Board-Certified Clinical & Forensic Psychiatrist

Meet Dr. Richard Cockerill, MD, MBE

With over 10 years of experience in psychiatry, Dr. Cockerill combines rigorous medical training with a genuine commitment to patient care and professional excellence. Whether treating patients or serving as an expert witness, his approach is grounded in evidence-based practice and compassionate service.

Education & Training

Mayo Clinic – Doctor of Medicine (MD)
University of Pennsylvania – Master of Bioethics (MBE)
UCLA – Psychiatry Residency and Fellowship Training

Academic Appointments

Prior:
Current:

Scholarship & Research

15 peer-reviewed research articles, book chapters, and commentaries published in leading psychiatric journals.

 

Dr. Cockerill remains active in ongoing scholarship and psychiatric research.

Approach to Care

“The needs of the patient come first.”

This principle, taught during my medical training at Mayo Clinic, guides everything I do. Whether working with patients to achieve their mental wellness goals or providing objective expert testimony for legal professionals, I strive to bring dedication, integrity, and expertise to every interaction.

In clinical practice, I believe psychiatric care should be collaborative, not burdensome. My focus is on truly understanding each patient’s unique situation and working together to develop effective, personalized treatment approaches that combine empathetic care with evidence-based psychiatry.

In forensic work, I maintain strict objectivity and scientific rigor, providing thorough evaluations and clear testimony that serves the interests of justice.

Comprehensive Psychiatric Services

Clinical Psychiatry

Dr. Cockerill’s clinical practice focuses on providing accessible, high-quality psychiatric care to patients across Illinois through both virtual and in-person appointments.

Forensic Psychiatry

As an expert witness, Dr. Cockerill provides psychiatric testimony and evaluation services for legal professionals in civil and criminal matters throughout Illinois.

Beyond the Office

When not seeing patients or working on forensic cases, Dr. Cockerill enjoys spending time at the beach with his partner and dog, playing tennis, and developing his home cooking skills. He believes that maintaining balance and pursuing personal interests makes him a better psychiatrist and a more grounded professional.

Our Team

Cassie Cilliers, Office Manager

Cassie Cilliers is the Office Manager for Dr. Cockerill’s practice, where she ensures smooth day-to-day operations and compassionate patient care. With a background in forensic pathology administration and the broader medical industry, Cassie brings both expertise and empathy to her role. She is caring, reliable, and optimistic, with a strong focus on people and service.
Cassie has completed a short course in Management Business Administration (MBA) as well as multiple Project Management qualifications, equipping her with the skills to support both patients and practice growth. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, playing chess, and building mini models.
Contact Cassie: 708-475-0788

Let's Work Together

Whether you’re seeking psychiatric care or expert witness services, Dr. Cockerill is here to help with professional, compassionate expertise.