EXPERT
Dr. Lori Bolnick, PSY.D.
Psychologist
Since 1999, Dr. Bolnick has been providing therapeutic services to individuals (i.e., school-age through adulthood) and their families. Thinking outside the box, integrating her understanding of Clinical Psychology, Learning Disabilities, Health Psychology, and Neuropsychology, has allowed her to create innovative interventions. She believes each individual and family is a unique puzzle and no single intervention works with everyone. Dr. Bolnick is trained in behavioral management techniques, as well as cognitive-behavioral techniques to help individuals manage their internal thought processes and minimize irrational thoughts. Treatment can take many forms. Some need supportive therapy to address situational issues. Others may need to learn skills to manage overwhelming feeling. With medical issues, individuals may need to learn acceptance of their limitations and pacing in order to maximize their functionality.
Dr. Bolnick received her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Child and Adolescent Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology (now The Chicago School). Her internship was completed at the Children's Study Center at Arkansas Children's Hospital. Postdoctoral training was completed at United Stand Family Counseling Center, focusing on providing therapy and educational testing in the inner-city Chicago Catholic Schools. She has been in private practice in the northwest suburbs of Chicago since 2006.
Besides her psychology training, Dr. Bolnick holds a Master's degree from the School of Communication Science and Disorders (Program in Learning Disabilities) at Northwestern University. She has worked in hospital settings, including Lutheran General Hospital's Pediatric Psychology Service and Illinois Masonic Medical Center's Pediatric Developmental Center. She also has 7 years of school-based experience working in the Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools and the North Little Rock Public Schools.
In the past, Dr. Bolnick spent 5 years training clinical psychology doctoral students in their diagnostic and therapy practica in several inner-city Chicago Catholic Schools. She also has provided numerous in-services to teachers and administrators in the public and parochial schools. In addition to her clinical responsibilities, she has experience in marketing (e.g., creating brochures and email marketing/networking campaigns), program development, and administration (e.g., automation and streamlining of clinical paperwork in a hospital setting; development of the Individual Catholic Education Plan, the Chicago Archdiocese equivalent to the Individual Education Plan; and management of a staff of up to 8 people).
Telehealth is the wave of the future, allowing clients to manage their time better by providing psychotherapy from home or work, as well as allowing easier access to those who have difficulty attending "in person" sessions (e.g., rural populations and those with chronic and acute health issues/disabilities). To try to improve the access to services for her Health Psychology clients, in December 2019, Dr. Bolnick sought to learn more about providing effective telebehavioral health services by enrolling in training through the Telebehavioral Health Institute. To date she has completed 6 courses and 24 hours of Telehealth specific continuing education coursework. The Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT), which is a long-term solution for legal and ethical Telemental Health services across state lines for Psychologist, went "live" on July 1, 2020. Dr. Bolnick applied and, on July 31, 2020, ASPPB determined that she had met all requirements for the Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT). Her "E. Passport" allows her to practice Telepsychology from her home state of Illinois to clients in any participating PSYPACT state. The Illinois Psychological Association announced that Dr. Bolnick was one of the first known Illinois Licensed Psychologists to receive an "E. Passport," making her a Pioneer in this new area of growth.
She identifies as part of the chronic health disorders community and neurodivergent (Learning Disability). Additionally, she has been a caretaker for family members with medical and mental health issues.
Dr. Bolnick received her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Child and Adolescent Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology (now The Chicago School). Her internship was completed at the Children's Study Center at Arkansas Children's Hospital. Postdoctoral training was completed at United Stand Family Counseling Center, focusing on providing therapy and educational testing in the inner-city Chicago Catholic Schools. She has been in private practice in the northwest suburbs of Chicago since 2006.
Besides her psychology training, Dr. Bolnick holds a Master's degree from the School of Communication Science and Disorders (Program in Learning Disabilities) at Northwestern University. She has worked in hospital settings, including Lutheran General Hospital's Pediatric Psychology Service and Illinois Masonic Medical Center's Pediatric Developmental Center. She also has 7 years of school-based experience working in the Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools and the North Little Rock Public Schools.
