Psychiatric care for adults, teens and children, in an office that takes the time to listen.
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What getting better means is different for each person, and it often becomes clear along the way.
Early visits focus on what is going on for you. Treatment follows from that understanding and is adjusted as it grows.
Psychiatry comes with a lot of new information. Your provider explains each option with the context needed to weigh it, and aims to do neither more nor less than what helps.
Care is a collaboration. If something is causing harm, your provider will say so plainly, and still look for a way forward with you.
Open a profile to read how each provider works, or book straight into a provider’s calendar.
Online, any time. A deposit holds the slot; it goes toward your copay, or is refunded with more than 48 hours' notice.
You may be asked to fill one out before the appointment, so time together goes to what matters most.
A waiting area with blue chairs, cold and hot drinks, and often a snack. Or join by video.
Time to talk things through. A scribe may take notes so your provider can focus on you.
Many people wonder about these before a first appointment.
We're human and have natural reactions, but our professional commitment ensures we respond with empathy, not criticism. Our goal is always understanding, never judgment.
If you're here, something probably isn't working as it should, whether emotional, psychological, or biological. Acknowledging this is important, but it doesn't mean you're fundamentally flawed.
Seeking help demonstrates strength, not weakness. We respect your courage in confronting difficult issues openly and honestly.
Our intention is never to change your core self, but to help you feel more genuinely yourself without symptoms interfering.
Your confidentiality is genuinely respected and prioritized, but legal limits exist, especially regarding serious safety risks. We always discuss this transparently if it arises.
Some conditions may require ongoing treatment, while others don't. Our goal is minimal intervention, though sometimes continuous care remains beneficial.
Absolutely. Often, people don't consciously notice symptoms yet sense something isn't quite right. A supportive setting allows unclear feelings to be safely identified and understood.
Chicago, IL 60614. Get directions
Steps from the #76 bus. Four blocks from the Diversey Brown Line.
Street parking about $2/hour, usually within a couple of blocks. Parking tips with photos
Pick a provider and a time online. Cancel or reschedule online, too.
Board-certified psychiatrist
I'm Dr. Abdullah Sallaj M.D. (sounds like saw-lodge). I'm a University of Chicago trained, board-certified physician psychiatrist.
I treat adults and adolescents
I approach conditions with more consideration and less distinction; beyond the 2-dimensional standard model of diagnosis to a fuller narrative.
Accurate assessments are unlikely without mapping past experiences. I use therapy-informed interviewing, not only as an intervention, but also as a decision making tool for potential medication.
I strive for thoughtful solution-focused treatments. These encompass both short-term relief, as well as long-term and sustainable treatment.
My practice is guided by, but not restricted to, standards for treatment and evaluation. Standards often change as they are constantly reevaluated by the medical and scientific community.
I have a policy of being open to patients of all identities, orientations, and beliefs; I urge you to bring your differences.
The only thing I ask is for your participation; I believe that collaboration leads to data, which leads to better outcomes.
I received my Doctor of Medicine degree from The University at Buffalo School of Medicine in Buffalo, New York. I hold a B.A. in Philosophy along with a science background. I was born in Buffalo, New York.
Please note, unfortunately, I do not speak Arabic or any other language well enough to converse other than English.
Dr. Sallaj is not taking new patients right now. Current patients can book a follow-up.
Dr. Sallaj is not yet in network with UnitedHealthcare PPO. UnitedHealthcare PPO members are in network with every other Able provider.
Child and adolescent psychiatrist
Compassionate psychiatric care is built on the foundation of your own story, values, and experiences. My role in the process of this care is to collaborate with you to help you identify and target the challenges and pain points that get in the way of living your fullest life possible. I especially have an interest in helping those experiencing difficult challenges overcome the situation to achieve their true potential. My approach utilizes a combination of medication management, therapy, and overall health improvement to help you reach your goals.
Prior to my time in medicine, I obtained a B.S in Finance/Accounting from the NYU Stern School of Business and worked at Goldman Sachs. From there, I obtained my M.D from the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook in Long Island, NY, and completed residency training at the University of Illinois in Chicago. I am currently rounding out as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellow at the University of Chicago.
In my spare time, I enjoy scenic nature walks, finding the coolest, interesting houses around the villages and cities of Cook County, and seeing which of them has the best libraries to lounge and read a book in.
I’m here for you when you need it, and look forward to working with you!
Dr. Yan is not yet in network with UnitedHealthcare PPO. UnitedHealthcare PPO members are in network with every other Able provider.
Board-certified adult psychiatrist
“Respect is not fear and awe; it denotes, in accordance with the root of the word (respicere = to look at), the ability to see a person as [they are], to be aware of [their] unique individuality.” - Erich Fromm, Social Psychologist
Growing up as a first-generation immigrant, I often felt torn between two worlds. Values and customs that brought joy at home sometimes brought judgment or even rejection outside it. And lessons I gathered from my surroundings rarely resonated at home. This dynamic, however, allowed me to develop a deep appreciation for differences and exceptions.
