Mental Health Services

Mike Pietrus, PsyD

Director of Mental Health Services
mpietrus@uchicago.edu

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Education: BS, Psychology and Philosophy with a Certificate in Integrated Liberal Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison; PsyD, Clinical Psychology, The Chicago School; Clinical Internship, University of Chicago, Student Counseling and Resource Service

Professional Interests: Student mental health, psychotherapy, assessment, supervision, qualitative research/practice, phenomenology, hermeneutics, applied biopsychosocial inquiry, university counseling centers, child and adolescent psychology, gifted psychology, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, educational settings, developmental concerns, grief/loss, music/art therapy, and trauma.

My work comes from an existential/phenomenological perspective and is informed by interpersonal, constructivist and systems theory. I have a particular interest in working with gifted children, adolescents, and adults through the use of individual, group, and family therapeutic modalities. Other interests include motivation, innovation, and social justice/intersectional issues, as well as the intersection of technology and psychology.

I am a member of the Student Counseling and Wellness leadership teams with responsibilities that include the supervision of the Student Counseling clinical staff.

Personal Interests: Spending quality time with family and friends, all manner of music, film, and sports.

Languages Spoken: English

Carina Bauer, PsyD

Associate Director of Clinical Services
cdbauer@uchicago.edu

**Pronouns:** She/Her/Hers

**Education**: PsyD in Clinical Psychology and MA in Counseling Psychology from Adler University; Internship at University of Idaho Counseling and Testing Center, Postdoctoral Fellowship at University of Massachusetts Amherst Center for Counseling and Psychological Health.

**Professional interests**: Eating disorders and body image, relational issues, self-esteem and identity development, anxiety and mood disorders, perfectionism, grief and loss, couples counseling and supervision and training.

**Personal interests**: Spending time with family and friends, traveling, barre classes, and trying new restaurants in the city.

**Languages Spoken**: English

David Berrier, MD

Chief Psychiatrist
dberrier@uchicago.edu

**Pronouns:** He/him/his

**Education:** BA from Grinnell College; MD from Rush University Medical College; Residency in General Psychiatry from Northwestern University.

**Professional Interests:** Student and emerging adult mental health, adult outpatient psychiatry, medical education in psychiatry, adult inpatient and emergency psychiatry, biomedical ethics

**Personal Interests:** Fitness, nature, Chicago culture/dining, and graphic novels

**Languages Spoken:** English

**Liaison to the Biological Sciences Division (BSD)**

Jessica Bychawski, LCSW

Staff Therapist
jbychawski@uchicago.edu

**Pronouns:** She/Her/Hers

**Education**: B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley in Psychology and the History of Art. Masters in Social Welfare (MSW) from the University of California, Berkeley.

**Professional Interests**: Supporting the recovery of students diagnosed with mental health conditions and providing psychoeducation to students and loved ones. Linking students to resources on and off campus, and working through barriers to resources. Working with family, faculty, and staff to increase awareness of mental health conditions and to fight stigma associated with diagnosis and treatment. Utilizing the Wellness Recovery Action Plan model to increase personal insight into symptoms and allow students to take a leading role in their treatment. Approaching student care from a systems perspective with a focus on the promotion of social justice, inclusion, and cultural competence.

**Personal Interests**: Exploring art in Chicago, going to the lake, kayaking, bird watching, true crime, and spending time with family and friends.

**Languages Spoken**: English, conversational Polish

Layan Abdelhadi, MA

Advanced Therapy Extern

**Pronouns:** She/Her/Hers

**Education:** BA in Psychology with a minor in Spanish from Benedictine University. Masters in Clinical Psychology from Adler University and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) expected in 2027 from Adler University

**Professional Interests:** Applying therapeutic approaches that integrate cultural awareness, liberation psychology, trauma-informed care, and relational and holistic healing. Advocating for more mental health access, equity, and social justice for marginalized populations. Using integrative approaches for individual, couples, and family therapy.

