 60+ local health and wellness providers
- Complimentary screenings
- Healthy snacks and family activities
- And more

If you’re from the area, we hope to see you there! To register for free, visit Eventbrite online now: https://tinyurl.com/3w9h9ywx

04/02/2026

ICYMI: Meridian’s Founding and Managing Partner Flavio A. Arana, MD, authored a piece for Chicago Health on the pivotal role psychiatrists play in the mental health care setting.

To learn more about psychiatrists’ extensive medical training, their critical knowledge of medication management and how they work alongside other mental health care providers, read on now.

Our nation is facing a mental health crisis. Anxiety, depression, trauma-related disorders and substance use are rising

04/01/2026

Woohoo 🙌🙌 Counseling Awareness Month is here, everybody!

We’re kicking off April by expressing our heartfelt gratitude for the dedicated Meridian counselors who make a difference in their patients' lives each and every day by empowering them with guidance, empathy and a safe environment for working toward their mental health goals.

Thank you for the pivotal role you play on our team, counselors!

03/30/2026

Today is National Doctors’ Day, which gives us all a valuable opportunity to recognize and appreciate the unwavering commitment physicians demonstrate for our health and well-being through their years of devoted training and experience and human-centric approach to patient care.

Here at Meridian, we’re deeply thankful for the integral role all 29 of our MDs and DOs play in our multidisciplinary private group practice! Spanning everything from neuroscience and pharmacology to pediatrics and developmental psychology — their expert medical knowledge is pivotal to our collaborative approach to delivering best-in-class mental health services.

Doctors, thank you for all that you do!

03/27/2026

A recent study of approximately 1.9 million births from almost 1.1 million fathers suggests men may experience a mental health boost during their partner’s pregnancy and in the months following childbirth, with the rate of psychiatric disorder diagnoses decreasing by about five times during that period. By the time of their child’s first birthday, though, men’s risk of a diagnosis for a condition like depression or anxiety increased by 30% from the normal level.

TUESDAY, March 24, 2026 (HealthDay News) — New fathers might be proud poppas, but their mental health might be shaky as they adapt to their increased responsibi

03/26/2026

At Meridian Psychiatric Partners, we’re proud to offer patients collaborative mental health care from a range of experts in our multidisciplinary private group practice. As a patient, it means you’re in a unique position to receive support from an advanced practice nurse, therapist and psychiatrist all in one place.

In his new piece for Chicago Health, Meridian’s Founding and Managing Partner Flavio A. Arana, MD, offers an in-depth look at the pivotal role psychiatrists play in the mental health care setting.

To learn more about psychiatrists’ extensive medical training, their critical knowledge of medication management and how they work alongside other mental health care providers, visit Chicago Health online now.

Our nation is facing a mental health crisis. Anxiety, depression, trauma-related disorders and substance use are rising

03/24/2026

A recent study of over 560,000 college students in the United States has revealed that the rate of suicidal ideation among students from all demographics increased almost 154% between 2007 and 2022. What’s more, when looking at other depression symptoms — such as restlessness or having difficulty concentrating — female students, students of color and those impacted by financial issues saw the most drastic increases.

Results of an analysis of health survey data from more than 560,000 U.S. college students concludes that depression symptoms have steadily increased over the past 15 years, particularly among women, minorities and students experiencing financial stress.

03/20/2026

There’s a lot to love about the spring, but when this time of year rolls around there’s always one extra special reason for us to get excited here at Meridian — it’s almost time for one of our favorite annual community events again!

The Oak Park - River Forest (OPRF) Chamber of Commerce’s 10th Anniversary Community Health and Wellness Fair is scheduled for Sunday, April 19 at the Fitness Formula Club in Oak Park. It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to connect with area health care providers, learn about resources and have some fun.

This year’s event will feature:

- 60+ local health and wellness providers
- Complimentary screenings
- Healthy snacks and family activities
- Tote bag giveaways (while supplies last)

Community registration is now open! Visit Eventbrite online to secure your spot for free now: https://tinyurl.com/3w9h9ywx

03/11/2026

Individuals and families from some of our most vulnerable communities are up against unimaginable stress and uncertainty right now as a result of the immigration, detention and deportation crisis.

But they don’t have to face it alone — with the help of trusted community partners like yourself, compassionate, trauma-informed mental health care is available for those affected. Do you know someone who would benefit from pro bono therapy sessions from a small, confidential network of licensed clinicians?

Visit Healing Without Fear on Instagram and use link in bio to make a referral today. https://tinyurl.com/yjabba9d

03/10/2026

According to a recent study by researchers at the University of Pennyslvania, the rates of young people between six- and 24-years-old taking medication for mental health and behavioral disorders increased within two recent decades — from 5.3% between 2001 and 2004 to 8.3% between 2017 and March 2020.

TUESDAY, Feb. 10, 2026 (HealthDay News) -- Use of medications for mental health and behavioral conditions among children and young adults increased steadily for