Emotional Health Resources
This list is organized this with urgent and acute services first. These are hotlines and resources for dangerous or debilitating feelings. Thoughts of suicide or self harm need to be addressed immediately. Feelings of being unable to complete basic activities of daily life also need to be recognized and addressed.
Next in the list are resources for therapy/counseling.
For all life threatening emergencies call 911.
Hotlines and crisis services
Disaster Distress Helpline --- 800-98505990
Illinois 2-1-1--- dial 211 and then press 1
Illinois Crisis Hotline --- 800-422-0009
Lake County Crisis Care Program --- 847-377-8088
National Alliance for Mental Illness - Chicago Hotline --- 833-626-4244
National Domestic Violence Hotline --- 800-799-7233
National Helpline --- 800-662-HELP (4357)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline --- 800-273-TALK (8255) English/Spanish
Illinois Child Abuse or Neglect- 800-252-2873 (800-25-ABUSE)
United Way First Call For Help ---800-492-0618
Counseling
When looking to begin counseling, a good place to start is your Primary Health Care Provider. Some physicians in the area have even begun to share office space with a mental health provider or have brought them onto their staff. Your Primary Health Care Provider can give recommendations to meet your specific needs. Also, check with your health insurance Find A Provider feature on the website or by calling your insurance company.
Note - Developing a relationship with a therapist or counselor is a very personal process. One tip for choosing a provider is to read the biography of a prospective therapist/counselor on the "Psychology Today" website.
Informational Resources:
Children's Mental Health Matters
National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) is a great source of information