General Psychiatry

Psychiatrists use a variety of treatments, including psychotherapy, medication, and other treatments.

Psychotherapy is a treatment that involves a talking relationship between a therapist and patient. It can be used to treat a broad variety of mental disorders and emotional difficulties. The goal of psychotherapy is to eliminate or control disabling or troubling symptoms so the patient can function better. Depending on the extent of the problem, treatment may take just a few sessions over a week or two or may take many sessions over a period of years. There are many forms of psychotherapy and it can be done individually, with a family, or in a group.

Medications are used by psychiatrists in much the same way that medications are used to treat high blood pressure or diabetes. After medical and psychological evaluations, psychiatrists can prescribe medications to help treat mental disorders. Psychiatric medications can help correct imbalances in brain chemistry that are thought to be involved in some mental disorders. Psychiatrists often use medications in combination with psychotherapy.


Marriage & Family Counseling

Couples Therapy

Relationships, at times, can be difficult and can experience strain for a variety of reasons. Over time, our lives change and grow and sometimes not at the same pace or in the same direction as our partner's.

Divorce

Divorce brings on a variety of feelings that can effect all areas of your life.

Family Therapy

Family therapy can help identify and resolve problems in the family unit. Discussions about family roles, rules and behavior patterns — anything that might contribute to conflict. Family therapy will help you identify your family's strengths and weaknesses.

Parenting Issues

Being a parent isn’t easy. Learning and dealing with the every day changes as your child continues to grow and develop into adulthood can make parenting more difficult. Therapy can help open the lines of communication and increase understanding.


Alcohol & Substance Abuse

There are several levels of outpatient treatment that serve persons and families who have problems with alcohol or other drugs. All clients receive a complete assessment so that a plan can be tailored to individual special needs. Group, family, couple and individual therapy are available. Therapy can help those struggling with the addiction and their loved ones.


Anxiety & Depression

Anxiety

Symptoms of anxiety can vary from person to person and from day to day. Common symptoms of anxiety include: nervousness, feeling on edge, increased heart rate, excessive worry, negative and distorted thinking. If these symptoms consume your everyday life you may have an anxiety disorder.

Depression

Depression is very common mood disorder. It is characterized by a persistent sad, empty mood that can be debilitating and interfere with many areas of your life. Some symptoms of depression include: Loss of interest in pleasurable activities, decreased energy or fatigue, sleeping too much or too little, feelings of guilt, hopelessness, or worthlessness, increased irritability, excessive crying, marked increase or decrease in eating, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide.

Adjustment Disorders

Or situational depression is a group of symptoms, such as stress, feeling sad or hopeless, and physical symptoms that can occur after you go through a stressful life event.


Psychological Testing

A psychological assessment is a process of testing that uses a combination of techniques to help arrive at some hypotheses about a person and their behavior, personality and capabilities. Psychological assessment is also referred to as psychological testing, or performing a psychological battery on a person. Psychological testing is nearly always performed by a licensed psychologist, or a psychology trainee. Psychologists are the only profession that is expertly trained to perform and interpret psychological tests.


Child & Adolescent Therapy

Counseling with children requires an understanding of child development issues as well as family dynamics that may hinder or help children. Children many times "act out" rather than "talk out" their challenges. Through counseling, the therapist works to create a safe environment that enables children to develop an understanding of constructive language and behavior that can replace unhealthy behaviors. In addition, children often require a uniquely comprehensive approach to counseling. This approach includes involving others close to the child in order to enable better communication and continued progress in the counseling process.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Many children with ADD/ADHD are bright, charming, intelligent children who just can't seem to "get it together". They lose things, talk all the time, fidget and squirm, become argumentative and seem to have a never-ending abundance of energy.


Grief Counseling

Grief & Hospice Counseling

Coping with the loss/appending loss of a loved one is never easy. Therapy can help you manage your feelings while promoting a safe way to express them.

Stress & Loss

Stress and loss are a part of everyone’s life. Learning how to manage these tough situations promotes a healthier life.


Forensic Psychiatry

Dr. Killian has been in private practice of psychiatry in the Springfield area since May 1990. For the first 8 to 10 years in his private practice, his work was primarily clinical, with a relatively small number of forensic examinations. Since approximately 1999, Dr. Killian’s forensic work has increased more rapidly as a percentage of his overall caseload, and forensic work is now his primary work. Dr. Killian’s forensic experience includes countless independent medical exams for employers, countless fitness to stand trial and sanity examinations, as well as a more moderate number of civil cases. He has been qualified as an expert witness in the field of general psychiatry in more than 20 Illinois counties. Prosecutors have retained Dr. Killian almost as frequently as defense attorneys. Dr. Killian is board certified in General Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He is accepting referrals for forensic work but he is not accepting new patients for treatment.


Killian & Associates Mental Health Group