It also highlighted the importance of trying to understand. Teachers who led with curiosity, rather than judgment, helped me feel that it’s ok to be here. They tended the soil that fostered my growth.
Whether you’re starting your mental health journey for the first time or looking to change things up, I lead with curiosity and respect to create an environment where you feel welcome, safe, heard, and understood.
I prioritize informed, collaborative decision-making and typically employ a combination of medication management, therapy, and non-pharmacological interventions (sleep, exercise, hydration, etc), while being open to your ideas. I enjoy helping folks with a variety of stories, diagnoses, and stuck points.
I grew up in Texas and hold a B.S. Biology from The University of Texas at Austin and an M.D. from The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. I completed psychiatry residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago and am a board-certified adult psychiatrist.
In my spare time, I enjoy reading, baking, gaming, and spontaneous adventures.
I look forward to meeting you and working together toward your goals!
Board-certified psychiatrist and child psychiatrist
I am a board-certified psychiatrist offering personalized care for adults, adolescents, and children.
I believe good psychiatric care goes beyond a narrow medical model and attends to the full complexity of being human—our relationships, life experiences, cultural context, and personal history. I have a particular interest in how patterns that emerge during key developmental periods shape us across the lifespan, and in finding ways to interrupt unhelpful cycles and facilitate the healing process.
My practice integrates thoughtful medication management with therapy, attention to physical health and lifestyle factors, and complementary approaches to wellness. I also collaborate with other therapists and providers when appropriate, to ensure coordinated and comprehensive care. My goal is to support meaningful change and well-being in a way that honors your unique story and invites curiosity, reflection, and insight.
I hold a B.A. in International Development from McGill University and before entering medicine, explored an interest in social justice through work at an immigration law firm. I earned an M.D. from Northwestern University, completed psychiatry residency at Tulane University and fellowship training in child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Chicago.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time in nature, exploring regional cuisines, practicing yoga, and catching nostalgic bands when they come through the city.
Whether you're seeking clarity, relief, or a deeper understanding of yourself, I welcome the opportunity to work with you on your mental health journey.
Physician assistant
Valentina is an integrative psychiatry provider and physician associate in Chicago with a modern take on mental health. Integrative psychiatry is a framework for healthcare that blends medication management, psychotherapy, lifestyle coaching, and consideration for complementary neuromodulating tools.
Her nutrition-savvy and psychedelic-informed treatment plans are grounded in her experience in the technique of microdose polypharmacy.
Valentina understands that psychologic and neurologic health is linked to the dynamic ecosystem of an individual's gut-brain axis (the interconnected relationship between the brain and digestive system, including the organisms within it).
Valentina is passionate about destigmatizing the use of psychedelic therapies in medicine.
Although it is impossible for her to provide substances or adjacent treatments outside of a legally sanctioned medical practice, Valentina has considerable experience applying harm reduction methods aimed at promoting safety and supporting patients who choose to undergo these journeys at their own risk.
Microdose polypharmacy is a style of medication management developed by Dr. Abdullah Sallaj. This unorthodox approach seeks to create better tolerated and nuanced treatment profiles by using substances in combination at their lowest effective dose and within an optimal window.
Patients can expect treatment plans to be individualized. They are carefully created over time and require participation.
She doesn’t use labels to guide her course of treatment. Her approach is based on an individual’s history, symptoms, as well as their current and past experiences with psychoactive substances.
Valentina Djordjevic is a Certified Physician’s Associate (PA-C). She earned a Master of Medical Science in Physician Associate Studies from Rosalind Franklin University. Subsequently, she took part in a 2-year apprenticeship under Dr. Sallaj at Able Psychiatry, where she learned the fundamentals of integrative medicine and was influenced by his psychodynamic approach to psychotherapy.
Her professional career has been highlighted by her experiences in education, nutritional counseling, and the neuroadaptive therapies TMS and ketamine. As the former medical director at Able Psychiatry, she developed and taught a 12-week course on nutritional psychiatry.
Valentina takes on a limited number of clients to enable her to engage in an ongoing learning process and further her collection of educational materials for patients and professionals.
Physician assistant
Jenna Spaeth, PA-C is a certified Physician Assistant who holds a Masters Degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science since 2015. Prior to joining Able Psychiatry in November 2020, Jenna practiced primarily in Internal Medicine, both in the Chicagoland area and Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the past five years. Her passion for psychiatry grew as a result of significant exposure to patients in need of mental health services in the primary care setting. She recognized that physical symptoms thought to be isolated were connected to greater psychiatric instabilities. Additionally, she saw the correlation between untreated mental health conditions and greater risk for physical health issues, including: hypertension, diabetes, and chronic pain conditions.
