Mental Health and Community Resources
CCAPS-screen: self-guided mental health check-in
North Park students can access the CCAPS-Screen, a quick and anonymous mental health screening tool developed by the Center for Collegiate Mental Health at Penn State.
- Screens for depression, anxiety, social anxiety, academic distress, eating concerns, family stress, alcohol use, suicidal thoughts, and frustration.
- Takes 2–3 minutes on any device.
- Results are instantly scored and shown in a private profile report.
- No personal data is collected or stored.
- Designed for self-reflection only — no professional review is included.
Students who report elevated distress and/or thoughts of ending their life should seek support following the local/national crisis resources listed on the profile report.
Mental health first aid (MHFA)
What is MHFA?
Mental Health First Aid is a public education program that teaches participants how to:
- Recognize signs and symptoms of mental health challenges or crises.
- Listen non-judgmentally and offer reassurance.
- Refer individuals to appropriate support and services.
The course is designed for anyone who wants to better support someone experiencing mental health challenges.
Course details:
- Format: Live, synchronous training (5–6 hours), in person or online
- Pre-work: 2 hours of self-paced learning before the live session
- Objectives include:
- Understanding the impact of mental health challenges on adults
- Recognizing early warning signs
- Using the MHFA Action Plan to respond to mental health concerns and crises
- Practicing self-care after offering support
Digital and online mental health resources
- Offers in-person and online support groups for individuals with mood disorders and their families.
- Parents can join the Balanced Mind Parent Network for support.
- Local Chicago chapter: dbsa-gc.org.(DBSA Alliance)
- The largest grassroots mental health organization providing advocacy, education, support, and public awareness.
- Chicago chapter website: namichicago.org.
NAMI emotional support hotlines
- NAMI HelpLine: 800-950-NAMI (6264), Monday–Friday, 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. ET.
- NAMI Resource Library: Extensive list of support groups and resources.(NAMI)
- 7 Cups: Free text chat with trained listeners; fee-based therapy also available; Spanish available.
- Emotions Anonymous: Online peer support via meetings, chat, Skype, phone.
- The Tribe Wellness Community: Free peer support groups (addiction, anxiety, depression, etc.).
- SupportGroups.com: 200+ online support groups.
- For Like Minds: Connects those affected by mental illness or substance use.
- Psych Central: Resources, quizzes, “Ask the Therapist,” support communities.(Emotions Anonymous, Therapy Tribe)
- Use the Guide to Accessing Mental Health Counseling and accompanying video for help.
- Counseling Support Services staff can assist with insurance navigation and community resources.
- ThrivingCampus: Tool to find community mental health providers
Mental health and community resources for students without health insurance
- The Kedzie Center: Mental health services regardless of ability to pay; English and Spanish.
- 4141 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago | (773) 754-0577
- Cook County Health, Provident Hospital: Counseling and psychiatry; charity care available.
- 500 E 51st St, Chicago | (312) 572-2000
- Erie Family Health: Mental, physical, dental care regardless of ability to pay.
- 5215 N California, 7th Floor | (312) 666-3494
- Howard Brown Health: LGBTQ mental and physical health care regardless of ability to pay.
- 4025 N Sheridan Rd | (773) 388-1600
- Rise Above the Disorder: Resources for therapy, mental health questions, grants.
- SAMHSA Treatment Locator: 800-662-HELP (4357).
- Federally Funded Health Centers: Sliding scale community health centers.
- National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics: Medical, dental, pharmacy, behavioral health services.
- Open Counseling: Affordable counseling connections.
- Open Path: Reduced-rate therapy network; membership fee applies (800-268-2833).
- Theravive: Licensed counselors network offering affordable care.
- ACPE: Pastoral counseling from trained ministers, often free.
Additional resource highlights
- Local: Eating Recovery Centers, The Renfrew Center.
- National: NIMH, NEDA, MEDA, National Alliance for Eating Disorders.
- Helpline: (800) 931-2237 (Monday–Thursday: 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. ET, Friday: 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. ET) with texting and chat options.
- SAMHSA and NIDA provide resources and research.
- Recovery programs include Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon, Narcotics Anonymous, Celebrate Recovery, Cocaine Anonymous, and Tobacco Quitline (1-866-QUIT-YES).
- Additional resources: Smokefree.gov, CDC tobacco cessation, National Poison Control (1-800-222-1222).
- Community services: Mujeres Latinas En Accion, Center on Halsted, KAN-WIN, Apna Ghar, Life Span, City of Chicago Office on Domestic Violence.
- Sexual violence support: Resilience, Greenlight Family Services, Metro YWCA, RAINN (1-800-656-HOPE).
- Relationship violence: SHALVA, Between Friends, National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE).
- Healthcare.gov for plan signup and Medicaid applications.
- Assistance Fund for financial help with medical costs.
- Medication help: Needy Meds, RX Assist
Contact
Counseling Support Services
3317 W. Foster Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 244-4897
(773) 423-4396: fax