Chicago Department Of Public Health Offers No Cost Mental Health Resources

Photo provided by the Chicago Department of Public Health.
Photo provided by the Chicago Department of Public Health.

Chicago Department Of Public Health Offers No Cost Mental Health Resources

By Tia Carol Jones

The holidays can be a time of happiness. They can also be a time of loneliness. The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has resources available to those who need them.

Kathy Calderon, Director of Behavioral Health Program Operations at CDPH, said the holidays can be a complicated time for people, with additional stressors and more exposure to different kinds of social situations. Calderon said that it is normal to have feelings of loneliness and elevated stress around this time and people who feel that way do have resources within the Chicago Department of Public Health that they can take advantage of.

The CDPH has a network of mental health providers, which includes seven city-run clinics that offer services free of charge to children, adolescents and adults. They offer outpatient therapy, psychiatry services, case management and nursing.  CDPH also funds a network of 37 providers across the city that offer no cost mental health services.

Calderon said the no-cost is a low barrier to entry and access to care. The goal is to ensure there are no obstacles that would interfere with a person getting the services they need. No cost makes these services available regardless of ability to pay, immigration status or health insurance.

Healing Arts Chicago is a CDPH initiative that integrates local artists who are trained as community health workers. They provide workshops and supports within the seven CDPH mental health clinics. These artists provide movement therapy and art therapy options. Calderon said that while the artists are not trained mental health clinicians, they are trained for art and community health work, and can provide emotional support.

On Thursday, Dec. 4th the CDPH will be hosting a free suicide prevention training from 5p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Englewood clinic, 641 W. 63rd St. The suicide prevention training will be followed by an elevated sound meditation class led by Healing Arts artist Shannon Harris from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The hourlong suicide prevention trainings are meant to debunk myths about suicide, help people understand warning signs of someone having suicidal ideations, how to talk to someone who might be experiencing emotional distress and how to get them connected to care.

There are a variety of instructors, some who have behavioral health training and some who are more public health professionals from different disciplines. Calderon said the question, persuade and refer model allows people to generate dialogue about suicide, build community and ensure resources are getting out to the community.

The harm reduction training focuses on the use of naloxone to reverse an opioid overdose, the use of fentanyl tests strips and how to reduce the harm around using substances, as well as the substance abuse resources that are available within the CDPH, which includes the vending machines that have naloxone and free basic needs.

For more information about the Healing Arts Chicago or to register for a class, visit Chicago.gov/HealingArts. For more information about the CDPH Mental Health Clinic locations, visit Chicago.gov/MentalHealthClinics.

For those in need of immediate help, call or text 988 for the 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Chat and video options are also available at 988Lifeline.org. However, if someone is in immediate danger, call 911.

Latest Stories

Latest Podcast

Secretary of State Giannoulias