Top Depression Treatment in Illinois
Break the cycle of depression with a holistic approach that combines medication, Spravato, ketamine infusion, TMS therapy, stellate ganglion block (SGB) and more cutting-edge treatments.
Treat depression with a new approach
Why Stella Mental Health
Multi-modality Care
We address persisting symptoms of depression with a combination of oral antidepressants, TMS Therapy, Spravato, ketamine infusions, DSR SGB and integration therapy. Your treatment plan will be designed just for you.
Advanced Protocols
We pair our biological treatments with integration therapies during the short window of healing following treatment to maximize outcomes and facilitate transformation and growth.
Covered by Insurance
Our intake assessments, Spravato therapy, TMS therapy and telehealth sessions are covered by most insurances. To verify your insurance eligibility, please call our care advocate team.
PPO Plans of the following insurances are accepted in Illinois for Spravato, TMS therapy, medication management, intake assessments and integration therapy. Explore your coverage:
Stella accepts insurance
Depending on your location and plan, selected services may be covered by insurance.
Explore Our Clinics
Our clinics are designed to create a spa-like experience in our safe and therapeutic space to bring you dramatic healing with innovative mental health treatments. You will be guided by a team of compassionate and experienced mental health and medical professionals who empathize with your struggles through trauma-informed care. Our goal is to provide you with the treatment, support, tools, and empowerment needed to begin transformation towards a new life.
Addresses:
Stella Westmont
1 Oak Hill Drive Suite 100
Westmont, IL 60559
Stella Oak Park
1101 Lake St
Oak Park, IL 60301
Spravato for Depression
Unstuck Negative Thought Patterns with Spravato®
How does Spravato work? Why is it shown more effective when conventional treatment modalities like SSRI or talk therapy won't work? Unlike its traditional alternatives, Spravato treats the root cause of depression symptoms, which happens on the brain's neuron level. Patients of depression often get stuck on negative thought patterns, which represent as certain neuron firing pathways in the brain.
Spravato (Esketamine) is a nasal spray form of ketamine, a chemical that functions as an NMDA receptor neurons antagonist that interacts with brain neurotransmitters. When ketamine is introduced into a patients' body, it works as a catalyst to increase the amount of glutamate between neurons, which excites the underutilized nerve cells and enhances the communication between neurons. As a result, new firing patterns are created and strengthened, making the transformation of thought patterns possible.
TMS for Treatment Resistant Depression
Reawaken Brain Function with TMS Therapy
TMS is an FDA-approved treatment for treatment resistant depression and anxious depression. It uses non-invasive magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the areas of the brain that control and regulate mood. In the brain scan of patients who suffer from major depression disorder, underactivity can often be observed in those areas. By introducing small magnetic pulses to those targeted areas of the brain, TMS can stimulate and "wake up" the dormant synapses, therefore revitalize and strengthen the brain's ability to regulate mood and break away from depressive thought patterns.
Researches on TMS therapy's efficacy for depression can be dated as early as the 1980s. Neurostar's TMS protocol has proven to have an 83% response rate and 62% remission rate after completing the full course.
NeuroStar Prescribing Information.
Post A, et al. (2001). J Psychiatric Research, 35:193-215 6.
Liston C, et al.(2014). Biol Psychiatry, 76(7):517-26.
Sackeim HA, et al. (2020). Clinical Outcomes in a Large Registry of Patients with Major Depressive Disorder Treated with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. J Affective Disorders, 277(12):65-74.
IV Ketamine for Depression
Create Healthy Thought Patterns with Ketamine Infusion Therapy
Ketamine therapy can provide rapid and transformative relief from depression symptoms when other conventional treatments don't work. Unlike traditional antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs) that primarily affect serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine levels, ketamine works by blocking the NMDA receptor in the brain and interacting with brain neurotransmitters. By increasing the levels of glutamate in the brain, ketamine can strengthen neural communication as well as repair the damage caused by cortisol and other stress hormones. As a result, new insights and thought patterns can emerge and replace the negative thought patterns that kept individuals stuck in the cycle of depression.
