Meridian Psychiatric Partners, LLC

02/25/2026

In difficult times, strong community is key. Do you know individuals or families who are experiencing mental health challenges related to the immigration and detention crisis? If so, your help as a trusted community partner is invaluable.

With the support of a confidential network of licensed clinicians offering pro bono therapy, Healing Without Fear is providing access to necessary, compassionate, trauma-informed mental health care when it’s needed most.

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

02/23/2026

Did you know that roughly 30 million Americans from all walks of life are impacted by eating disorders? Unfortunately, though, stigma, misinformation and inequitable access to care prevent many from getting the help they need.

Through its official theme for National Eating Disorders Awareness Week this year, “Every BODY Belongs,” the National Eating Disorders Association is working to bring together all who are affected to help raise awareness. Visit them online to access webinars, learning sessions and other valuable resources all week long. https://tinyurl.com/3pcp38dv

02/20/2026

It’s a vicious cycle. When you’re struggling with insomnia, you’re likely to experience anxiety about the trouble you’re having falling or staying asleep — further worsening your sleep difficulties. For one therapist impacted by this phenomenon, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia helped him cope. Explore four key practices of CBT-I now.

People struggling with insomnia tend to hyperfocus on the fact that they can't sleep, which can prevent them from getting any shut-eye. Experts share effective practices to overcome sleep stress.

02/19/2026

Are you a clinician who’s dedicated to supporting patients with mental health care that empowers them to enjoy a better quality of life? Have you been disheartened to watch as members of our most vulnerable communities are having their lives turned upside down amid the immigration and detention crisis?

If so, don’t stand idly by — your help is needed now more than ever. With the support of a confidential network of licensed clinicians providing pro bono therapy, Healing Without Fear is giving individuals and families access to necessary, compassionate, trauma-informed mental health care when they need it most.

Ready to get involved? Visit Healing Without Fear on Instagram and use link in bio to pledge your support today. https://tinyurl.com/yjabba9d

02/18/2026

It’s been way too long, so we were really glad to get together and catch up with our good friends at Midwest Counseling & Diagnostics last week! It was so nice seeing you, everyone — we’re incredibly grateful for your partnership in empowering patients in the communities we serve with exceptional mental health care services.

02/13/2026

They flaked on you AGAIN? There’s no doubt about it: When someone breaks your plans together, it’s frustrating — especially at the last minute. It’s important to recognize, though, that this seemingly selfish behavior can actually be the result of a mental health condition like depression. Read on now as one therapist offers helpful advice on how to support a friend who’s struggling while also looking out for yourself.

Our Ask the Therapist columnist, Lori Gottlieb, advises a reader who wants to help a struggling pal but is growing frustrated.

02/12/2026

Our team is growing in 2026! Lamar Nero, PsyD, is our first new addition of this year — and we couldn’t be happier to have him joining us here at Meridian.

Dr. Nero has extensive experience working with individuals navigating trauma, identity-related stress, relationship difficulties, mood and anxiety disorders and life transitions, as well as with couples struggling with emotional disconnection, high-conflict dynamics and the impact of trauma and identity on intimacy.

Welcome to the Meridian team, Dr. Nero! We’re excited to start working together.

02/11/2026

Dr. Arana’s son Kaiyen wanted to demonstrate the vast potential young people have for helping to create a more hopeful future for others. So as part of his senior capstone project, he came up with Healing Without Fear. It takes a look at our most vulnerable immigrant and refugee communities as they face unimaginable hostility, uncertainty and psychological stress amid the immigration and detention crisis.

We were so impressed with Kaiyen’s approach, and it's such a powerful idea, that we wanted to get involved to help expand access to safe, compassionate, trauma-informed mental health care. We’re incredibly proud to have many of our own licensed clinicians here at Meridian offering pro bono therapy to individuals and families who are being impacted.

Visit Healing Without Fear on Instagram and use links in bio to offer your support as a licensed clinician or make a referral as a community partner today. https://tinyurl.com/yjabba9d

02/10/2026

As 2026 continues to take shape, a range of new trends in the psychology space will continue to emerge. From the potential risks and benefits of increased AI chatbot usage and a heightened focus on integrative care to rethinking how to promote early childhood well-being and the importance of advocacy work for the field of psychology — check out all that the American Psychological Association is watching now.

In this issue: emerging trends in psychology for 2026, APA’s new president Wendi S. Williams, most read journal articles from 2025, navigating layoffs, psychology's expanding role in prescribing medication, and more.

02/05/2026

With this week being International Play Therapy Week, what better time to take a tour of Meridian’s play therapy room at our Oakbrook Terrace office? This special space is where Sarah Biehl, LCPC, empowers children ages three and up to express themselves in the ways that work best for them.

Watch now to learn more about what goes on in Sarah’s sessions. It’s the perfect way to get a better idea of what to expect if you’re considering play therapy for your child! https://meridianpsychiatricpartners.com/oakbrook-terrace-play-therapy-room/

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

02/03/2026

Here at Meridian, we’re incredibly proud to offer patients a highly skilled, diverse team of providers in our multidisciplinary private group practice. With 30 psychiatrists, 30 therapists and one advanced practice nurse, we’re one of the largest teams of our kind in Chicagoland!

And that’s not all — this National Women Physicians Day, we’re especially happy to say that 20 of the dedicated psychiatrists at Meridian are women! Today, we’d like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for the instrumental role you play on our team. Thank you for all that you do!

02/01/2026

For young people struggling to navigate what can often be some pretty complex emotions they’re experiencing, sometimes the recipe for success comes down to meeting them where they’re at!

To that end, the power of play can offer a myriad of benefits! In fact, research on child-parent relationship therapy has revealed that as little as just five minutes of regular, daily or weekly child-led play can provide benefits including improved behavioral tendencies, enhanced coping mechanisms and a stronger bond between parent and child.

Ready to try at home? In recognition of International Play Therapy Week, Meridian’s Sarah Biehl, LCPC — a registered play therapist with over a decade of experience empowering young patients ages three and up with exceptional mental health care — has created a calendar of play activities that children and caregivers can have fun with all month long.

From board games and a family scavenger hunt to cooking/baking and a Google Earth expedition — explore all these awesome play activities on our website today! https://tinyurl.com/5n6s2j74