In the past, Dr. Bolnick spent 5 years training clinical psychology doctoral students in their diagnostic and therapy practica in several inner-city Chicago Catholic Schools. She also has provided numerous in-services to teachers and administrators in the public and parochial schools. In addition to her clinical responsibilities, she has experience in marketing (e.g., creating brochures and email marketing/networking campaigns), program development, and administration (e.g., automation and streamlining of clinical paperwork in a hospital setting; development of the Individual Catholic Education Plan, the Chicago Archdiocese equivalent to the Individual Education Plan; and management of a staff of up to 8 people).
Telehealth is the wave of the future, allowing clients to manage their time better by providing psychotherapy from home or work, as well as allowing easier access to those who have difficulty attending "in person" sessions (e.g., rural populations and those with chronic and acute health issues/disabilities). To try to improve the access to services for her Health Psychology clients, in December 2019, Dr. Bolnick sought to learn more about providing effective telebehavioral health services by enrolling in training through the Telebehavioral Health Institute. To date she has completed 6 courses and 24 hours of Telehealth specific continuing education coursework. The Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT), which is a long-term solution for legal and ethical Telemental Health services across state lines for Psychologist, went "live" on July 1, 2020. Dr. Bolnick applied and, on July 31, 2020, ASPPB determined that she had met all requirements for the Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT). Her "E. Passport" allows her to practice Telepsychology from her home state of Illinois to clients in any participating PSYPACT state. The Illinois Psychological Association announced that Dr. Bolnick was one of the first known Illinois Licensed Psychologists to receive an "E. Passport," making her a Pioneer in this new area of growth.
She identifies as part of the chronic health disorders community and neurodivergent (Learning Disability). Additionally, she has been a caretaker for family members with medical and mental health issues.
20 years
Experience
Dr. Lori Bolnick, PSY.D.
- Schaumburg, IL
- Chgo School of Prof Psychology
- Accepting new patients
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Can you heal anxiety without pills?
Some people are able to learn to manage their anxiety without medication, if the intensity levels are low to moderate in nature. With more severe anxiety, it is hard to use and READ MORE
Some people are able to learn to manage their anxiety without medication, if the intensity levels are low to moderate in nature. With more severe anxiety, it is hard to use and master skills that would decrease the intensity overall. In this case, many of my clients will start on a medication to decrease the intensity to mild/moderate levels so that they can learn to manage the rest themselves with skills. Then, they can decrease the usage of medication to see if they can get off medication. For some though, the neurotransmitter levels are in need of medication even after mastering skills.
Can anxiety be treated with antidepressants?
Specific medication questions are best asked of a Psychiatrist, as Psychologists usually just provide therapy and Psychiatrists provide medication management. However, in general READ MORE
Specific medication questions are best asked of a Psychiatrist, as Psychologists usually just provide therapy and Psychiatrists provide medication management. However, in general there are a few classes of medications that help with anxiety. Antidepressants are frequently used when the anxiety is at high levels daily. These medications are in your system 24/7. There are also a few classes of short-acting anti-anxiety medications that are taken for more situational or breakthrough anxiety, as they are effective in your system for a matter of hours.
Can I change from one antidepressant to another one?
As a Psychologist, I do not prescribe medication. This is more of a question for a Psychiatrist. However, I have clients who have used a number of different antidepressants before READ MORE
As a Psychologist, I do not prescribe medication. This is more of a question for a Psychiatrist. However, I have clients who have used a number of different antidepressants before finding one that works well for them. Changing from one to another is done often. *Lori A. Bolnick, Psy.D.* 1821 Walden Office Square, Suite 400 Schaumburg, IL 60173 224-220-0277 (direct) 224-592-8080 (fax) https://loribolnick.wixsite.com/drloribolnick Licensed in Illinois (#071-007057) Licensed to provide telemental health services in PsyPact*** states (Mobility #4905) ***For a map of states with Enacted and Pending PsyPact Legislation: https://psypact.site-ym.com/general/custom.asp?page=psypactmap NOTICE: Please do not use this e-mail address for urgent communications, as it is not checked regularly. In case of emergency, please call 911 or go to your local Emergency Department. This e-mail message and all attachments transmitted with it may contain legally privileged and confidential information intended solely for the use of the addressee. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any reading, dissemination, distribution, copying, or other use of this message or its attachments is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error please notify the sender immediately by telephone (224-220-0277) or by electronic mail and delete this message and all copies and backups thereof. Thank you.
