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Normal is
No one actually feels normal. Mental health is messy, complicated, and different for everyone. And that’s OK. NAMI Chicago is here for you.
Moving Chicago beyond crisis
Find the support that’s right for you
Whatever your situation, NAMI Chicago can help you find the right support, resources, and next steps.
Navigating the mental health system
Finding care, understanding your options, and knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. We’ve pulled together information to help you navigate mental health treatment, types of providers, insurance, legal processes, and support services across Chicago and suburban Cook County.
Advocating for a mental health system that works for everyone
In Cook County, nearly 1 in 4 people (more than 1.2 million), need behavioral health support. Yet over 400,000 are not getting the care they need.
Too many people are still falling through the cracks due to gaps in access, workforce shortages, and a fragmented system that leaves people without support when they need it most.
NAMI Chicago is working to change that. We advocate for policies that expand access to care, strengthen the crisis response, and build a more connected, community-based mental health system.
Breaking down barriers to mental health care for everyone
988 Crisis Lifeline
988 Crisis Lifeline
Classes, Presentations + Trainings
Classes, Presentations + Trainings
Care Coordination
Care Coordination
NAMI Chicago Helpline
NAMI Chicago Helpline
Recovery Services
Recovery Services
Support Groups
Support Groups
Free and confidential peer-led support groups
NAMI Chicago offers free support groups for adults living with mental health conditions and for family members, friends, and caregivers supporting someone on their mental health journey.
Be part of the community shaping mental health in Chicago
Latest from NAMI Chicago
Keep up with NAMI Chicago on social media
Find relevant, up-to-date mental health resources on NAMI Chicago’s social accounts. You’ll hear about our latest news, policy action, and more!
YouTube
The Beyond Crisis Summit was just the beginning — and now the work is moving forward.
We’ve released the Beyond Crisis Summit Report, capturing what more than 300 people with lived experience, providers, advocates, policymakers, and community leaders identified as key opportunities to better support people experiencing repeated cycles of mental health crisis.
The report looks at where our current systems fall short, what stronger community-based support could look like, and the ideas that will help inform the Coalition’s work ahead.
If you care about how Chicago can better support people before, during, and after a mental health crisis, we hope you’ll take a look.
Tap the link in our bio to read the report.🔗
Support starts with a conversation. 💛 YOU are not alone.
Our Chief Program Officer, Jasmine Watkins, spoke with @abc7chicago`s @samantha.chatman to talk about suicide prevention, including signs, interventions, and the value of connection for those experiencing a crisis.
Dr. Wallace and Monique Pollard also joined Chatman to remember Landon Wallace, also known as DJ Commando, and share tips for parents and loved ones of individuals who are struggling.
Tap the 🔗 link in bio to watch Our Chicago.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please 📱call or text #988 anytime, day or night. Be sure to check in with family and friends. Ask how they`re really doing, and listen without judgement. #YouMatter #988Lifeline #SuicidePreventionMonth
Your story is 💚 powerful.
Sharing your experience 📢 can help policymakers understand what helps and what`s needed to support people living with mental health conditions.
Join us virtually for NAMI Smarts for Advocacy workshop on Wednesday, September 30 at 12 pm to learn how you can turn your experience with mental health conditions into a grassroots advocacy story. Click the🔗 link in our bio to register. #advocacyworkshop
The Beyond Crisis Coalition is moving from conversation to action with our first meeting in the books! 📢On September 10, Coalition members came together to:
✅ Reflect on what we heard at the Summit
✅ Review findings from the tabletop exercise
✅ Work together to identify priorities across four areas: Health, Home, Belonging, and Purpose.
This is still the beginning, and the Coalition is continuing to grow.
If you want to help shape stronger community-based systems of support for people experiencing repeated cycles of mental health crisis, we’d love to have you involved.
Click the 🔗 link in our bio to join the coalition!
On behalf of the entire NAMI Chicago team, THANK YOU🧡!!!
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community — TOGETHER, we raised nearly $700,000 for mental health care, advocacy, and support at this year`s Light the Darkness 2026. This is a record-breaking amount and it`s all made possible by each and every one of you.
Every donation and every contribution supports a better mental health future for Chicago, one that makes communities feel prioritized, understood, and supported.
If you weren`t able to give and simply want to keep the momentum going, it`s not too late — you can still donate and help NAMI Chicago bring hope and support to those who need it most. Tap the 🔗 link in our bio to donate! #LightTheDarkness #namichicago #socialgood
