Family CARES Community
Mental Health Center
Stronger Minds. Stronger Families. Stronger Futures.
Who We Are
In June 2017, Northwestern Settlement launched Family CARES to provide free, bilingual, on-site mental health counseling and family wellness services to members of the Settlement community. In 2023, Family CARES expanded its capacity and officially received its designation as a Community Mental Health Center.
The Family CARES Community Mental Health Center is staffed by Qualified Mental Health Practitioners dedicated to providing compassionate, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed care. Our therapists hold a range of professional credentials, including MA, MSW, LPC, LSW, LCPC, and LCSW qualifications.
To ensure the highest quality of care, all clinicians participate in ongoing professional development and continuing education throughout the year.
What We Offer
The Family CARES Center addresses a wide range of behavioral and emotional needs through a comprehensive, person-centered approach to care. In addition to individual therapy, Family CARES offers case management services to help connect individuals and families with resources, supports, and services that promote overall well-being.
Services are available in both English and Spanish. Our staff is committed to providing an inclusive and culturally responsive environment that respects and affirms individuals of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and cultural backgrounds.
Group Therapy
Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy in which a group of patients meet to describe and discuss their problems together under the supervision of a therapist.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy is a joint process between a therapist and a person in therapy. Common goals of therapy can be to inspire change or improve quality of life. People may seek therapy for help with issues that are hard to face alone. Individual therapy is also called therapy, psychotherapy, psychosocial therapy, talk therapy, and counseling.
Family Therapy
Family therapy is a form of psychotherapy that seeks to reduce distress and conflict by improving the systems of interactions between family members.
Our Partners
The Healthy Chicago Mental Health Collective (HC-MHC) is a Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) initiative that mobilizes CDPH’s Mental Health Centers and partner organizations to expand behavioral health services for Chicago residents.
Aligned with the Healthy Chicago Strategic Plan, HC-MHC works to close gaps in care and improve health outcomes across Chicago communities. Northwestern Settlement House’s Family CARES is proud to be an HC-MHC partner. Together, we are building a healthier, more resilient Chicago.
Resources
If you are in crisis, you may want to call a crisis line if you need to speak to a mental health professional immediately. Below, please see a list of resources available in the community and their contact information.
NAMI Chicago
If you are in crisis or need to speak with a mental health professional immediately, you may want to contact one of the crisis resources listed below. These organizations provide support and assistance to individuals in need throughout the community.
NAMI Chicago Helpline: Call or text HELPLINE to 833-NAMI-CHI (626-4244) for free and confidential support. Available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and weekends from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
24/7 free and confidential support and crisis resources
Crisis Textline: text CONNECT to 741741
24/7 text message support for those in crisis
National Runaway Switchboard: 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929)
24/7 crisis support and resources for runaway and homeless youth
Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-25-ABUSE (1-800-252-2873)
24/7 Illinois DCFS hotline to report child abuse or neglect
Between Friends: 1-800-603-HELP (1-800-603-4357)
24/7 domestic violence crisis line
Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline: 1-888-293-2080
24/7 Chicago rape hotline for survivors of sexual violence and their significant others.
Not in crisis, but need someone to talk to?
Illinois Warm Line: (866) 359-7953
Peer and family mental health support by phone, weekdays M - F 9 am – 5 pm
If this is an emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.