BBC Worklife asks the question, "Why do we feel uneasy about a ‘new normal’?" Many of us have longed for a return to normal routines, normal interactions, normal life. But now that stay-at-home orders are beginning to lift, some are beginning to feel anxious about returning to normal life. ATC's Dr. Cassiday and Dr. Rosmarin of [...]
Mental Health America, the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and promoting the overall mental health of all Americans, is hosting a roundtable discussion on anxiety Thursday, May 28, at 3:30 p.m. (ET). The panel includes our clinic director Dr. Karen Cassiday, actor Tati Gabrielle, and [...]
Elle magazine explores the impact of quarantine on women who suffer from agoraphobia: is it easier to stay at home? Are there concerns about backsliding and losing ground? What will it be like to reopen? Dr. Karen Cassiday was interviewed as one of the experts. From the article: "[Dr. Cassiday has] already noticed what were previously 'little [...]
Though we continue to adapt to new situations and daily changes in routine during COVID-19, anxiety and depression have increased for so many. Since everyone is in the same boat, how do you know if you are suffering with normal symptoms or a treatable condition? Should you ask for medication, and if so, when? Dr. [...]
"What if you have the kind of anxiety that makes you feel trapped and panicky because of the stay-at-home orders due to COVID-19? While there are some whose anxiety disorder might find it a relief to stay home and engage in social distancing, there are many for whom this situation creates a special nightmare." In [...]
Christina Maxwell joined "Into the Night" host Ji Suk Yi on WGN Radio 720 to explain the differences and similarities between stress and anxiety, how to best manage them during the pandemic, as well as offer life-long tools to help cope with anxiety-triggering situations. Enjoy listening to the interview, and be sure to check out [...]
Sydney Frattura Kampschroer continues to encourage us, as we face shelter-in-place extensions, to maintain simple routines and connections as well as adding in time for fun throughout the day. She motivates us to look forward to and plan for the future when businesses reopen and travel is again a possibility, and remind ourselves daily of [...]
Join Dr. Karen Cassiday on Facebook Live, Thursdays at 1 p.m. (CST). She will answer questions about being at home with your kids, becoming an instant homeschool, and the general stress of COVID-19. Register for Dr. Cassiday’s new Zoom group, Enjoy Quarantine! Avoid Going Crazy with the Ones You Love. You will have an opportunity [...]
Need someone to talk to about being stuck at home with your kids, becoming an instant homeschool, and dealing with the stress of COVID-19? Join Dr. Karen Cassiday today on Facebook Live at 1 p.m. (CST) to ask your questions and get support. You will be glad you did!
Coronavirus is a 'Personal Nightmare' for People with OCD and Anxiety Disorders For people with mental health conditions, COVID-19 is both their worst nightmare and sudden validation of their habits. Here are some highlights from the article by Tyler Kingkade.: "Uncertainty is the basis of all anxiety disorders, so in some ways, COVID-19 has set a [...]
Dr. Nina Pacholec’s patient-centered approach to care creates a respectful and responsive environment in which each person can gain confidence in managing their anxiety and learn the tools to overcome it. She addresses each patient with caring, understanding the difficult challenges that anxiety creates, and uses evidence-based methods to assist each person in identifying ways to face those challenges successfully. Using a collaborative approach and a sense of humor, Dr. Pacholec develops individualized treatment plans to help patients reduce their symptoms and achieve their goals. She also offers distance counseling for Illinois residents via secure videoconferencing. Distance counseling offers a convenient alternative for patients who find it difficult to meet with or travel to a therapist and can flexibly accommodate patient schedules.
Special Interests:
Dr. Pacholec successfully helps children and adults manage all types of anxiety with particular interest in social anxiety, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), performance anxiety, and phobias. She is also skilled in treating trauma in children and adolescents. She utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness in her treatment.
When not in the office, she loves all things outdoors and will often find time for hiking, exploring new places, and trying new things. An animal lover with a dog and two cats, she also enjoys spending time with her family and cooking up delicious things to eat!
