Providers

Dr. Pradeep Thapar, MD, FAPA is a Board-Certified General Adult Psychiatrist and Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist with over 30 years of experience in the field of mental health. He completed his residency in General Psychiatry at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he served as Chief Resident, and pursued a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Northwestern University and Wayne State University. He became board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in 2004 and is recognized as a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (FAPA).

Since 1995, Dr. Thapar has been dedicated to providing comprehensive psychiatric care, specializing in a wide range of mental health conditions, including Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), ADHD, Bipolar Disorders, PTSD, OCD, Schizoaffective Disorder, Schizophrenia, Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED), and Addiction Medicine, including Suboxone treatment.

Dr. Thapar has extensive training in Psychopharmacology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Addiction Treatment. He has served as Medical Director for multiple psychiatric inpatient units and is highly regarded for his patient-centered approach to care. Since 1999, he has been the owner of Premier Psychiatry, Psychiatric & Behavioral Health Services, where he continues to lead a team dedicated to improving mental health outcomes.

Dr. Nitin Thapar earned his medical degree at Midwestern University before completing his psychiatry residency at Loyola University Medical Center. While in residency, he worked both at Loyola and with the veteran population at the Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital. Dr. Thapar has had extensive training in psychopharmacology, cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodynamic psychotherapy. During his time at Loyola, he served as chief resident and received numerous honors and awards, including Resident Educator of the Year and Achievement Award for Excellence in Research.

Dr. Thapar focuses on a variety of mental health conditions, including, but not limited to, major depressive disorder, anxiety, panic disorder, ADHD, bipolar disorder, alcohol and substance use (including suboxone treatment), PTSD and other trauma-related disorders, OCD, insomnia, schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, postpartum depression, and anger/impulse control disorders. 

Dr. Thapar takes a patient-centered approach to ensure that his patients feel comfortable with treatment and is dedicated to helping his patients achieve optimal health.

Lisamarie Murdoch is a dedicated dual board-certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, bringing over two decades of invaluable healthcare experience to Premier Psychiatry. Her journey in healthcare began in 1999, where she served as a Registered Nurse in the Intensive Care Unit at Advocate Health Care, showcasing her unwavering commitment for an impressive 19 years. Lisamarie is a proud alumna of Loyola University, Chicago, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Furthering her commitment to excellence, she pursued and achieved her Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN, APRN, FNP-C) and soon after obtaining her Psychiatric Mental Health Board Certification (MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC). With a foundation rooted in critical care, Lisamarie diversified her expertise, spending two years as a Vascular Nurse Practitioner before transitioning to the field of psychiatry. Her extensive experience as a Nurse Practitioner in psychiatry reflects her passion for providing holistic mental health care.

Lisamarie is thrilled and honored to be part of the Premier Psychiatry team, where she looks forward to maintaining and developing new and meaningful relationships with clients. She recognizes the significance of trust in the therapeutic relationship, acknowledging the vulnerability clients share and the responsibility to guide them towards recovery. Embracing a culture of continuous learning, Lisamarie brings over 6 years of psychiatric experience. As a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Lisamarie actively engages in professional development to stay abreast of the latest advancements in psychiatric care. Her commitment ensures that clients receive the highest quality and evidence-based treatments. “I am excited and honored to work alongside a wonderful and compassionate team, and looking forward to developing new relationships with clients who allow me a window to their greatest vulnerabilities and trust me to help them get better.”

If you are seeking compassionate and experienced psychiatric care, Lisamarie Murdoch, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC is ready to support you on your journey to mental health and wellness. Schedule your appointment with Lisamarie today and take the first step toward a brighter and healthier future.

Lauren Burns is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She received her BSN with a minor in psychology from Trinity Christian College and her MSN/APRN/FNP-C at Saint Xavier University. She began working at Advocate Children’s Hospital in 2012 as a registered nurse on the Pediatric Oncology/Hematology Unit. Once her advanced degree was obtained in 2017, she began working as a Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatry. Lauren joins our practice with one and a half years of experience working as a Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatry. Lauren enjoys developing trusting relationships with all of her patients.

