In the Media

Compass Health Center staff provide mental health care expertise for news and media platforms nationwide.

Schedule an Appointment
It’s Time to Address the Illinois Mental Health Crisis | Daily Herald - Compass Health Center
It’s Time to Address the Illinois Mental Health Crisis | Daily Herald Logo -  Compass Health Center

It’s Time to Address the Illinois Mental Health Crisis | Daily Herald

November 7, 2024

Our CEO and Co-Founder, David Schreiber, MD, authored an important Opinion Piece for Chicago’s Daily Herald, calling on leaders from across the state to address the mental health crisis impacting Illinois. Today, over 145,000 Illinoisians aged 12–17 are struggling with depression. And, a startling 61.8% of Illinoisans aged 12–17 with depression did not receive any care in the last year. This is not a crisis without solutions. Read on to learn more.


Maryland Peace of Mind: Elections and Mental Health | NBC Baltimore - Compass Health Center
Maryland Peace of Mind: Elections and Mental Health | NBC Baltimore Logo -  Compass Health Center

Maryland Peace of Mind: Elections and Mental Health | NBC Baltimore

November 3, 2024

Navigating mental health during election season can be challenging for individuals and families alike. With heightened media coverage and many different viewpoints, it’s natural for people to feel overwhelmed. Compass Health Center’s Silver Spring Medical Director, Dr. Marissa Leslie, recently spoke with Jenyne Donaldson on NBC Baltimore News to discuss how elections impact mental well-being and strategies to manage anxiety. During the interview, Dr. Leslie stressed five things for people to consider during this time. From limiting exposure to social media to practicing mindfulness, tune in for her five tips that you can use today.

Continue reading to learn more and watch the full interview.


Compass Health Center Strengthens Specialty Mental Health Services with the Appointment of Dr. Chad Wetterneck as Senior Vice President of Clinical Development & Excellence - Compass Health Center
Compass Health Center Strengthens Specialty Mental Health Services with the Appointment of Dr. Chad Wetterneck as Senior Vice President of Clinical Development & Excellence Logo -  Compass Health Center

Compass Health Center Strengthens Specialty Mental Health Services with the Appointment of Dr. Chad Wetterneck as Senior Vice President of Clinical Development & Excellence

September 25, 2024

For Immediate Release: This strategic appointment reinforces our commitment to specialized treatment in OCD, Trauma, Mood and Substance Use Disorders for Maryland residents.

Wednesday, September 25, Silver Spring, Maryland – Compass Health Center is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Chad Wetterneck as the Senior Vice President of Clinical Development and Excellence. With over two decades of distinguished leadership and expertise in mental health care, Dr. Wetterneck will play a pivotal role in advancing Compass Health Center’s clinical training programs and in strengthening the delivery of specialized care to patients throughout the region.


Out of the Darkness Walk to bring community together for suicide awareness and prevention - Compass Health Center
Out of the Darkness Walk to bring community together for suicide awareness and prevention Logo -  Compass Health Center

Out of the Darkness Walk to bring community together for suicide awareness and prevention

September 8, 2024

"Partnering with the AFSP Chicagoland Out of the Darkness Walk is deeply meaningful to Compass Health Center," said Claudia Welke, M.D., Co-Founder of Compass Health Center. "This event not only raises awareness and funds but also unites communities in honoring loved ones and advocating for suicide prevention. By walking together as an organization, we demonstrate our commitment to making a difference and underscore the importance of collective action in addressing this critical issue. True to our mission, we believe that early intervention through immediate access to specialized care not only changes lives but saves lives."


Mental health challenges facing students this year  - Compass Health Center
Mental health challenges facing students this year  Logo -  Compass Health Center

Mental health challenges facing students this year

August 26, 2024

First-day-of-school jitters are normal for students returning to a new school year but what should parents do if it gets more than just the butterflies in their stomach? On a Monday edition of Fox45 Morning News, Tom Rodgers spoke with Dr. Marissa Leslie, Physician at Compass Health to talk about this year's challenges. she says the best way to detect these issues in changes in their behavior.


Re-programming Screen Time: Chicago Counselors Help Families Find Balance  - Compass Health Center
Re-programming Screen Time: Chicago Counselors Help Families Find Balance  Logo -  Compass Health Center

Re-programming Screen Time: Chicago Counselors Help Families Find Balance

August 15, 2024

Navigating screen use and social media for youth and families can feel overwhelming. A top priority for parents is safety, but the online world often feels full of unknowns. Our Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer, Claudia Welke, MD, was invited to speak with Dina Bair and Katharin Czink on WGN9 Chicago about treating screen dependency.


