Tikva Gold, RN, CADC
Tikva Gold, RN, CADC, is a highly experienced registered nurse with more than four decades of expertise in psychiatric nursing and chemical dependency care. Based in Chicago, Illinois, she has dedicated the past 14 years to serving patients at South Shore Hospital, where she provides compassionate, comprehensive support to individuals navigating addiction and mental health challenges.
Tikva earned her Bachelor’s degree from Loyola University and went on to complete a Master’s degree in psychiatric nursing with a focus on counseling from Governor’s State University in 1988. She is also a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) in Illinois and holds a certificate in family therapy from Northwestern University’s School of Social Work, reflecting her deep commitment to understanding the relational dynamics that influence mental health and recovery.
Her passion for nursing began early, shaped by formative volunteer experiences in high school that ignited a lifelong dedication to patient care. Drawn to psychiatric nursing for its unique blend of clinical insight and human connection, Tikva has built a career centered on helping patients understand both the physiological and emotional dimensions of their conditions.
Known for her thoughtful, investigative approach, she works closely with patients to uncover the underlying trauma that often contributes to addiction. By combining her clinical knowledge with counseling expertise, she empowers individuals to better understand their experiences, fostering meaningful breakthroughs and long-term healing.
Throughout her career, Tikva has remained committed to continuous learning and patient-centered care, bringing empathy, insight, and professionalism to every interaction. Her work stands as a testament to the impact of addressing mental health and addiction with both clinical precision and genuine compassion.
• Loyola University - B.A.
• Governor's State University - M.S. in Psychiatric Nursing, 1988
• Northwestern School of Social Work - Certificate in Family Therapy
• RN
• BSN
• MSN
• CADC
• APNA (American Psychiatric Nurses Association)
• American Sewing Guild
• Thursday Threaders knitting group at Griffin Library
• Planned volunteering at Legacy in Highland
Her thesis in psychiatric nursing was published in 1988.
Areas of Specialization/Expertise
- Chemical Dependency
- Psychology
- Family Therapy
What do you enjoy most about practicing medicine?
I still love the patients. What I really enjoy is the counseling, because I can help patients physically understand what's going on with them, but that's often a clue or a cue to get them to open up about their emotions and what is really happening. The opioid crisis takes so much away from people, but what's behind the addiction is a whole different thing, and that's what I really like getting to. It's like detective work. Once the patient opens his mouth and starts talking, you discover that most of it is trauma that leads to addiction. That's what I like about it.