Did you know that May is #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth? One in five adults in America experience mental illness.
If you, or someone you know, is grappling with mental health there are numerous resources in Cook County that can help.
Cook County Health provides a robust list of services and treatments options mental health disorders, for which they have a comprehensive list of symptoms clients may experience on their website. With six locations in Chicago and Oak Forest, Cook County Health serves adults, children and adolescents with a variety of outpatient clinics. They also serve those struggling with substance abuse.
The Josselyn Center, located in Northfield, is the only Medicaid provider of psychiatric services in 374 square miles. Outpatient mental health services are available to children, adolescents and adults experiencing psychological, emotional, and/or social difficulties and impaired functioning in handling life's challenges. Services provided include supporting a model of person-centered, comprehensive and compassionate clinical care. Comprehensive services are available across the continuum of care, spanning all levels and intensity of care to support clients in their personal recovery.
AMITA Health Center for Mental Health, located in Arlington Heights, opened its doors in 1962 and works with more than 3,000 clients every year. The Center for Mental Health is part of the AMITA Helath Behavioral Medicine Institute which is the largest behavioral medicine program in Illinois, and the seventh largest in the nation. AMITA offers both inpatient and outpatient programs, as well as support and therapy groups. This wide variety of offerings gives clients an opportunity to choose the experience that best fits their needs.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers a number of resources for both those who face mental illness and their allies. NAMI maintains the NAMI HelpLine - 1(800)950-NAMI (6264) - to assist with questions about mental health issues and direct residents to local resources. NAMI also offers education, training and programs at local NAMI outposts. Locations that serve the 14th District include NAMI Cook County North Suburban, and NAMI Barrington Area.
Nearly a third of those incarcerated at Cook County Jail suffer from some form of mental illness, making it the largest mental health hospital in Illinois and one of the largest in the country. In response to this staggering statistic, Sheriff Tom Dart focused efforts on providing more comprehensive mental health care for detainees. Since 2012, Cook County Jail has been using a two stage of mental health assessment - the first occurring pre-bond. This allows jail staff to organize housing to better treat inmates on site, without the use of expensive, in-patient medical mental health care. Additionally, the Sheriff's Mental Health Transition Center strengthens the community transition and long-term recovery plan for individuals facing mental health or substance use issues through individual and group therapies. Through this program, a Community Van is available to Mental Health Transition Center alumni who need transportation to and from job interviews, doctor appointments and/or court to ensure their success when returning their communities.