In an intravenous (IV) infusion, ketamine is delivered directly into the bloodstream through a small needle placed in a vein in your arm. It is considered as the "gold standard" of delivering ketamine due to the easiness to control and adjust the dose based on the patients' history and on-site reactions. Compared to other delivery methods, IV ketamine administers medication in a safer and more precise manner, and can take effect at a predictable time.
Stellate Ganglion Block
Address Anxiety & Trauma Symptoms with DSR SGB
At Stella, we don't see mental health conditions as just diagnosis and labels. Instead, we treat clusters of symptoms experienced by patients with an understanding of their history. We understand that depression may often stem from a history of trauma, and over half of individuals with depression also suffer from anxiety symptoms. Dual Sympathetic Reset (or DSR SGB) is an effective treatment for both anxiety and post-traumatic stress.
Dual Sympathetic Reset (DSR) is an advanced stellate ganglion block (SGB), an injection of anesthetic in the neck that targets a bundle of nerves that regulates the brain's fight-or-flight response. After exposed to traumatic events or stress, individuals' sympathetic nervous system can be stuck in an unregulated state, triggering overactive fight-or-flight responses. This can manifest as symptoms like hypervigilance, panic attacks, disrupted sleep, alleviated heart rate, and more.
Similar to turning on and off a computer, DSR SGB helps reset the nervous system to a baseline, therefore relieving the symptoms of anxiety and trauma.
Lipov EG, Jacobs R, Springer S, Candido KD, Knezevic NN. Utility of Cervical Sympathetic Block in Treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Multiple Cohorts: A Retrospective Analysis. Pain Physician. 2022 Jan;25(1):77-85. PMID: 35051147. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35051147/
Lynch J, Mulvaney S, Bryan C, Hernandez D. Stellate Ganglion Block Reduces Anxiety Symptoms by Half: A Case Series of 285 Patients. J. Pers. Med. 2023, 13(6), 958; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm13060958
Integration Therapy by Stella
Maximize the Treatment Outcome with Integration Therapy
To maximize the therapeutic value of our ketamine and DSR SGB protocols, patients have the option to pair each treatment session with an Integration therapy session as part of our advanced treatment protocols. Integration therapy may be eligible for insurance coverage, depending on your insurance plan.
Patients are scheduled to meet with a Stella mental health provider virtually the day after their Ketamine infusion sessions or DSR SGB treatments. The purpose is to give our patients the best opportunity to integrate the effects and insights from the treatment through talk therapy.
Meet Our Team
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Dr. Eugene Lipov, MD
Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer
Dr Lipov is the co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Stella. He is a board-certified medical doctor with over 27 years of clinical experience and got his medical doctorate degree from Northwestern University. In…
Dr Lipov is the co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Stella. He is a board-certified medical doctor with over 27 years of clinical experience and got his medical doctorate degree from Northwestern University. In 2006, Dr. Lipov pioneered the use of Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and adapted it to an advanced protocol now known as "Dual Sympathetic Reset".
Dr Lipov's passion for helping trauma victims stems from his own personal and family history of coping with PTSD and depression. He understands the impact that trauma can have on one's physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and strives to provide compassionate and empathetic care to his patients. -
Dr. Heather Miller
Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC)
Dr. Heather Miller is a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who completed her doctoral training at Rush University Medical Center. She values a holistic approach to care by helping care for the patient's mind,…
Dr. Heather Miller is a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who completed her doctoral training at Rush University Medical Center. She values a holistic approach to care by helping care for the patient's mind, body, and spirit. Dr. Miller is aware that all parts of life are interrelated and to bring true healing each patient must have an individualized treatment plan that is unique to their experience. Dr. Miller has worked with patients with severe childhood, combat, and sexual trauma. Her practice is based on identifying root causes, setting individual goals, and cultivating hope and resilience.
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Greg Alberth
Medical Facility Operations Director
Greg is a licensed paramedic with over 30 years of experience in healthcare related fields. He is a retired firefighter/paramedic after serving for 25 years and has 5 years experience in a hospital emergency room. Greg…
Greg is a licensed paramedic with over 30 years of experience in healthcare related fields. He is a retired firefighter/paramedic after serving for 25 years and has 5 years experience in a hospital emergency room. Greg has been working with Dr. Eugene Lipov, treating those suffering from post traumatic stress, depression, anxiety and mental trauma for over 17 years. He has seen repeatedly over the years the negative impact these injuries and conditions can have on individual and family lives. He believes that everyone deserves a chance to live a peaceful life, without the effects of these conditions directing their daily lives.
