Tailored Telehealth Psychiatry for Every Need

Four Seasons Psychiatry delivers a full spectrum of telehealth psychiatric services tailored to meet a variety of mental health needs. Our expert team also offers specialized support for LGBTQ+ issues and gender dysphoria, providing compassionate and inclusive care for every individual in a nurturing environment.

Four Seasons Psychiatry

Holistic Mental Health Solutions

  • Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluations: In-depth assessments to diagnose mental health conditions and guide personalized treatment plans.
  • Depression Treatment: Specialized therapies and medication management to alleviate depression and enhance well-being.
  • Anxiety Management: Combines therapeutic techniques and medication to help you manage anxiety effectively.
  • PTSD Support: Trauma-informed care to help you process and manage PTSD symptoms.
  • Bipolar Disorder Treatment: Therapeutic interventions and medication to stabilize mood swings and improve functioning.
  • Medication Management: Ongoing evaluation and adjustment of medications for optimal effectiveness and minimal side effects.
  • LGBTQ+ Mental Health Support: Affirming care tailored to the unique needs of the LGBTQ+ community in a safe and supportive environment.
  • Gender Affirming Care: Supportive therapy and treatment options aligned with your gender identity, delivered with compassion.
  • Smoking Cessation: Breathe easy, smoke free! Lets clear the air and kick the habit. Talk to your provider about how to quit!

Depression

Each year, depression affects more than 300 million individuals globally, making it one of the most widespread mental health issues. Depression in Illinois mirrors national averages, although the prevalence may be higher due to specific regional factors such as socioeconomic disparities, access to healthcare, and urban stressors. The Department of Public Health has been working on initiatives to increase access to mental health services, but barriers still exist. At Four Seasons Psychiatry, we are devoted to offering comprehensive mental health support to those battling depression.

Understanding Depression

Depression is a mental health disorder that impacts not only the brain but the entire body. It can influence your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in negative ways. Typically, it manifests as ongoing sadness, a loss of interest in daily activities, and restlessness that lasts for more than a few weeks.

Causes of Depression

Depression can arise from a variety of factors, which makes it essential to consult with a licensed professional when seeking treatment. In some cases, depression may result from feelings of disconnection in important areas of life, such as values, relationships, or daily activities. In other instances, it can be linked to an imbalance in neurotransmitters—chemicals in the brain that regulate emotions like happiness, motivation, and love.

Symptoms

Feeling down occasionally is normal, but depression is much more intense and can persist over time. As a mental health condition, depression brings with it a broad range of symptoms that can severely disrupt daily life and overall well-being. It can make it difficult to function, maintain relationships, fulfill responsibilities, or complete tasks.

The signs of depression differ from person to person and can manifest at any time, day or night. Common symptoms include:

  • Persistent sadness, anxiety, or feelings of emptiness
  • Physical discomfort such as headaches, cramps, or digestive problems
  • Changes in appetite
  • Low energy or fatigue
  • Trouble focusing
  • Feelings of inadequacy or guilt
  • Difficulty making decisions
  • Loss of interest in activities
  • Low self-esteem
  • Thoughts of suicide or death
  • Sleep disturbances, either insomnia or oversleeping

Treatment

Depression often requires professional support for effective management. If you or someone you know is showing signs of depression, it's important to seek help.

Fortunately, depression is treatable, and managing symptoms can greatly improve quality of life. At Four Season's Psychiatry, we provide a range of treatment options tailored to your specific needs. Our services include individual therapy, behavioral therapy, medication management, and personalized consultations. Treatment plans may incorporate therapy, lifestyle changes, stress management techniques, antidepressant medications, and additional recommended therapies such as acupuncture or brain stimulation treatments like electrotherapy or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

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Anxiety

Each year, over 40 million people in the U.S. are affected by anxiety disorders. While occasional anxiety is a normal response to stress, those with anxiety disorders experience ongoing fear or worry, even in everyday situations like socializing, commuting, or handling work tasks. Without proper treatment, anxiety can severely reduce a person’s quality of life, limiting their ability to take part in activities they once found enjoyable.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a feeling marked by intense worry, tension, and physical reactions such as an increased heart rate and higher blood pressure. Individuals with anxiety disorders experience persistent, intrusive thoughts or concerns that are difficult to control. Anxiety disorders manifest in various forms, from generalized anxiety to more specific types like social anxiety or panic disorders. The development of anxiety is influenced by multiple factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life experiences. It is also common for anxiety to coexist with other conditions, such as depression, substance abuse, or other mental health disorders.

Symptoms

Common signs of anxiety include:

  • Avoidance of certain situations
  • Trouble focusing
  • Nervousness, restlessness, or an inability to relax
  • Muscle twitching or trembling
  • Digestive issues
  • A sense of danger, panic, or impending doom
  • Rapid heartbeat, quickened breathing, or hyperventilation
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Excessive sweating
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Obsessive thoughts

Treatment

At Four Seasons Psychiatry, we create personalized treatment plans based on each patient’s unique symptoms, medical history, and personal circumstances. Treatment options for anxiety often include individual or group therapy, medications, lifestyle adjustments, and specialized approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) 

PTSD is a mental health condition that arises after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It can affect individuals of any age.

While many people are able to heal over time through self-care and support, others may develop long-lasting symptoms that disrupt daily life. If these symptoms continue for months or even years, it may be a sign of PTSD. Seeking professional treatment is essential to overcome the effects of the trauma and regain control over your well-being.

At Four Seasons Psychiatry, we are dedicated to supporting you in processing your experiences, which can help alleviate symptoms and enhance your overall functioning.

Symptoms

PTSD symptoms are typically categorized into four main types:

  1. Avoidance
  2. Intrusive memories
  3. Changes in physical and emotional responses
  4. Negative shifts in thinking and mood

Individuals with PTSD may experience symptoms from one or more of these categories.

Treatment

As a compassionate practice, we understand that the journey to reclaiming your sense of self can feel daunting. We take the time to thoroughly evaluate your symptoms and personal history before recommending a tailored treatment plan. Common treatment options may include therapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments.

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Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition marked by intense mood fluctuations, featuring profound emotional highs and lows. Individuals may experience periods of mania or hypomania, characterized by elevated mood and increased energy, followed by episodes of depression that can lead to feelings of hopelessness. The symptoms at both extremes can be challenging to handle and may significantly impact daily life.

Although it is a long-term mental health condition without a cure, effective symptom management is achievable through various treatment approaches. With the right support and strategies, individuals can lead fulfilling lives while navigating their experiences with bipolar disorder.

There are several types of bipolar disorder, each affecting individuals in unique ways. Some people may experience symptoms frequently, while others may only encounter them once or twice a year.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of bipolar disorder is persistent mood swings. During periods of heightened mood or mania, individuals may feel an inflated sense of power, which can lead to engaging in risky behaviors. Conversely, during episodes of severe lows or depression, one might experience profound feelings of despair or a lack of interest in daily activities.

Additional symptoms often arise from the fluctuations in mood and can be exacerbated by co-occurring issues, such as substance abuse or other mental health disorders like anxiety or depression.

Treatment

While there is no cure for bipolar disorder, it is manageable. Treatment aims to help individuals cope with mood swings and associated symptoms. Understanding personal triggers can improve emotional responses. Effective treatment options may include medication, individual or group therapy, behavioral interventions, and adjustments to lifestyle habits.

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Medication Management

Whether you are currently taking a medication prescribed by a previous doctor or have recently been prescribed something new at Four Seasons Psychiatry, we are here to help. We encourage you to share details about your current medications as well as any past prescriptions. This information will assist your doctor in providing the most effective treatment options for your condition.

Sometimes, a medication may lose its effectiveness over time, or its side effects can become uncomfortable and intolerable. We recognize that finding the right treatment often involves some trial and error, and we take pride in our ability to determine the optimal dosage of the appropriate medication for your needs.

Your input is vital to this process. We appreciate your thoughts and feelings about medication and how it may affect your daily life and activities. Your doctor will review any new prescriptions or changes to ensure you fully understand the purpose of the medication and any potential side effects you might encounter. Our primary goal is to help you feel like your best self, and your active participation in your treatment is essential to achieving this.

If you have questions about psychiatric medication management or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us at (773) 809-1531 or email us at [email protected].