Can manic depression be fixed?
I would hesitate to ever use the word "fixed" in terms of any mental health issue. Manic depression, now called Bipolar Disorder, is something that you can learn to manage using READ MORE
I would hesitate to ever use the word "fixed" in terms of any mental health issue. Manic depression, now called Bipolar Disorder, is something that you can learn to manage using a combination of medication and therapy (e.g., social rhythms, DBT, and CBT skills). Finding the right providers (therapist and Psychiatrist) for you who specializes in bipolar disorder is very important to your success.
Can a psychiatrist help with my anxiety?
Psychiatrists prescribe medication that can be very helpful for minimizing symptoms of anxiety. There are short-acting medications that can be used for situational issues that READ MORE
Psychiatrists prescribe medication that can be very helpful for minimizing symptoms of anxiety. There are short-acting medications that can be used for situational issues that create anxiety. Additionally, there are long-acting medications that are in your system 24/7. A Psychiatrist can help determine which kind of medication and which specific medication within that class would best support your needs.
How long does it take to fix depression?
Unfortunately, there is not an easy answer to this question as there are many factors to consider. I do not use the term "fix", but instead I talk about "managing" depression. READ MORE
Unfortunately, there is not an easy answer to this question as there are many factors to consider. I do not use the term "fix", but instead I talk about "managing" depression. Therapy can be very helpful in learning to identify and challenge irrational thoughts, learn the social rhythms (routines) to manage your specific behaviors, figure out and change situational issues causing depression, and find ways to motivate for tasks, for example. However, the success of therapy alone depends on the severity of your depression. Some people cannot manage their symptoms without medication management. That process can take a minimum of a couple months to find the right dosage, if the 1st medication works, but longer should you need to try multiple medications.
Sertraline 50 mg
This is a question for a Psychiatrist/PCP, not a Psychologist. Psychologists do not prescribe medication (with a few exceptions). I would recommend you talk to your prescribing READ MORE
This is a question for a Psychiatrist/PCP, not a Psychologist. Psychologists do not prescribe medication (with a few exceptions). I would recommend you talk to your prescribing physician about whether this medication is appropriate for you.
Are there any non-medical treatments for anxiety?
A Psychologist can teach coping skills to address the physiological and cognitive symptoms of anxiety. We can also help identify patterns within your life that are exacerbating READ MORE
A Psychologist can teach coping skills to address the physiological and cognitive symptoms of anxiety. We can also help identify patterns within your life that are exacerbating or creating anxiety, allowing you to make changes to your behaviors/activities to lessen the impact of daily life on your emotions.
Can you treat depression without meds?
Some depression can be treated without medication, through learning coping skills, identifying and changing patterns of irrational (depressive) thinking, and making life changes. READ MORE
Some depression can be treated without medication, through learning coping skills, identifying and changing patterns of irrational (depressive) thinking, and making life changes. However, for some this is a neurochemical issue that therapy alone cannot treat. Should a person present with a plan for suicide, best practices are to try medication management to help improve the mood while in therapy, to minimize the potential for a suicide attempt.
Lamictal Bipolar I
This is a question for a Psychiatrist, not a Psychologist. Psychologists do not prescribe medication (with a few exceptions). I would recommend you talk to your prescribing physician READ MORE
This is a question for a Psychiatrist, not a Psychologist. Psychologists do not prescribe medication (with a few exceptions). I would recommend you talk to your prescribing physician about whether this medication is appropriate for you.
Can anxiety be cured?
If anxiety is based on situational issues, then changing the situation can "cure". Otherwise, I tend to use the term "manage" and not cure. Think of this like asthma or allergies. READ MORE
If anxiety is based on situational issues, then changing the situation can "cure". Otherwise, I tend to use the term "manage" and not cure. Think of this like asthma or allergies. You have a tendency towards this, but can learn skills to minimize or make your symptoms go away. However, they may recur at a later time.