Positive Data Amidst Mental Health Crisis: Intermediate Mental Health Treatment Can Reduce Depression and Anxiety Symptoms by ~50% for Adolescents and Adults - Compass Health Center
Positive Data Amidst Mental Health Crisis: Intermediate Mental Health Treatment Can Reduce Depression and Anxiety Symptoms by ~50% for Adolescents and Adults Logo -  Compass Health Center

Positive Data Amidst Mental Health Crisis: Intermediate Mental Health Treatment Can Reduce Depression and Anxiety Symptoms by ~50% for Adolescents and Adults

August 13, 2024

Compass Health Center today announces positive results of an extensive analysis of data from more than 2,300 patients, focusing on the reported frequency and severity of their symptoms of depression and anxiety. This analysis clarifies the specific lengths of treatment that yield the greatest symptom reduction for patients suffering from depression and anxiety.


Compass Health Center Increases Access to Mental Health Programs by Becoming In-Network with CareFirst BCBS, supporting members throughout Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia - Compass Health Center
Compass Health Center Increases Access to Mental Health Programs by Becoming In-Network with CareFirst BCBS, supporting members throughout Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia Logo -  Compass Health Center

Compass Health Center Increases Access to Mental Health Programs by Becoming In-Network with CareFirst BCBS, supporting members throughout Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia

August 5, 2024

Compass Health Center is proud to announce that they are now in-network with CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS). This relationship will increase access for CareFirst commercial members to essential mental health resources and specialists across the region and provide immediate behavioral health services for CareFirst members across Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia. 


Video: 6 Tips for Parents to Help Children Navigate Social Media from a Psychiatrist - Compass Health Center
Video: 6 Tips for Parents to Help Children Navigate Social Media from a Psychiatrist Logo -  Compass Health Center

Video: 6 Tips for Parents to Help Children Navigate Social Media from a Psychiatrist

July 1, 2024

Compass Health Center provides behavioral health care for one thousand patients daily who are in crisis. In a recent interview with NBC Chicago, Dr. Claudia Welke, Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer, highlights the alarming and recent increase in depression, anxiety, and suicide rates. She emphasizes the role of social media in exacerbating these issues, noting that children who use social media for three hours a day are more likely to experience mental health problems. Watch the interview to learn six essential tips for parents to help their children navigate social media safely.


Listen Now: Compass Health Center's Dr. Marissa Leslie featured on 97.9’s Maryland Perspectives Radio - Compass Health Center
Listen Now: Compass Health Center's Dr. Marissa Leslie featured on 97.9’s Maryland Perspectives Radio Logo -  Compass Health Center

Listen Now: Compass Health Center's Dr. Marissa Leslie featured on 97.9’s Maryland Perspectives Radio

February 25, 2024

Hosted by Amelia Ryerse, Maryland Perspectives, on 97.9 FM Baltimore, features organizations across Maryland that make a difference in resident’s lives and we were thrilled to be part of the conversation. Dr. Marissa Leslie, Medical Director at Compass Health Center-Maryland spoke with Ameila about three signs that may indicate a teen needs more support. They also discussed common symptoms of school anxiety and strategies for using community resources.


Video: CBS News Interviews Compass Health Center CEO & Co-Founder about Mental Health & Substance Use  - Compass Health Center
Video: CBS News Interviews Compass Health Center CEO & Co-Founder about Mental Health & Substance Use  Logo -  Compass Health Center

Video: CBS News Interviews Compass Health Center CEO & Co-Founder about Mental Health & Substance Use

January 30, 2024

Psychosis can result from a variety of causes, including psychiatric illnesses like schizophrenia, genetic risk, exposure to stressors or trauma — and, as health professionals are seeing more, drug use including marijuana.

Nationwide, studies since 2019 have shown an increase of emergency room visits across the country as a result of cannabis, Dr. David Schreiber, psychiatrist and CEO and co-founder of Compass Health Center, told CBS News.

"What we learned from those studies is a 50% increase of adverse events as a result of cannabis use," he said.

It's crucial for individuals and families to understand how substance use can affect mental health and know when it's time to consider getting help. When people act quickly to find the right kind of care for mental health symptoms, especially when symptoms become complex, they are setting themselves up for improved, long-lasting results.


Marijuana and Teen Mental Health: Compass Health Center Contributes to National Discussion on NewsNation Now - Compass Health Center
Marijuana and Teen Mental Health: Compass Health Center Contributes to National Discussion on NewsNation Now Logo -  Compass Health Center

Marijuana and Teen Mental Health: Compass Health Center Contributes to National Discussion on NewsNation Now

January 14, 2024

In a recent interview with NewsNation Now, Child and Adult Psychiatrist Dr. David Schreiber, Co-Founder and CEO of Compass Health Center, discussed the concerning rise in psychosis among teens using cannabis. The conversation highlighted factors contributing to this increase, including accessibility, potency, and untreated mental health issues. Dr. Schreiber provided immediate care solutions and emphasized available resources for viewers, emphasizing the need to address mental health issues proactively and trusting your instincts when you think someone you love might be struggling.


