How Are We Different?

Midwest Integrative Behavioral Health believes in rapid consultation by specialists and initiation of integrative treatment; providing you integrated care when and where you need it.

In today’s society there are many options, opinions, schools of thought and seemingly countless ways of resolving a problem, a conflict or even predicted life changes. Sometimes decisions are forced upon us; sometimes we are the creators of such change. Often people look to themselves, perhaps a friend, perhaps family or even seek the option of a coworker or stranger. Maybe the solution seems to be to let time pass, to seek a new relationship, to start on new career path, to escape, or maybe there seems to be no solution? The human mind can come up with countless potential solutions, but often the last resort is to seek the opinion of a specialist. We define a specialist as an expert whose function is to help you to integrate all of these possibilities and options to provide a solution in a customized way.

That is a tall order to fulfill or even attempt. That is precisely our mission at Midwest Integrative Behavioral Health. We have assemble a team of first rate physicians, educators, scientists, dietary specialists and yoga therapists to form a team of experts to help you attack your problems from multiple angles. As individuals of a team we have specialized interests, but work together to help provide integrated solutions. Sometimes what is most helpful is talk therapy, other times that means optimizing the treatment of a medical illness whether it be the result of thyroid dysfunction, an autoimmune disease such a lupus, chronic pain or even cancer. In some situations a simple solution is to regulate sleep patterns, in others it is a combination of exercise, dietary therapy, relaxation training and perhaps medications. No two individuals are identical; therefore, no treatment plans should be the same. People debate whether distress is medical, genetic, dietary, spiritual, situational, or societal. Our opinion is the answer is: all of the above.

It has been suggested that people have choices when it comes to healthcare. Many of the choices that consumers have are variation of the same medical model; see a generalist until one is referred to a specialist, perhaps a specialist at an academic institution. This process requires a significant amount of travel, waiting time and unfortunately inconvenience. This is not the best combination of what one requires in the time of need. We at Midwest Integrative Behavioral Health have expanded a model developed and practiced in the Midwest for years at the Mayo Clinic and the Menninger Clinic. Our model is, to bring all of the specialists together in one location whose primary purpose it to serve the individual in need in a customized way. We invite you to discover or rediscover what integration can do.

EDWARD W. PIROK, M.D., PH.D.

737 North Michigan Ave.
Suite 2240
Chicago, IL 60611

666 Dundee Road, Suite 1504
Northbrook, IL 60062

Phone: 312-291-4275
Fax: 312-291-4271

AARON REICHLIN, M.D.

737 North Michigan Ave.
Suite 2240
Chicago, IL 60611

Phone: 312-291-4256
Fax: 312-291-4271

Medical Staff

Edward W. Pirok, M.D., Ph.D.

Edward W. Pirok, M.D., Ph.D. is cofounder of Midwest Integrative Behavior Health and is currently a member of the contributing services faculty for the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Northwestern University. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Pirok began his career as a formally trained scientist at the University of Chicago, where he studied the molecular mechanisms that regulate the protein Aggrecan, a molecule that is necessary the proper development and maintenance of brain and cartilage. While in medical school at the Pritzker School of Medicine at the University of Chicago he became interested in how the mind interfaces with the body, and felt that psychiatry is the field that would enable him to examine how basic neurobiology and genetics can interface and influence daily life for individuals. 

For his internship and residency Dr. Pirok studied at the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. It was there that Dr. Pirok trained at one of a few inpatient obsessive compulsive disorder units in the country. He intensively studied Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Therapy (ERP) for the treatment of severe anxiety disorders and OCD that had been refractory to treatment with medications or therapy alone. However, what Dr. Pirok was exposed to was a different model of practicing medicine and psychiatry. As he treated patients that flew in from throughout the United States and spoke with their families he discovered that there are few places in the world that specialize in specific treatment of anxiety disorders, and for that matter there are few places that provide integrated specialized care for behavior health which inspired him to develop Midwest Integrative Behavioral Health. 

Dr. Pirok continued his training at the Methodist Hospital, the DeBakey Veterans Hospital, Texas Children’s Hospital and the Ben Taub County Hospital which has one of the largest psychiatric emergency rooms in the country. While in Houston Dr. Pirok treated displaced individuals and families of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and saw how acute natural disasters can effect human behavior. While studying at these diverse institutions he developed a special interest in the interface of severe medical illness with acute stress, mood disorders, substance abuse and behavior. 

When Dr. Pirok returned to Chicago, he joined the Asher Center of Northwestern University and returned to his roots as a scientist. He has been a clinical investigator in several national multicenter trials, including examining the efficacy of multiple antidepressant medications on patients with depressed moods, the development of a suicide assessment risk scale, and the effects of medications on patients with Bipolar Mood Disorder in terms of cognition, memory, and mood. He has examined the way perception of emotion by individuals with and without Bipolar Mood Disorder influences perceptions of others. 

