Resources

Resources on this page are offered as additional support but are not recommended as substitutes for individualized services.

Mental health services & crisis Prevention

  • The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation.

    Go to https://findtreatment.gov/ to find local mental health services.

  • The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization. NAMI State Organizations and Affiliates host support groups, for both those with mental illness and caregivers, so that no one feels alone in their mental health journey. NAMI support groups are peer-led and offer participants an opportunity to share their experiences and gain support from other attendees. To find the nearest NAMI to you, go to: https://www.nami.org/Find-Your-Local-NAMI 

    When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.

  • The Living Room Program (LRP) is for individuals in need of a crisis respite program with services and supports designed to proactively divert crises and break the cycle of psychiatric hospitalization. The LRP provides a safe, inviting, home-like atmosphere where individuals can calmly process the crisis event, as well as learn and apply wellness strategies which may prevent future crisis events. 

    The LRP is staffed by Recovery Support Specialists. Individuals seeking services at LRP's are screened for safety by Qualified Mental Health Professionals upon entry and exit. Individuals experiencing psychiatric crises may self-refer, or may be referred by police, fire, emergency departments or other organizations with which an individual experiencing such a crisis may come into contact.

    Visit DHS for more information

  • Vets can use U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) online tool for finding VA locations and providers 

    For more, see U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Mental Health Resources


    Crisis information for Vets found below or click here.

  • Open Path serves clients who lack health insurance or whose health insurance doesn’t provide adequate mental health benefits. These clients also cannot afford current market rates for therapy (between $80-200 a session). You’ll pay between $40-70/session for individual therapy ($30 for student intern sessions.)

    Please visit Open Path for more information.

Crisis support

  • When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.

    988

    Veterans: press "1"

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline provides essential tools and support to help survivors of domestic violence so they can live their lives free of abuse. 

    1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

    Visit the DV Hotline website for more information and resources.

    (Safe exit from this site is provided. To browse this site safely, be sure to regularly clear your browser history.)

  • The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline specializes in child abuse, child welfare, and the impact of the trauma of child abuse on survivor’s and loved ones’ mental well-being. The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is a safe, nonjudgmental and inclusive space for those concerned about or affected by child abuse. The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is NOT a reporting line for child abuse. The hotline is NOT connected to emergency services nor is it a replacement for 911 emergency responsive services.

    The hotline is staffed by live crisis counselors (not bots) who all have college education and life experience in working with child abuse, neglect, and maltreatment. Crisis counselors complete over 72 hours of training which includes supportive listening, crisis intervention, trauma-informed practices, and diversity.

    Call, text, and 24/7 chat available for support and guidance for the help-seeker.

    (800) 422-4453

    National Child Abuse Hotline (Emergency Exit button provided on this site.)

    ILLINOIS:
    If you suspect that a child has been harmed or is at risk of being harmed by abuse or neglect, report it online at https://childabuse.illinois.gov. In an emergency, call the 24-hour Child Abuse Hotline at 800-25-ABUSE (800-252-2873). If you believe a child is in immediate danger of harm, call 911 first.

  • RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.

    (800) 656-HOPE (4673)

    Visit the RAINN website online.rainn.org. For Spanish: rainn.org/es

    Learn more about local service providers.

    The Department of Defense (DoD) Safe Helpline is a crisis support service specially designed to provide live, one-on-one support to sexual assault survivors, their loved ones, and anyone within the DoD community looking for more information. All Safe Helpline services are confidential, anonymous, secure, and available worldwide, providing survivors with the help they need, anytime, anywhere.

    Safe Helpline staff members have been trained to answer questions relating to military specific topics such as Restricted and Unrestricted Reporting and how to connect with relevant military resources, such as an installation or base’s Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), should those services be requested.

    Department of Defense (DoD) Safe Helpline provides a way for DoD community members affected by sexual assault to get help. Services are provided by RAINN (see above) through a contract with the DoD Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO).

    All personally identifying information remains confidential. RAINN will not share names or any other identifying information with any entity within DoD.


