More than 1 in 5 U.S. adults live with a mental illness, and an astounding 50% will experience a mental health condition at some point in their lifetimes. Within our community, many individuals struggle to access psychiatric care due to being uninsured, underinsured, or unable to find providers who accept Medicaid or Medicare. Through the Anna and Jacob Fine Social Services Center, The Ark offers psychiatric care for those facing barriers in accessing treatment elsewhere, helping individuals manage chronic and episodic mental health challenges. Central to this effort is Dr. Susan Rosenthal, M.D., who has been part of The Ark’s team for eight years, bringing her extensive expertise and deep commitment to each patient she treats.

Dr. Rosenthal begins each new case with a diagnostic assessment, taking a full history—psychiatric, medical, family, and social—to develop a thorough understanding of a patient’s situation. “We really talk about their lives,” she says, “be it parenting, looking for work, frustrations in dealing with medical problems, or housing insecurity. These can all be stressors that make someone more vulnerable to mental distress.” Dr. Rosenthal provides diagnostic assessments and medication management to more than 90 active clients of The Ark—addressing a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and psychotic disorders—seeing 16 patients weekly. “The most rewarding part of my work is the relationship,” she explains. “Medication doesn’t work as well without a connection, and part of the intervention is building that therapeutic relationship.”

This holistic approach extends beyond the doctor’s office. The Ark’s in-house pharmacy and array of support services—including employment assistance, financial counseling, and neuropsychological testing through our internship program—create a robust network of care. Dr. Rosenthal works in close collaboration with case managers, tailoring support to each client’s unique needs. By addressing broader life challenges alongside mental health treatment, this multifaceted approach helps clients build a stronger foundation for overall wellbeing.

Through the dedicated work of professionals like Dr. Rosenthal and the comprehensive support services offered, The Ark strives to create lasting positive change in the lives of those we serve. Learn more about how The Ark supports our community’s mental health on our website at arkchicago.org/mental-health-services.

About Dr. Susan Rosenthal: A graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Medicine, Dr. Rosenthal completed her psychiatry residency at the Harvard Longwood Psychiatry Residency Training Program in Boston. Her experience spans over two decades, including her role as Medical Director of an outpatient clinic at Northwestern Medicine. She now balances her private practice with her work at The Ark.