Wall Street Journal Features Mental Health | More Teens Who Use Marijuana Are Suffering From Psychosis   - Compass Health Center
Wall Street Journal Features Mental Health | More Teens Who Use Marijuana Are Suffering From Psychosis   Logo -  Compass Health Center

Wall Street Journal Features Mental Health | More Teens Who Use Marijuana Are Suffering From Psychosis

January 10, 2024

In Julie Wernau’s latest Wall Street Journal article, Dr. Deepali Gershan, MD, Medical Director and Addiction Psychiatrist at Compass Health Center discusses the impact of cannabis on mental health and substance use. Dr. Gershan emphasizes, "This isn't the cannabis of 20, 30 years ago." She notes that up to 20% of her caseload consists of patients where she suspects that cannabis use may have triggered a psychotic episode.


Views from the frontlines: Maryland’s mental health crisis - Compass Health Center
Views from the frontlines: Maryland’s mental health crisis Logo -  Compass Health Center

Views from the frontlines: Maryland’s mental health crisis

November 30, 2023

Experts say Maryland, like the rest of the United States, is in a mental health crisis.

Maryland is in crisis, with roughly 838,000 Marylanders aged 12 and up struggling with a mental health condition.

“It is a shame that, whenever I see a patient, they’re coming in an absolute crisis where they have nowhere to turn,” said Dr. Holley Meers, who leads the emergency medicine and hospitalist teams at Holy Cross Health.

“That’s not hyperbole,” said Dr. Marissa Leslie, Medical Director of Compass Health Center – Maryland. “We have many children, adolescents and adults waiting in emergency departments, sometimes for hours or months, just wanting to access the right care at the right time, but finding difficulty accessing that care.”


Compass Health Center Opens to Address Mental Health Crisis in Maryland - Compass Health Center
Compass Health Center Opens to Address Mental Health Crisis in Maryland Logo -  Compass Health Center

Compass Health Center Opens to Address Mental Health Crisis in Maryland

November 9, 2023

WASHINGTON (November 9, 2023) – Compass Health Center, a crisis mental health care center that provides immediate, comprehensive, and specialized services to adolescents, young adults and adults today announced the launch of its new location in Silver Spring, Maryland, and a virtual program across the state to provide critical services to Maryland residents. Compass Health Center provides expert care in areas of concern to families in Maryland, like trauma, OCD, school refusal, depression, and substance use while addressing the major gaps in access Marylanders are currently facing.


Compass Health Center Launches Innovative Program to Combat Rising Screen Addiction in Children and Teens - Compass Health Center
Compass Health Center Launches Innovative Program to Combat Rising Screen Addiction in Children and Teens Logo -  Compass Health Center

Compass Health Center Launches Innovative Program to Combat Rising Screen Addiction in Children and Teens

August 11, 2023

CHICAGO, IL, UNITED STATES, August 11, 2023/ EINPresswire.com / -- In today’s digital age, screens and technology play an integral role in our daily lives. From virtual learning to social connections, the use of devices has become ubiquitous, especially among children. According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, “On average, children ages 8-12 in the United States spend 4-6 hours a day watching or using screens, and teens spend up to 9 hours.” However, excessive screen use can come with serious consequences. Recent studies have revealed that too much screen time can lead to issues such as obesity, disturbed sleep, behavioral problems, and deficits in learning and social skills. In light of these findings, Compass Health Center has launched a new Child Screen Dependence Program at its Chicago location, offering a balanced approach to screen use which is now more crucial than ever.


Compass Health Center Announces Expansion to Maryland, Addressing Urgent Need for Quick Access to Comprehensive Mental Health Care In-Person and Virtually Across the State - Compass Health Center
Compass Health Center Announces Expansion to Maryland, Addressing Urgent Need for Quick Access to Comprehensive Mental Health Care In-Person and Virtually Across the State Logo -  Compass Health Center

Compass Health Center Announces Expansion to Maryland, Addressing Urgent Need for Quick Access to Comprehensive Mental Health Care In-Person and Virtually Across the State

August 7, 2023

SILVER SPRING, MD / ACCESSWIRE / August 3, 2023 / Compass Health Center, the leading provider of non-hospital intermediate-level behavioral health services in Illinois, announced today the launch of services in Silver Spring, Maryland, beginning in September 2023. The company will immediately address the dearth of mental health care available in the state in addition to creating more than 100 new jobs. This expansion is part of the organization’s mission to bridge the behavioral health care gap in the state, offering patient-centered care, both in-person in Silver Spring and virtually across Maryland.


Illinois-Based Compass Health Center Announces Expansion Into Montgomery County, Maryland - Compass Health Center
Illinois-Based Compass Health Center Announces Expansion Into Montgomery County, Maryland Logo -  Compass Health Center

Illinois-Based Compass Health Center Announces Expansion Into Montgomery County, Maryland

July 13, 2023

Rockville, MD — Compass Health Center, the leading provider of non-hospital intermediate-level behavioral health services in Illinois, announced plans to open a new location in Silver Spring, Md. in September 2023, marking the company’s first expansion outside of Illinois. The company will bring more than 100 new jobs to the area while helping to address the critical need for additional mental health care services, which is a growing need nationally.