    (877) 995-5247
    Online Helpline
    Safe HelpRoom
    Safe Helpline app

  • Call 988, then press “1.” You can also text 838255 or chat online . The Veterans Crisis Line is a 24-hour, confidential resource that connects veterans with a trained responder. The service is available to all veterans and those who support them, even if they are not registered with the VA or enrolled in VA healthcare.

    Go to the Veteran Crisis Line website for more information.

    Use the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) online tool for finding VA locations and providers 

  • Trans Lifeline Hotline
    Trans Lifeline’s Hotline is a peer support phone service run by trans people for trans and questioning peers. Call if you need someone trans to talk to, even if you’re not in a crisis or if you’re not sure you’re trans. Trans Lifeline is a trans-led organization that connects trans people to the community, support, and resources they need to survive and thrive.

    Call (877) 565-8860
    https://translifeline.org/hotline/

    The Trevor Project

    Call the Trevor Project and get immediate crisis support. Connect to a crisis counselor 24/7, 365 days a year, from anywhere in the U.S via text, chat, or phone. 100% confidential and 100% free.

    Call (866) 488-7386
    Text 678678
    Chat https://chat.trvr.org/

    https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

  • You can contact the National Eating Disorders Helpline at (800) 931-2237 or text “NEDA” to 741741 for immediate support.

    Or call (866) 662-1235 for the National Alliance for Eating Disorder helpline.
    9:00 am – 7:00 pm EST (Monday – Friday)

    The Alliance’s helpline is not a 24/7 crisis line. Please reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting “988” or please text “ALLIANCE” to 741-741 for free, 24/7 support.

    This confidential helpline is run by licensed therapists specialized in eating disorders.

Substance abuse & other Support

  • SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.  This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.

    1-800-662-HELP (4357)

    Go to the SAMHSA website for more information.

  • SMART Recovery is the leading, evidence-informed approach to overcoming addictive behaviors and leading a balanced life. SMART is stigma-free and emphasizes self-empowerment.

    https://smartrecovery.org/

  • Alcoholics Anonymous is an international fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem. It is nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial, apolitical, and available almost everywhere. There are no age or education requirements. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about his or her drinking problem. 

    Visit the AA website for more information.

    Al-Anon and Alateen provide information and support for the family members and friends of people with alcohol problems. The sites include lists of meetings in the United States and Canada.

  • Narcotics Anonymous is a global, community-based organization with a multilingual and multicultural membership.  

    Visit the NA website for more information.

  • Addiction is a chronic and treatable disease. Using drugs repeatedly changes the brain, including the parts that help exert self-control. That's why someone may not be able to stop using drugs, even if they know the drug is causing harm, or feel ready to stop.

    To get support with opioid abuse, utilize the Opioid Treatment Program Directory by State

  • Eating Disorders Anonymous

    Following the 12-step approach used by Alcoholics Anonymous, Eating Disorders Anonymous can help people struggling with eating disorders. The website lists meetings nationwide.

    Overeaters Anonymous

    Following the 12-step approach used by Alcoholics Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous can help people struggling with compulsive eating and binge eating. The website lists Overeaters Anonymous meetings nationwide.

    Find more information at OA website.

  • It’s never too late to quit smoking. Quitting smoking now improves your health and reduces your risk of heart disease, cancer, lung disease, and other smoking-related illnesses. Learn more about tips to quit, manage withdrawal, and other resources available to you, such as medicine.

    Call (800) QUIT-NOW (8669)
    Text QUITNOW to 333888
    https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/quit-smoking/index.html

Legal + Financial Support

  • Below are some IL legal aid options:

    • Legal Aid Chicago

      Free Legal Services

      120 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 900
      Chicago, IL 60603

      Phone: (312) 341-1070

      https://legalaidchicago.org/

    • Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation

      Free Legal Services

      8787 State Street, Suite 201
      East St. Louis, IL 62203

      Phone: (877) 342-7891
      https://lincolnlegal.org/

    • Prairie State Legal Services

      Free Legal Services

      303 North Main Street, Suite 600
      Rockford, IL 61101

      Phone: (800) 531-7057
      https://pslegal.org/

  • Community Services Block Grant Program (CSBG)

    Through the CSBG program, Community Action Agencies (CAA) offer a variety of services to assist individuals and families in moving towards self-sufficiency, including rental assistance for income eligible families seeking housing.  Click on the link to learn more about this program. 

