Get help right now Get help right now
Call or text the NAMI Chicago Helpline
833-626-4244 | Free and confidential
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
Let’s make our voices heard. 📢
Evey Illinois family deserves access to affordable, quality care.
On the 61st anniversary of Medicaid and Medicare being signed into law, we come together to celebrate the programs that have transformed millions of lives, and to defend them from ongoing attacks.
Join organizations from across Illinois tomorrow at 10:00am at Federal Plaza as we stand together for Medicaid, Medicare, and accessible healthcare for all.
Link in bio 🔗 to sign up!
Meet Dr. Samuel Jackson, a street psychiatrist and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Rush University, Loyola University Chicago, and the University of Illinois Chicago. 🤝
Through his work, Dr. Jackson is helping expand access to mental health care by meeting people where they are and advocating for compassionate, community-based support.
Hear his thoughts on the importance of conversations like those at Beyond Crisis, and why every one of us has a role to play in creating a future where mental health is prioritized. 💚
Interested in joining the Beyond Crisis Coalition, sign up for our first virtual meeting on September 10 at 12pm by tapping the link in our bio.
#NAMIChicago #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #BeyondCrisis @rushuniversity @loyolachicago @thisisuic
We are excited to announce that Jasmine Watkins, our Chief Program Officer has joined the Leadership Greater Chicago Signature Fellows Program Class of 2027!
This prestigious program brings together leaders from across the Chicago region to strengthen collaboration, expand their impact, and help shape a more equitable future. We are incredibly proud to see Jasmine recognized for her leadership and look forward to the meaningful contributions she will continue to make both within NAMI Chicago and throughout our community.
Congratulations, Jasmine! 👏🌟
#NAMIChicago #LeadGreat #LGCActivate @LGC_Chicago
Every story can spark change. ⚡
Join NAMI Smarts for Advocacy: Reimagine Crisis, a 90-minute interactive virtual workshop where you`ll learn how to turn your lived experience with the mental health crisis system into meaningful grassroots advocacy.
Whether you`ve navigated the mental health crisis system yourself or want to be part of creating change, this workshop is for you.
🗓️ August 5 at 12 PM
💻 Virtual via Zoom
Register today through the 🔗 link in our bio!
#NAMIChicago #NAMISmarts #MentalHealthAdvocacy
We`re still reflecting on all the meaningful conversations from the ✨💙 Beyond Crisis Summit.
The work doesn`t stop here. We hope you`ll join us for ✨Light the Darkness, NAMI Chicago`s annual gala, as we continue building hope, celebrating our community, and raising critical funds for mental health care across Chicago. 💚
The coalition and advocacy work we began at the Summit is fueled by our fundraising efforts like Light the Darkness.
Whether you joined us at the summit or have been looking for a way to get involved, we`d love to see you there. Together, we can continue creating a future where no one has to face mental health challenges alone.
🎟️ Link in bio to get tickets!
#NAMIChicago #LightTheDarkness #MentalHealthMatters
