Child & Adolescent Psychiatry in Chicagoland – Compassionate Early Intervention
Evidence-Based, Whole-Person Psychiatric Care for Children & Teens
Compassionate Mental Health Care for Children and Teens
If your child is struggling with anxiety, mood changes, behavioral challenges, or school stress, you are not alone — and support is available.
At Hopemark Health,we understand that reaching out for help for your child can feel overwhelming. Our Child & Adolescent Psychiatry program is designed to provide thoughtful, compassionate care that helps families feel supported and understood from the very first visit.
Led by Dr. Nouzha Tazi, Board-Certified in Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatry, our program focuses on early evaluation, accurate diagnosis, and personalized treatment that supports healthy emotional development.
Children and teens receive a 90-minute comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, allowing time to fully understand their symptoms, developmental history, and family environment.
Appointments are available in person at our Naperville and Oak Brook clinics, with virtual follow-up visits available for convenience and flexibility.
Dr. Nouzha Tazi, Board-Certified Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychiatrist
Signs Your Child May Benefit from a Psychiatric Evaluation
Many parents wonder whether what their child is experiencing is simply a phase or something that might benefit from professional support. Mental health challenges in children and teens can develop gradually and may affect behavior, emotions, relationships, or school performance.
You may consider an evaluation if your child or teenager is experiencing:
- Persistent sadness, irritability, or mood swings
- Excessive worry, anxiety, or panic
- Difficulty concentrating or completing schoolwork
- Declining academic performance or school avoidance
- Changes in sleep patterns or appetite
- Withdrawal from friends, activities, or family
- Behavioral outbursts or difficulty managing emotions
- Increased stress related to social pressures or life transitions
- Trouble regulating anger or frustration
- Symptoms that interfere with daily life at home or school
Every child develops differently, and experiencing challenges does not mean something is “wrong.” However, when emotional or behavioral difficulties begin to impact your child’s well-being, a thoughtful evaluation can provide clarity, reassurance, and a path forward.
Dr. Tazi’s evaluations are designed to understand the full picture of a child’s emotional health, family environment, and developmental needs so that families receive thoughtful guidance and support.
Our goal is to help children and teens feel understood, supported, and equipped with the tools they need to thrive.
Understanding the Difference: Child Psychiatry vs Child Psychotherapy
Parents often wonder whether their child should see a psychiatrist or a therapist.
Both professionals play important roles in supporting children’s mental health, and many children benefit from a combination of both.
A child and adolescent psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions in children and teenagers.
Psychiatrists conduct comprehensive evaluations to understand a child’s emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs. They can diagnose mental health conditions and determine whether treatments such as medication, therapy recommendations, or additional support services may be helpful.
At Hopemark Health, psychiatric care includes:
- Comprehensive 90-minute psychiatric evaluations
- Diagnostic assessment and treatment planning
- Medication management or novel therapies when clinically appropriate
- Collaboration with therapists, pediatricians, and schools
- Guidance for families navigating mental health concerns
Psychiatric care is often needed when a child has moderate to severe or complex symptoms that disrupt their daily life at home, at school and or with their peers, cause significant distress, or affect their development and overall quality of life compared to their peers.
Child psychotherapy, often referred to as talk therapy, is provided by licensed therapists such as psychologists, counselors, or clinical social workers.
Therapy helps children and teens develop skills to manage emotions, improve behavior, and cope with life challenges. Therapy may focus on areas such as:
- Anxiety or stress management
- Emotional regulation
- Social and peer relationships
- Family dynamics
- Coping with life transitions
Therapists typically meet with children regularly over time to build coping skills and emotional resilience.
Working Together for the Best Outcomes
Psychiatry and psychotherapy often work best together. A psychiatrist may provide diagnostic evaluation and medication management when needed, while a therapist supports the child through ongoing therapy.
At Hopemark Health, we believe in a collaborative, team-based approach and often work closely with therapists and pediatricians to ensure children receive the comprehensive care they need.
Our goal is to help families feel supported, informed, and confident in the care their child receives.
Conditions We Treat
We evaluate and treat a wide range of childhood and adolescent mental health concerns, including:
Anxiety disorders
Depression and mood disorders
ADHD and attention difficulties
School avoidance and academic stress
Behavioral challenges and emotional regulation difficulties
Social anxiety and peer relationship concerns
Trauma and PTSD
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Sleep disturbances
Adjustment difficulties and life transitions
Early evaluation and treatment can help children build healthy coping skills, emotional resilience, and confidence.
Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluations
Every child begins with an evidence-based, whole-person 90-minute psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Nouzha Tazi.
During this appointment we carefully explore:
- Emotional and behavioral symptoms
- Developmental and family history
- School performance and social functioning
- Medical and mental health history
- Current challenges as well as strengths
This comprehensive approach allows us to develop a clear diagnostic understanding and a personalized treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs.