**Personal Interests:** Exploring new food and coffee, spending time with family and friends, reading, soccer

**Languages Spoken:** English

Jenn Archer, PhD

Staff Psychologist
jearcher@uchicago.edu

**Pronouns:** She/her/hers

**Education:** PhD and MA in Counseling Psychology from University of Texas, Austin. Clinical Internship at NC State University Counseling Center. BA in Psychology and Sociology with a minor in Women and Gender Studies from University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

**Professional Interests:** Utilizing multicultural approaches to therapy. Working with: Students with historically marginalized identities, specifically Latinx/e students. LGBTQIA+ concerns. Self-esteem and identity development/exploration. Intersectional identities. Anxiety/Stress management/Depression/Adjustment. Relationship issues. Dissertation stress. Career counseling. Training/Supervision.

**Personal Interests:** Needle felting, collage, embroidery, illustration, video games, blind boxes, musical theater, art museums, and thrifting.

**Languages Spoken:** English

Luis Cartagenova, MD

Staff Psychiatrist

**Pronouns:** He/Him/His

**Education:** BS from Yale University, MD from Baylor College of Medicine, Residency in General Psychiatry from Northwestern University

**Professional Interests:** Student and emerging adult mental health, adult outpatient psychiatry, medical education, and helping others navigate issues related to acculturation, interpersonal changes, as well as gender and sexuality. I am particularly interested in helping young adults with anxiety and depression, as well as chronic SMI.

**Personal Interests:** Cooking, Traveling, Gardening, Animals, Exercise and Cycling, Knitting, and Spending time with family and friends.

**Languages Spoken:** English, Spanish

Yiyu Cheng, PhD

Post- Doctoral Trainee in Clinical Psychology

**Pronouns:** She/Her/Hers

**Education:** BA in Sociology and Psychology and Minor in LGBT+ Studies from University of Wisconsin - Madison; MA in Counseling Psychology from University of Denver; PhD in Counseling Psychology from Loyola University Chicago; Clinical Internship at University of Washington Counseling Center

**Professional Interests:** Empowerment and advocacy for queer people of color and immigrant communities; intersectionality, cultural humility, and anti-oppressive frameworks; mood disorders, academic performance, cultural adjustment, life transitions, substance use, sexual trauma, gender and sexuality, identity development, community based violence/trauma, and complex trauma.

**Personal Interest:** Anime, Sci-fi, Horror, KPOP, hotpot, hiking, museums, parks, plants/nature, animals, community time

**Languages Spoken:** Mandarin Chinese, English

Ashwin Chugh, LCSW

Staff Therapist
ashwinchugh@uchicago.edu

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Education: MSSW in Advanced Clinical Social Work from Columba University, BSM in Business Management from Tulane University.

Professional Interests: Individual and group therapy with young adults who are living with the impact of trauma, mood disorders, grief, and life adjustments. Applying self-compassion, values-based, and a person-centered approach to therapy. Working with first gen, diverse, and vulnerable populations.

Personal Interests: Trying new restaurants, watching films, making espresso, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Alexandria Davis, RN, PMHNP

Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurse
davisa1@uchicago.edu

**Pronouns:** She/Her/Hers

**Education:** BA in Psychology from Northwestern University; MSN and Psychiatric-Mental Health NP from University of Illinois at Chicago; Clinical Practicum at University of Illinois at Chicago–Institute for Juvenile Research/ Adult Psychiatry Evaluation Clinic

**Professional Interests:** Adolescent/young adult mental health, culturally informed mental health care, medication management

