If you are reaching out on behalf of yourself or someone you care about with a request for mental health assistance, you will likely be referred to a social service or community organization. We know that navigating these resources can be overwhelming, and our office is happy to help provide information about local resources exist.

Click on the type of request that most matches your request:

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This article is focused specifically on accessing mental health care if uninsured or under-insured. Individuals who are privately insured should communicate directly with their insurance and/or healthcare provider about what options are available to them.

If you are reaching out on behalf of yourself or someone you care about with a request for mental health assistance, you will likely be referred to a community-based mental health provider that offers low or reduced cost services. Some providers provide services for free. The City also manages a number of public mental health clinics that neighbors can currently access via telehealth.

Steps

1. [IF UNINSURED] Find out if you qualify for Medicaid, Medicare, or an affordable plan on the exchange. Many community-based healthcare providers (like Tapestry) can help you apply for insurance and determine whether you qualify for certain programs. If you’re not able to find an insurance plan that works for you, some community-based providers will still be able to provide service to you at no or low costs. We recommend reaching out directly to the organizations included in our Additional Resources section below to inquire about your options. 

2. [IF INSURED THROUGH MEDICAID] While some private therapy practices do accept Medicaid, many do not, and so it can sometimes be a frustrating experience trying to access mental health care at private practices. Community-based organizations and federally-qualified health centers serve all patients regardless of their ability to pay. There may be a longer waitlist to access services through these organizations due to high demand. In the Additional Resources section below, you will find a list of community-based providers in or near the 47th Ward. You can also inquire about scholarship programs at private practices. 

3. [IF NOT ABLE TO ACCESS INSURANCE] Chicago’s public mental health clinics are free to those who cannot access insurance. Many times, these clinics do not have a waitlist for services. Below you will find a list of all of the public mental health clinics in Chicago. 

4. [IF EXPERIENCING A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS] Call 9-8-8 to connect with Mobile Crisis Response Team or request mental health resources. They provide free and confidential mental health help for those experiencing a crisis. You can also visit the Thresholds Living Room program.

Additional resources

• Overview of Medicaid

• Apply for Medicaid

• Overview of Medicare

• Apply for Medicare

• North River Mental Health Clinic: 5801 N. Pulaski Road — 312.744.1906

• Alternatives Inc.: 4730 N. Sheridan Road — 773.506.7474

• Asian Human Services: 2416 W. Peterson Ave — 773.761.0300

• Community Counseling Services of Chicago (C4): 740 N. Clark Street — 773.769.0205

• Catholic Charities: 1114 W. Grace Street — 773.327.1605

• Erie Teen and Young Adult Health Center: 1945 W. Wilson Ave #7th — 312.666.3494

• Heartland Alliance: 845 W. Wilson Ave — 312.660.1300

• Howard Brown Health: 4025 N Sheridan Rd and 3245 N Halsted St — 773.388.1600

• NAMI Chicago: 1801 W. Warner Ave Suite 202 — 833.626.4244
  

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We always welcome suggestions on how to improve city services, so we can pass the feedback along to the Department and the Mayor’s office. Please send feedback and suggestions to info@aldermanmartin.com. It’s important to know that our city budget plays a significant role in determining the quality and timeliness of service that departments can provide. You can sign up for updates about the budget process and our town halls here.

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