Mental Health Resources
Finding mental health care can be an overwhelming experience. We are passionate about helping to lessen the stress of this experience and to do what we can to share our knowledge about the mental health care world.
Where Do I Begin?
How To Find The Right Therapist For You written by OakHeart's Dr. Kat Harris. Covers various topics such as License/Degree overview, navigating insurance, and finding specialists.
Levels of Care in Mental Health Care written by OakHeart's Dr. Kat Harris. Provided detailed information on the various levels of mental health care including outpatient (including those with "wrap-around" services), intensive outpatient programs, partial hospital programs, residential treatment, and inpatient hospitalization.
Levels of Care in Mental Health Care written by OakHeart's Dr. Kat Harris. Provided detailed information on the various levels of mental health care including outpatient (including those with "wrap-around" services), intensive outpatient programs, partial hospital programs, residential treatment, and inpatient hospitalization.
National Mental Health Organizations
The following are national and international resources for mental health information. These organizations include a large amount of text and video resources on topics specific to the organization's focus. Most of these resources also include therapist directories. Most of the time, directories associated with mental health organization include providers who are official members of those organizations. For example, a provider listed in the IOCDF directory is someone who has specifically chosen to be a member of that organization.
International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) including their IOCDF Provider Directory
American Psychological Association (APA) including their APA Provider Directory
Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) including there ADAA Provider Directory
International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) including their ISTSS Provider Directory
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services of America (SAMHSA)
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
National Alliance on Mental Illness
National Center for PTSD
Postpartum Support International (PSI) including their PSI Provider Directory
International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) including their IOCDF Provider Directory
American Psychological Association (APA) including their APA Provider Directory
Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) including there ADAA Provider Directory
International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) including their ISTSS Provider Directory
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services of America (SAMHSA)
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
National Alliance on Mental Illness
National Center for PTSD
Postpartum Support International (PSI) including their PSI Provider Directory
General Therapist Directories
General Therapist Directories are not necessarily associated with a mental health organization like above. These are designed to work like a therapist search engine. Most often therapist must pay to be included in these directories. The directories allow for filtering of various variables that can significantly reduce the number of therapists a prospective client must sift through. For example, a prospective client might choose to only search for therapists who accept their form of insurance (e.g,, BCBS), specialize in a specific treatment modality (e.g., (CBT) or presenting problem (e.g., depression), or who see specific age ranges (e.g., children).
Psychology Today
Theravive
SAMHSA’s National Helpline Call
Confidential and free hotline for finding resources on mental health and substance use treatment
Assists with finding referrals to local treatment and support groups
Trained information specialists (available for both English and Spanish speakers)
This is not a counseling service
Available 24/7
Call: 1-800-662-4357
For more information: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
Psychology Today
Theravive
SAMHSA’s National Helpline Call
Confidential and free hotline for finding resources on mental health and substance use treatment
Assists with finding referrals to local treatment and support groups
Trained information specialists (available for both English and Spanish speakers)
This is not a counseling service
Available 24/7
Call: 1-800-662-4357
For more information: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
Crisis Resources
National Crisis Lines
988 Suicide and Crisis Line: Call or text 988
Confidential and free counseling and resources for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts (please call 911 if developing plans to end your life)
Staff available for deaf and multilingual individuals
Available 24/7
For more information: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Crisis Text Line
Text message-based hotline for support during a crisis
Text a trained crisis counselor
Available 24/7
For more information: https://www.crisistextline.org/
***Go to your nearest emergency room or call 911 if you feel that you are in immediate danger.
Confidential and free counseling and resources for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts (please call 911 if developing plans to end your life)
Staff available for deaf and multilingual individuals
Available 24/7
For more information: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Crisis Text Line
Text message-based hotline for support during a crisis
Text a trained crisis counselor
Available 24/7
For more information: https://www.crisistextline.org/
***Go to your nearest emergency room or call 911 if you feel that you are in immediate danger.
Using Health Insurance and In-Network Provider Finders
If you wish to use your health insurance for mental health treatment, there are a few considerations.