Experience and Training:
Dr. Pacholec received her master’s and doctorate from Palo Alto University in California with a Child and Family emphasis. She completed her pre- and postdoctoral internship at WellSpan Philhaven Behavioral Health in Pennsylvania and continued working there after graduation as a practicing psychologist for several years. She has extensive training and experience in CBT and most recently was a supervisor for the internship program at her previous position. She also has experience in DBT-informed care and enjoyed facilitating DBT-informed skills groups for adolescents and parenting groups based on the Parenting Your Strong-Willed Child evidence-based protocol. Dr. Pacholec has additional training in trauma-focused CBT.
Dr. Pacholec is a Diplomate and Certified CBT Therapist through the Academy of Cognitive Therapy (A-CBT), and a member of the American Psychological Association (APA).
Age Range:
Ages 4 years through Adult
Cookie is an important part of the Anxiety Treatment Center staff. She loves working with people and brings a great deal of enthusiasm to her job as an exposure therapist. Her small size and friendly nature make it easy for those who fear dogs to practice overcoming their anxieties.
Cookie is a female “Teddy Bear” dog, a cross-breed between a Bichon Frise and a Shih Tzu. She is very sweet and puts our clients at ease. She assists our human staff in working with patients who have fears about dogs and animals. A devoted companion, she also assists children with autism spectrum disorder and other very shy patients with socialization skills.
We are thankful to have such a sweet, calm animal to help our patients overcome their fears.
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Philosophy of Care:
Clients of all ages find Dr. Dustin Siegel to be warm, empathetic, and approachable, as he helps to identify and resolve troublesome thoughts and behaviors. Treatment begins with an assessment aimed at learning about your concerns and how they are impacting your life. Using a collaborative approach, Dr. Siegel defines specific goals and develops an individualized treatment plan aimed at reducing symptoms and improving overall mood. He uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to teach you new ways to respond to anxious and depressive thoughts and feelings. Therapy with Dr. Siegel helps you to live a richer, less anxiety-driven life, and to better manage anxious thoughts and behaviors whenever they arise.
Dr. Siegel also offers distance counseling for Illinois residents via secure videoconferencing. Distance counseling offers a convenient alternative for patients who find it difficult to meet with or travel to a therapist and can flexibly accommodate patient schedules.
Special Interests:
Dr. Siegel successfully treats all types of anxiety disorders including Social Anxiety, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and specific Phobias. Often, this includes helping clients manage mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder, which frequently appear in conjunction with other anxiety problems. He relates particularly well to college students and young professionals, providing valuable support during challenging life cycle transitions for both women and men.
Dr. Siegel has a passion for helping clients with Tourette Syndrome and other tic disorders. He uses Comprehensive Behavioral Interventions for Tics (CBIT), Habit Reversal Therapy (HRT), and other techniques that have been proven effective in reducing the severity of tics.
In addition to his clinical work, he enjoys spending time exploring the city, cooking and trying new foods, and pursuing issues related to social justice and the stigma of mental illness.
Experience and Training:
Dr. Siegel received his Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Hartford. He completed his doctoral internship at Counseling and Psychological Services of Clemson University in Clemson, SC where he worked with a culturally diverse population of college students presenting with a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties. Dr. Siegel has received extensive specialized training from the prestigious OCD Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) as well as the Tourette Syndrome Behavior Therapy Institute. He is a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), and the Tourette Syndrome Association (TSA).
Patient Age Range:
Ages 5 years and Up, Adolescents, and Adults
Office Location:
Chicago and Deerfield
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Philosophy of Care:
Dr. Julieanne Pojas’ life motto is: “Do one thing that scares you the most.” She teaches her patients to live a life of confidence and resilience rather than fear. Dr. Pojas believes in developing a relationship that is collaborative, non-judgmental, supportive, and emphasizes each patient’s strengths. She provides evidence-based interventions to target each individuals’ symptoms. These treatments result in patients who are able to improve more quickly.
Special Interests:
Dr. Pojas’ specific clinical interests include anxiety disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Hoarding Disorder, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. She is particularly skilled at working with families and enjoys helping young adults work through life transitions. Dr. Pojas is also passionate about reducing the stigma of mental illness among the Asian American population.
Dr. Pojas currently leads the Buried in Treasures Workshop, a CBT-based workshop that teaches skills to help people with Hoarding Disorder overcome the clutter in their lives. She also offers training to family members of hoarders through the Family-As-Motivators program. This program teaches the friends and families of individuals with Hoarding Disorder how to approach the issue with their loved one and encourage them to seek the help they need.