Dr. Pirok continues to have an interest in treating adults and adolescents with mood and anxiety disorders. He is trained, practices and teaches both dynamic and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). As a formally trained scientist and physician he evaluates and treats medically complicated patients and is able to navigate multiple treatment modalities. Whether that treatment modality includes a specific type of therapy alone, medications, or combinations of both is dependent on an individual's needs. Dr. Pirok's mission is to work with individuals and families who have a willingness to participate in an integrated treatment plan.

Aaron Reichlin, MD

Aaron Reichlin, MD is currently clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, and the former Director of the Outpatient Treatment Center at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Though originally from the Chicago area, he completed his undergraduate work at Brown University, and graduated in 2002 from Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine with distinction as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. After completing residency as Chief Resident in 2006, he became a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, and now participates in multiple educational endeavors.

Professional Services

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, or talking therapy, ranges in frequency, form and function.

For some, psychotherapy is an exploration of your past while working toward an understanding of integrating patterns of older behavior with present-day concerns. 

However, for many, psychotherapy can be focused only on the present to optimize the future, whether that may be focused on supporting you through your stress, or helping you to learn strategies and behaviors to minimize stress in your future.

Our physicians are also trained in psychotherapy, because you may decide to see someone who is able to also prescribe medications, but also because you may simply wish to see the person with whom you consult.

We will tailor the appropriate therapy to your needs, and we will listen to your wishes for treatment, and know that your needs may change with time.

Medication management

For some, treatment with your current therapist has not been enough to help you.

While frustrating, this is not a failure of you or your therapy, but rather a sign that more help may be necessary. Following a consultation, we can collaborate with you and with your therapist to optimize your treatment. 

There are many newer medication treatments and treatment strategies which can be life-changing. Plus, its often helpful to have a second opinion.

When you see one of our physicians, you will have at least a half an hour appointment to discuss all aspects of your care. We don't rush things, and at the same time we appreciate the urgency of your needs.

Dietary Therapy

Often, people forget that the human body is exposed to and regulated by the nutrients, chemicals, and products which it consumes. Dietary therapy is an important component of overall wellness.

At Midwest Integrative Behavioral Health, we strive to utilize the growing body of medical evidence to guide you to a healthful way of daily eating and wellness. We don't believe in fad diets or gimmicks. We do believe that overall physical and emotional wellness can be collaboratively enhanced by the foods that you learn to prepare and eat, and the foods that you avoid as much as possible.

We collaborate with nutritionists, personal shoppers, and clean-food preparation specialists to not only tell you what you should be eating, but who can show you how you really can be selecting, preparting, eating and enjoying foods that help you to feel excellent. We will work with you to design a treatment plan to meet your needs and lifestyle.

Exercise Therapy

Like our integrative approach, we believe great exercise combines physical challenge with mental focus, whether it be weight training, running marathons, playing tennis, or practicing yoga. An increasing body of scientific evidence also supports our philosophy.

We will help you find exercise that is right for you.

Psychologic Testing

We work with a network of skilled clinicians who are able to provide further testing for some diagnostic considerations. When indicated, we can advise you at the time of consultation, or further in treatment, if these tests are indicated.

Consultation

From the start, consultation is integrative.

A thorough psychiatric consultation includes more than just a discussion of what you are feeling. For instance there are many physical illnesses that can mimic symptoms such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Our medical doctors are thoroughly trained to understand what is happening in your body, no matter what might be causing your symptoms. Sometimes, undiagnosed illnesses such as diabetes, acid reflux, or thyroid issues, or the treatments of conditions, such as hypertension, lupus, or cancer, can cause profound changes in the human mind.

At Midwest Integrative, our physicians are specialists because they are trained in considering all factors that can effect a human being, regardless of what causes symptoms. We appreciate that often the mind and the body are not separate. We will listen to you.

Listening to you helps us to determine what to do next. Sometimes, consultation involves obtaining and interpreting laboratory values, such as hormone levels, blood chemistries, and even imaging or additional diagnostic studies to determine what and where in your body the issues at hand may exist. Other times, consultation involves recommendations to reduce current medications, not to just add more and hope the problems will go away. And yet at other times, different kinds of therapies will be recommended.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

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Office Locations

Edward W. Pirok, M.D., Ph.D.

737 North Michigan Ave., Suite 2240
Chicago, IL 60611

666 Dundee Road, Suite 1504
Northbrook, IL 60062

Phone: 312-291-4275
Fax: 312-291-4271

Aaron Reichlin, M.D.

737 North Michigan Ave., Suite 2240
Chicago, IL 60611

Phone: 312-291-4256
Fax: 312-291-4271