Find a Top Psychiatrist Near Me in DeKalb, IL – Book an Appointment Instantly

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.

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.

Mindful TMS Neurocare Centers is a neurocare and psychiatric practice with locations in the River North neighborhood of Chicago, Crystal Lake, Hinsdale, and Wheaton, Illinois. The practice takes a patient-centered approach to compassionately caring for patients of all ages. 

Mindful TMS Neurocare Centers offers a comprehensive patient assessment, consultations, highly effective treatment plans, and support for an array of neurological, behavioral, and mental health issues children, adults, couples, and families experience. This enables patients to take advantage of their strengths and have access to the resources needed to live healthy, full lives.

Mindful TMS Neurocare Centers provides transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to reduce symptoms of challenging mental health disorders and achieve optimal well-being. TMS is an FDA-approved, non-medication treatment that has helped thousands of people find relief.

The skilled experts meet each patient where they are using a patented, revolutionary, and mindful approach that treats depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, schizophrenia, and many other mental and behavioral health and neurological conditions. 

TMS may also help people who struggle with addiction reach long-term remission. It may also diminish bothersome symptoms associated with chronic pain, tinnitus, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and strokes.

The goal at Mindful TMS Neurocare Centers is to remove administration struggles for patients and their families, so they can focus on their health in a timely manner, achieve long-lasting symptom relief, and experience the best quality of life possible. 

Schedule an evaluation at Mindful TMS Neurocare Centers by calling the nearest office or using the online booking feature today.

Murali Rao, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist at Mindful TMS Neurocare Centers, providing high-quality mental health care to people in the River North neighborhood of Chicago, Crystal Lake, Hinsdale, and Wheaton, Illinois.

Dr. Rao studied at Mysore Medical College and Research Institute in Karnataka, India, earning degrees in medicine and surgery. After graduation, he moved to the United States and completed a psychiatry residency at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. 

Before joining Mindful TMS Neurocare Centers, Dr. Rao received formal training in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) at two of the top TMS centers in the world –– the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston and Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.

Dr. Rao diagnoses and treats various psychiatric issues, but he has a special interest in behavioral neurosciences, geriatric psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, psychosomatic medicine, and treatment-resistant depressive mood disorders. 

Dr. Rao is caring and compassionate. He enjoys getting to know his patients and takes a goal-driven treatment approach. 

Outside the office, Dr. Rao teaches psychiatry students and contributes to psychiatric research. He currently serves as an affiliate professor of psychiatry at Loyola University Chicago and chairs the psychiatry department. Dr. Rao is also involved in the study of ketamine infusion therapy and esketamine, an FDA-approved nasal spray for the treatment of depression.

Dr. Rao is a member of the American College of Psychiatry, a distinguished life fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, and a fellow of the Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine.

Dr. Rao’s knowledge and extensive clinical experience let him drive innovation and excellence in mental health. He welcomes anyone suffering from depression, anxiety, or other mental health or behavioral disorders to schedule an appointment at Mindful TMS Neurocare Centers.

Dr. Kishwar Ali completed her medical education at Sind Medical College and residency training at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Illinois. She holds board certification from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and has 30 years of experience in treating a wide range of psychiatric disorders. As a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, Dr. Ali is dedicated to providing comprehensive care to patients aged 12 and older. She was the first in the DuPage County area to utilize Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for the treatment of adult and adolescent depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). She offers both telehealth and in-office consultations to accommodate diverse patient needs and speaks English and Urdu/Hindi. Dr Ali’s special interests include treating patients with Addictions, eating disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and Major depressive disorder. Dr. Ali is associated with Linden Oaks Hospital and Edward Hospital.

Loretta Armstrong is a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with over a decade of experience in the field of patient care. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to providing compassionate and comprehensive care to individuals facing a range of psychiatric disorders.

After earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Governors State University, Loretta began her career as a registered nurse in various settings, including acute care, community health, and outpatient clinics. Her hands-on experience in these roles reinforced her passion for mental health, prompting her to pursue further education. Loretta obtained her Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Psychiatric Mental Health from Northern Kentucky University, where she honed her skills in assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment modalities.

As a PMHNP, Loretta is adept at managing a wide spectrum of mental health issues, including anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. She is known for her holistic approach, integrating both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions tailored to meet each patient's unique needs. Loretta emphasizes the importance of building strong therapeutic relationships, fostering trust and open communication with her patients, which she believes is fundamental in facilitating effective treatment outcomes.

In addition to her clinical practice, Loretta is deeply committed to education and advocacy in mental health. She frequently participates in community outreach initiatives aimed at reducing stigma associated with mental illness and improving access to mental health services. Loretta has also been involved in training and mentoring nursing students and new practitioners, sharing her wealth of knowledge and experience to inspire the next generation of healthcare providers.

Dr. Babatunde Idowu Ogundipe, MD, MPH, is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Inc. and the American Board of Medical Specialties. He graduated Doctor of Medicine from Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA. He completed his residency in Family Medicine at Cook County - Loyola Provident, Chicago, IL, and Psychiatry at Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN. He also received his Multidisciplinary Master of Public Health at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA.

His past experiences include Neighborhood Family Practice, Oak Park, IL, Fred Richardson M.D., where he does home visits for  Medical / Psychiatry patients. Washington DC VA Medical Center, Washington, DC, where he mainly focused on the evaluation and management of geriatric patients with complex medical/psychiatric problems, including PTSD and other anxiety disorders, depression, dementia subtypes, schizophrenia or psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, traumatic brain injury, sleep disorders, hypothyroidism, metabolic syndrome, and Parkinson's disease. Inventiv Health Clinical, LLC, Nashville, TN, where he monitored clinical sites to ensure adherence to standard protocols and safety requirements.

He also contributed to several publications, such as "Remaking the American Health Care System: A positive reflection on the Affordable Care Act with emphasis on Mental Healthcare." - Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved and "Unphosphorylated SR-like Protein Np13 Stimulates RNA Polymerase II Elongation." - PLoS ONE.

Overall, he has extensive training and interest in geriatric psychiatry (including but not limited to diagnosis and management of neurocognitive disorders) and PTSD, ADHD, sleep, movement, psychotic, anxiety, and mood disorders (including TMS for depression). He has a strong passion for his work and derives satisfaction in building a solid therapeutic alliance with his patients to overcome their functional limitations.