Compass Health Center Introduces Virtual Program to Improve Access to Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment for Young Adults and Adults - Compass Health Center
Compass Health Center Introduces Virtual Program to Improve Access to Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment for Young Adults and Adults Logo -  Compass Health Center

Compass Health Center Introduces Virtual Program to Improve Access to Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment for Young Adults and Adults

June 20, 2023

Compass Health Center, a leading provider of comprehensive mental health services, is pleased to announce the upcoming launch of its Virtual Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) Program. This program aims to redefine the landscape of mental health and substance use care by providing convenient and effective support to young adults and adults in the comfort of their own homes.


Study Reveals Rise in New Cases of Chronic Pain, Compass Health Center Spearheads Innovative Approach to Mental Health and Chronic Pain Management - Compass Health Center
Study Reveals Rise in New Cases of Chronic Pain, Compass Health Center Spearheads Innovative Approach to Mental Health and Chronic Pain Management Logo -  Compass Health Center

Study Reveals Rise in New Cases of Chronic Pain, Compass Health Center Spearheads Innovative Approach to Mental Health and Chronic Pain Management

May 30, 2023

Compass Health Center is taking a proactive approach to raising awareness about chronic pain, debunking common misconceptions, and providing essential resources and support to individuals affected by these pervasive conditions. Chronic pain affects a sizable portion of the population in the United States, with new cases occurring more frequently than other chronic conditions such as diabetes, depression, and high blood pressure, as highlighted in a recent study conducted by the National Institutes of Health, as reported in The New York Times article, “New Cases of Chronic Pain Outnumber Those of Diabetes or Depression, Study Shows.”


Illinois-Based Compass Health Center to Launch College Readiness Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Northbrook and Oak Brook This Summer - Compass Health Center
Illinois-Based Compass Health Center to Launch College Readiness Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Northbrook and Oak Brook This Summer Logo -  Compass Health Center

Illinois-Based Compass Health Center to Launch College Readiness Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Northbrook and Oak Brook This Summer

May 16, 2023

To support students during this unique time of transition, Compass Health Center’s Northbrook and Oak Brook locations are launching a College Readiness Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), running June 5 through August 11, 2023. The program is designed to help prepare students aged 17-23 as they transition to or return to college in the fall. Compass’s specialized clinical team provides evidence-based skills necessary to make this transition a smooth one and empower students to thrive both academically and emotionally.


Compass Health Center to Launch After School Mental Health & Substance Use Program for Teens in Chicago to Help Destigmatize Treatment for Co-occurring Conditions - Compass Health Center
Compass Health Center to Launch After School Mental Health & Substance Use Program for Teens in Chicago to Help Destigmatize Treatment for Co-occurring Conditions Logo -  Compass Health Center

Compass Health Center to Launch After School Mental Health & Substance Use Program for Teens in Chicago to Help Destigmatize Treatment for Co-occurring Conditions

May 5, 2023

Compass Health Center is launching a new After School Mental Health & Substance Use Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for adolescents this June due to the increased need for specialized treatment for co-occurring disorders for teens. The program will support adolescents, ages 13 to 18, struggling with anxiety and/or depressive symptoms alongside substance use negatively impacting their functioning. This program is offered after school so that teens can continue attending school while effectively treating their mental health and substance use symptoms. Over the summer, Compass will offer this program during the day.


Compass Health Center Launches OCD & Complex Anxiety Program for Children in Western Suburbs to Address Youth Mental Health Crisis - Compass Health Center
Compass Health Center Launches OCD & Complex Anxiety Program for Children in Western Suburbs to Address Youth Mental Health Crisis Logo -  Compass Health Center

Compass Health Center Launches OCD & Complex Anxiety Program for Children in Western Suburbs to Address Youth Mental Health Crisis

May 2, 2023

Chicago, Illinois, May 2, 2023 -- According to recent data collected by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) between 2016-2019, more than 5.8 million children between the ages of 3-17 in the United States had been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. These numbers have only increased since the start of the pandemic. In response to this need, Compass Health Center’s Oak Brook location has opened its new Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) & Complex Anxiety Program for children ages 8-13.


Compass Health Center to Launch Enhanced Summer Creative Arts Intensive Outpatient Program - Compass Health Center
Compass Health Center to Launch Enhanced Summer Creative Arts Intensive Outpatient Program Logo -  Compass Health Center

Compass Health Center to Launch Enhanced Summer Creative Arts Intensive Outpatient Program

March 14, 2023

As the world continues to grapple with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, children and adolescents have been particularly impacted. Many have missed years of connection and social experience, leaving them with anxiety surrounding peer connections and social interaction and a lack of social skills and awareness. To help close these gaps left by the pandemic, creative arts therapies are a fun, expressive, and effective way to address these issues. To meet this need, Compass Health Center is launching a specialized Summer Creative Arts Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) this June for children and adolescents struggling with behavioral health challenges.