In her spare time, Dr. Pojas enjoys spending time with her family, volunteering, scrapbooking, and watching scary movies. She is known for her inquisitive demeanor and is always willing to try something new – whether it is a new type of food, learning a new recipe, or trying out a new exercise class. In the winter time, Dr. Pojas is either ice skating or cheering on her favorite football team – the Green Bay Packers!
Experience and Training:
Dr. Pojas received her doctorate and masters’ degree in clinical psychology from Midwestern University in Downers Grove, Illinois. As a licensed clinical psychologist, she specializes in the treatment of anxiety and related conditions. She is trained in cognitive-behavioral therapy and exposure response prevention. Dr. Pojas has received specialized training and certification from the Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) at the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF).
Dr. Pojas has experience working in a variety of clinical settings in Illinois and California treating a culturally diverse population. She believes in providing culturally appropriate treatment. She has done several talks training mental health professionals and educating parents about mental health topics. Dr. Pojas is a member of the Anxiety and Depression Association of American (ADAA), the IOCDF, and the Asian American Psychological Association (AAPA).
Patient Age Range:
Ages 5 years and Up
Office Location:
Deerfield
LICENSED CLINICAL PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
Philosophy of Care:
Spend a few minutes with Christina Maxwell, and her genuine spirit and zest for life become clear. Empathetic and encouraging, she has a positive approach with clients and quickly puts people at ease. She operates as an active therapist, utilizing homework and working on practical solutions while teaching patients how to manage their anxiety. She is able to quickly establish rapport with children and adolescents and understands the need for parents to have tools and guidance in best responding to their anxious child. She provides suggestions and prompts for a variety of situations and works closely with parents and loved ones to support their anxious family member. Utilizing mindfulness and compassion-focused therapy techniques, her goal is to provide you with the ability to successfully manage situations on your own.
Special Interests:
Christina works with adults and children as young as 5 and uses her natural humor to establish rapport with children and adolescents. She is most interested in helping patients learn to manage their own anxiety and OCD. Parents are often surprised at how willing their children are to work with and confide in Christina. In addition, she has experience with anxiety, obsessive-compulsive spectrum, PTSD, and mood disorders.
Outside the office, Christina and her husband are busy managing their own brood of three young boys. After 11 years in Boston, she is appreciating the sights of Chicago and the slower pace of the Midwest. A health enthusiast, she relaxes with a daily run or yoga class and enjoys reading and traveling.
Experience and Training
Christina earned her Masters of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology from Boston College. She worked in a variety of clinical settings in the Boston area, where she provided individual and family therapy to children, adolescents, and adults. As she trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), she found that an active, engaged treatment approach resulted in a more responsive and sustainable change. She received further training in Trauma-Focused CBT, as well as a certification in Parent Management Training. Christina has completed specialized training in Pediatric OCD from the prestigious Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) through the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF). She is a member of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) and the IOCDF. Christina is a licensed counselor in both Illinois and Massachusetts and is thus able to provide telecounseling to Massachusetts residents from our Deerfield office.
Patient Age Range:
Ages 5 years and up
Office Location:
Deerfield
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Philosophy of Care:
Kind, warm, and supportive, Dr. Brian J. Schmaus approaches patients with compassion for the challenges that anxiety has brought into their lives. He teaches patients how to manage their worries and fears so they can learn how to tolerate uncertainty. By encouraging patients to face their fears, he enhances their ability to successfully manage stressful situations. When working with children and teens, he often involves parents in the treatment plan by providing guidance and strategies that help their children feel less anxious. Dr. Schmaus motivates patients of all ages to make positive changes in their lives and is most gratified to see the progress patients can make when they are taught the skills to overcome their worries and fears.
Special Interests:
Dr. Schmaus is sought out for his expertise in working with patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder. In addition, he works extensively with patients with various anxiety disorders as well as OCD and related disorders, including body-focused repetitive behaviors. He successfully treats many patients who have complex symptoms that other therapists find difficult to treat.
You’ll often find Dr. Schmaus playing with his young children and watching sporting events. He enjoys spending time with his family and friends.
