Cardiologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Chiropractor providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dentist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dermatologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Family Physician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
OB-GYN providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Ophthalmologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Orthopedic Surgeon providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Pediatrician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Physical Therapist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Podiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Psychiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Anita Rao, MD, is a resident physician and psychiatrist at Mindful TMS Neurocare Centers, providing comprehensive mental health care to people of all ages at offices in the River North neighborhood of Chicago and Crystal Lake, Hinsdale, and Wheaton, Illinois.
Dr. Rao studied at George Washington University in Washington, DC, earning her Bachelor of Science in international health distinction. After graduation, she enrolled at the Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine in Maywood, Illinois, and obtained her medical degree.
The following year, Dr. Rao completed a psychiatry residency at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University in Chicago. There, she received extensive training in all aspects of mental health care, including the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.
Dr. Rao excelled in the residency program and was awarded the MIT Open Documentary Lab Visiting Fellow. With this distinction, she completed a documentary film produced to facilitate understanding and destigmatization of mental illness.
At Mindful TMS Neurocare Centers, Dr. Rao serves as a resident physician. In this role, she works with patients to personalize mental health treatment plans that relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
Outside of work, Dr. Rao is active in the Chicagoland community. She’s teamed with several public health organizations, including The Obama Foundation and the Youth Guidance’s Working on Womanhood (WOW®) initiative, to improve mental health outcomes for Americans.
Dr. Rao is also a member of MATTER Chicago, a healthcare entrepreneurship startup accelerator. She welcomes anyone wanting to improve their mental health to schedule an appointment at Mindful TMS Neurocare Centers today.
In a world where emotional wellbeing is of immense importance, I stand as a psychiatrist dedicated to my craft, committed to fostering mental health and empowering individuals on their goals.
A Midwesterner at heart, I completed my undergraduate degree at The Ohio State University, then went on to complete my medical degree at the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine before finishing my residency at Loyola University Medical Center where a sizable portion of training was spent at the Edward Hines VA Hospital. During my residency, I cultivated a deep understanding of psychiatric nuances and treatment modalities. I am proud to mention that I have received training in cultural sensitivity, enhancing my ability to provide inclusive and personalized care to individuals from various backgrounds. Additionally, I am trained in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), further expanding my repertoire of therapeutic interventions. My memberships include the American Psychiatric Association, American Osteopathic Association, and the Illinois Psychiatric Society.
Throughout my career, I have traversed differing landscapes from rural to urban, gaining a myriad of experiences that helped shape my comprehensive approach to mental health. It is important to me to stay on top of the latest advancements in psychiatry and use evidence- based medicine to offer my patients pertinent, personalized care for them. I am enthusiastic about working with a range of populations. Areas of interest include mood and anxiety disorders, PTSD/complex trauma, bipolar disorder, insomnia, and substance use.
My therapeutic style is characterized by empathy, active listening, and collaborative relationships with patients, fostering a safe space for healing. I offer a combination of medication management and psychotherapy. As a clinician, I aim to empower my patients and help them achieve resilience to navigate life’s challenges. My practice is founded on compassion, respect, and the firm belief an individual has inherent potential for transformative growth.
As a licensed clinical social worker and therapist, I have dedicated my career to helping individuals cope with a variety of mental health challenges. With many years of experience in the field, I have developed a skill set that allows me to assist clients in achieving their goals and improving their sense of well-being. I have had the opportunity to work with clients from all walks of life. From individuals struggling with anxiety or depression to those dealing with relationship issues or trauma, I provide a safe and supportive space where clients can explore their emotions and work towards healing. I have a lot of experience working with children and adolescents which I really enjoy and have a soft spot for.
My approach to therapy uses a variety of techniques and modalities to individualize treatment to each client’s unique needs. Whether it’s supportive therapy, mindfulness-based therapy or other forms of psychotherapy, I work collaboratively with each client to develop a plan that will help achieve his or her goals and be their best self. In addition to my work as a therapist, I strive to continue my ongoing professional development by staying current with the latest research and best practices in the field. Helping others is something I am very passionate about and I wholeheartedly believe that every person has the potential to achieve great things.
Let me help you find balance in your life: I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in individual, couple and family therapy. I work with children, adolescents, teens and adults with mood disorders, substance use disorders, behavioral problems, emotional disturbance, impaired social functioning as well as abuse survivors (mental, physical, neglect, financial, medical, educational) and perpetrators.
In order to give the most to the people around us, personally and professionally, we must strive to operate at our best. I tailor my work with adults to fit their individual needs and have experience working with adults to improve their parenting skills, resolve relationship issues surrounding infidelity, family violence, substance abuse, military separation, anger issues, and mood disorders.
I work with young children, adolescents and teens to improve their relationships at home and at school, resulting in improved school functioning and less familial conflict.
You’ve taken the first step in searching for support. Let’s do this together!
