Mental Health Resources in Chicago

As a social worker, I know that barriers to mental health access are systemic and far-reaching. Getting help is far more difficult than it should be, particularly for the low income community. I wanted to share a few Chicago-area resources that make mental health more accessible: 

Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)

CDPH offers low to no-cost therapy through the Expanded Mental Health Services Program. Take a look at these sites for more information: 

• The Encompassing Center
• LoSAH Center of Hope

NAMI Chicago (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

NAMI Chicago provides many resources, including:

• Free support groups and educational classes (virtual and in-person)
• A helpline for emotional support and referrals: Call or text 833-626-4244
• Crisis text line: Text HOME to 741741

Centro Romero

Centro Romero is a community-based organization offering mental health support, legal aid, and immigrant advocacy. The center focuses on serving the Latinx immigrant community in Chicago.

Healing Arts Chicago

Supported by CDPH, this program offers free wellness classes like yoga, meditation, music, and creative writing to support mental health. You can view their upcoming clinic and artist schedule at the link here: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/healing_arts.html 

MIRA (Middle Eastern Immigrant and Refugee Alliance)

MIRA offers free counseling and advocacy for immigrant and refugee women from Middle Eastern and Islamic cultures.