Building Community Connections: Mental Health Resources in Evanston

As therapists in Evanston here at Evanston Counseling, we are passionate about building a community that supports mental well-being. Life can be challenging, frustrating, and full of surprises. So, we are here to come alongside you in times of difficulty or crisis. Yet, we recognize that many beautiful pieces make up a mosaic of mental wellness in Evanston. We created this blog to inform you of the wealth of community partners who will have your back and mental health resources in Evanston, IL (of course, we are here for you, too!) Hopefully, they will also help to strengthen your heart in grief, hardship, or stress. Let’s dive in!

Finding Support When You Need It Most Through Mental Health Resources in Evanston

Sometimes, a crisis explodes and you need immediate help. Evanston has a robust network of organizations that are at your service:

1. 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline – If you’re having painful thoughts and need to talk with someone to feel safe, call 988. Trained counselors staff this hotline (available 24/7/365) and can help you to feel heard and less alone. Then, you’ll receive resources to connect you to local help.
2. Trilogy First-response Alternative Crisis Team (FACT) Evanston – FACT is a mobile response crisis team that provides support in a mental health emergency. Trilogy clinical staff will arrive when and where you need help with support and resources to assist you. Call 800-FACT400 (800-322-8400) for immediate assistance.
3. Crisis Intervention Services (through NorthShore Hospital/Endeavor Health) – The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health offers crisis-related services with a crisis intervention hotline with 24/7 coverage and emergency psychiatric evaluations. Contact them at 847.570.2500
4. Compass Health Center: You may be in a mental health crisis, but you know that you don’t want to go to the emergency room. Maybe, Compass Health Center is just the resource you need. They provide intensive outpatient programs along with partial hospitalization. They care for everyone in your family:  children, teens, young adults, and adults.

Building Resilience Through Community in Evanston

Individual therapy is crucial. However, sometimes the magic lies in shared experiences. Here are some invaluable group programs in Evanston:

1. Turning Point Behavioral Health Care Center: The staff compassionately offers to accompany you through managing a crisis or creating a plan for long-term mental health. At Turning Point, you can receive individual therapy, case management, independent living support, and group therapy.
2. Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) Chicago Chapter: Are you feeling weighed down by anxiety or depression? If so, the AADA’s support group offers a safe space to connect with others facing similar challenges. To service everyone, the Chicago area hosts anxiety support groups for adults and teens. Check out the list of groups here.
3. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): The Cook County North Suburban chapter provides free peer-led support groups for individuals living with mental illness and their loved ones. Currently, they are offering support groups for families and those dealing with grief and loss.
4. SunCloud Health: Do you struggle with substance use disorders, eating disorders, process addictions, or trauma? The team at SunCloud Health provides a personalized approach, treating you holistically and helping you to begin the journey to live free.

Holistic Wellness for a Thriving Mind

Since mental health is intertwined with overall well-being, here are some mental health resources that take a holistic approach:

1. The YMCA of Evanston – You know that movement enhances your mental wellness. They offer a variety of fitness programs, which are bound to have a positive impact on mental health. Consider joining a group fitness class or exploring their personal training options.
2. City of Evanston Community Gardens – There are four different community garden sites in Evanston with over 250 plots to rent. There is a lottery system for receiving a plot. The entrance period is over for the 2024 gardening season, but you may reach out to coordinators for more information.
3. The Evanston Public Library – The library hosts a series of varied health and wellness events. You can also check the stacks for one of the many books or DVDs they have on mental wellness. 
4. City of Evanston Cultural Arts Classes – Art has the power to heal. You can sign up for a class to boost your mental health. The City of Evanston offers pottery, watercolor, and acrylic painting, guitar, salsa dancing, and adult ballet classes.

Mental Health Resources for Strengthening Community Connections

Building community connections goes beyond merely identifying mental health resources. We must also think about fostering a sense of belonging and support. Here are some strategies to strengthen community bonds for mental health in our city:

Networking Events

You can attend local mental health networking events, workshops, and conferences. You’ll meet like-minded people open to connecting on the mental wellness journey. You could also pick a topic you are interested in. There is probably a networking event for that group. For example, the Evanston Chamber of Commerce hosts monthly programs and networking events. You don’t have to be a member to attend! You can join the happy hour or the breakfast. The Chamber also has networking events for women, Black professionals, and Latinx leadership. Check out all of the events here.

Community Outreach

Engage in community outreach initiatives by volunteering in an area of personal interest. Do you love cats? Paws and Claws Cat Rescue would love to have you on their cat care crew. If you have grant writing skills, you can help by assisting them in writing grants for animal rescue. Check out Volunteer Evanston for a list of other organizations that need your help. You may begin to feel better as you help others. Perhaps getting outside in the sun is more your thing and you love nurturing plants. You might want to volunteer with the Evanston Garden Club. They work to beautify the city with flowers and have provided a community garden at a senior center. Join this group, and you’ll connect with fellow plant lovers!

Meet-Up Groups

Do you like board games, cycling, or motocamping? Are you an introvert, neurodivergent, or an LGBT widow or widower? You can find your people at the vast online and in-person Meet Up groups in the Chicago area.

Find Mental Health Resources through Professional Compassionate Therapy in Evanston, IL

If you’re looking for a therapist in Evanston, IL, feel free to reach out to Evanston Counseling and explore if we might be a good fit. During this time, you can share with us your goals. We’ll let you know what we offer and how we work with new clients.

For you to determine if we are the right fit for you, consider the following. Think about your specific needs. Do you need someone specializing in anxiety, depression, or relationship issues? It can be good to focus on what you are dealing with to figure out which type of therapist is right for you. Exploring different therapeutic approaches is also important. There are various therapy styles, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, or LGBTQ+ affirming therapy. Think about what would be the right type of therapy for you. When you are ready to make a change in your life, you just need to get started. We hope that this list of mental health resources is a useful starting place. Get the therapy and other support you need. Start healing the anxiety and loneliness by following the steps below: 

1. Reach out to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation.
2. Speak with an experienced Evanston therapist.
3. Explore mental health resources to live a more balanced life!

Other Therapy Services Offered at Evanston Counseling in Evanston, Chicago, and throughout Illinois

At Evanston Counseling, our commitment extends beyond offering Mental Health Resources in Evanston, IL. We provide a comprehensive range of specialized care to address various mental health concerns. Our therapy services include Therapy for Moms, Therapy for Young Adults, Therapy for Teenagers, and Therapy for College Students, catering to individuals facing challenges like Depression, and Chronic Pain. We embrace diverse therapeutic modalities, including Hypnotherapy, Pet Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, ensuring a personalized approach that meets the unique needs of those seeking support. Reach out to us today to discover how our experienced team can equip you with valuable tools and strategies for emotional well-being, fostering a balanced and happier life free from anxiety.