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
✨ ONE MONTH to go! ✨
Our CEO, Matt Davison, has a special message as we count down to the 2026 ✨ Light the Darkness Gala.
Join us for an unforgettable evening dedicated to hope, healing, and strengthening mental health in our community. Every ticket, every donation, and every conversation helps create a brighter future.
We can`t wait to see you there. 🧡
📅 September 17th, 2026
🎟️ Get your tickets at the link 🔗 in our bio.
#LightTheDarkness #NAMIChicago #MentalHealthMatters
We`re honored to feature Dr. @thomasinselmd, one of the nation`s leading voices in 🌱 mental health.
As a psychiatrist, neuroscientist, former Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, and author of Healing: Our Path from Mental Illness to Mental Health, Dr. Insel has dedicated his career to advancing mental health research, expanding access to care, and reimagining what our mental health system can be.
Hear his message on why conversations like this matter and how we can all play a role in building 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
Missed the rally? 📢 We got you covered.
Recently, NAMI Chicago joined Protect Our Care Illinois (POCIL) Partners at the 61st anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid to celebrate these landmark programs and call for the protection of accessible healthcare for all.
Dozens of advocates, providers, elected officials, community leaders and supporters, gathered together to speak out against federal cuts to these essential programs and to demand healthcare that works for all of us.
We also heard 🫂 personal stories from those whose lives have been changed for the better by Medicare and Medicaid.
Stay tuned for more Medicaid updates!
A recent statewide survey of Illinois emergency departments, led by Dr. Jennifer Hoffman of Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital @luriechildrens, revealed several emergency care gaps for children experiencing a mental health crisis.
NAMI Chicago CEO, Matt Davison, details this study and shares his thoughts on the resources that are needed to improve a system where fewer children reach the ER in crisis.
Link in bio 🔗to read the full story. @chicagosuntimes
#Mentalhealthcare #EmergencyCare #YouthMentalHealth
Meet our mental health champions that will be honored at ✨ Light the Darkness🧡
We proudly honor the Dauten family, Alexa James, Makayla Gonsky, and Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation, for their remarkable achievements and commitment to building stronger, healthier communities.
Join us in recognizing our 💡 Light the Darkness Honorees on Thursday, September 17 at The Geraghty.
🔗Link in bio to get tickets!
#LighttheDarkness #EndTheStigma #NAMIChicago