If you have insurance and want to use it, you will likely want to find a therapist who is “in-network” with your insurance company. This means that they officially contract with that insurance company, have negotiated rates with that insurance company, and will bill the insurance company directly for you on your behalf. That way you can pay “in-network” rates for co-insurance/co-pays/deductibles rather than out-of-network co-insurance/co-pays/deductibles which can often be significantly more expensive. Check your personal contract with your insurance provider to determine what your in-network and out-of-network responsibilities are as the client.
Most insurance companies have provider directories (aka In-Network Provider Finders) to help you find a provider in your insurance plans network. This is a great place to start if you wish to use your health insurance plan. You can either call your insurer or use their associated online provider finder. Providers who are not in network with your insurance company won't be included in the provider list.
Importantly, not all therapist’s will be in-network with all kinds of insurance companies or insurance company plans. In fact, some therapist’s choose to only be in network with one or two insurance companies or to not be in-network with insurance companies at all. If you want to see a therapist who is not in-network with your insurance company (commonly referred to "out-of-network"), you will likely need to pay out-of-network rates. And how therapists handle out-of-network billing ranges too. For example, your therapist may still bill the insurance company directly for you even though they are out-of-network. However, most therapists who are out-of-network tend to require payment in full (sometimes referred to as self-pay or cash pay services). The therapist would then provide you with an invoice and a superbill, documents that you will then need to provide to your insurance company to get reimbursed. The client is the one submitting these documents to their insurance company and getting reimbursed directly as opposed to the therapist.
A co-pay means you are paying a set amount (e.g., $20) per session and the insurance company is paying the rest of the contracted rate of what your therapist bills. A co-insurance means you pay a certain percentage (e.g., 20%) of the contracted rate for a therapy session and the insurance company pays for the rest. A deductible refers to the amount of money you have to pay out-of-pocket in-full before your insurance starts contributing. Deductibles can range greatly and can be anywhere from $0 to thousands of dollars. Until your deductible is met, you may have to pay up to 100% of the therapist’s contracted session fees depending on your plan. Of note, you may have a separate in-network and out-of-network deductible. So even if you have met your in-network deductible, if you choose to work with a therapist who is out-of-network, you will need to reach that separate out-of-network deductible before insurance payments kicks in.
PPO’s do not usually require a physician’s referral for therapy sessions to be covered but may require pre-authorization depending on the service. Most therapist’s are in network with PPO’s.
HMO’s require a physician’s referral for therapy sessions and fewer outpatient therapists tend to be in network with HMO’s. If you have an HMO it would likely be easiest to contact your insurance company and ask for a list of therapist’s in your area whom they will cover.
If you don’t have insurance, community organizations such as community mental health centers, and sometimes private practices, have sliding scale options. There are also therapists directories specifically designed to help prospective clients find therapists who offer sliding scale services (see below). Training clinics (e.g., Psychological Services Center at NIU) are also a good place to try because they often offer sliding scale fees. Open Path is an organization that can be a good start to find a therapist if you need a sliding scale as well.
If you have insurance and want to use it, you will likely want to find a therapist who is “in-network” with your insurance company. This means that they officially contract with that insurance company, have negotiated rates with that insurance company, and will bill the insurance company directly for you on your behalf. That way you can pay “in-network” rates for co-insurance/co-pays/deductibles rather than out-of-network co-insurance/co-pays/deductibles which can often be significantly more expensive. Check your personal contract with your insurance provider to determine what your in-network and out-of-network responsibilities are as the client.
Most insurance companies have provider directories (aka In-Network Provider Finders) to help you find a provider in your insurance plans network. This is a great place to start if you wish to use your health insurance plan. You can either call your insurer or use their associated online provider finder. Providers who are not in network with your insurance company won't be included in the provider list.