Experience and Training:
Dr. Schmaus earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago, Illinois. He completed his doctoral internship at Vancouver Coastal Health, where he worked in the Anxiety Disorders Clinic at the University of British Columbia, training with leading international experts in the fields of anxiety and OCD.
Dr. Schmaus presents at national conferences on the treatment of anxiety and OCD and has also authored publications in peer-reviewed journals. He specializes in the use of evidence-based treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). He has extensive experience working with school staff on how to manage anxiety problems in schools, including working with students with school refusal. He has also supervised a number of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in the treatment of anxiety and related disorders. His professional affiliations include the American Psychological Association (APA), the TLC Foundation for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (TLC), the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), and the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA).
Patient Age Range:
Ages 4 years and up
Office Location:
Deerfield
PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Philosophy of Care:
Sydney Frattura Kampschroer uses her warm and calm demeanor to put clients at ease, creating a welcoming environment where clients feel heard, understood, supported, and empowered. She helps teens and adults remove the barriers to living the life they want, collaborating with clients as they work toward treatment goals together. She couples the evidence-based practice of cognitive behavioral therapy with an innate perceptiveness and compassion, to identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, and teach clients skills and coping strategies to improve their lives. She works closely with parents to offer recommendations on how they can best support their adolescent in treatment. By providing opportunities to practice and learn outside of sessions, clients experience decreased symptoms and increased progress.
Sydney also offers virtual counseling via secure videoconferencing and can flexibly accommodate client schedules. Virtual counseling offers a convenient alternative for clients who are not able to meet in-person for any reason (e.g., work travel schedule, studying outside of Illinois, scheduling limitations, etc.).
Special Interests:
Sydney works successfully with adolescents and adults who experience anxiety, depression, obsessions, compulsions, perfectionism, hair-pulling, and alcohol and/or drug use. She is gifted at developing rapport with teens, and passionate about helping them to develop and practice lifelong skills for current and future challenges. She specializes in using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to help clients to overcome anxiety.
In her free time, you can find Sydney shopping at local farmers’ markets and baking delicacies in her kitchen. A lifelong dog lover, she also loves to spend time with family, friends, and of course their dogs.
Experience and Training:
Sydney Frattura Kampschroer received her Master’s of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis, George Warren Brown School of Social Work. She has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She also has experience providing addiction treatment, understanding the complex interactions between anxiety and substance use. She has worked in non-profit settings, outpatient clinics, and addiction treatment centers.
Patient Age Range: Children and Adults
Office Location: Deerfield and Chicago
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Philosophy of Care:
Dr. Alison Alden approaches her work with warmth, flexibility, and gentle humor. Recognizing the incredible courage and strength that it can take to overcome anxiety, she works closely with patients to directly face the thoughts and situations that scare them and strives to be in the trenches facing these situations alongside them. Using a collaborative, therapeutic relationship, she helps patients understand that investing in hard work can ultimately provide relief from the anxieties that plague them. She is also sensitive to the pressures faced by working moms and other professionals, and the world of anxieties that can be unleashed by parenting challenges. Dr. Alden applies research-based, gold standard treatments based on a thorough understanding of the unique problems faced by each individual. Her ultimate goal is to help patients develop the skills and understanding to both overcome their current difficulties and better deal with whatever life may throw at them.
For busy professionals in the state of Illinois, Dr. Alden can provide therapy sessions via phone and video when appropriate, based on a client’s diagnosis. She is also a registered telehealth provider in the state of Florida; for more information about Florida telehealth, please visit their website.
Special Interests:
Dr. Alden enjoys working with patients with all anxiety, obsessive-compulsive spectrum, and mood disorders. She is particularly skilled in working with adults and older adolescents and in helping individuals tackle social anxiety and panic disorder. In addition, she has experience treating adult ADHD and difficulties regulating emotions and/or relating to others. Dr. Alden offers phone and video sessions
Outside the office, Dr. Alden enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and good friends. She also likes playing board games and is an avid reader and television enthusiast.
Experience and Training:
Dr. Alison Alden earned her Ph.D. from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, where she focused on researching and treating anxiety. She also completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. She has extensive training and experience in cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety, OCD, and mood disorders, and integrates mindfulness and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) into her practice. Dr. Alden has published several research articles and book chapters on anxiety, depression, and emotion regulation, and has presented talks and posters to state and national professional organizations. She has also taught in Northwestern University’s School of Continuing Studies. Dr. Alden is a member of the Anxiety and Depression Association of American (ADAA), and was the recipient of the highly competitive ADAA Young Leadership award in 2014.
