Our Testimonials

J.N.
Dear Dr. Malik, I want to express my deep appreciation and gratitude to you and to every single person who works at APOFE. Every individual staff member, no matter their position, contributes to making this clinic a place of excellence, integrity, safety, kindness, and compassion. Never before in my career as a mental health clinician, nor as a patient with multiple chronic health conditions, have I encountered a clinic that is so uniformly dedicated to not only the health of its patients, but also their entire experience the minute they walk through the door. You have made APOFE a safe harbor for healing where every patient receives empathy, sincerity, understanding, and support as a unique individual who is courageous enough to commit themselves to their own unique healing journey. It's not easy. It takes a lot of strength and determination to come here several times a week for the various treatment modalities you provide. It requires patience and steadfast dedication, because it can take a long time to stabilize severe treatment resistant depression. I, myself, had my first major depressive episode in July 2013. I don’t believe Treatment Resistant Depression was even an official diagnosis at that time, but that initial single episode was my unrelenting burden to carry until October 2024 when I achieved full remission for the very first time under your care, at this clinic. I found my first TMS clinic in 2014, I was then living in the Pacific Northwest. For many years I got by with TMS treatments alone but the best baseline I ever achieved was moderate depression. I was grateful, because it kept me minimally functional in my daily life, most of the time. It was the very best that psychiatric medicine could provide at that time, but TMS treatment alone gradually became less and less effective beginning in 2020, where I moved back to Illinois. I was needing it more often than insurance would allow when my previous psychiatrist found you online in late January 2023. When I met you for my first appointment in February 2023, I was utterly desperate to find an Illinois psychiatrist who specializes in Treatment Resistant Depression. I truly understood that God led me to you, and this was the place where I could finally free myself from a single depressive episode that had held me in its grip for an entire decade. It was an arduous process, but you and every single staff member made me believe that with patience and time, I would achieve remission, and I did! It took one year and 8 months from my first appointment with you but I did it and it was only possible in this place, with these specific people. In my darkest, lowest days, when I felt exhausted and hopeless, everyone at APOFE-EVERYONE-reminded me that I could, and would, get better. You all believed so strongly in my ability to live a full life, free from depression symptoms. It allowed me to believe it also, even when I had no belief in myself. Thank you! There are no words to adequately express my profound gratitude to every single dedicated staff member who makes this clinic so special and so outstanding. As a person of faith, I consider APOFE as nothing less than a Bonafide miracle, no matter which religion a person belongs to, or whether they have any faith at all, I believe with all my heart that this place is God’s gift to all the people who find their way here and I sincerely pray that many more will do so. I achieved full remission for 4 glorious months before my most recent setback. I feel free. Finally! I am not worried about any future setbacks because I now know what freedom feels like and I know that I will always return to remission. I imagine that as time progresses, I can achieve a consistently stable baseline of remission with ongoing maintenance treatments. I write this in thanks but also in the hope that my personal testimony may lend strength to other patients here who have not yet experienced the delight and bliss of daily life free from depression symptoms. I will happily and gratefully continue on with maintenance treatments for the rest of my life, if that is what it takes to experience this kind of freedom and joy! Sincerely J.N.
H.C
I have been seeing Dr. Malik for many years and have recently started seeing her physician assistant, Isha. Dr Malik is professional, caring, kind and attentive. Same goes for Isha. I am so glad to have been under Dr. Malik’s care for many years. The office staff and clinical staff are some of the nicest people! I couldn’t imagine going anywhere else.
A.M
Dr Malik and the staff are amazing. I finally got answers and the help I needed. I had seen numerous counselors, therapists, nurse practitioners and never had clear answers. Dr Malik was able to figure out medication that has truly helped me.
L.K
Dr. Malik is the best doctor I have had hands down. She is compassionate and kind but honest. She makes me feel comfortable and safe to talk. The office is always kind and tries to accommodate any request. If you are looking for a safe place, call Dr. Malik's office!
R.A
I was referred to Dr. Malik by a trusted friend and professional. Dr. Malik and her staff have shown nothing but kindness and professionalism. Her staff is A-class. Dr. Malik is A-class in her demeanor and approach. She listens and genuinely cares about my issues. Thank you!!