Compass's Abby Poplis, LCSW, Featured in WGN Story on Rage Rooms - Compass Health Center
Compass's Abby Poplis, LCSW, Featured in WGN Story on Rage Rooms Logo -  Compass Health Center

Compass's Abby Poplis, LCSW, Featured in WGN Story on Rage Rooms

February 21, 2023

In a recent WGN-TV story, Compass's Abby Poplis, LCSW, Director, Adult Programming – Oak Brook, speaks with reporter Dana Rebik about rage rooms and how smashing items can help release stress.​

Poplis says for many "people who don’t struggle with anger management, rage rooms can be a safe activity. But those who might have problems with aggression might want to think twice."


Compass's Heather Katz, LCSW, Featured in WGN Story on Grief - Compass Health Center
Compass's Heather Katz, LCSW, Featured in WGN Story on Grief Logo -  Compass Health Center

Compass's Heather Katz, LCSW, Featured in WGN Story on Grief

March 6, 2023

In WGN-TV's latest story, Compass's Heather Katz, LCSW, Principal Family Therapist, Trauma and Adult Programs, speaks with Erin Ivory about the grieving process and how many are rethinking how to memorialize a loved one who has passed.​

Katz says, “Losing someone is so out of our control that being able to manage how we process and hold on to their memory is one thing we do have power over.”


Chicagoland Behavioral Health Program Launches in February to Provide Co-Occurring Treatment for Individuals Struggling with Mental Health and Substance Use  - Compass Health Center
Chicagoland Behavioral Health Program Launches in February to Provide Co-Occurring Treatment for Individuals Struggling with Mental Health and Substance Use  Logo -  Compass Health Center

Chicagoland Behavioral Health Program Launches in February to Provide Co-Occurring Treatment for Individuals Struggling with Mental Health and Substance Use

January 17, 2023

Compass Health Center will launch its new Mental Health & Substance Use Program for individuals ages 18+ starting this February, available across all in-person Chicagoland locations. The program will support young adults and adults struggling to manage their mental health symptoms, substance use, and other addictive behaviors.


Compass's Dr. Deepali Gershan, MD, Addiction Psychiatrist, was interviewed by WGNTV for the recent story,

Compass's Dr. Deepali Gershan, MD, Addiction Psychiatrist, was interviewed by WGNTV for the recent story, "Dry January failed? Consider ‘damp’ January."

January 11, 2023

Dry January is a popular post-holiday trend, but by now, many people have fallen off the wagon. Eliminating alcohol cold turkey for 31 days may be too restrictive.​

So instead of “Dry January,” you can try “Damp January” – and February, March, and so on.​ Compass's Dr. Deepali Gershan, MD, Addiction Psychiatrist, was interviewed by WGNTV for the recent story, "Dry January failed? Consider ‘damp’ January."


Compass's Carrie Overbey, LCPC, Featured on City Cast Podcast - Compass Health Center
Compass's Carrie Overbey, LCPC, Featured on City Cast Podcast Logo -  Compass Health Center

Compass's Carrie Overbey, LCPC, Featured on City Cast Podcast

January 3, 2023

Check out the latest episode of @citycastchicago to hear Compass's Carrie Overbey, LCPC, Chief Clinical Officer – Chicago, discuss SMARTER goals and how "coping ahead" can help set you on the right track for the new year. We hope you enjoy listening as much as we did. ​


Justine Mitchell, Compass Health Center and Compass Virtual - Compass Health Center
Justine Mitchell, Compass Health Center and Compass Virtual Logo -  Compass Health Center

Justine Mitchell, Compass Health Center and Compass Virtual

December 19, 2022

Compass Health Center has named Justine Mitchell as its new Senior Vice President of Virtual. Before becoming SVP of Compass Virtual, Mitchell served as one of the founding members of Illinois-based telepsychiatry provider Regroup. Under Mitchell’s leadership, Compass Virtual plans to expand virtual Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) programs to additional markets outside of Illinois.


Compass Virtual Welcomes Justine Mitchell to Leadership Team with Plans to Increase Access to Life-Saving Behavioral Health Treatment for Individuals - Compass Health Center
Compass Virtual Welcomes Justine Mitchell to Leadership Team with Plans to Increase Access to Life-Saving Behavioral Health Treatment for Individuals Logo -  Compass Health Center

Compass Virtual Welcomes Justine Mitchell to Leadership Team with Plans to Increase Access to Life-Saving Behavioral Health Treatment for Individuals

December 6, 2022

In a follow-up to Compass Health Center’s recent announcement of expanding its Illinois-based virtual Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) programs, the company has named Justine Mitchell as its new Senior Vice President of Compass Virtual. Compass Virtual boasts virtual patient outcomes on par with in-person patient outcomes, which have translated to a decrease in adolescent, young adult, and adult patient reports of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety symptoms.


Compass Health Center's Joe Serio Quoted as Trusted Clinical Expert in Recent Forbes Article - Compass Health Center
Compass Health Center's Joe Serio Quoted as Trusted Clinical Expert in Recent Forbes Article Logo -  Compass Health Center

Compass Health Center's Joe Serio Quoted as Trusted Clinical Expert in Recent Forbes Article

November 29, 2022

“Exposure therapy is a systematic process of bringing a person into contact with something they fear—an object, event or scenario—to decrease their avoidance of this situation,” says Joe Serio, a licensed clinical professional counselor and chief clinical officer at Compass Health Center. “This helps teach them that the worst-case scenario outcome they’re convinced will happen, won’t.”