I am an LCSW who has experience as a crisis counselor, mental health therapist, group therapist, and director of outpatient programs. I work holistically with clients to on achieve overall wellness each domain of wellness. I have experience working with a variety of different diagnoses. I have worked with clients across the life span.
I am dedicated to providing a customized approach that is considerate of a client’s circumstances. I help to build a client’s confidence and capacity for managing and mitigating their mental health. Together we create a plan based on the client’s priorities using a strengths-based approach. Clients learn new interventions and techniques and how to incorporate them into every day life.
I use S.M.A.R.T. Goals:
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Relevant
Timely.
During therapy, we will discuss progress toward goals as well as any areas where I can provide support to the client. Progress is progress, no matter how small or big!
Dr. Amer Smajkic, MD, is a double board-certified Child, Adolescent, and General Psychiatrist with nearly three decades of clinical, academic, and research experience in Chicago. Originally from Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, he graduated from medical school before arriving in Chicago in 1994 as a refugee of the Bosnian war. His early work as a therapist at Chicago Health Outreach focused on refugees, immigrants, and survivors of war, shaping his lifelong commitment to trauma-informed care.
Dr. Smajkic developed strong academic ties with the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Illinois at Chicago, working under the mentorship of Dr. Stevan Weine and Professor Ivan Pavkovic. He participated in national and international research on genocide, ethnic cleansing, PTSD, mood disorders, and refugee mental health, publishing multiple papers and presenting widely. He later completed his general psychiatry training and child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Rush University Medical Center.
Throughout his career, Dr. Smajkic has held leadership roles, including Director of Child Psychiatry Consult-Liaison Services at Rush, Assistant Professor at Rush University, Chairman of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Advocate Christ Hospital, and Director of the Child and Adolescent Inpatient Unit at Riveredge Hospital. His clinical expertise includes ADHD, developmental and learning disorders, anxiety, depression, and trauma-related conditions.
Dr. Smajkic is an active member of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He is also a past president of the Bosnia-Herzegovinian American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
He is the owner and founder of Chicago Child Psychiatry Associates, providing specialized psychiatric care to children, teens, young adults, and adults through in-person and virtual services. In 2022–2025, he was recognized as one of Chicago’s top patient-rated psychiatrists.
I serve as Chief Medical Officer at Relief Mental Health. I am a board-certified neuropsychiatrist, quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) diplomat, and an accomplished, executive-level medical administrator.
I am passionate, caring, and dedicated to the study of brain sciences. I draw on my knowledge and experience to find the best solution for each of my patients.
I specialize in the treatment of depression, OCD, and other mental health conditions. Using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in conjunction with state-of-the-art diagnostics, psychedelic therapy (SPRAVATO® esketamine nasal spray or IV ketamine), and other collaborative interventions, I have a track record of outstanding results.
I develop and apply a proprietary method of medication selection, and strongly believe that Deep TMS technology is highly effective in the treatment of psychiatric conditions, especially in cases where traditional methods have failed or proved an inadequate level of relief.
Bess Levin, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in adult mental health, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, and OCD. Based at Relief Mental Health's Chicago West Loop clinic, she offers advanced treatments such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), SPRAVATO® (esketamine), and medication management.
Dr. Levin tailors evidence-based treatment plans to each patient’s unique needs, supporting individuals whether they are new to care or seeking alternative options after previous treatments.
We are excited to help individuals explore their mental wellness, and find the best modality to improve their quality of life! My background includes a Bachelor's of Science in Exercise Physiology, a Master's of Science in Nursing, and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice in both Psychiatric Mental Health and Adult-Geriatric Primary Care. My training in psychiatry included the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of acute and chronic mental health conditions, along with crisis management. My psychiatric training took place at the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Chicago Medicine and the inpatient psychiatric unit at Mercy Hospital & Medical Center. I am currently a board certified Nurse Practitioner by the ANCC in both Psychiatric Mental Health and Adult-Geriatric Primary Care.
Sarah Sims is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. In her practice, she integrates a combination of evidence-based psychopharmacologic management, psychotherapy, compassionate trauma informed care and various cognitive modalities to help you heal. She believes that high-quality psychiatric care is more than just treating mental illness. It is a patient centered journey through transitioning mental illness to into mental wellness.
Specialty is child, adolescent & adult clients: Depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, addiction, eating disorders, schizophrenia, professionals in recovery, disease with underlying symptoms including fatigue, feeling inadequate, shame and guilt, sexual issues, self-defeating behavior; intimacy issues, dissociation, paranoia, emotional dysregulation.
We believe your past can be used as a platform for growth. Integrating technology, we offer professional, trusted, and nonjudgmental care in office or by way of telehealth.
“Dr. Sims has been a godsend. She was the first person to recognize that I had PTSD. It was incredibly validating, and that insight has better shaped how my care is handled. I feel like a partner in my own care; she actually listens and takes my feedback into account when we make decisions about medications. She asks great questions, challenges me, and yet she is always offering different tools and educating me on ways to better manage my mental health.”