**Personal Interests:** Music, family, food, TV/film, travel

**Languages Spoken:** English

Savannah El

Administrative Manager, Mental Health Services
sel1@uchicago.edu

**Pronouns:** She/Her/Hers

**Education:** BS in Family Studies and Human Service from Towson University

**Professional Interests:** Administrative support

**Personal Interests:** Traveling, cooking, modeling, content creation, beauty influencing, yoga and pilates

**Languages Spoken:** English

Kim Garza

Project Assistant
kgarza@uchicago.edu

**Pronouns:** She/Her/Hers

**Education:** MLIS from Drexel University

**Professional Interests:** Student Mental Health Administration and Library and Information Science

**Personal Interests:** Reading, bike riding, and taking dance lessons

**Languages Spoken:** English

Xue (Esther) Han, MA

Advanced Therapy Extern

**Pronouns:** She/Her/Hers

**Education:** BA from Macalester College; MA in Counseling Psychology Roosevelt University Currently pursuing a Psy.D. in Roosevelt University

**Professional Interests:** International student mental health, trauma-informed therapy, identity development, relationship and couples therapy, crisis intervention, creative and expressive therapies, and multicultural counseling.

As an international student myself, I deeply understand the complexities of navigating conflicting cultural identities. This perspective informs my practice, which is grounded in a social justice framework that considers clients within the full context of their lived experiences. My clinical work is rooted in a client-centered framework. I draw on strength-based and integrative approaches that empower them to grow through their inherent resilience and values.

**Personal Interests:** Playing tennis, dancing, and spending meaningful time with friends and family. I also enjoy reflective writing and connecting with art, movement, and music as powerful tools for personal expression and healing.

**Languages Spoken:** Mandarin Chinese, English

Batoul Hasan, MA

Advanced Therpy Extern

**Pronouns:** She/Her/Hers

**Education:** BA, Global Studies, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; MA, Clinical Psychology, The Chicago School

**Professional Interests:** Building on clients' unique strengths and connection with themselves to foster the resilience, confidence and trust to facilitate meaningful change. This includes supporting students through periods of transition and adjustment, relational and academic challenges, and/or stress and burnout. Other concerns might involve anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, perfectionism, eating disorders, addiction, grief and loss, familial issues, and past or current traumas. I welcome exploration of questions around identity, belonging, meaning and purpose, as well as existential and spiritual issues. Additionally interested in allowing therapy to be a space for students to make sense of the impacts of systemic changes on their lives and well-being.

**Personal Interests:** Reading, writing, philosophy, painting, old films, Lake Michigan, long walks and hikes.

**Languages Spoken:** English, Arabic

Yael Hoffman, LCSW, MPH

Crisis Care Counselor
yhoffman@uchicago.edu

**Pronouns:** She/Her/Hers

**Education:** BA in Communications; BFA in Musical Theatre Performance; MSW in Interpersonal Practice; MPH in Health Behavior and Health Education all from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.

**Professional Interests:** Providing trauma-informed psychotherapy with the goal of building one's ability to cope, manage intense emotions, and strengthen skills to promote healing and well-being. Linking clients to community resources and support systems. Employing culturally responsive and holistic short-term and long-term integrative approaches for youth, adults and couples. Crisis intervention, psychiatric emergencies, and psychosocial disaster response.

**Personal Interests:** Musical theatre/straight theatre, singing wherever and whenever I can, ballet/tap, biking, trying to win pie-baking competitions, reading, doing puzzles, yoga, travel, volunteer work, Wordle, movies/TV, board games, sharing meals with family and friends.

**Languages Spoken:** English, Hebrew

Lawrence D. Jennings, MA

Advanced Therapy Extern

**Pronouns:** He/Him/His

**Education:** B.A. in Psychology from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina; M.A in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School; Currently pursuing a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School

**Professional Interests:** Student mental health, psychotherapy, assessment, child and adolescent psychology, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, couples counseling, relational challenges, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Trauma , Personality disorders, educational settings, developmental concerns, grief/loss, music/art therapy, and trauma.