Jenna offers approachable and educational care, recognizing that each patient presents with their own unique story. It is her goal to destigmatize the seeking and treatment of mental health conditions by honoring the fundamental truth that all people deserve to have ownership of their mental health; to understand their experiences, and to be guided toward stability and new growth.
Jenna is not taking new patients right now. Current patients can book a follow-up.
Physician assistant
Emilie Emberton understands that every person is a mosaic of experiences, relationships, goals, and values across their lifespan. She recognizes that no one is defined by one independent thing and enjoys working with people from all walks of life.
As someone who enjoys learning about social, emotional, biological, and mental development, Emilie deeply understands how these core developmental aspects connect us all. Her particular interests are in interpersonal relationships and family dynamics. Emilie appreciates both the medicine and therapy aspects of psychiatric care, and the unique way they work together.
Mental health care is critical and Emilie knows how big of a role it plays in everyday life. She also understands the stigma typically associated with mental health and the lack of resources that often accompany it. Because of this, Emilie works towards increasing access to care and improving the perception of mental health across the board.
She takes the time to truly hear each patient’s personal background and unique needs, offering a compassionate approach to every session. This allows her to work with each patient to develop individualized and collaborative treatment plans that help them reach their goals.
Emilie is a Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C) who received her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. She has a background in Human Development and Family Studies, where she grew her passion for psychiatry, interpersonal relationships, and family dynamics.
Physician assistant
Seeking mental health treatment and medication management can be a daunting and overwhelming experience. Some might say choosing a career in mental health treatment can be the same.
I have always been intrigued by, and passionate about, helping patients find the individualized care that fits their unique needs. With over six years of experience in the urgent and primary care setting, I understand the unique and comprehensive approach needed to bridge the gap between medical and mental health. My approach is collaborative, partnering with my patients to determine which intervention is best for them through a combination of psychotherapy, medication management and lifestyle recommendations.
I recognize that long term success is not possible if patients don’t feel confident and comfortable expressing themselves, in-person or virtually. This is why I strive to create a nonjudgmental, open and compassionate environment for all of my patients, regardless of race, culture, sexual orientation and socioeconomic background.
I am a certified physician assistant (PA) with a master’s degree in physician assistant studies from Midwestern University in Downers Grove, IL. Prior to joining Able Psychiatry, I worked as a PA in urgent and primary care treating individuals, families and children. Through this experience, I was able to see firsthand the glaring need for increased mental health care education and treatment.
I have lived in Chicago for several years and think it is a great city to live and thrive in. An avid sports fan and dog lover, I enjoy spending my time with friends and family, catching a game at Wrigley or the United Center, trying new restaurants, swimming, watching my favorite TV shows or reading a new book at a park in the summer. I am currently accepting new patients and I look forward to meeting with you.
Physician assistant
Welcome to our clinic! My name is Caelin and I am passionate about helping individuals navigate their mental health journey and the challenges and triumphs of life. I believe that everyone deserves access to compassionate, holistic care that nurtures the mind and body.
I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology from Michigan State University and my Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Wayne State University. Prior to my physician assistant training, I gained valuable experience assisting with child development research and utilizing Applied Behavior Analysis therapy as a behavior technician. This experience allowed me to support individuals with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities, enriching my approach to patient care.
I have completed my psychiatric training under the mentorship of Dr. Sallaj at Able Psychiatry. Through this experience, I have embraced the clinic's approach to mental health treatment, which integrates medication management, psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and understanding how life experiences shape each individual.
I enjoy working with people of all ages and backgrounds, and believe in tailoring treatment plans to each individual's distinct needs. My practice is built on forming meaningful connections with patients and fostering a therapeutic partnership aimed at navigating the complexities of life. I believe in a collaborative approach, working together to heal from the inside out.
I am here to create a safe and supportive environment for you. Together, we can work towards your goals and help you find inner strength and peace. I look forward to the opportunity to meet you and be a part of your journey.
Nurse practitioner
I'm Nancy Powers-Kirsch, MSN, NP-C, a certified Nurse Practitioner with a Master of Science in Nursing from Daemen College and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Purdue University, Indiana. My seven-year tenure as a Registered Nurse, including five years in Emergency Medicine, fueled my passion for psychiatry and improving mental health care. Mentored by Dr. Sallaj, I advocate a holistic approach, recognizing mental health's profound impact on physical wellbeing. I constantly seek to advance my practice by collaborating with peers and exploring new treatment modalities and psychotherapy techniques.
I combine my advanced education, emergency care background, and patient-centered philosophy to deliver comprehensive psychiatric services, providing compassionate care tailored to each patient's unique background and needs. Having been diagnosed with ADHD with autistic traits myself, I bring a personal understanding to my practice that enhances my ability to empathize and connect with patients.
Outside of my practice, I'm an avid reader with a particular love for fiction, sci-fi, and fantasy genres. I enjoy travel, being in nature, and experiencing live music performances. These interests not only enrich my personal life but also inform my holistic approach to mental health care.
