Find a psychiatrist in Downers Grove, IL — covered by insurance

My path to becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner wasn't just a career choice; it was a personal mission. After watching a loved one navigate the complexities of mental health, I realized how much the right support—or the lack of it—can change the trajectory of a life. Because of this, I’m not just focused on symptoms; I’m focused on you.

I specialize in anxiety, depression, and neurocognitive disorders, providing telehealth care throughout Illinois. I take great pride in my ability to break down complex clinical terms into understandable language, ensuring you never feel left in the dark about your own brain. When I'm not in the "office," I’m usually staying active, cooking, or listening to an educational podcast to stay sharp on the latest in wellness.

With a nursing career spanning since 2008, I have dedicated over 15 years to understanding the complexities of patient care. After earning my Master’s Degree in 2021, I transitioned into advanced psychiatric practice in 2022. Having served in both fast-paced inpatient units and collaborative outpatient clinics, I offer a well-rounded perspective on mental health. My background allows me to blend clinical expertise with a deeply rooted compassion for the human experience.

I seek to provide culturally affirming, holistic care that integrates the mind, body, and spirit. As a multicultural, neurodivergent psychiatrist and daughter of immigrants raised in Chicago, I bring both clinical training and lived experience to our work together. My own journey through burnout and the process of learning to slow down and listen to what my body needed has also shaped the care I provide. It has grounded me in genuine curiosity, humility, and a deep respect for the wisdom you already carry.

Hi, I’m Gretchen, a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP, ANCC) with a Master of Science in Nursing from Lewis University. I work with individuals, teens, and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, ADHD, and substance use concerns, providing care in both English and Spanish. I bring experience from emergency departments, inpatient units, outpatient clinics, and private practice, and I strive to create a safe, judgment-free space where clients feel heard, respected, and supported. I value collaboration and flexibility, tailoring each session to your needs so you can feel empowered to make meaningful changes.

I believe quality mental health care starts with feeling heard and respected. I take a collaborative, patient-centered approach and work to understand the whole person, not just symptoms. My goal is to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space while offering thoughtful, evidence-based psychiatric care tailored to each individual’s needs.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over a decade of experience in mental health care, supporting individuals across inpatient and outpatient settings. Through my work, I have cared for clients with a wide range of needs, including chronic and severe mental health conditions, and I understand how overwhelming it can feel to navigate symptoms while trying to maintain daily life.

My care philosophy is centered on partnership. Treatment is not about taking over your care, but about working with you to explore your symptoms, goals, and values. Together, we develop a treatment plan that feels respectful, personalized, and empowering. If you have concerns or hesitations about medication, we will discuss all available options openly and thoughtfully, moving at a pace that feels right for you.

I work with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, OCD, and other mood and thought-related conditions. During the initial session, we focus on understanding your concerns, reviewing your history, and identifying practical steps toward improvement. Care may include psychiatric evaluation, medication management when appropriate, brief psychotherapy, education, and ongoing support.

I believe mental health care should feel supportive, clear, and collaborative—not rushed or overwhelming.

You do not have to face these challenges alone. My role is to help you reduce symptoms, strengthen coping skills, and regain balance so you can function at your best and move forward with confidence and stability.

I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) who believes that true and lasting healing happens when we treat the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—not just symptoms. I approach each patient with compassion, curiosity, and deep respect, ensuring you feel empowered to explore your healing journey in a safe and supportive space.

Diana Lankenau has a Master of Science in Nursing from Florida State University and Chamberlain University. She has a Bachelor's in nursing from University of Miami. BA in Psychology from Florida International University. She is Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC).