Dr. Steve Best stands at the forefront of modern neuropsychiatric medicine, recognized for his unwavering commitment to advancing treatment options for patients with complex, treatment-resistant mental and neurological health conditions. As the director of The Neuroscience Center in Deerfield, Illinois since 1996, Dr. Best has earned a reputation for integrating cutting-edge therapies with compassionate, patient-centered care. This review highlights his expertise, training, clinical innovations, and contributions to the evolving landscape of psychiatry and neuropsychiatry.
Educational Foundation and Mentorship
Dr. Best earned his Medical Degree from the University of Cincinnati, laying the groundwork for a career focused on the intricate relationship between brain function and behavior. He pursued a sub-specialty fellowship in Neuropsychiatry of Children and Adults at Chicago Medical School, an intensive training program that emphasized both the physiological and psychological dimensions of mental illness.
During his time at Chicago Medical School, Dr. Best trained under two renowned mentors:
- Dr. Michael Alan Taylor, then Chairman of Psychiatry, and
- Dr. Dragomir Michael Vuckovich, Chairman of Neurology.
This dual mentorship bridged the gap between psychiatry and neurology—an intersection that now defines Dr. Best’s career.
Specialized Training in Functional Brain Imaging and Neuromodulation
Dr. Best received specialized training in functional brain imaging, specifically PET scans for neuropsychiatric applications, under the guidance of Dr. Malcolm Cooper. This foundation positioned him to integrate advanced diagnostics like Pathfinder Brain SPECT Imaging, which is now a cornerstone of his practice.
Dr. Best is particularly distinguished by his extensive training and early adoption of neuromodulation therapies. His academic and clinical trajectory includes:
- rTMS (Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) – trained in 1999 at the Medical University of South Carolina's Brain Stimulation Lab
- VNS (Vagus Nerve Stimulation) – acquired in 2005 at the same institution
- tES (transcranial low voltage electrical stimulation, including tDCS, tACS, and tRNS) – theoretical and clinical training completed in 2008 at the University of Göttingen, Germany
These certifications underscore his pioneering role in brain stimulation treatments long before they became mainstream.
Clinical Practice: Treating the Most Challenging Cases
At The Neuroscience Center, Dr. Best provides comprehensive care for patients across the age spectrum—children, adolescents, and adults. He is known for accepting patients with treatment-resistant depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), chronic pain, learning disabilities, cognitive dysfunction following concussion or stroke, and developmental disorders.
His clinical arsenal includes advanced interventions such as:
- TMS/Ketamine Combination Therapy: An innovative fusion of transcranial stimulation and pharmacologic support for severe depression and mood disorders.
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT): A therapy used to enhance brain healing and reduce neuroinflammation.
- Spravato (esketamine nasal spray): FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression, this is carefully administered under Dr. Best’s supervision.
These are supported by Pathfinder Brain SPECT Imaging, which allows for precise, brain-based diagnostic insights and therapy planning.
Professional Milestones and Leadership
Dr. Best’s professional history includes providing neuropsychiatric consultations at the Ann Kiley Center, a facility in North Chicago that specializes in the care of developmentally disabled adults with severe psychiatric conditions. He also worked with an inpatient child and adolescent psychiatry group, further deepening his hands-on expertise in complex neurodevelopmental and mood disorders.
He is board-certified in psychiatry and licensed in Illinois, New York, California, and Texas, which reflects both the breadth of his recognition and the scope of his influence.
Dr. Best is a respected member of several high-level medical societies:
- American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology (ASCP)
- Society of Biological Psychiatry (SOBP)
These affiliations further solidify his reputation as a thought leader in biological treatments for psychiatric illness.
Clinical Philosophy and Future-Forward Vision
What sets Dr. Best apart is his philosophy that mental health must be understood through the lens of brain function. His entire practice is structured around this principle—offering a personalized roadmap for each patient using data-driven diagnostics and neurostimulation tools.
In his work, there is a clear emphasis on treatment-resistant cases, especially for patients who have failed to respond to conventional therapy models. He combines neuroscience, psychiatry, psychopharmacology, and advanced brain imaging into a unique multidisciplinary platform.
He is also passionate about learning disabilities and developmental disorders, applying neuropsychiatric insights to help children and adults who face lifelong challenges in cognition, learning, and behavior.
Awards, Recognition, and Clinical Impact
Dr. Steve Best's lasting influence is evident in the thousands of patients who have found hope and healing through his integrative approach. His training in both traditional psychiatry and modern neuromodulation makes him one of the few specialists who can provide such a full-spectrum view of neuropsychiatric care.
His approach is rigorous, evidence-based, and constantly evolving—reflecting ongoing engagement with clinical research, psychopharmacology, and global innovations in brain science.
This review of Dr. Steve Best demonstrates that he is far more than a practicing psychiatrist—he is a trailblazer in neuropsychiatric medicine, a passionate advocate for his patients, and a thought leader shaping the future of brain-based care. His unmatched expertise in brain imaging, neuromodulation therapies, and treatment-resistant psychiatric conditions has placed The Neuroscience Center at the pinnacle of advanced psychiatric care in the United States.
For patients and families facing difficult mental health journeys, Dr. Steve Best offers more than treatment—he offers renewed possibilities grounded in science, innovation, and deep clinical compassion.
Learn more about Dr. Steve Best’s expertise, surgical specialties, and patient care philosophy on his official profile at Better by MTA. View Profile »
Request a Free Quote
If you’re considering treatment with Dr. Steve Best, you can request a free, no-obligation quote by clicking here.
.png)
