Bipolar disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Downers Grove, IL

Thank you for taking the first step in sharing your story—your Mental Health Matters, and you deserve to be heard, supported, and understood.

Welcome to Integrated Family Behavioral Health & Counseling PLLC! I'm Mihaela Vladu, PMHNP-BC, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 16+ years of experience in healthcare, dedicated to helping individuals achieve lasting mental wellness and regain control of their lives.

I provide compassionate, personalized, and evidence-based care in a safe and supportive environment where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered. My approach focuses on treating the whole person—not just symptoms—while working collaboratively with you to reach your goals.

I specialize in working with a diverse range of individuals, including younger/older adults, children aged 6 and up, women dealing specifically with trauma and abuse, and veterans, as well as active-duty personnel experiencing PTSD. As a certified ADHD specialist, I provide targeted, evidence-based interventions to help individuals improve focus and daily functioning. I also have extensive experience treating bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, panic disorder, OCD, and other complex mental health conditions.

Areas of Expertise:

• Dual-Diagnosis Care (SUD + mood/anxiety​/​psychotic disorders)

• MAT: Buprenorphine​/​Suboxone inductions & maintenance; relapse-prevention planning

• Alcohol​/​Opioid Withdrawal & Detox protocols (court order MAT program, inpatient, outpatient, and halfway houses)

• Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis

• Residential​/​PHP​/​IOP programmed care & step-down planning

• Trauma-informed care, veteran populations, and complex comorbidity

I’m a doctorate-prepared, dual board-certified family practice and psychiatric mental health provider specializing in neurodevelopmental and neurocognitive conditions, with expertise in autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and geriatric psychiatry. I have extensive experience with complex chronic illness and co-occurring psychiatric conditions across the lifespan and in diverse clinical settings. My background in executive leadership and long-term care administration also informs my work within institutional settings. I have a longstanding interest in complementary, integrative, and holistic approaches to health. My practice is neurodiversity-affirming and LGBTQ+ inclusive.

I am a dual-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner, providing whole-person care that recognizes the connection between mental, emotional, and physical health. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, and Women's Health, and I offer a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard, supported, and empowered. Outside of my practice, I enjoy traveling, event decorating, and spending quality time with my family. I believe maintaining balance and personal fulfillment is an important part of overall well-being, and I bring that same perspective into the care I provide.

I am compassionate, approachable, and committed to providing a safe, nonjudgmental space. I value open communication, transparency, and collaboration, and I believe treatment works best when we make decisions together. My care is evidence-based and trauma-informed, focused on understanding the whole person and supporting meaningful, sustainable mental health improvement.

As a mental health therapist for more than two decades I have helped people through their dilemmas of trauma, depression, anxiety including ADHD, bipolar management, family relationships, and other life stressors. I hold EMDR, Trauma and Anxiety Certifications. I also hold a holistic health practitioner certification focused on motivation, energy, and health systems associated with overall wellness. In your journey here with me, we will build a supportive strength-based plan for you and you will also learn skills on top of traditional talk therapy.

Mike leads you through CBT, DBT, EMDR, and holistic health strategies. Through years of clinical and wellness xperience, compassion, and empathy, Mike assists those willing into making a major positive change or adaptation in their life. Mike prides himself in providing a safe and supportive, serious yet fun, space to work.

Mike enjoys boating, swimming, fishing, and exercising. He is friendly and easy-going. You can count on his empathetic and person-centered approach towards every conversation you take part in. “Thank you for reading my profile I look forward to working with you as I am passionate about helping you have the best life.”