Meridian Psychiatric Partners, LLC

11/15/2025

Here at Meridian, we’re getting excited about a very special meal that’s coming up soon! Thanksgiving may be right around the corner, but that’s going to have to wait, because we’re talking about the Collaboration for Early Childhood’s upcoming “Together at the Table: Early Childhood in a Time of Change” inaugural annual breakfast!

This special morning, for which we are a proud Signature Sponsor, will be an invaluable opportunity for fellow health care providers, early childhood educators, local leaders, families and community members to come together to open a dialogue surrounding our shared efforts to give young children and their families the strong foundation they need to thrive in today's modern world.

“Together at the Table” is scheduled for 8:30-10 a.m. this Thursday, November 20 at Nineteenth Century Club in Oak Park. To learn more and secure your spot, visit the CEC online today: https://collab4kids.org/together/

11/14/2025

In today’s world, advancements in artificial intelligence — such as multimodal large language models (MLLMs) — seem to be rapidly reshaping the way we learn, work and live. If you’re curious as to what this could mean for those of us in the reproductive psychiatry field, Meridian’s Sara Kashani, MD, PMH-C, just might have some answers for you!

In a recent paper published in the Archives of Women’s Mental Health, Dr. Kashani and her co-authors examine the vast potential — as well as possible challenges — associated with MLLMs for further elevating the quality of mental health care available for patients who are navigating their reproductive journey.

Background Women’s risk of mental health conditions fluctuates across the lifespan with hormone-mediated reproductive transitions. Reproductive psychiatry, a relatively new subspecialty, focuses on preventing and treating these conditions throughout various reproductive stages. Multimodal large la...

11/13/2025

Happy World Kindness Day, everyone! Wouldn’t it be great if we could all help make the world feel a little more friendly, peaceful and inviting? The good news is, we can! That’s because we ALL have the power to make simple gestures that can put a smile on others’ faces.

If you’re ready to start brightening others’ day in a BIG way, what better place to start than at home? It’s a great way to get the whole family on board with spreading joy. From Cold Weather Care Kits and Compliment Cards to Heartfelt Notes and Kindness Bookmarks — check out tons of fun activities from the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation now. https://tinyurl.com/2hzry62x

11/11/2025

Today, we would like to express our sincere gratitude for all who have so bravely served in our nation’s military. Here at Meridian, that especially includes Dr. Cano, Dr. Hatzis and front desk staff member Dale Schroeder. Thank you for your service, veterans! We are eternally grateful for the immense courage you have demonstrated in protecting your fellow Americans 🇺🇸

11/09/2025

Do you have someone in your workplace, friend circle or family who you just couldn’t imagine making it through some days without? Someone who’s dependable, knowledgeable and always ready to lend a helping hand?

Here at Meridian, there’s definitely one person who comes to mind — her name is Rebecca Christophersen, APN! As a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with deep knowledge of and experience in reproductive mental health, she is truly instrumental in the role our Reproductive Psychiatry Division plays in empowering patients with exceptional care.

Happy National Nurse Practitioner Week, Rebecca! We simply couldn’t do it without you.

11/07/2025

Need to unwind a bit? With the American Psychological Association’s 2025 “Stress in America” report revealing a majority of people between the ages of 18 and 44 reported daily feelings of moderate-to-extreme stress, it’s likely that many of us do.

There’s good news, though. It turns out, getting pumped up about the future may be great way to relieve stress. That’s because another recent APA study has suggested watching short, inspirational videos online may be as effective as meditation for doing so.

Watching short inspirational videos can reduce stress and boost hope as effectively as meditation, according to new APA research highlighting the potential of uplifting media as a simple tool for improving mental well-being.

11/04/2025

A recent survey conducted by Hopelab and Data for Progress of nearly 580 U.S. residents between the ages of 13- and 24-years-old revealed over one-third of respondents said hardships such as family issues, loneliness and having no clear path affect their mental health and well-being so severely that their day-to-day life is disrupted.

55% of young people say their mental health is good, very good or excellent.

11/01/2025

For young children who may be having a difficult time processing the complex emotions they’re feeling, play therapy is an especially powerful modality that some therapists use to help them better navigate all that they’re experiencing. Here at Meridian, Sarah Biehl, LCPC, is an expert at doing just that!

This Early Childhood Mental Health Awareness Month, let's look back on this video in which Sarah — a registered play therapist, foundational Theraplay® practitioner and Circle of Security facilitator — gives a tour of our Oakbrook Terrace office’s play therapy room where she empowers patients ages three and up with inclusive and effective mental health care. https://tinyurl.com/4skbym9r

Take a virtual tour of the play therapy room at Meridian's new Oakbrook Terrace office now with Sarah Biehl, LCPC.

10/30/2025

With the clocks rolling back on Sunday for daylight saving time, are you dreading the increasingly dark, chilly days that lie ahead? The lack of sunlight can contribute to a case of the “winter blues” for many — and even seasonal depression, too. Here’s a great way to protect your mental health and well-being this fall.

As daylight diminishes, people can feel their mood dimming. In fact, millions of U.S. adults experience seasonal affective disorder. Light therapy can help fend off winter depression, starting in fall.

10/28/2025

Amid your constant efforts in day-to-day life to ensure your child is flourishing — both physically and emotionally — when was the last time you took a moment to reflect upon your own emotions as a parent? Read on now as the authors of the new book, “Parents Have Feelings, Too,” discuss how parents can do their absolute best for their children by learning how to better navigate their own emotions.

Learning how to navigate your emotions as a parent can transform how you relate to your child. The authors of “Parents Have Feelings, Too” explain their approach.

10/23/2025

Meridian had a wonderful time as a sponsor of Trilogy, Inc.'s annual RISE Gala at Venue West in West Town last week — thanks so much for having us!

The evening was such a nice opportunity to help support Trilogy, a truly admirable organization that works with Chicago-area residents impacted by mental health disorders. Not only that, but Trilogy’s president and CEO also happens to be Meridian’s very own Susan Doig, LCSW, CADC!

Here’s a snap of Susan speaking and a couple other fun moments from the big night.

10/22/2025

In his new book, “Talk to Your Boys,” an award-winning educator and his coauthor set out to help parents better support their teenage boys amid the the unique landscape they're navigating today — one which for many may involve unhealthy portrayals of masculinity, increased loneliness and alcohol or substance abuse. Read on now as he shares his expert insights with CNN.

Christopher Pepper, coauthor of “Talk to Your Boys,” explains how parents can approach challenging topics — like po*******hy and substance use — with their sons.