DeKALB | NIU’s psychiatric void is temporarily filled.

A new, temporary psychiatrist started work April 25, and will be scheduled at Health Services two days a week, six hours a day.

Mitchell Halper, MD, is a psychiatrist with a private practice in St. Charles. Halper will have hours from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, including finals week.

Dr. Diana Kraft, psychiatrist for Health Services, retired March 28 after 15 years of service. Kraft cited decreased face time with her patients as a very large part in her decision to retire.

“Students who were active psychiatry patients at the time of Dr. Kraft’s departure are being notified of the availability of psychiatrist services and are being offered appointments with Dr. Halper,” said Dr. Linda Herrmann, acting director of Health Services. “Health Services is working hard to schedule current patients with Dr. Halper at the earliest opportunity. New evaluations will be scheduled as appointments are available.”

Health Services is mindful of the stress created by the interruption in psychiatric services, Herrmann said.

“We are very pleased that Dr. Halper is now providing psychiatric services to NIU students,” she said.

Currently, NIU is in the process of hiring a consultant to aid in the search for a permanent replacement. Additionally, a contract has been submitted and is being finalized. Further details are pending finalization, Herrmann said.

“We anticipate having a full-time psychiatrist in place by fall semester,” she said.