Patient Age Range:
Ages 8 years and Up
Office Location:
Deerfield
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Philosophy of Care
Dr. Rahan Ali is an engaging clinician, using an active, results-oriented approach with patients. His style blends warmth, encouragement, and a sense of humor, coaching patients to address problems in more effective ways. A dynamic teacher, he uses skills honed during a 20 year clinical career to help patients identify symptoms, target areas of difficulty, and develop specific, achievable goals. He customizes a treatment plan utilizing CBT and other research-proven best practices for treating anxiety and other issues.
Special Interests:
Dr. Ali focuses on successful treatment for anxiety disorders, including social anxiety, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic. He is a passionate teacher, and enjoys presenting to the community and in one-on-one therapeutic situations. He finds great satisfaction in empowering his patients, as they learn to face uncomfortable situations with a new sense of self-control and confidence.
In his spare time Dr. Ali likes to read, listen to music and spend time with family. As a native Chicagoan, he loves Lake Michigan, Bulls basketball, and construction traffic (one of those isn’t true!). He also likes to play piano, especially when no one is listening!
Experience and Training:
Dr. Ali earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Bowling Green State University and completed his internship at University of Cincinnati, where he specialized in treating anxiety, depression, and trauma. He completed a clinical fellowship at Northeastern Illinois University and a teaching fellowship at Penn State University. He has worked in numerous settings with a variety of clinical populations, and has extensive training in cognitive-behavioral and exposure-based treatments. In addition to his clinical experience, Dr. Ali also taught for several years in the psychology departments at University of Pennsylvania and Penn State University, where he was an award-winning instructor. He regularly offers presentations on anxiety and other mental health topics, and he enjoys educating the public as well as training other therapists. His professional affiliations include the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), American Psychological Association (APA), International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), and the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT).
Patient Age Range
Ages 6 years and Up
Office Location:
Deerfield
Philosophy of Care:
Dr. Karen Lynn Cassiday empowers patients to overcome their struggles with anxiety, compulsions, phobias, social anxiety, worry, and depression. She approaches each patient with enthusiasm, persistence, and a keen sense of humor, crafting individualized, research-based treatment plans for each person. Her goal is to make each patient an expert at managing their own anxiety, so that they can face any future event with confidence and courage. She loves being able to laugh and celebrate along with patients as they overcome their most difficult situations.
Special Interests:
Dr. Cassiday is often sought out to treat the most challenging patients who have not had success in other treatment environments. She is particularly skilled at working with complicated cases of anxiety disorders, young children, selective mutism, OCD and school refusal. She also specializes in working with parents. Her experience as a special needs parent gives her a unique insider’s perspective, and she understands the challenges of balancing work, family, and a child’s complex needs.
Dr. Cassiday is the mother of five. She credits her blended family with fine-tuning her sense of humor and humility. She loves to spend her spare time volunteering in her church and hanging out with friends. Regardless of how busy she is, she cannot pass up a good book or great chocolate!
Experience and Training
Dr. Karen Cassiday received her doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 1990 from the Rosalind Franklin U
niversity of Medicine and Science. Nationally recognized as an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders in children, teens and adults, she has conducted extensive research into anxiety and is widely published. She is the Past President of the prestigious Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), and served on the board of Beyond OCD Chicago. She is a Founding Fellow of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy (A-CBT). In addition, she serves on the faculty of the International Obsessive Compulsive Foundation Behavior Therapy Institute and at the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. A sought after national speaker on television, radio and at professional training seminars, Dr. Cassiday has appeared as an expert consultant on Animal Hoarders on TNT and on NBC’s Today Show. Her expertise has been tapped through commentary in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Chicago Tribune, and numerous other publications.
Watch Dr. Cassiday speak at the TedX Youth@WonderlandRd Event
Listen to Dr. Cassiday’s podcast, Moms Without Worry, on iHeartRadio
Patient Age Range:
Ages 2 years and up
Office Location:
Deerfield
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