Can a psychologist help with ADHD?
To name a few was Psychologists provide non-medication based support, they can help individuals understand how ADHD impacts them in all aspects of life (e.g., social, emotional, READ MORE
To name a few was Psychologists provide non-medication based support, they can help individuals understand how ADHD impacts them in all aspects of life (e.g., social, emotional, learning, and home); establish/maintain new routines; and improving understanding of the attention profile (auditory attention, visual attention, divided auditory/visual attention) and how to increase the ability to focus within those strengths/weaknesses. When this is a child, parents are regularly part of the treatment to help with parenting skills.
What medications are used to treat schizophrenia?
This is more of a question for a Psychiatrist, as Psychologists (with few exceptions) do not prescribe medication. There are a number of different types of medications that can READ MORE
This is more of a question for a Psychiatrist, as Psychologists (with few exceptions) do not prescribe medication. There are a number of different types of medications that can be prescribed for Schizophrenia with Anti-Psychotics being the primary.
Does exercise help with anxiety?
Many people find that the endorphins created by exercising helps to manage their mood. Adding this as a coping skill can decrease symptoms of anxiety.
What medications are used to treat ADHD?
When using medication for ADHD, short-acting stimulants are typically used first, unless there are significant concerns about someone having low weight. Stimulants decrease appetite. READ MORE
When using medication for ADHD, short-acting stimulants are typically used first, unless there are significant concerns about someone having low weight. Stimulants decrease appetite. There are a few non-stimulants that can also help individuals with ADHD, which are in your system 24/7.
Are medications effective in treating major depressive disorder?
Medication can be highly effective once you find the correct medication for you. While Primary Care Physicians sometimes prescribe psychotropic medications for depression, my clients READ MORE
Medication can be highly effective once you find the correct medication for you. While Primary Care Physicians sometimes prescribe psychotropic medications for depression, my clients tend to benefit most from working with a Psychiatrist. Therapists (with a few exceptions) cannot prescribe medication, but can help teach skills to improve MDD.
Can alcohol addiction be cured without medications?
I am not training in addictions, but some individuals are able to manage addiction through therapy alone, while others may need medication to support the emotional issues underlying READ MORE
I am not training in addictions, but some individuals are able to manage addiction through therapy alone, while others may need medication to support the emotional issues underlying the urge to use substances.
What medications help anxiety?
For more specifics, I recommend consulting with a Psychiatrist as Psychologist (with few exceptions) do not prescribe medication. With that said, there are short-acting anti-anxiety READ MORE
For more specifics, I recommend consulting with a Psychiatrist as Psychologist (with few exceptions) do not prescribe medication. With that said, there are short-acting anti-anxiety medications that are in and out of your system within hours that can help with more acute anxiety situations. There are others that need to build up in your system and are in your body 24/7 to help more chronic anxiety concerns.
is anxiety causing me to become nauseous and throw up
It can be very frustrating having medical symptoms with no known reasons found by medical doctors. Anxiety can definitely cause nausea as a physiological symptom. A Psychologist READ MORE
It can be very frustrating having medical symptoms with no known reasons found by medical doctors. Anxiety can definitely cause nausea as a physiological symptom. A Psychologist can help you identify the underlying reasons for your anxiety and give skills to minimize the physiological symptoms. Should the nausea persist even as your anxiety improves, there still may be a medical reason, but one that is harder to pinpoint. A Psychologist can help you navigate working with different medical specialists and the anxiety of not knowing what is causing medical symptoms
Should I see a doctor for anxiety?
A therapist can help treat anxiety by helping to identify patterns to break that are causing/exacerbating anxiety, teaching coping skills (e.g., relaxation skills and cognitive READ MORE
A therapist can help treat anxiety by helping to identify patterns to break that are causing/exacerbating anxiety, teaching coping skills (e.g., relaxation skills and cognitive skills to manage thoughts), and providing support for changes in life to moderate symptoms. This is enough for some people, but others may also need therapy in combination with medication, if their anxiety is too high to allow skills to be learned and used properly.
