Dr. Amer Smajkic – Psychiatrist in Chicago

Chicago Psychiatrist

Amer Smajkic, MD
Chicago, Illinois

Amer Smajkic, MD

Board Certified in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Board Certified in General Psychiatry

Dr. Amer Smajkic is a double board-certified psychiatrist specializing in the evaluation and treatment of children, adolescents, young adults, and adults.
With more than three decades of clinical, academic, and research experience, he is recognized for his expertise in trauma, mood and anxiety disorders, developmental disorders, and refugee mental health.

Dr. Smajkic began his career in 1994 as a therapist and mental health counselor at Chicago Health Outreach, where he provided mental health services to refugees, immigrants, and survivors of war, genocide, and ethnic cleansing. This work led to a longstanding academic collaboration with the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Illinois at Chicago under the mentorship of Dr. Stevan Weine and Professor Ivan Pavkovic. Together, they conducted groundbreaking research on genocide, ethnic cleansing, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mood disorders, and the mental health of refugees and immigrants from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Their work resulted in numerous national and international presentations and peer-reviewed publications.

Dr. Smajkic completed his psychiatric training at the University of Illinois at Chicago and Rush University Medical Center, where he finished both his General Psychiatry residency and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship. Throughout his career, Dr. Smajkic has published extensively on PTSD, major depressive disorder, genocide, and ethnic cleansing. He also authored the chapter “Suicide in Delinquent Adolescents”in the textbook Mental Health Services of Juvenile Offenders. His scholarly work and clinical expertise have established him as a leader in refugee mental health, trauma-related disorders, depression, juvenile delinquency, and child and adolescent psychiatry.

His clinical approach integrates psychopharmacology with evidence-based behavioral and cognitive behavioral therapies to provide individualized, comprehensive care.

He specializes in the treatment of:

Anxiety disorders
Mood disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Learning disorders
Developmental disorders
Child, adolescent, and young adult mental health concerns

In addition to his private practice, Dr. Smajkic has held numerous academic and leadership positions.

He previously served as:

Director of Child Psychiatry Consultation-Liaison Services at Rush University Medical Center
Assistant Professor and faculty member of Rush University’s Cognitive Behavior Center
Chairman of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Services at Advocate Christ Medical Center
Director of the Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Inpatient Unit at Riveredge Hospital

Throughout these roles, he provided inpatient psychiatric care while teaching medical students, psychiatry residents, fellows, and pediatric residents. Dr. Smajkic is an active member of several leading professional organizations, including the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, the American Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, the Academy of Cognitive Therapy, the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, and the TLC Foundation for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors. He has also served on committees dedicated to juvenile justice reform, and currently serves as an affiliate faculty member at the Center for Health, University of Illinois College of Medicine.

Today, Dr. Smajkic is the owner of Chicago Child Psychiatry Associates, providing compassionate, evidence-based care for children, adolescents, and adults.
His commitment to exceptional patient care has earned widespread recognition. Dr. Smajkic was named one of Chicago’s top three patient-rated psychiatrists in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. He was also recognized as a Top Doctor in Illinois in 2023, 2024, and 2025.

Internationally, Dr. Smajkic is a member of the Bosnia-Herzegovinian American Academy of Arts and Sciences, where he has served as a Board Member, President of the Medical Section, President of the Academy’s Board and previously served as the 15th president of BHAAAS.

Highly recommended, top-rated physicians and internationally recognized experts in their fields

Dr. Amer Smajkic’s professional involvement extends to the Bosnian-Herzegovinian American Academy of Arts and Sciences (BHAAAS), which connects physicians, researchers, and distinguished professionals across a variety of specialties. Through its Medicine and Health Division, he shares a professional network with Dr. Mahira Tanovic, a NYC breast plastic surgeon and former BHAAAS President; Dr. Kenan Arnautovic, a Memphis-based neurosurgeon and former BHAAAS President; Dr. Resad Pasic, a a specialist in gynecologic laparoscopy in Louisville, BHAAAS Member; and Dr. Eldin Karaikovic, a Chicago orthopedic spine surgeon and former BHAAAS President. This professional community brings together medical specialists from different fields and geographic regions.

Dr. Smajkic remains dedicated to delivering thoughtful, personalized psychiatric care that combines clinical excellence, research, and compassion to help patients and families achieve lasting mental wellness.

Amer Smajkic MD
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
General Psychiatrist