Advanced Psychiatry of Elgin

Dr. Fareha N. Malik is a cognizant interventional psychiatrist who ingrains mindfulness and conscientiousness into the practice of modern psychiatry. Her primary focus is helping patients who suffer from Treatment Resistant Depression (TDR) Dr. Malik began researching and taking courses about medication-resistant depression, anxiety, and OCD after watching her own family member’s struggles go on for many years. In effort to help her own family, she has become passionate about offering the same help to patients who struggle with medication-resistant psychiatric illnesses. In addition to providing empirically validated treatment, she is also certified to provide cutting edge treatments such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), Spravato, and Ketamine Infusion. Dr. Malik is also passionate about Transgender and Non-binary Mental Health. She recognizes and respects the uniqueness of each patient, therefore tailoring the treatment to each patient’s needs. Dr. Malik completed her internship at the Harvard Medical School South Shore Psychiatry Program. She then completed both a residency in psychiatry, and a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Toledo Medical School. She holds double-board certification in child and adolescent psychiatry and general psychiatry. Dr Malik completed a visiting fellowship and received her certification in TMS through Duke University in 2020. She completed her Ketamine training and certification in 2021 through Integrative Psychiatry Institute. She then received her certification for TMS Pulses through Clinical TMS Society and has had addition Ketamine training through American Society of Ketamine Physicians. Dr. Malik opened doors at Advanced Psychiatry of Elgin in 2012 and has been providing compassionate care to patients with psychiatric illness disorders for over 17 years. She is effective in treating her patients to make positive changes in their lives. In her free time, she enjoys travelling, cooking, reading, and spending time with friends and family. Dr. Malik is a member of The American Society of Ketamine Physicians, Clinical TMS Society, American Psychiatric Association, American Medical Association and Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America.

Dr. Nicholas Fisher specializes in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Elgin, Illinois and the surrounding Northwestern Illinois communities. His evidence-based approach to medical practice places equal emphasis on both psychopharmacologic (medication management) and psychotherapeutic (therapy) treatments to improve the mental health of his patients. Dr. Fisher strives to provide comprehensive assessment and management that emphasizes a compassionate and personalized approach given the uniqueness of each patient and their needs. Dr. Fisher completed his medical training at the Indiana University School of Medicine, obtaining both a Master of Science degree in Cellular and Integrative Physiology in 2012 and a Doctorate in Medicine in 2016. He completed his internship and general psychiatry residency at the Medical University of South Carolina in 2019. He then obtained specialized training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry through fellowship at the University of Michigan in 2021. Dr. Fisher holds board certification in general psychiatry through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. During his training Dr. Fisher gained a wealth of knowledge and experience treating patients with childhood psychiatric and behavioral disorders including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), bipolar illness, sleep disturbances, family conflict, and oppositional behavior. He has been a member of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry since 2019. Academic Presentations and Publications Grand Rounds Presentations Steroid-Induced Psychosis in an Adolescent: A Case Report and Review University of Michigan – October 2020 Virtual Reality in Youth with ASD: A Roll in Social Skills Training University of Michigan – November 2019 Publications Steroid-Induced Psychosis in an Adolescent: A Case Report and Review Fisher, N., Kruse, K., Pierce, J. Steroid-Induced Psychosis in an Adolescent – A Case Report and Review. Dec. 2020.

I am a Physician Assistant and have been providing Psychiatry Addiction Medicine services for 10 years in outpatient treatment settings. I see adults 15+ to 70 years of age and address anxiety, depression, hyperactive disorder (ADD/ADHD), Insomnia, Bipolar disorder, PTSD, obsessive-compulsive disorder and addiction/substance/ alcohol abuse. I seek to improve overall mental wellness which often means minimizing medications, utilizing psychotherapy techniques, and encouraging self-care and coping mechanisms. My goal is to build a unique, comprehensive treatment plan for each client that incorporates general psychiatry and addiction, holistic approaches, and mind-body-spirit connection. I encourage open communication and utilize harm reduction practices to form a safe and supportive patient-provider relationship. Together, let’s continue to provide exceptional healthcare and improve lives.

Amy is a board certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who graduated with a doctorate degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner, Amy worked as a psychiatric nurse for ten years in several acute inpatient settings where she enjoyed caring for patients of all ages. She is enthusiastic to use her knowledge and skills to help patients achieve a better quality of life. Amy uses a holistic and integrative approach that is tailored to meet the needs and desired outcomes of each individual. She has experience in treating a wide range of psychiatric illnesses including but not limited to anxiety disorders, mood disorders, eating disorders, self-injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, borderline personality disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Alexandria is a bilingual Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who graduated from Eastern Kentucky University. Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner, Alexandria worked in the inpatient setting at a behavioral health hospital and cared for patients throughout the lifespan. Alexandria also worked as a school nurse at a therapeutic day school and cared for students from ages 5 to 22 years old. It’s important for Alexandria to provide quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services to adolescents and adults. Her treatment plans are individualized, and evidence based. She also enjoys educating each patient with the necessary information to be active participants in their treatment plan to optimize their mental health.

John is a board-certified nurse practitioner with extensive experience in Internal and Behavioral medicine. John utilizes a holistic approach to psychiatric care by integrating core values in medical/nursing practice and evidence-based psychiatric treatments. He provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis, and medication management for patients across the lifespan. John’s approach to treatment is patient-centered that seeks to understand and respect each client as an individual. In his leisure time John enjoys spending time with his family and is a car enthusiast.

Laura is a board certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who graduated from University of St. Francis in Joliet, IL. She has worked in the behavioral health field for over twelve years, and before becoming a nurse practitioner she provided psychiatric care as a registered nurse in an inpatient setting. Laura takes pride in delivering empathetic, patient-centered care and focuses on client’s individualized needs and desired outcomes. She is passionate about treating children, adolescents, and adults with mental health needs and uses evidence-based treatment modalities in order to help clients obtain relief from symptoms and improve their lives and functioning. Laura has experience managing and treating several different psychiatric disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, and insomnia.

Paul is a graduate of the Illinois School of Professional Psychology and brings with him 11 years of experience in the Community Mental Health field working with children, tweens, teens, adults, families and couples. Paul is bilingual in Spanish/English and has extensive experience working individually and in groups with children and teens with ADD/ADHD as well as working with families to gain the communication and coping skills necessary to understand this diagnosis. Paul has also worked with schools and other professionals to advocate for IEP and 504 plans. Paul’s calm and easy demeanor are reflective of his decade of experience in Anger Management and Domestic Violence issues with men and women. Paul teaches the Live Respect curriculum coaching middle school and high school adolescents and young adults on concepts such as Toxic Masculinity and Healthy Manhood. Paul utilizes insight, mindfulness, non-violent communication and various psycho-dynamic and cognitive therapies to help you invite harmony and tranquility in your life and regain the peace of mind you deserve.

Shelby earned her Bachelor degree in Psychology from University of Illinois at Chicago and her Master’s degree in Social Work from Aurora University. She has a background working within hospitals, crisis departments and outpatient behavioral health centers. Shelby has worked with individuals ranging from ages 6 and older. She has training with providing crisis intervention, grief support and critical incident stress debriefing. Shelby has experience working with individuals and groups at various stages of life. Her areas of interest include behavioral management, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, self-esteem, family conflict and life transitions. Her approach is individualized to meet her clients current needs and goals. Shelby provides an empathic and client-centered approach with psychoeducation and skill building techniques to help empower her client.

Kevin earned his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Loras College and his Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adams State University. Kevin completed his internship at Beloit College and continued to serve the college population before serving the adult population through outpatient services in a community behavioral health center. Kevin has experience serving individuals from adolescents to the senior population. He has completed training in crisis intervention, brief therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and narrative therapy. He utilizes techniques from these areas to drive a person-centered and strengths-based approach when working with those he serves. Kevin has areas of interest that include mood disorders, symptom management, anxiety disorders, working with trauma, stress reduction, and adjustment disorders. Kevin views therapy as a process that can be brief or long-term depending on the need and works with each client to identify the best service setting and approach for them. Outside of the therapy setting, Kevin and his wife Julia, along with their dogs Sumo and Tobias, are regulars of the dog park. Kevin also enjoys being immersed in the soccer community in Rockford where he continues to play a several days a week.

Jessica is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). She graduated with her Bachelors of social worker from Western Illinois University and her Masters of Social work from Aurora University with a 4.0 GPA. Jessica has over four years of experience working with the geriatric population but is happy to work with any age group. Jessica has experience working with individuals and families. Jessica is an ally of the LGBTGIAA community and is a safe space for all to be their true selves. Jessica has experience working in healthcare with various illnesses, hospice, and with grief support. Jessica’s therapy approach is both client focused and strengths-based which will be tailored to meet the needs of each individual. Jessica is extremely empathetic and has excellent listening skills. She provides emotional support and guidance to all age groups. Jessica believes that every individual should have a safe place to heal from any life difficulties. She works with clients with anxiety, depression, self-esteem concerns, relationship difficulities, grief, and trauma. Jessica will use a blend of cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and strengths based approaches to support individuals during sessions. Jessica believes the client is the “true” expert of their own life and sees herself as the guide/support along the way. She will be authentic and genuine during each session to ensure each individual is comfortable during sessions. Jessica is happy to be a therapist at Advanced Psychiatry of Elgin and is happy to work with each individual.