eNewsletter - January 2021

Linden Oaks Welcomes Sachin J. Bhalerao, DO 

 
Linden Oaks Behavioral Health welcomes Sachin J. Bhalerao, D.O., to its team of leading psychiatrists. Dr. Bhalerao is board certified in adult and geriatric psychiatry with an emphasis in dementia care and related behaviors, as well as other older adult mental health issues. He will serve as Associate Medical Director for Geriatric Psychiatry at Linden Oaks.

Dr. Bhalerao recently served as Service Director of the Geriatric Psychiatry Service Line at Amita Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital in Hoffman Estates, where he provided clinical care and supervision of three geriatric-specific inpatient psychiatric units. He completed his residency in adult psychiatry and a fellowship in geriatric psychiatry at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He attended medical school at Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida and has served the older adult population in Chicago and the surrounding areas since 2011.

Dr. Bhalerao is well established in his field, speaks regularly on the topic of adult psychiatry and has received several awards, most recently, a 2018 Legacy of Caring Pelican Award from Alexian Brothers Medical Center. He is also an active member of several professional associations, including the Chicago Medical Society and the American Association of Geriatric Psychiatry. 

Dr. Bhalerao describes his personal treatment philosophy as holistic based, utilizing medication only when appropriate. “I seek to use the least amount of medications with the maximum benefit for my patients,” he says. “I like to incorporate non-pharmaceutical options, such as therapy, diet and exercise.” Dr. Bhalerao practices patient-centered care for optimal outcomes and strives to involve the family in each patient’s care. 

A self-described strong listener, Dr. Bhalerao says his patients can expect to feel free to share what’s on their minds, for him to be there in in good times and bad, and to work together to create a trust-based relationship. “Nothing will happen if the patient doesn’t trust me and I have to trust them to follow through with treatment as well,” he says. 

The doctor says he learns so much from his patients, most importantly not to give up. “My patients are the best teachers I have had,” Dr. Bhalerao explains. “I’ve learned from older adults who have experienced great traumas, like the holocaust, or fighting for civil rights. Even when things seem hopeless, there is always hope.”

Schedule an Appointment 

Dr. Bhalerao will treat inpatients and outpatients, both on-site and via telemedicine. For more information on treatment, call the Linden Oaks Help Line 24 hours a day at 630-305-5027 and one of our assessment professionals will assist.