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LGBTQ+ Mental Health Supports

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning Plus (LGBTQ+*) community encompasses a wide variety of identities and expressions related to gender and sexual orientation. Beyond these identities, its members also reflect a rich diversity in race, religion, ethnicity, nationality, and socioeconomic status. While being part of the LGBTQ+ community can provide a sense of empowerment, it also presents distinct challenges. For those identifying as LGBTQ+, it's crucial to understand how your experiences related to sexual orientation and gender identity can impact your mental health.

Although comprehensive studies on mental health often overlook the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ identities, recent research indicates that individuals within this community face a heightened risk of mental health issues, particularly depression and anxiety.  Four Seasons Psychiatry provides affirming care tailored to the unique needs of the community in a safe, supportive, and confidential environment.

Coming Out

Increased societal acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals can positively impact mental health. However, this shift has led many LGBTQ+ youth to "come out" at younger ages, which can significantly affect their social interactions and relationships. For those lacking supportive environments, these experiences may negatively impact their mental well-being.

Rejection

For many LGBTQ+ individuals, coming out can be challenging or traumatic. Facing rejection from family, friends, or faith communities can be particularly hard. A 2013 survey showed that 40% of LGBT adults experienced rejection from loved ones, while a 2019 school climate survey found that 86% of LGBTQ+ youth faced harassment or assault at school. According to a 2022 report from The Trevor Project, only 37% of LGBTQ youth felt their home was an affirming space.

Trauma

Experiencing homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, and bullying can lead to significant trauma. The LGBTQ+ community often faces discrimination, including labeling and verbal abuse, making them prime targets for hate crimes. This discrimination increases the risk of PTSD for LGBTQ+ individuals compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers.

Substance Use

Substance misuse is a significant concern within the LGBTQ+ community, often serving as a coping mechanism. LGB adults are nearly twice as likely to develop a substance use disorder compared to heterosexual adults, while transgender individuals are almost four times more likely. High school students who identify as LGB or are unsure about their identity report higher rates of illicit drug use than their heterosexual classmates.

Homelessness

LGBTQI youth and young adults are about 120% more likely to experience homelessness, often due to family rejection or discrimination. This risk is especially high among Black and Native American/Alaska Native LGBTQ+ youth. Many struggle to find accepting shelters and face harassment and abuse in those settings.

Suicide

Many in the LGBTQ+ community suffer in silence, leading to worse health outcomes. This group has a higher risk for suicidal thoughts and attempts compared to heterosexual and cisgender individuals. High school students identifying as lesbian, gay, or bisexual are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers, and 40% of transgender adults have attempted suicide at some point, compared to less than 5% of the general U.S. population.

Gender Affirming Care & Gender Dysphoria:

Through research on best practices nationwide and a thorough analysis on patient feedback, Four Seasons Psychiatry has developed a care model specifically for our transgender and nonbinary patients aged 18 and older, known as Transgender Hormone Informed Consent. This treatment protocol aims to eliminate barriers to care, enhance the informed consent process, and provide superior services to our community by streamlining access to hormone replacement therapy in a supportive and cost-effective manner.

The protocol consists of 2-3 steps. Patients can schedule a Hormone Information Appointment during their telehealth visit to address any specific questions they may have about hormone therapy. Four Seasons Psychiatry advocates for providing comprehensive and accurate information while empowering individuals to make informed decisions regarding their hormone therapy options. Please see FAQ tab for additional information and commonly asked questions.

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Smoking Cessation

Quitting smoking is hard, but you don’t have to do it alone. Four Seasons Psychiatry believes it is important to educate our community about the dangers of smoking cigarettes and nicotine products. Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable
disease, disability and death in the United States. Each year, nearly half a million Americans die prematurely of smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke and another 16 million live with a serious illness caused by smoking. In 2017, 13.9 percent of
Americans over the age of 18 smoked. Recent data shows that in 2015, almost 70 percent of adults who smoke want to quit, but, fewer than one third of smokers who tried to quit used proven cessation treatments, and fewer than one in 10 smokers overall quit successfully in the past year. It is important to find ways to reach smokers that want to quit but are not quitting successfully now.

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Four Seasons Psychiatry

Start Your Path to Wellness With Us

Choosing Four Seasons Psychiatry means selecting a partner committed to your mental health journey. Contact us today to discuss our range of services and schedule your consultation.

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