Illinois Mental Health Resources
Mental Health in Illinois
Among the 50 states, Illinois is doing quite well in terms of mental health. The Mental Health Movement has taken the tenth spot in terms of accessibility and affordability. While the state isn’t perfect, approximately 65% of adults who needed mental health care were able to attain services, and only 3.21% of adults in the state lived with severe mental health conditions.
Despite the positive news, Illinois can still improve. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, nearly 40% of Illinoian adults experienced anxiety or depression. Over 480,000 adults still have difficulty trying to find care, and costs are the number one reason why Illinoians don’t seek assistance.
Over 480,000
Illinois adults have difficulty finding mental health care
10th
Illinois ranks #10 in mental health care
Nearly 40%
Of Illinois adults have experienced anxiety or depression
As of 2025, the state legislature is seeking to overhaul the insurance provider system to make access and payments more equitable. Doing so can make programs more accessible, especially for underinsured clients and young people.
Free Mental Health Resources in Illinois
IDHS Crisis/Emergency: Mental Health Partners/Providers offers an easily searchable directory of crisis hotlines and emergency services across the state. Recently expanded under the SAMHSA Crisis Services Initiative, the program connects Illinoians in need of crisis care to services within their town, city, and county.. Cities throughout the state offer around the clock crisis hotlines as well as online services to support youth and adults in need.
Illinois Warm Line is a telephone support service for individuals or their loved ones experiencing mental health or substance use challenges. Their support specialists are available Monday through Friday and provide peer support and mentoring.
Safe 2 Help Illinois is a state-wide program for students needing a safe and confidential way to reach out during a crisis. The program enables youth to safely share information that could prevent suicides, bullying, school violence or other threats to school safety. Their 24/7 program can be accessed via a free app, text/phone and online at their website.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
BIPOC
LGBTQ
Depression
Anxiety
Grief
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Illinois serves state residents by providing information and education on mental health. They’re also dedicated to improving the lives of people with mental health disorders and their loved ones through advocacy, support and access to resources.
Brave Space Alliance is an LGBTQ+ focused center on the South side of Chicago. Their culturally competent services include behavioral health, HIV/STD testing and counseling, temporary residential support, a community pantry and a dignity suite that promotes inclusivity and support for people on the entire spectrum of gender expression. Though all clients are welcome, they're an organization especially focused on serving Black and trans persons.
Provide Services for
BIPOC
LGBTQ
Men
Women
C4 Chicago is an organization that provides evidence-based and trauma-informed mental health services for residents of Chicago and surrounding areas. This includes crisis services, mental health counseling and support, medical services including integrated care partnerships, substance use and recovery services and health education for people of all ages.
The Center on Halsted provides support and services for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Their programs range from behavioral health to HIV/STI resources and care coordination. For youth, they offer social, recreational, cultural and educational programs that support community and promote identity affirmation. They accept Medicaid and grant funding and offer services on a sliding scale.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
BIPOC
LGBTQ
Men
Women
Seniors
The Road Home Program, in partnership with Rush Health System in the Chicago area, assists active service members, veterans and their families, including reservists and members of the National Guard. Their services are designed for persons experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder, military sexual trauma and related conditions. They provide individual, group and family counseling including intensive outpatient programs, family therapy, and wellness and support groups. Services are offered at no cost and irrespective of discharge status.
Provide Services for
Men
Women
Veterans
Disability
First Responders
Depression
ADHD
PTSD
Anxiety
Grief
Substance Abuse
The Chicago Department of Public Health provides a free directory of mental and behavioral health care providers across Chicago.. The Department of Public Health provides support for Chicagoans who are experiencing emotional or psychological distress. Their mental health centers, located throughout metro Chicago, offer psychosocial rehabilitation, medication management services and child and adolescent programs, including specialized support for trauma survivors.
The Aurora Vet Center offers free mental health care in a nonmedical setting for active service members, veterans and their families experiencing PTSD, depression, military sexual trauma and readjustment difficulties. Their counseling services include individual, group and family therapy as well as referral services for those with substance use disorder.
Provide Services for
Men
Women
Veterans
Disability
Depression
ADHD
PTSD
Anxiety
Grief
Substance Abuse
Lovell Federal VA Healthcare provides comprehensive mental health care for veterans and their families. Their outpatient mental health care includes substance use disorder treatment and services for individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression and other common mental health conditions.
Provide Services for
Men
Women
Veterans
Disability
Depression
ADHD
PTSD
Anxiety
Grief
Substance Abuse
The Service Provider Identification and Exploration Resource (SPIDER) is a free online program that helps residents of Illinois identify local social services. This includes help with housing, food, education, employment, caregiving, mental health services and addiction recovery support. Searches can be customized by various criteria, including service type, distance, and client population.
The Illinois Behavioral Health Workforce Center (BHWC) maintains a robust online clearinghouse of resources for persons seeking mental and behavioral health services in Illinois. This online resource also provides specialized information for mental health care providers, including job match services and peer support specialist training programs.
The University of Illinois offers mental health and self-care resources for students and employees in need. This includes access to crisis services, online apps and tools to improve mental health, access to employee assistance programs and other programs that promote overall wellness. They also provide information on mental health services and insurance benefits for mental health care.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
BIPOC
LGBTQ
Men
Women
The Champaign Urbana Public Health District offers information and resources that assist community members in locating and accessing mental health services for young adults. They have seven counseling centers that help young people experiencing mental health difficulties as well as a 24 hour crisis line for those in immediate need. They accept Medicaid and offer financial assistance and sliding scale payment options.