Importantly, not all therapist’s will be in-network with all kinds of insurance companies or insurance company plans. In fact, some therapist’s choose to only be in network with one or two insurance companies or to not be in-network with insurance companies at all. If you want to see a therapist who is not in-network with your insurance company (commonly referred to "out-of-network"), you will likely need to pay out-of-network rates. And how therapists handle out-of-network billing ranges too. For example, your therapist may still bill the insurance company directly for you even though they are out-of-network. However, most therapists who are out-of-network tend to require payment in full (sometimes referred to as self-pay or cash pay services). The therapist would then provide you with an invoice and a superbill, documents that you will then need to provide to your insurance company to get reimbursed. The client is the one submitting these documents to their insurance company and getting reimbursed directly as opposed to the therapist.
A co-pay means you are paying a set amount (e.g., $20) per session and the insurance company is paying the rest of the contracted rate of what your therapist bills. A co-insurance means you pay a certain percentage (e.g., 20%) of the contracted rate for a therapy session and the insurance company pays for the rest. A deductible refers to the amount of money you have to pay out-of-pocket in-full before your insurance starts contributing. Deductibles can range greatly and can be anywhere from $0 to thousands of dollars. Until your deductible is met, you may have to pay up to 100% of the therapist’s contracted session fees depending on your plan. Of note, you may have a separate in-network and out-of-network deductible. So even if you have met your in-network deductible, if you choose to work with a therapist who is out-of-network, you will need to reach that separate out-of-network deductible before insurance payments kicks in.
PPO’s do not usually require a physician’s referral for therapy sessions to be covered but may require pre-authorization depending on the service. Most therapist’s are in network with PPO’s.
HMO’s require a physician’s referral for therapy sessions and fewer outpatient therapists tend to be in network with HMO’s. If you have an HMO it would likely be easiest to contact your insurance company and ask for a list of therapist’s in your area whom they will cover.
If you don’t have insurance, community organizations such as community mental health centers, and sometimes private practices, have sliding scale options. There are also therapists directories specifically designed to help prospective clients find therapists who offer sliding scale services (see below). Training clinics (e.g., Psychological Services Center at NIU) are also a good place to try because they often offer sliding scale fees. Open Path is an organization that can be a good start to find a therapist if you need a sliding scale as well.
Sliding Scale Resources
National Sliding Scale Search Engines/Directories
Local Sliding Scale Options
Taking Control (Private Practice)
630-801-1669
106 S. Lincolnway, North Aurora, IL 60542
https://www.takingcontrolcounseling.com/
Family Counseling Service in Aurora and Oswego
630-844-2662 (Aurora)
70 S. River Street, Aurora, IL 60506
331-999-3810 (Oswego)
84 Templeton Drive, Oswego, Illinois 60543
https://aurorafcs.org/aurorafcs.org/
Northwestern Ben Gordon Center in DeKalb (Community Mental Health Center)
815.756.4875
12 Health Services Drive,. DeKalb, Illinois 60115
https://www.bengordoncenter.org/
Center for Counseling at the Family Services Agency in DeKalb (Community Mental Health Center)
815-758-8616
1325 Sycamore Rd., DeKalb, IL 60115
https://fsadekalbcounty.org/programs/center-for-counseling/
630-801-1669
106 S. Lincolnway, North Aurora, IL 60542
https://www.takingcontrolcounseling.com/
Family Counseling Service in Aurora and Oswego
630-844-2662 (Aurora)
70 S. River Street, Aurora, IL 60506
331-999-3810 (Oswego)
84 Templeton Drive, Oswego, Illinois 60543
https://aurorafcs.org/aurorafcs.org/
Northwestern Ben Gordon Center in DeKalb (Community Mental Health Center)
815.756.4875
12 Health Services Drive,. DeKalb, Illinois 60115
https://www.bengordoncenter.org/
Center for Counseling at the Family Services Agency in DeKalb (Community Mental Health Center)
815-758-8616
1325 Sycamore Rd., DeKalb, IL 60115
https://fsadekalbcounty.org/programs/center-for-counseling/
Local Resources (West Chicago Suburbs)
Intensive Outpatient Programs and Partial Hospital Programs
Partial Hospital Programs (PHP) typically run 5-6 hours a day, 5 days a week. Most clients are started in the PHP program and then stepped down to the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) as they improve. IOP programs typically run 3-4 hours a day, 4-5 days a week and are occasionally offered in the evening. Client’s always go home at the end of the day and return for program the next day. Many programs are now offering virtual only or virtual hybrid services.