I believe that the meaning we derive from our experiences and environment significantly shapes how we navigate, adapt, and thrive in the world. My priority is to foster a collaborative and non-judgmental therapeutic relationship that emphasizes safety, positive regard, genuineness, and openness. In this supportive space, clients can explore their vulnerabilities, express distressing emotions such as pain, grief, and anger, derive deeper meaning from their experiences, and redefine past events. I utilize a strength-based, trauma-informed, and emotion-focused approach that considers biological, social, psychological, spiritual, and cultural factors to understand each individual comprehensively. I believe transformation and healing emerge from learning, understanding, and redefining our past experiences. I work effectively with clients of all ages and with couples at various stages of their mental health journey. As a person of color, I am attuned to multicultural factors, their intersections, and their impact on diverse lived experiences, drawing from both professional training and personal insight.

**Personal Interests:** Playing the drumset, writing poetry, creating films and short stories, playing Dungeons & Dragons, painting, drawing, and spending time outdoors.

**Languages Spoken:** English

Erin Hurst, MD

Staff Psychiatrist; Coordinator of Psychiatry Training
eburke@uchicago.edu

**Pronouns:** She/Her/Hers

**Education:** BA and MD from Northwestern University; Psychiatry Residency at University of Illinois Chicago; Fellowship in University Student Mental Health at University of Chicago.

**Professional Interests:** In her work with students, Dr. Hurst feels strongly that medical decision making should be an inherently collaborative process and she prides herself on her efficiency and directness. Dr. Hurst incorporates Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy techniques into medication management as indicated and applicable. Dr. Hurst has also served on the university-wide Veteran’s Task Force.

**Personal Interests:** knitting, theater, time with family and friends

**Languages Spoken:** English

**Liaison to Pritzker School of Medicine**

Emily Knotek, PsyD

Staff Psychologist, Co-Coordinator of the Trauma Team
eknotek@uchicago.edu

**Education**: BA in Psychology, Spanish minor from The University of Dayton; MA and Psy.D. from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology; Clinical Internship at University of South Florida, Postdoctoral Fellowship at Washington University in Saint Louis.

**Professional Interests**: Trauma, eating disorders and body image, anxiety and mood disorders, identity development and adjustment issues, diversity issues and providing culturally-informed care, facilitating exploration of relational patterns and family of origin issues, perfectionism, grief and loss. Utilizing psychodynamic, relational, and multicultural approaches to psychotherapy.

**Personal interests**: fitness, travel/culture, foreign languages, music and dance, animal lover

**Languages spoken**: English

**Liaison to Office of Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Support**

Chen Liang, PsyD

Post Doctoral Trainee in Clinical Psychology
cliang2@uchicago.edu

**Pronouns:** she/her/hers

**Education:** Doctor of Psychology in Counseling Psychology, Springfield College; Clinical Internship at University of Notre Dame; Master of Science in Sport and Exercise Psychology, Northwest Missouri State University; Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology, Beijing Sport University

**Professional Interests:** Relationship/interpersonal concerns, sport and performance (student-athletes), international students' adjustments, LGBTQIA+ affirming, identity development, trauma, grief and loss, eating and body image concerns, depression, group therapy, outreach and advocacy

**Personal interests**: Sports; Movies and TV shows; Nature; Being active; Spending quality time with loved ones

**Languages spoken**: Mandarin Chinese and English

Chih-Ying Liu, LCSW

Clinical Case Manager
cyliu@uchicago.edu

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Education: BBA in International Business and BA in Sociology from National Taiwan University, Taiwan; MSW from University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Professional Interests: Providing trauma and culturally informed care through a collaborative, strength-based approach. Supporting the recovery of students with mental health concerns through psychoeducation, case management, psychotherapy, removal of barriers, and addressing stigma.

