Creating a Network of Care for Chicago’s Mental Health Care Needs

Mental illnesses, disorders, and burnout used to be ignored, swept under the rug, or seen as ailments to be ashamed of or signs of weakness.

Fortunately, attitudes have changed, to the point where therapy is openly discussed and many companies grant mental health days to employees who need a break from everyday stress.

Now, 87% of American adults believe that having a mental health disorder is nothing to be ashamed of, and 86% think that those with such a condition can eventually get better. according to a 2018 survey conducted by The Harris Poll for the American Psychological Association.

That perspective was a godsend for the last 2 ¹⁄_two years, when many Americans hit a wall trying to navigate life in the midst of a global health crisis. But unfortunately, some people are still embarrassed to seek help, don’t know how to communicate, and fear they won’t be able to afford treatment.

Chicago is doing something about it, we’re happy to report. Its Mental Health Equity plan is expanding access to more mental health care facilities, and is scheduled to launch a 211 phone number this fall that will make it easier for people to connect with health and social services, including advice.

It’s time. Chicago is the only major city in the country that does not yet have a 211 system.

The recent introduction of 988, the federal government’s national mental health crisis hotline, made it easier for people in crisis to get help. Launching in suburban Cook County at the same time, Chicago’s 211 system will streamline the process of finding the right resources for people who may not be in crisis, but need help with their emotional well-being. Both numbers will free up non-emergency 311 operators, who can then focus on calls about trash pickup, tree trimming and potholes.

At the same time, the Chicago Department of Public Health will continue its mental health plan by connecting with an additional 26 partners – local care providers who provide mental health services. With the expansion, all 77 neighborhoods will have city-based “trauma-informed care centers.”

Residents who come to these facilities are guaranteed care whether or not they can afford it, have health insurance, or are a US citizen. When callers dial 211, they will be explained the process of finding a facility and what to expect during a visit, which should help ease the nerves of anyone feeling low.

“The city has long needed two things: an easy way to connect, to a safety net system that doesn’t turn anyone away,” as CDPH Deputy Commissioner for Behavioral Health Matt Richards recently told us. “It’s been too hard for people to connect with what they need, and the best practice is to have just one number.”

Callers may have multiple needs: finding counseling, housing, a pediatrician for your child, the location of the nearest food pantry, and 211 operators will provide all of those connections.

A focus on youth

With block grants and additional federal and city funds, the city’s budget for mental health services soared from $36 million in 2021 to $89 million by 2022. As a result, the city will be able to serve 60,000 adults, including 14,500 children, for end of the year. That is a big step, since before 2021, minors did not have access to mental health services in the city.

It is especially important to address the mental health challenges of adolescents, who may end up turning to violence and substance abuse if their anxiety or depression is dismissed as nothing more than adolescent angst.

Last year, 37% of public and private high school students nationwide reported poor mental health most or all of the time during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Girls and young members of the LGBTQ community were especially likely to say their mental health deteriorated during the pandemic.

As a city, we must make the resources available to preserve and enhance the mental well-being of the next generation.

A decade ago, more than half of the city’s public health clinics closed due to lack of funding. Six years later, Mayor Rahm Emanuel was criticized for consolidation of 12 city-run mental health clinics to save money.

In part because of federal COVID relief money, CDPH officials say there are enough funds available to keep Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s mental health plan running for the next four years. They hope that the care network being put in place now can be sustained well beyond that date, with additional money from the city and from increased Medicaid reimbursements to the city’s community partners.

We also expect it.

Illinois has a lower prevalence of mental illness and higher rates of access to care for adults and youth compared to Washington DC and 38 other states. according to a 2022 report from Mental Health America.

But that means 11 other states are doing better. There is still room to improve.

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