Bipolar disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Park Ridge, IL

I was born and raised in Montana and have a genuine passion for nature and the outdoors. I received my Bachelors in Psychology at Montana State University in 2001. I then pursued my Masters of Social Work degree and graduated in 2008 from the University of Montana. This graduate program had a focus on providing a social justice and integrated practitioner perspective. I have an eclectic style that can be tailored to each unique individual. My primary therapeutic methods include Mindfulness Based, Holistic, Exposure, Narrative, Cognitive and Behavioral, Strengths Based & Solution Focused Therapies. I provide a non-judgmental and compassionate environment that often helps people feel comfortable. A true passion of mine is structuring therapeutic activities for clients to express, process, increase self-awareness, and de-stress from life’s challenging and developmental experiences.

Welcome! My name is Kandice Hightower, and I am a dual board certified nurse practitioner specializing in family and psychiatric mental health. With over 18 years of experience as a nurse, I am dedicated to providing compassionate, knowledgeable care to every person I work with. I have experience treating ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, and Bipolar Disorder, and I truly enjoy helping clients feel understood, supported, and empowered. If you are ready to take the first step, I would be happy to support you on this journey. Book today!

Diana Lankenau has a Master of Science in Nursing from Florida State University and Chamberlain University. She has a Bachelor's in nursing from University of Miami. BA in Psychology from Florida International University. She is Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC).

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’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over six years of experience working with adults. As a Neurodivergent therapist, I especially enjoy working with neurodivergent adults and those navigating chronic illness or disability, anxiety, depression, burnout, and life transitions. My approach is affirming, collaborative, and down-to-earth, with room for humor alongside the hard stuff. I tailor therapy to the individual, drawing from CBT, ACT, and DBT.

With more than 30 years of experience, I've helped individuals navigate anxiety, ADHD, trauma, and life's many transitions with compassion, understanding, and practical support.

I know reaching out for help isn't always easy. My goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where you feel heard, supported, and empowered to move toward greater confidence, healing, and peace of mind.

Often, struggles can become gateways to transformation. Many of the clients I work with are navigating low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, chronic stress, trauma, grief, or major life transitions that leave them feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected. You may be experiencing racing thoughts, emotional exhaustion, relationship difficulties, loss, or uncertainty about your direction in life. When we begin to explore these experiences with compassion and curiosity, new perspectives and meaningful change can emerge.

I believe telling your story in a safe, supportive space can be deeply healing. I want to hear about your hopes, dreams, challenges, and losses. My goal is to help you better understand your experiences, develop emotional resilience, and move toward greater clarity and self-acceptance. You are not alone, and I am here to walk alongside you as you move forward on your journey toward healing and growth.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of experience in health care. I understand that mental health concerns are complex and deeply personal. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, Sleep disorders or life transitions, my goal is to create a safe, respectful space where you feel heard, understood, and actively involved in your care.

I treat clients experiencing depression, anxiety, mood instability, OCD, ADHD symptoms, trauma, emotional dysregulation, insomnia, impulse control disorders, bipolar disorders, Schizophrenia, overwhelming stress. Regardless of where you begin, my commitment is to help you make informed decisions, take meaningful steps toward emotional wellbeing.

Whether you are looking to stabilize symptoms, improve functioning, understand your diagnosis, or simply feel like yourself again, I am here to support you with compassion, professionalism, and evidence-based care.

My style is eclectic and strength based. I see human nature as intrinsically good. Sigmund Freud said we are bio-social animals. I believe a great deal in listening to one’s self talk. The more positive our dialogue with ourselves is, the more positive our dialogues with others and our lives are. I’m also experienced in CBT, DBT, MI, Solution Focused, ACT, Gestalt, Interpersonal, and person-centered counseling.

My training includes lots of wonderful supervision and workshops, a three-year certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Chicago, and two one month intensives with Virginia Satir, the founder of family therapy. Virginia taught that exploring the self is like mining gold. We all have gold inside of us. That is our basic goodness. A lot of emotional suffering is the result of being detoured from that basic goodness.

Having served clients in Florida for the past 8 years in my work as a clinician and in welfare, my professional and personal philosophy is to meet people where they are. Therapy is a vulnerable journey of healing. I will utilize individualized care and collaboration to make you feel accepted, safe and ready to become the best version of yourself.

Are you the person everyone depends on, but lately you're feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or like you're carrying too much? You may be dealing with anxiety, depression, burnout, grief, trauma, workplace stress, relationship concerns, or a major life change and know something needs to change, even if you're not sure where to start. That's where I can help.

I work with children, adolescents and adults and provide both ongoing therapy and short-term, solution-focused support. My goal is to create a space where you can talk openly, feel heard, understand what's getting in the way, and develop practical strategies you can actually use in everyday life.

I have a doctorate degree in nursing from Maryville University St Louis, Missouri. I have clinical experience in mental health services of over ten years. I excel in psychiatric evaluation and medication management,enhancing patient well-being through expert care and cultural competent practices.

At the heart of my practice is a genuine desire to help people grow. I believe every person has the ability to create a life that feels meaningful, connected, and aligned with their values. My role is to walk alongside clients as they navigate challenges, build new skills, and discover what’s possible for them. My style is warm, direct, and growth‐oriented.

I believe mental health care works best when it is collaborative, respectful, and personalized.