Personal Interests: Traveling, walking, exploring neighborhoods, eating out, reading, yoga, and meditation

Languages Spoken: English, Mandarin Chinese

Yu-Yun Liu, PhD

Assistant Director of Access Management, Coordinator of Eating Concerns Assessment and Services
yyliu@uchicago.edu

**Pronouns:** She/Her/Hers

**Education:** BA in Chinese Literature, National Central University, Taiwan; MEd in School Counseling, Purdue University; PhD in Counseling Psychology, University of Louisville; Clinical Internship at University of Florida Counseling and Wellness Center

**Professional Interests:** Disordered eating and body image; cultural adjustment of international students; intersecting identities of race, gender, class, and sexual orientation; anxiety/stress management; relationship issues; group therapy; clinical training and supervision

**Personal Interests:** Eating, traveling, gardening, watching movies and musicals, and spending time with friends and family

**Languages Spoken:** English, Mandarin Chinese

Robin Mathew, APN, PMHNP

Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurse
mathewr@uchicago.edu

**Pronouns:** He/Him/His

**Education**: BS from Northern Illinois University and MSN-Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from University of Illinois at Chicago.

**Professional Interests**: Young-adult mental health, collaborative care-approach model, and culturally informed mental health care.

**Personal Interest**: Graphic novels, horror/weird fiction, film, music, and trying new foods.

**Languages Spoken**: English

John McPherrin, PsyD

Assistant Director, Training
jkm@uchicago.edu

**Pronouns:** He/Him/His

**Education:** BA, DePaul University; PsyD, Illinois School of Professional Psychology; Clinical Internship and Postdoctoral Fellowship, The Chicago Counseling and Psychotherapy Research Center

**Professional Interests:** Supporting gender-expansive students, as well as students who identify as gay, lesbian and bisexual; providing culturally and racially aware psychotherapy; working with low-income and first generation college students; doing couples therapy; treating sexual dysfunction and childhood trauma, including physical, sexual and emotional abuse; supervising and training psychology trainees; utilizing and teaching humanistic approaches to psychotherapy.

**Personal Interests:** Traveling the U.S., watching Netflix, gardening, hiking, and eating

**Languages Spoken:** English

**Liaison to the Chicago Booth School of Business**

Khanh Nghiem, PhD

Staff Psychologist and Associate Director for Diversity, Inclusion, and Outreach
knghiem@bsd.uchicago.edu

**Pronouns:** She/Her/Hers

**Education:**
BS in Psychology with minor in Biology from Oklahoma State University; MS in Cognitive Psychology from University of Florida; PhD in Counseling Psychology from University of Florida; Clinical Internship at Ball State University

**Professional Interests:**
Multicultural therapy and advocacy; diversity and social justice; supporting undocumented immigrant students, refugee students, first-generation students, and students of color; intersectionality of identities and cultural identity development; suicide prevention/crisis intervention; trauma; adjustment and transition; family of origin issues; relationship issues; performance and sports psychology; outreach, training, and supervision

**Personal Interests:**
visiting aquariums, gardening, drinking bubble tea, traveling, trying different foods/restaurants, cooking shows

**Language Spoken:** English, Vietnamese

Jacqueline Pardo, MD

Staff Psychiatrist
j-pardo@uchicago.edu

**Pronouns:** She/Her/Hers

**Education:** BA from Yale University; MD from University of Chicago; Residency in Pediatrics, University of Chicago; Residency in Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago; Fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Chicago

**Professional Interests:** Emerging Adult mental health; emerging adult development and wellbeing; adjustment to college and graduate school; medical Illness in young adults; first generation and international students; problems with inattention; anxiety, depression and mood disorders; ADHD, OCD.

**Personal Interests:** Fitness, music, travel, spending time with family and friends.

**Languages Spoken:** English, German, French

Seth Preminger, PsyD

Staff Psychologist
preminger@uchicago.edu

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Education: BS in Psychology from Trinity College in Hartford, CT; PsyD in Clinical Psychology and MA in Counseling from Adler University; Internship at Palos Behavioral Health Professionals

Professional interests: evidence-based approaches for the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, athletic performance, attention concerns, mindfulness and meditation, supervision and training.

