No matter what you’re going through

Call 833-NAMI-CHI (626-4244)

 

Introducing text and chat

Local support is just a message away. Chat us using the tool in bottom right
of this page or by texting ‘HELPLINE’ to either of our numbers listed above.

The NAMI Chicago
Helpline is ready to support you.

Our local team of trained specialists will listen without judgment,
help you make an action plan, provide emotional support and connect you to mental health resources.

 
 

Our Helpline is here for you.

Monday through Friday 9 AM to 8 PM
Saturday and Sunday 9 AM to 5 PM

The NAMI Chicago Helpline serves all of
Chicago and suburban Cook County 

 
 
 
 
 

Who can call the helpline?

Anyone can call our helpline, including:

 

People
calling for themselves 

People
who are supporting
a loved one 

Providers who need
resources for a client 

 

Reasons to Reach Out

 
 

  • Help navigating mental health resources in Chicago and suburban Cook County  

  • Access to local support groups and community support 

  • Support for trauma and grief,
    loneliness, LGBTQ+ community 

  • Help learning how the mental health
    care system works 

 
 

What happens when you reach out

 
 
 

  1. We ask a few questions to get started and help guide your conversation with a local, trained specialist. 

  2. Your specialist will provide the support you need, work with you to develop a plan for whatever you’re going through and connect you to local resources.  

  3. If it’s alright with you, they’ll check in later to see how things are going. 

 

Get support now 
Call or Text
Helpline
833-626-4244 

 

Looking for a Support Group? 

NAMI Chicago offers support groups virtually and in-person for people with mental health conditions to connect with one another, as well as family groups for people who are supporting someone living with a mental health condition. 

Are you experiencing a crisis? 

Your life is important.
If you or someone you know is in danger of harming themself or others, please seek emergency medical services
or call a trusted crisis hotline. 

 
 
See Schedule
 
Resources
 
 
 
 
 
 

Contacting the Helpline – What to expect? 

Calling the NAMI Chicago Helpline 

Here is what you can expect when making a call to the NAMI Chicago Helpline. 

  • First, you’ll hear a message that gives you service selection options including English or Spanish languages. You will then hear a message asking if you would like to complete an after-call survey. 

  • We’ll play some hold music while you are connected to a live specialist. 

  • If a specialist is available, they will say hello and introduce themselves. If specialists are on calls with others, you will hear a message that offers you three options – stay on the line, request a callback or leave a voicemail. 

  • After you connect with a specialist, they will listen to you, understand how your problem is affecting you, provide support, and share any resources that may be helpful. 

Texting with the NAMI Chicago Helpline 

Here is what you can expect when texting the Helpline. 

  • When you text the word “HELPLINE”  to NAMI Chicago, you are opting in to receive texts from NAMI Chicago and agree to our Data Policy & Security Notice. 

  • You will then be asked to complete a brief survey to help your specialist understand how they can best support you. 

  • Your specialist will say hello and introduce themselves.  

  • After they ask about your needs, they will be calm and comforting, listen to you, and provide support. They may also share helpful resources. 

Chatting with the NAMI Chicago Helpline 

Here is what you can expect when starting a chat with the Helpline.

  • After clicking “Chat” a new window with a brief survey will open. This survey helps our live specialists understand how to best support you and takes less than 5 minutes to complete. 

  • When you click “Start Chat”, you accept our Data Policy & Security Notice.  

  • You will then see a message that indicates we are connecting you to a live specialist. 

  • When you are connected, a specialist will say hello and introduce themselves.  

  • After they ask about your needs, they will be calm and comforting, listen to you, and provide support. They may also share helpful resources.