S.T
Moving + Covid required me to find a Dr. for myself, my autistic son and my daughter. To be 100% honest, I searched for a psych nearest my house LOL. My son saw Dr. Fisher for the last 3 years and my daughter and I see Dr. Malik. I not only am grateful for her knowledge and experience, but she is empathetic and a good listener. The front staff / reception ladies are seriously so nice. I've not only been happy with this practice, I have sent a handful of friends over. This is a great practice.
W.R
I’ve met with Dr. Malik for over a year and she has undoubtedly been the best psychiatrist I’ve been to. I’ve had issues other psychiatrists, but she has been much easier to talk to and be able to make a plan for better mental health. 100% would recommend.
J.S.
“I have been seeing Dr Malik since last spring. Going through an unhappy time she asked me if I would like to try TMS. I agreed and have done 8 to 10 weeks of it. This has helped me feel so much better. I put more value on myself and feel stronger and happier. I think it was an excellent idea. Doug and Amanda are very caring and great people who really like to make you feel better. And explain any questions you have.”
J.G
“For years, I've suffered through life in a sad state, which was unlike my childhood. There were many external and internal causes contributing to my sadness over the years, but I was the last person who thought they'd become depressed. After trying medications, Dr. Malik suggested TMS therapy. Now, the clouds have lifted, I can see the sunshine, good people and the good life I have. I highly recommend this treatment to everyone who wants a better life. Thank you!"
A.B
“Dr Malik is a great psychiatrist, and her calm demeanor is very encouraging. She offers cutting edge treatments including TMS. I love to watch her informational videos on YouTube.”
A.H
"I have been coming here for a couple of years now and have never had a bad experience. Staff is very good. When I started seeing Dr. Malik, I was struggling with depression and fighting against my own demons. She made me feel very comfortable. Dr. Malik is very professional, she has been very patient and kind to me since day one. I have nothing bad to say about her. I tried the TMS treatment at her office, and it completely changed my life! Dr. Malik is very knowledgeable and BY FAR THE BEST. Thanks to Dr. Malik and tms treatment I can go to bed in peace knowing my demos are in hell, and all thanks to all her help. I totally recommend Advanced Psychiatry of Elgin "
A.M
"After years of antidepressants not working for me, I decided to try the TMS treatment for my depression and anxiety. Dr. Malik is very kind, professional, and knowledgeable about TMS. After two months of treatment, my depression and anxiety symptoms decreased significantly. The TMS treatment at Dr. Malik's office is something I would highly recommend to those who have not seen results with antidepressants."
M.K
I have been seeing Ana for a while now and she's absolutely the best therapist I've ever had. I feel very safe sharing my thoughts and feelings with her. Whatever issue I've had she's always helped me through it. She is so kind and supportive. I am beyond happy with the service she provides. I would highly recommend going here!!
Z.C
I've had such a positive experience at this practice, especially with Claudia for therapy. She's by far the best therapist I've seen -- very caring, kind & joyful, yet straightforward & very effective. She's really helped me through some very challenging times of life. I also have a friend that's seen her & she has reported the same very positive experience. Thank you for all that you do, Claudia!
B.T
My son, who is 7 and autistic is a patient at Advanced Psychiatry. We drive 45 minutes each way to see these doctors because of their knowledge, experience, and because it’s obvious that they care deeply about the progress and well being of their patients. I would highly recommend any of the doctors here!
J.V
I want to say thank you to all the staff that has helped me during this time and actually helped me instead of making false accusations from Angela and lack of empathy. After working with Dr. Malik she was so kind and offered so much help. Dr Malik considered my needs and is putting a solution for me to get better. I am so glad I no longer have to deal with Angela . Thank you Dr. Malik for your empathy and kindness and the help you have given me.
B.F
I’ve been a patient of Dr Malik’s for quite some time now, and just recently did TMS therapy. I have to say, it’s helped me 100%! I was able to cut down how many medications I was taking. I would absolutely recommend TMS to anyone struggling with depression, who has not seen results with medication. Dr Malik and Amanda have been incredible in helping me get back to being me.

OUR TESTIMONIALS