Personal interests: watching sports, running, and spending time with family and friends

Languages Spoken: English

Xóchitl A. Roussel

**Pronouns:** She/Her/Hers

**Education:** BA from DePaul University with minors in Psychology and Art History; Currently pursuing a MA School of the Art Institute of Chicago

**Professional Interests:** Art therapy and creative expression; trauma-informed care; humanistic and relational approaches to psychotherapy; supporting gifted and talented students; culturally responsive counseling; working with immigrant and international students, first-generation and low-income students; multicultural identity development; anxiety, depression, and mood disorders; adjustment to academic stress; mindfulness and meditation; addressing perfectionism, marginalization, and creative blocks.

**Personal Interests:** Engaging in all things art-related, visiting museums, exploring community events, kayaking, dancing, baking, spending time in nature, and enjoying quality time with loved ones.

**Languages Spoken:** English, Spanish

Samantha Ryland — Sam Ryland, PsyD

Staff Psychologist, AOD Coordinator
sryland@uchicago.edu

**Pronouns:** They/Them

**Education:** BA in Psychology with a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies from Ohio Wesleyan University; MA in Professional Mental Health Counseling and Addictions from Lewis and Clark College; PsyD in Counseling Psychology from Carlow University; Clinical Internship at Carnegie Mellon University Counseling and Psychological Services; Postdoctoral Fellowship at University of Chicago Student Counseling Services

**Professional Interests:** Working with LGBQ+ and gender-expansive clients, sexual health and embodiment (incl. kink, disability, and diverse bodies), alcohol and substance use concerns, self-compassion work, trauma issues, navigating relationships (traditional/nontraditional), and family of origin dynamics. I identify as a trauma-informed, fat-positive, sex-positive, kink-friendly, and poly-affirming therapist.

**Personal Interests:** Reading, video games, drawing/painting, photography, spending time with my adorable cat

**Languages Spoken:** English

Adriana Sanchez, PhD

Staff Psychologist
sancheza1@uchicago.edu

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Education: BA in Psychology, MA in Counseling Psychology, and Ph.D. in Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology from The University of California, Santa Barbara. APA-accredited Clinical Doctoral Internship at The University of Illinois at Chicago Counseling Center.

Professional interests: Increasing mental health access and utilization for all students, especially among students with historically marginalized identities with an emphasis on Latinx/e communities. Using a culturally responsive, client-centered and integrative approach. Working with first-generation college students, transfer students, immigrant and international students, supporting LGBTQIA+ identified individuals; anxiety, depression, anxiety, adjustment concerns, acculturation, family issues, trauma, identity exploration, supervision and consultation.

Personal Interest: Music, getting outdoors and exploring new restaurants and coffee shops, spending time with family and friends.

Languages: English, Spanish

Get Help Now

Mike Pietrus, PsyD

Carina Bauer, PsyD

David Berrier, MD

Jessica Bychawski, LCSW

Layan Abdelhadi, MA

Jenn Archer, PhD

Luis Cartagenova, MD

Yiyu Cheng, PhD

Ashwin Chugh, LCSW

Alexandria Davis, RN, PMHNP

Savannah El

Kim Garza

Xue (Esther) Han, MA

Batoul Hasan, MA

Yael Hoffman, LCSW, MPH

Lawrence D. Jennings, MA

Erin Hurst, MD

Emily Knotek, PsyD

Chen Liang, PsyD

Chih-Ying Liu, LCSW

Yu-Yun Liu, PhD

Robin Mathew, APN, PMHNP

John McPherrin, PsyD

Khanh Nghiem, PhD

Jacqueline Pardo, MD

Seth Preminger, PsyD

Xóchitl A. Roussel

Sam Ryland, PsyD

Adriana Sanchez, PhD

Maria Sanchez

Tab Shamsi, PsyD

Neeti Shenoy, MA

Jay Steinberg, PsyD

Jerome Wilczynski, PsyD

Jie Zhu, PsyD

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