    For a Community Action Agency serving your area visit Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies or click here.

    For more information contact:

    Help Illinois Families call center at 1-833-711-0374
    communityassist@illinois.gov

    Housing Rehabilitation Program
    Low-to-moderate income communities can apply for grants to improve housing and rehabilitate and retrofit properties through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.   A non-entitlement unit of local government can apply for a maximum of $500,000 in grant funds to improve the homes of its low-to-moderate income residents of owner occupied single family housing units.  Grants provide residents with safe and sanitary living conditions and help to stabilize low to moderate income neighborhoods and affordable housing in the community. Click on the link to learn more about this program.

    For more information contact:

    Office of Community Development
    Illinois Department of Commerce
    217.785.6174
    ceo.cdbg@illinois.gov

  • Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR)

    ICIRR is dedicated to promoting the rights of immigrants and refugees to full and equal participation in the civic, cultural, social, and political life of our diverse society. Visit their website to learn more: www.icirr.org

  • LIHEAP provides short-term assistance to help eligible families pay their utility bills. LIHEAP also helps with energy crises, weatherization, and minor energy-related home repairs. 

    For a complete list of LIHEAP application agencies based on county, see Where to Apply.  For additional program information check out the Frequently Asked Questions. Or call Help Illinois Families call center at 1-833-711-0374.

    For more, visit helpillinoisfamilies.com. 

    Visit: https://www.energy.gov/scep/wap/how-apply-weatherization-assistance

  • The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly Food Stamps) helps low-income people and families buy the food they need for good health.

    Benefits are provided on the Illinois Link Card - an electronic card that is accepted at most grocery stores. The program is managed by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the United States Department of Agriculture. The Department of Human Services administers the program in Illinois. 

    Apply for Cash, SNAP (Food Stamps) & Medical Assistance: https://abe.illinois.gov/abe/access/

  • The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides temporary financial assistance for pregnant women and families with one or more dependent children. TANF provides financial assistance to help pay for food, shelter, utilities, and expenses other than medical.

    Learn more here: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30358

  • WIC is a food assistance program for Women, Infants, and Children. It helps pregnant women, new mothers and young children eat well and stay healthy.

    For more information about what WIC does, review the brochure Make a Difference in Your Child's Life 

Mental Health Education

  • Learn more about mental health conditions, warning signs, and more topics at Mental Health America's website.

  • How can you make a difference in suicide prevention? Learn about what to do if you think someone might be at risk for self-harm by reading these 5 Action Steps for Helping Someone in Emotional Pain: https://go.usa.gov/xyxGc

    1. ASK: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” It’s not an easy question but studies show that asking at-risk individuals  if they are suicidal does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts.

    2. KEEP THEM SAFE: Reducing a suicidal person’s access to highly lethal items or places is an important part of suicide prevention. While this is not always easy, asking if the at-risk person has a plan and removing or disabling the lethal means can make a difference.

    3. BE THERE: Listen carefully and learn what the individual is thinking and feeling. Research suggests acknowledging and talking about suicide  may in fact reduce rather than increase  suicidal thoughts.

    4. HELP THEM CONNECT: Save the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number (call or text 988) and the Crisis Text Line number (741741) in your phone so they’re there if you need them. You can also help make a connection with a trusted individual like a family member, friend, spiritual advisor, or mental health professional.

    5. STAY CONNECTED: Staying in touch after a crisis or after being discharged from care can make a difference. Studies have shown  the number of suicide deaths goes down when someone follows up with the at-risk person.

  • thanks for your patience!