William Lyman, PA-C, dedicated and compassionate Physician Assistant at Premier Psychiatry, committed to providing exceptional mental health care to individuals seeking support. William earned his Physician Assistant-Certified (PA-C) designation after completing a rigorous and comprehensive training program. His educational
background equips him with the skills to address a wide range of mental health conditions. With a focus on collaborative and patient-centered care, William stays abreast of the latest developments in psychiatric medicine to provide evidence-based and innovative treatment options for his patients. William understands the unique challenges individuals face in their mental health journey and is dedicated to fostering a supportive and healing environment.

William actively participates in ongoing education and training. This commitment ensures that he remains at the forefront of advancements in psychiatric medicine,
offering the highest standard of care to his patients. William values collaboration and believes in working closely with patients, their families, and other healthcare providers. This collaborative approach ensures comprehensive and integrated care for individuals seeking support at Premier Psychiatry.

If you are seeking compassionate and expert psychiatric care, William Lyman, PA-C, at Premier Psychiatry is here to support you on your journey to mental health and wellness.

Jennifer Kannookaden, PA-C, is a board-certified physician assistant specializing in psychiatric care. She began her academic journey at Marquette University. She then pursued her Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences at Roosevelt University and completed her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Cumberlands. Jennifer brings a wealth of clinical expertise to Premier Psychiatry, having worked in various healthcare settings, including Women’s Health, Med/Surg, and Allergy & Immunology. She has received the award for Excellence in Service & Leadership and is known for her patient-centric approach, solidifying her skills and knowledge in delivering comprehensive care. Jennifer is well-equipped to address a wide range of mental health concerns and serves as an advocate for her patients. Her goal is to empower patients on their journey, ensure access to various treatment options, and create a supportive environment allowing individuals to discuss their mental health concerns openly. Jennifer is delighted to be a part of Premier Psychiatry, where she collaborates with a dedicated team of professionals.

Luca Juuhl is a Physician’s Assistant who graduated with a MSPAS from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. His experience in healthcare began as a CNA, assisting elderly patients in nursing homes and in home-health settings. He first became interested in mental health while studying Neuroscience at the University of Michigan. He has a passion for patient centered care and working with patients from all walks of life.

Natalie Gevaudan, PA-C is a dedicated and compassionate Physician Assistant (PA-C) specializing in psychiatric care at Premier Psychiatry. With a passion for mental health and a commitment to personalized patient care, Natalie brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our team. Natalie earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from Miami University of Ohio, where her fascination with the intersection of medicine and mental health began. She went on to complete her Master of Physician Assistant Studies at Midwestern University, Downer’s Grove, where she honed her skills in providing comprehensive and empathetic patient care. Driven by a genuine interest in psychiatric medicine, Natalie pursued specialized training in psychiatry during her physician assistant studies. She is dedicated to staying abreast of the latest advancements in psychiatric care to offer her patients the most effective and evidence-based treatments.

Natalie is an active member of professional organizations, including the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) and the Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants. Engaging with these organizations allows her to stay connected with the broader medical community and contribute to ongoing advancements in healthcare. Natalie looks forward to serving the mental health needs of the community at Premier Psychiatry with compassion, expertise, and a commitment to promoting mental wellness.

Julie Chew is a dedicated Physician Assistant (PA-C) with a focus on psychiatric care. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychological and Brain Sciences from the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she developed a deep interest in mental health. Julie then earned her Master of Physician Assistant Studies, honing her skills in delivering compassionate, evidence-based care.

Her experience in the psychiatric field has provided her with a comprehensive understanding of various mental health conditions and treatment options. Julie is committed to providing individualized care that addresses each patient’s unique needs. As an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), she stays up-to-date with the latest advancements in psychiatric care to ensure optimal outcomes for her patients.