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Hannah Mazzie
Medical Office Administrator
Hannah is an industrious, versatile, and driven professional with diverse background in business operations, early childhood administration, and customer service. With 10 years of experience and aiding in the opening of…
Hannah is an industrious, versatile, and driven professional with diverse background in business operations, early childhood administration, and customer service. With 10 years of experience and aiding in the opening of multiple daycare centers in Chicago, Hannah has found a new passion in the mental health field. She is deeply compassionate for people and seeing the impact that Stella provides for so many is immensely rewarding. In her free time, she loves finding new hiking trails with her fiancé and dog as well as visiting breweries and traveling to new places.
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Elizabeth Frega
Registered Nurse
Liz is a registered nurse with her bachelors in nursing. She has been an operating room nurse for most of her career before joining Stella. She loved the compassionate care Stella offered and enjoys caring for her…
Liz is a registered nurse with her bachelors in nursing. She has been an operating room nurse for most of her career before joining Stella. She loved the compassionate care Stella offered and enjoys caring for her patients.
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Carmina Johnson
Registered Nurse
Carmina began her nursing mission over a decade ago, which included working with Dr. Lipov at her first job. After traveling as an operating room nurse across the country, she came full circle and landed in the clinic at…
Carmina began her nursing mission over a decade ago, which included working with Dr. Lipov at her first job. After traveling as an operating room nurse across the country, she came full circle and landed in the clinic at Stella Center, Westmont. She has been working as a contractor until her conversion to employee status, effective today. Carmina feels incredibly rewarded and grateful to be a part of the Stella team. Her greatest inspirations are our courageous and diverse patients, who allow us the opportunity to aid in their healing process. Carmina enjoys letting her energetic dog, Petra, take her on walks. She is fluent in American Sign Language and speaks some Spanish and Italian.
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Casey Pennel
PA-C, PMH-C, CAQ-psy
Casey is a Physician Assistant at our Oak Park Location, and she specializes in medication management with a holistic approach. She treats patients with a wide range of mental health issues, including depression,…
Casey is a Physician Assistant at our Oak Park Location, and she specializes in medication management with a holistic approach. She treats patients with a wide range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, and perinatal disorders. She has been certified in perinatal mental health and obtained a specialization as a PA-C in psychiatry.
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Ashley George
PA-C, PMH-C, CAQ-psy
Ashley believe every patient represents so much more than just a name on a chart. They are individuals with unique stories, backgrounds and challenges and she considers it a privilege to be part of their mental health…
Ashley believe every patient represents so much more than just a name on a chart. They are individuals with unique stories, backgrounds and challenges and she considers it a privilege to be part of their mental health journey. She is passionate about delivering the best care tailored to each person's needs and developing a relationship with each patient to help them meet their goals.
With a genuine desire to make a positive, lasting impact, Ashley approach her role with kindness and empathy. She recognizes the profound ripple effect that mental health can have, understanding its impact not only on individuals but also on their families, communities, and beyond.
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Rochelle Butler
PA-C
As a dedicated psychiatry PA, Rochelle's approach to mental health care is grounded in fostering a compassionate and personalized connection with each individual. With a commitment to understanding the unique aspects of…
As a dedicated psychiatry PA, Rochelle's approach to mental health care is grounded in fostering a compassionate and personalized connection with each individual. With a commitment to understanding the unique aspects of every patient, she strives to tailor treatment plans that align with their specific needs and goals. She believes in collaborative decision-making, working together to explore various therapeutic options, and finding the most effective solutions.
In addition to prescribing medication, Rochelle will guide you through various options, collaboratively choosing the most suitable approach for your needs. Her priority is to ensure your comfort throughout the entire care process, and she strives to minimize the use of medication while effectively addressing your symptoms.
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Get Started Today
This could be the first step of a life-changing transformation. Stella is here to guide your healing journey. Call Us today to learn about Stella's cutting-edge treatments, or book an intake assessment directly to get started.