College of Psychology Alumni run Clinical Practice in Illinois
The LodeStone Center for Behavioral Health is an outpatient mental health group practice founded by Jeremy Bidwell, Ph.D., and Michelle Bidwell, Psy.D. The practice’s staff includes psychologists, counselors, and clinical social workers. The practice offers services to families and works with all ages from children to adults. Jeremy Bidwell serves as LodeStone’s CEO, with Michelle Bidwell working as director of clinical services for three of its five locations.
The pair graduated from NSU’s Clinical Psychology doctoral program in 2008, with Jeremy Bidwell also earning an M.S. in Clinical Psychopharmacology. Both cited their work with faculty members like Professors Jan Faust and Steven Gold as contributing to their professional development.
“Dr. Gold has been a resource for us as we’ve had cases that we’ve wanted to consult on,” Michelle Bidwell said. “The faculty are always there for you, even after you leave.”
Illinois is one of a handful of states that permits psychologists to prescribe medications for mental health treatment. Although the Clinical Psychopharmacology program is not currently offered at NSU, Jeremy Bidwell said the College of Psychology still provided administrative support for him a decade after graduation as he worked to complete his training to become a prescribing psychologist.
“They were excited for me and happy to jump in and help, even after all this time,” he said. “We both are just really grateful for our experiences at Nova.”
In addition to LodeStone, Michelle Bidwell serves on the advisory board for the Illinois chapter of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals. Jeremy Bidwell serves as a regional representative for the Illinois Psychological Association. The Bidwells live in the Chicago suburbs with their children.