PHP/IOP Behavioral Health Reacts to Maryland Teen Suffering in Waiting Room for 76 Days; Provides Critical Solution to Ongoing Crisis - Compass Health Center
PHP/IOP Behavioral Health Reacts to Maryland Teen Suffering in Waiting Room for 76 Days; Provides Critical Solution to Ongoing Crisis Logo -  Compass Health Center

PHP/IOP Behavioral Health Reacts to Maryland Teen Suffering in Waiting Room for 76 Days; Provides Critical Solution to Ongoing Crisis

November 2, 2022

The Washington Post recently reported the story of Zachary Chafos, an 18-year-old who "languished for a total of 76 days in a Maryland ER waiting for a psychiatric bed." This type of situation is common throughout the country and is a singular example of one of the many contributing factors to the growing mental health treatment crisis for teens in the United States. Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) programs, like Compass Health Center, are helping to provide solutions.


Chicago Mental Health Experts Outline 7 Ways to Attain Balance for Improved Mental Health Throughout the Holiday Season - Compass Health Center
Chicago Mental Health Experts Outline 7 Ways to Attain Balance for Improved Mental Health Throughout the Holiday Season Logo -  Compass Health Center

Chicago Mental Health Experts Outline 7 Ways to Attain Balance for Improved Mental Health Throughout the Holiday Season

October 27, 2022

A recent scientific brief released by the World Health Organization found that during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by a monumental 25%. Over the past few years, holidays have looked different due to social distancing restrictions and safety guidelines. Anna Finis, PsyD, Director of Child and Young Child IOP at Compass Health Center - Chicago, explains, "going into the holiday season, where we may find ourselves pulled in various directions, we have an opportunity to evaluate our priorities and fill our time intentionally. Balance, in general, is not how we add to our day, but instead how we are more intentional with our time."


Clinic uses VR to help defuse fears, anxieties - Compass Health Center
Clinic uses VR to help defuse fears, anxieties Logo -  Compass Health Center

Clinic uses VR to help defuse fears, anxieties

October 7, 2022

Could virtual reality be a key to helping people overcome their fears and anxiety? A Chicago-based behavioral health system thinks so. Facing their fears is one way to help people deal with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and anxiety, but sometimes that's not safe or practical to do in reality.


Chicago Behavior Center Utilizes Innovative Virtual Reality to Treat Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Anxiety Disorders - Compass Health Center
Chicago Behavior Center Utilizes Innovative Virtual Reality to Treat Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Anxiety Disorders Logo -  Compass Health Center

Chicago Behavior Center Utilizes Innovative Virtual Reality to Treat Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Anxiety Disorders

October 6, 2022

Compass now offers Virtual Reality Care in its Adult Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Complex Anxiety Programs across in-person locations and through Compass Virtual. Through virtual reality care, it can further support and elevate Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP) by placing the individual in specific environments that challenge their anxiety.


New Virtual Behavioral Health Program Developed for ‘Chronically Absent’ Teens Struggling With School Refusal - Compass Health Center
New Virtual Behavioral Health Program Developed for ‘Chronically Absent’ Teens Struggling With School Refusal Logo -  Compass Health Center

New Virtual Behavioral Health Program Developed for ‘Chronically Absent’ Teens Struggling With School Refusal

September 29, 2022

Compass Virtual has developed a new School Anxiety & Refusal Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) for adolescents, ages 13 to 18, who struggle with behavioral health challenges that present as school refusal. The virtual program, which is now accepting intakes, is available online for teens throughout the state of Illinois. School anxiety and refusal programming is also available in person at Compass’ three Chicagoland locations.


American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP IL) Partners With Chicago Mental Health Center to Bring Awareness to Suicide Prevention Month With 2 Important Events - Compass Health Center
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP IL) Partners With Chicago Mental Health Center to Bring Awareness to Suicide Prevention Month With 2 Important Events Logo -  Compass Health Center

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP IL) Partners With Chicago Mental Health Center to Bring Awareness to Suicide Prevention Month With 2 Important Events

September 8, 2022

The CDC reports that in 2020, 1.2 million American adults attempted suicide, and nearly 46,000 adults died by suicide. Suicide prevention awareness is an essential step toward lowering those numbers. For Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Compass Health Center is teaming up with The Illinois Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP IL) to promote two important suicide prevention events.


New Adolescent Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Program Addresses an Increased Need for Specialized Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy in Chicago Suburbs - Compass Health Center
New Adolescent Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Program Addresses an Increased Need for Specialized Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy in Chicago Suburbs Logo -  Compass Health Center

New Adolescent Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Program Addresses an Increased Need for Specialized Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy in Chicago Suburbs

September 1, 2022

In response to the growing need for targeted clinical services to treat Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and other anxiety disorders in adolescents, Compass Health Center is launching its Adolescent OCD and Complex Anxiety Disorder Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient (PHP/IOP) program at its Oak Brook location on Sept. 6, 2022. The goal of this new program is to provide specialized, evidence-based treatment for OCD and anxiety disorders among adolescents ages 13-18 in the Western Suburbs.


New Trauma Program Opens in Oak Brook - Compass Health Center
New Trauma Program Opens in Oak Brook Logo -  Compass Health Center

New Trauma Program Opens in Oak Brook

August 19, 2022

New Compass Health Center Trauma Program Address Growing Demand for Trauma-Focused Care in Illinois' Western Suburb.


Compass Health Center to Host Free Educator and Clinician Webinar/CEU: Understanding and Treating School Anxiety & Refusal, Aug. 25, 2022, 10 AM Central Time (US and Canada) - Compass Health Center
Compass Health Center to Host Free Educator and Clinician Webinar/CEU: Understanding and Treating School Anxiety & Refusal, Aug. 25, 2022, 10 AM Central Time (US and Canada) Logo -  Compass Health Center

Compass Health Center to Host Free Educator and Clinician Webinar/CEU: Understanding and Treating School Anxiety & Refusal, Aug. 25, 2022, 10 AM Central Time (US and Canada)

August 17, 2022

Compass Health Center will be hosting a live webinar/CEU on Aug. 25, 2022, at 10 a.m. CT. The webinar, titled "Understanding and Treating School Anxiety & Refusal," is for clinicians and education professionals working with children and adolescents who experience anxiety and school refusal symptoms.


Compass Health Center In-Network With Optum/United Behavioral Health Beginning July 15, 2022 - Compass Health Center
Compass Health Center In-Network With Optum/United Behavioral Health Beginning July 15, 2022 Logo -  Compass Health Center

Compass Health Center In-Network With Optum/United Behavioral Health Beginning July 15, 2022

July 11, 2022

Compass Health Center announced today that it will be in-network with Optum/United Behavioral Health beginning July 15, 2022.


New Adolescent Substance Use Treatment Services Address Urgent Need Throughout Chicago Western Suburbs, Illinois - Compass Health Center
New Adolescent Substance Use Treatment Services Address Urgent Need Throughout Chicago Western Suburbs, Illinois Logo -  Compass Health Center

New Adolescent Substance Use Treatment Services Address Urgent Need Throughout Chicago Western Suburbs, Illinois

June 14, 2022

NIH reports over 60 percent of adolescents in substance use disorder treatment programs also meet diagnostic criteria for another mental illness.


Increase in Child and Teen Depression Lead to New In-Person and Virtual Summer Creative Arts Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) - Compass Health Center
Increase in Child and Teen Depression Lead to New In-Person and Virtual Summer Creative Arts Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) Logo -  Compass Health Center

Increase in Child and Teen Depression Lead to New In-Person and Virtual Summer Creative Arts Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

June 8, 2022

Compass Health Center and Compass Virtual have developed a summer program for children and teens who struggle with behavioral health challenges.


Compass Virtual Opens New Adult Evening Partial Hospitalization Program to Address Vast Disparities in Mental Health Treatment Options Across Illinois - Compass Health Center
Compass Virtual Opens New Adult Evening Partial Hospitalization Program to Address Vast Disparities in Mental Health Treatment Options Across Illinois Logo -  Compass Health Center

Compass Virtual Opens New Adult Evening Partial Hospitalization Program to Address Vast Disparities in Mental Health Treatment Options Across Illinois

June 7, 2022

Compass Virtual, launched in 2021 by Chicago-based Compass Health Center, has developed entirely virtual Evening Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) programs to provide treatment flexibility for patients seeking intensive levels of behavioral healthcare in a virtual setting.


Pediatric Behavioral Health Professionals Offer 8 Tips to Help Children Navigate Feelings in Wake of Trauma - Compass Health Center
Pediatric Behavioral Health Professionals Offer 8 Tips to Help Children Navigate Feelings in Wake of Trauma Logo -  Compass Health Center

Pediatric Behavioral Health Professionals Offer 8 Tips to Help Children Navigate Feelings in Wake of Trauma

June 1, 2022

Compass Health Center offers supportive and age-appropriate advice and guidance in speaking to children about the Uvalde, Texas tragedy.


Expanded Compass Health Center Trauma Team Looks to Fill Gap With Enhanced Trauma Programming in Chicago - Compass Health Center
Expanded Compass Health Center Trauma Team Looks to Fill Gap With Enhanced Trauma Programming in Chicago Logo -  Compass Health Center

Expanded Compass Health Center Trauma Team Looks to Fill Gap With Enhanced Trauma Programming in Chicago

March 10, 2022

Compass Health Center’s Behavioral Health Trauma Program in Chicago has undergone tremendous growth and expansion in the past 18 months, resulting in an expanded team of passionate and dedicated clinicians with diverse clinical backgrounds ready to serve the community.


Honesty, reassurance: How to talk to kids about Ukraine Logo -  Compass Health Center

Honesty, reassurance: How to talk to kids about Ukraine

February 25, 2022

We’ve heard from a tremendous number of parents already who have thanked us for covering the story so forthrightly, and they are telling us that they appreciate our calm and factual approach because their children are frightened and they weren’t sure what to say,” Barbalich said.