Northwestern Medicine St. Charles Location
Adult Program and Child and Adolescent Program
1-630-933-4000
964 N 5th Ave, St. Charles, IL 60174
https://www.nm.org/conditions-and-care-areas/behavioral-health/behavioral-health-services-western-suburbs/outpatient-behavioral-health-care
Northwestern Medicine Winfield Central Dupage Hospital (CDH) Location
1-630-933-4000
27W350 Highlake Road, Winfield, Illinois 60190
https://www.nm.org/locations/winfield-behavioral-health
Linden Oaks Medical Group - St. Charles
Adult Program and Child and Adolescent Program
1-630-305-5118
3805 E Main St M, St. Charles, IL 60174
https://www.eehealth.org/locations/saint-charles/linden-oaks-behavioral-health-st-charles/
Alexian Brothers/AMITA Health Behavioral Medicine Institute
Adult Program and Child and Adolescent Program (after school IOP available)
1-877-262-5053 or 1-800-432-5005
1650 Moon Lake Blvd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
https://www.amitahealth.org/services/behavioral-medicine/conditions-treated/anxiety
Open 24/7, no appointment needed. Walk-in intake appointments.
Linden Oaks/Edward-Elmhurst Health
Adult Program and Child and Adolescent Program
630-305-5027
852 South West Street, Naperville IL 60540
https://www.eehealth.org/services/behavioral-health/specialties/anxiety/
Compass Health Center Oak Brook Location
Adult Program (23+), Young Adults Program (18-23), and Child and Adolescent Program (13-18)
844-552-0242
750 Oakmont Lane, Westmont IL 60559
https://compasshealthcenter.net/locations/oakbrook/
https://compasshealthcenter.net/specialties/
Pathlight Mood and Anxiety Center Oak Brook Location
Adult Program and Child and Adolescent Program
630-426-1014
1010 Jorie Blvd Suite 200, Oak Brook, IL 60523
https://www.pathlightbh.com/recovery-centers/chicago/oak-brook-il
Rogers Memorial Hospital Behavioral Health
Adult Program and Child and Adolescent Program (afternoon programs available)
(630) 686-4544 or (800)-767-4411
907 N Elm St Suite 300, Hinsdale, IL 60521
https://rogersbh.org/locations/hinsdale-il?utm_source=local&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gmb
*** For mental health emergencies, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Northwestern Medicine St. Charles Location
Adult Program and Child and Adolescent Program
1-630-933-4000
964 N 5th Ave, St. Charles, IL 60174
https://www.nm.org/conditions-and-care-areas/behavioral-health/behavioral-health-services-western-suburbs/outpatient-behavioral-health-care
Northwestern Medicine Winfield Central Dupage Hospital (CDH) Location
1-630-933-4000
27W350 Highlake Road, Winfield, Illinois 60190
https://www.nm.org/locations/winfield-behavioral-health
Linden Oaks Medical Group - St. Charles
Adult Program and Child and Adolescent Program
1-630-305-5118
3805 E Main St M, St. Charles, IL 60174
https://www.eehealth.org/locations/saint-charles/linden-oaks-behavioral-health-st-charles/
Alexian Brothers/AMITA Health Behavioral Medicine Institute
Adult Program and Child and Adolescent Program (after school IOP available)
1-877-262-5053 or 1-800-432-5005
1650 Moon Lake Blvd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
https://www.amitahealth.org/services/behavioral-medicine/conditions-treated/anxiety
Open 24/7, no appointment needed. Walk-in intake appointments.