Families often leave the first visit with greater clarity, reassurance, and a plan for next steps.
What Parents Can Expect During the First Visit
We understand that scheduling a psychiatric evaluation for your child can feel like a big step. Our goal is to create a supportive, welcoming environment where both parents and children feel comfortable and heard.
The first appointment with Dr. Nouzha Tazi is a 90-minute comprehensive psychiatric evaluation designed to take the time needed to truly understand your child’s experiences.
During the visit, Dr. Tazi will gently explore several areas of your child’s life, including:
- Current emotional and behavioral concerns
- Developmental and family history
- School performance and learning challenges
- Social relationships and peer experiences
- Medical history and previous treatments
- Your child’s strengths, interests, and support system
Parents or caregivers are an important part of this process. Dr. Tazi will spend time speaking with both parents and the child, ensuring everyone’s perspective is heard.
By the end of the appointment, families often leave with:
- A clearer understanding of what their child may be experiencing
- Initial recommendations for next steps or treatment options
- Guidance and reassurance about how to support their child moving forward
Our goal is for families to leave the first visit feeling informed, supported, and hopeful about the path ahead.
How to Prepare for Your Child’s Appointment
To help make the evaluation as helpful as possible, parents may consider bringing:
- School reports or recent academic concerns
- A list of current medications or supplements
- Any prior mental health or psychological evaluations
- Questions or observations about changes in mood, behavior, or sleep
You do not need to have everything figured out before the appointment. Many parents simply come with questions and concerns, and that is completely okay.
We are here to help guide you through the process.
We request that you complete all forms prior to the appointment
Personalized Treatment Plans
At Hopemark Health, treatment plans are collaborative and individualized. Depending on your child’s needs, care may include:
Medication Management
Evidence-based psychiatric medications when appropriate, carefully monitored for safety and effectiveness.
Psychotherapy & Behavioral Strategies
Evidence-based approaches that help children develop coping skills, emotional awareness, and resilience.
Family Collaboration
Parents and caregivers are essential partners in treatment. We provide guidance and support to help families navigate challenges together.
Care Coordination
When helpful, we collaborate with therapists, pediatricians, and schools to ensure coordinated and comprehensive care.
Insurance & Payment Options
Hopemark Health works with several major insurance providers to help make child and adolescent mental health care more accessible for families.
We currently accept:
Additional insurance partnerships are expected as we continue to expand coverage.
Our team can verify benefits before your child’s first appointment, so families understand what to expect regarding coverage and out-of-pocket costs.
For families who prefer or require alternative payment options, we also offer self-pay appointments and flexible financing through CareCredit, a healthcare financing program that allows families to spread treatment costs over time.
If you have questions about insurance or payment options, our team is happy to help guide you.
Advanced Treatment Options for Adolescents
For adolescents experiencing more severe or treatment-resistant depression, Hopemark Health also offers access to advanced psychiatric treatments such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
TMS is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared treatment that uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation.
In 2024, the FDA expanded approval for TMS to include adolescents ages 15–21 with major depressive disorder, offering an important new treatment option for young people who have not responded to traditional therapies.
TMS treatments are conducted in a comfortable outpatient setting and do not require anesthesia or sedation. Because TMS is non-systemic, it does not involve daily medication and typically has minimal side effects.
Our clinical team will determine whether advanced treatments like TMS may be appropriate as part of a personalized care plan.
Locations & Appointments
Child & Adolescent Psychiatry appointments with Dr. Nouzha Tazi are available at:
Naperville
1284 Rickert Drive
Suite 200
Naperville, IL 60540
Phone: 630.755.6368
Email: [email protected]
Oak Brook
1200 Harger Road
Suite 200
Oak Brook, IL 60523
Phone: 630.491.4350
Email: [email protected]
Virtual appointments are available for follow-up visits.
Our team is here to support children, teens, and families with compassionate, expert mental health care.
Frequently Asked Questions
A child and adolescent psychiatrist specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions in children and teenagers. They evaluate emotional, behavioral, developmental, and psychiatric concerns and develop treatment plans that may include therapy recommendations, medication management, and family support.
Parents may consider an evaluation if their child is experiencing persistent anxiety, depression, behavioral challenges, attention difficulties, sleep issues, or emotional changes that interfere with daily functioning.
At Hopemark Health, initial evaluations with Dr. Nouzha Tazi last 90 minutes. The visit includes a detailed review of symptoms, developmental history, family environment, school experience, and medical background to develop an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Yes. Initial evaluations take place in person at our Naperville or Oak Brook clinics. Follow-up visits may be conducted virtually when appropriate.
Yes. Parents and caregivers are important parts of the evaluation process. Their perspective helps provide valuable insight into the child’s experiences and environment.
Schedule an Evaluation with Dr. Tazi Today
If you’re concerned about your child’s emotional well-being, early support can make a meaningful difference.