Resources
NAMI Chicago refers community members to over 700 resources through our free Helpline, open seven days a week. Below are a handful of resources that we have found helpful to many. This is not an exhaustive list - call us at 833-626-4244 to talk through your needs.
Mental Health Hotlines
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
988
988 is the a three-digit dialing code that will connect callers in crisis to trained counselors that will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.
CARES & SASS
1-800-345-9049
Crisis hotline, mental health evaluation, and other services for youth and adults with Medicaid.
Crisis Textline
Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a volunteer Crisis Counselor
Free 24/7 support at your fingertips.
Substance Use
Illinois Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances
1-833-234-6343 or text HELP to 833234
The only statewide, public resource for finding substance use treatment and recovery services in Illinois serving people using opioids and other substances, with or without insurance.
Mental Health for Youth
NAMI Chicago’s Youth Website
Mental Health information and resources for young people.
Seize the Awkward
Helping young people talk about mental health.
LGBTQIA+
Brave Space Alliance
1-872-333-5199
Black-led & Trans-led org providing affirming, culturally competent, “for us, by us” resources in Chicago.
The Center on Halsted
1-773-472-6469
The Midwest's most comprehensive community center dedicated to advancing community and securing the health and well-being of the LGBTQ people of Chicagoland.
Howard Brown Health Center
1-773-388-1600
Rooted in LGBTQ+ liberation, Howard Brown Health provides affirming healthcare and mobilizes for social justice.
Trans Lifeline
1-877-565-8860
Trans Lifeline provides trans peer support for our community. Trans Lifeline is run by and for trans people.
The Trevor Project
1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678
The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and mental health organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people.
Bisexual Queer Alliance Chicago
BQAC’s mission is to educate, empower, and provide resources for bisexual and queer persons through in-person and hybrid groups, events, and programming.
Veterans
Make the Connection
Veterans and their loved ones talk about their experiences, challenges, and recovery.
The Road Home
(312) 942-8387 (VETS)
Or fill out the form here: Get Care
The Road Home Program is dedicated to the mental health and wellness of veterans, service members, members of the National Guard, reservists and families at no cost and regardless of discharge status.
Veterans Crisis Line
1-800-273-8255 or text 838255
24/7, confidential crisis support for Veterans and their loved ones.
Housing Needs for Adults
311 City Services
311
If you are in need of an immediate shelter in the city of Chicago, call 311 to request assistance.
Chicago Coordinated Entry System
1-312-361-1707
If you are sleeping in a shelter, outside, in a vehicle, or any place not meant for human habitation, call the Coordinated Entry Call Center to complete a housing assessment. Open Monday through Friday from 8:30am – 4:00pm. Please note: this may or may not lead to a housing option and does not solve your immediate housing crisis, but it will get you on a list to recieve services.
Housing Needs for Youth
Comprehensive Community Based Youth Services
877-870-2663
CCBYS works to help young people who are seperated from their families. If you are under 18 and need a place to stay tonight call 877-870-2663.
National Runaway Safeline
1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929)
The National Runaway Safeline (NRS) works to keep young people who’ve run away or are experiencing homelessness safe and off the streets. If you are under 18 and need a place to stay tonight, call 1-800-RUNAWAY
Shelters for Young Adults
If you are between 18 and 24, here are a few shelters just for young adults, that accept walk-ins.
Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence
Between Friends
1-800-603-HELP (1-800-603-4357)
Between Friends is dedicated to preventing domestic violence and ending the cycle of abuse by equipping communities in Chicago with the tools necessary for everyone to feel safe and equal in their relationships.
City of Chicago Domestic Violence Helpline
1-877-863-6338
The City of Chicago Domestic Violence Help Line is a 24-hour, toll-free confidential number that provides services and information for those experiencing domestic violence.
Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline
888-293-2080
Operating 24/7, the Rape Crisis Hotline provides survivors and their significant others immediate support, crisis intervention and referrals for the city of Chicago and surrounding suburbs.
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN)
1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673)
RAINN is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization and hotline—call for services and resources.
Feeling overwhelmed?
That’s okay. There are a lot of numbers on this page. Just call NAMI Chicago’s Helpline at 833-626-4244 and we’ll connect you to whatever you need.