Linden Oaks/Edward-Elmhurst Health
Adult Program and Child and Adolescent Program
630-305-5027
852 South West Street, Naperville IL 60540
https://www.eehealth.org/services/behavioral-health/specialties/anxiety/
Compass Health Center Oak Brook Location
Adult Program (23+), Young Adults Program (18-23), and Child and Adolescent Program (13-18)
844-552-0242
750 Oakmont Lane, Westmont IL 60559
https://compasshealthcenter.net/locations/oakbrook/
https://compasshealthcenter.net/specialties/
Pathlight Mood and Anxiety Center Oak Brook Location
Adult Program and Child and Adolescent Program
630-426-1014
1010 Jorie Blvd Suite 200, Oak Brook, IL 60523
https://www.pathlightbh.com/recovery-centers/chicago/oak-brook-il
Rogers Memorial Hospital Behavioral Health
Adult Program and Child and Adolescent Program (afternoon programs available)
(630) 686-4544 or (800)-767-4411
907 N Elm St Suite 300, Hinsdale, IL 60521
https://rogersbh.org/locations/hinsdale-il?utm_source=local&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gmb
*** For mental health emergencies, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Psychodiagnostic Testing/Neuropsychological Testing/Psychological Assessment
NorthWest Behavioral Health Services
847-577-1558
415 W. Golf Rd, STE 16, Arlington Heights, IL 60005
https://www.nwbhs.com/
Pathways Psychological Services
630-293-9861
1st: 28W671 Garys Mill Road, Winfield, IL 60190
2nd: 3973 75th Street, Suite 102, Aurora, Illinois 60504
https://pathways-psychology.com/
Konick & Associates
630-206-4060
600 S. Washington Street, Suite 105, Naperville, IL 60540
9631 W. 153rd Street, Suite 33, Orland Park, IL 60462
https://www.konickandassociates.com/
Fox Clinical Services
331-979-3008
2589 Foxfield Rd 101, St. Charles, IL 60174
https://www.foxclinicalservices.com/
Piece by Piece NeuroBehavioral Services
630-705-3060
2021 Midwest Rd, Oakbrook, IL 60523
https://www.piecebypieceneurobehavioralservices.com/
Plum Tree
630-549-6245
511 Illinois Ave, St. Charles, IL 60174
https://theplumtree.net/
Waterford Counseling and Psychological Services
630-898-5322
1256 Waterford Dr. Suite 105, Aurora, IL 60504
1022 Douglas Rd. Oswego, IL 60543
https://www.waterfordcounselingservices.com/
847-577-1558
415 W. Golf Rd, STE 16, Arlington Heights, IL 60005
https://www.nwbhs.com/
Pathways Psychological Services
630-293-9861
1st: 28W671 Garys Mill Road, Winfield, IL 60190
2nd: 3973 75th Street, Suite 102, Aurora, Illinois 60504
https://pathways-psychology.com/
Konick & Associates
630-206-4060
600 S. Washington Street, Suite 105, Naperville, IL 60540
9631 W. 153rd Street, Suite 33, Orland Park, IL 60462
https://www.konickandassociates.com/
Fox Clinical Services
331-979-3008
2589 Foxfield Rd 101, St. Charles, IL 60174
https://www.foxclinicalservices.com/
Piece by Piece NeuroBehavioral Services
630-705-3060
2021 Midwest Rd, Oakbrook, IL 60523
https://www.piecebypieceneurobehavioralservices.com/
Plum Tree
630-549-6245
511 Illinois Ave, St. Charles, IL 60174
https://theplumtree.net/
Waterford Counseling and Psychological Services
630-898-5322
1256 Waterford Dr. Suite 105, Aurora, IL 60504
1022 Douglas Rd. Oswego, IL 60543
https://www.waterfordcounselingservices.com/