For kids, said Dr. Nick Hatzis of the outpatient mental health care facility Compass Health Center in Chicago, the most important step for parents is to “create a space that allows for listening.” Conversation on Ukraine may be exactly what some kids want and exactly what others might not, he said.

“There’s going to be a lot of back and forth,” said Hatzis, medical director for child and adolescent programs. “We want to make sure that we are actively promoting our routines, our schedules, participating in the meaningful activities in our lives and in our kids’ lives.”


New Compass Health Center Location Brings Intensive Behavioral Healthcare to Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Compass Health Center
New Compass Health Center Location Brings Intensive Behavioral Healthcare to Chicago’s Western Suburbs Logo -  Compass Health Center

New Compass Health Center Location Brings Intensive Behavioral Healthcare to Chicago’s Western Suburbs

August 2, 2021

Oak Brook, IL, July 31, 2021 –(PR.com)– Compass Health Center will be opening a new 50,000 square foot Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) behavioral health treatment facility, located in the Oak Brook/Westmont/Hinsdale region of Chicago’s western suburbs on August 2, 2021. Compass is the largest provider of PHP/IOP services in Illinois and has locations in Northbrook and Chicago and a Virtual option for Illinois-based patients.


Compass Health Center- Oak Brook Now Open - Compass Health Center
Compass Health Center- Oak Brook Now Open Logo -  Compass Health Center

Compass Health Center- Oak Brook Now Open

July 29, 2021

Westmont, IL July 29, 2021: Compass Health Center will be opening a new 50,000 square foot Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) behavioral health treatment facility, located in the Oak Brook/Westmont/Hinsdale region of Chicago’s western suburbs on August 2, 2021. Compass is the largest provider of PHP/IOP services in Illinois and has locations in Northbrook and Chicago and a Virtual option for Illinois-based patients.


The toll of lockdown: Doctors see dramatic increase in overdose deaths - Compass Health Center
The toll of lockdown: Doctors see dramatic increase in overdose deaths Logo -  Compass Health Center

The toll of lockdown: Doctors see dramatic increase in overdose deaths

July 14, 2021

Amid the pandemic, some turned to drugs and alcohol in isolation during lockdown. Others who were already battling addiction fell back into substance use as they were overwhelmed with depression and anxiety. “We are obviously seeing a crisis in terms of overdose deaths, but that is just one piece of this. We are also seeing mental health crisis,” said Dr. Deepali Gershan, addiction psychiatrist with Compass Health.


WGN News Story on Panic Disorder - Compass Health Center
WGN News Story on Panic Disorder Logo -  Compass Health Center

WGN News Story on Panic Disorder

August 4, 2020

Compass Health Center Associate Director of Child Programs, Ashley Senderak, appeared on WGN News last night to discuss panic disorder. Click the link below to view the segment.


WGN News Story on Substance Use During COVID-19 - Compass Health Center
WGN News Story on Substance Use During COVID-19 Logo -  Compass Health Center

WGN News Story on Substance Use During COVID-19

May 20, 2020

Compass Health Center Addiction Psychiatrist Deepali Gershan was interviewed by WGN TV for a story on substance use during COVID-19.


Compass Health Center Interviewed By Patch on Virtual Mental Health Services - Compass Health Center
Compass Health Center Interviewed By Patch on Virtual Mental Health Services Logo -  Compass Health Center

Compass Health Center Interviewed By Patch on Virtual Mental Health Services

April 20, 2020

Compass Health Center Senior Director of Child and Adolescent Programming, Beth Hope, and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Claudia Welke, interview with Patch and provide insight on offering virtual therapy and treatment options during the COVID-19 pandemic.


Compass Health Center Interviewed By WGN News On Relationships and COVID-19 Logo -  Compass Health Center

Compass Health Center Interviewed By WGN News On Relationships and COVID-19

April 8, 2020

Compass Health Center Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Family Therapist, Lisa Gordon, Ph.D. interviews with WGN News and provides helpful tips on managing relationships with significant others during the COVID-19 pandemic.


Compass Health Center Interviewed By FOX News On Virtual Therapy and COVID-19 Logo -  Compass Health Center

Compass Health Center Interviewed By FOX News On Virtual Therapy and COVID-19

April 4, 2020

Compass Health Center’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Claudia Welke interviews with Fox News Chicago to discuss the importance of Compass as the only Illinois PHP/IOP Center to offer Virtual Therapy options to patients and frontline workers during the COVID-19 crisis.


Compass Health Center Interviewed By WGN News On Mental Health and COVID-19 Logo -  Compass Health Center

Compass Health Center Interviewed By WGN News On Mental Health and COVID-19

March 30, 2020

Compass Health Center’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Claudia Welke, discusses how Compass Virtual Programs are helping to keep patients and staff safe, while also keeping mental health crises out of emergency rooms.


 Logo -  Compass Health Center