7 Best Mental Health Hospitals in Chicago

Mental health is a vital aspect of our overall well-being, and seeking help when needed is a sign of strength, not weakness.

However, navigating mental health resources can feel overwhelming, especially in a large city like Chicago. 

Chicago, like many other cities, has a range of mental health hospitals and facilities that offer expert care and support for those struggling with mental health issues.

With so many options available, how do you choose where to seek help? 

This guide highlights some of the best mental health hospitals in Chicago to make your search easier.

Whether you need inpatient services, outpatient care, or specialized programs, we’ll introduce facilities known for their compassionate, dedicated staff and innovative treatment approaches. 

Overview

Chicago is home to numerous accredited psychiatric hospitals and facilities offering a spectrum of services. 

From major medical centers to specialty providers, options exist across different neighborhoods to accommodate diverse needs close to home.

Areas of specialized expertise include mood and anxiety disorders, dual diagnosis support, youth and adolescent care, eating disorder treatment, and more. 

Programs range from short-term inpatient stabilization to intensive outpatient and community-based services.

What sets some providers apart are unique resources like integrative wellness programs, art or music therapies, specialized trauma-informed services, and community outreach. 

Some hospitals also collaborate closely with academic institutions to advance the quality of care through research.

Let’s explore some of the best mental health hospitals in Chicago. 

Best Mental Health Hospitals in Chicago

1. Advocate Lutheran General Hospital

Located in the Chicago suburb of Park Ridge, Illinois, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital stands as a beacon of healthcare excellence. 

With 645 beds and a Level I trauma center designation, it ranks among the top-tier medical institutions in the region.

At Advocate Lutheran General, compassionate care extends to mental health services, where a multidisciplinary team of experts collaborates to support patients of all ages. 

The hospital boasts board-certified psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, marriage/family therapists, and addiction counselors, ensuring a comprehensive approach to mental wellness.

From inpatient units catering to both children and adults to specialized addiction treatment services, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital offers a full spectrum of psychiatric care. 

The hospital also has a Sleep Disorder Center which addresses and treats various sleep-related conditions such as sleep apnea and narcolepsy.

Additionally, their outpatient services, partial hospital programs, and psychology/ neuropsychology laboratory further enhance the breadth of mental health support available.

2. Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Northwestern Memorial Hospital is another top-notch facility in Chicago, dedicated to providing comprehensive care for adults and older adults facing mental health disorders. 

Through consultation, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment, their psychiatry and behavioral sciences department strives to accelerate the recovery of their patients.

Their patients benefit from a healing environment where expert pharmacology, psychotherapy, and neuromodulation are utilized to support their journey toward wellness. 

The hospital’s inpatient psychiatric care unit is one of the first ones to incorporate behavioral activation into the care setting, enhancing the effectiveness of treatment interventions.

For struggling young adults, the Northwestern Medicine Focused Forward (F2) Clinic offers specialized support to pursue a fulfilling future through work or educational opportunities. 

Additionally, Northwestern Medicine’s Pride Center stands as a beacon of support for the mental health needs of the queer community, fostering an inclusive and affirming environment for all.

3. Rush University Medical Center

The Rush University Medical Center Department of Psychiatry in Chicago, Illinois, provides comprehensive mental health care through both inpatient and outpatient programs and services. 

With a team of skilled professionals, they offer diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of mental and behavioral disorders.

Whether you’re facing a mental health condition, preparing for a medical procedure, or navigating life events, their team is equipped to support you. 

They emphasize a holistic approach to treatment, often combining psychotherapy with medication or other therapies for optimal outcomes. 

This collaborative approach involves working closely with both therapists and psychiatrists to address individual needs effectively.

With expertise in both health and rehabilitation psychology, their team can also provide valuable strategies for coping with illness or disability, ensuring support for patients and their loved ones.

4. Chicago Behavioral Hospital

Chicago Behavioral Hospital, located in Des Plaines, IL, is a leading behavioral health facility specializing in the treatment of mental health disorders and substance misuse. 

With a commitment to providing compassionate care, they have assisted thousands of individuals on their journey to recovery.

Their comprehensive programs include both inpatient treatment and intensive outpatient programs, offering personalized care tailored to each patient’s needs. 

One notable offering is their Women’s Program, designed specifically for women dealing with depression, psychosis, anxiety, substance use issues, or trauma-related conditions.

Additionally, they have a specialized program for older adults and seniors, addressing concerns associated with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. 

Their addiction treatment programs and intensive outpatient programs also provide essential support and resources for individuals seeking recovery from substance misuse. 

5. Garfield Park Behavioral Hospital

Garfield Park Behavioral Hospital is a leading provider of inpatient psychiatric and partial hospitalization treatment for children and adolescents ages 3 to 17. 

With a focus on pediatric and adolescent mental health, their programs are tailored to meet the needs of young individuals facing behavioral health disorders or substance abuse issues.

Their pediatric programs aim to equip children with effective coping mechanisms and strategies to achieve long-term mental stability. 

Through specialized care provided in programs like Polaris, Worthy, and Yess, Garfield Park Behavioral Hospital addresses specific psychological issues faced by children and adolescents.

Their admissions department offers confidential assessments at no cost, ensuring individuals receive timely support when needed. 

Additionally, their accreditation by The Joint Commission reflects their dedication to maintaining high standards of care and quality assurance.

6. Hartgrove Behavioral Health Hospital

Hartgrove Behavioral Health Hospital is another great option in Chicago, offering a range of inpatient, outpatient, and specialty programs to deliver personalized help to adults and kids. 

One of their key offerings is specialized programs for adolescents, catering to individuals between the ages of 12 and 17 facing mood and behavioral problems. 

These programs, intensive outpatient options, are conveniently scheduled after school to accommodate academic responsibilities while ensuring timely access to mental health care.

Hartgrove also has a Trauma Program dedicated to providing relief and support for individuals and families affected by trauma-related symptoms. 

Through education, support, and coping tools, their program aims to address emotional, mental, and physical well-being, empowering patients to navigate their journey toward healing.

Hartgrove Hospital’s admissions team is available 24/7 to guide individuals through the process. 

Whether it’s a referral, assessment, or admission, their team is committed to providing timely and compassionate support to those in need of psychiatric services.

7. Chicago-Read Mental Health Center

Chicago-Read Mental Health Center stands as a state-run inpatient facility in Chicago’s Dunning neighborhood, offering psychiatric services with a focus on holistic care and recovery. 

Accredited by the Joint Commission (JCAHO), the center features between 150 and 200 beds to support individuals seeking mental health care.

Their services encompass a wide range of specialized care, including dual diagnosis treatment, inpatient programming, aftercare planning, and support services. 

They also cater to specific demographics, including young adults, seniors, LGBTQ+ individuals, those with hearing impairment, military personnel, and individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

The center provides intensive, trauma-informed individual, group, and family counseling, drawing from proven modalities such as CBT and DBT. 

Complementary therapies like experiential therapy and nutrition therapy are also integrated into treatment plans to enhance overall well-being.

Moreover, Chicago-Read Mental Health Center prioritizes the development of recovery-focused life skills through courses in relapse prevention and other essential skills.

Mental Health Treatments Conducted in Chicago

Chicago’s high-quality mental health facilities offer a vast array of evidence-based treatment options to its people. 

This allows patients to receive specialized, individualized care tailored to their unique needs and situations.

Inpatient and outpatient psychotherapy are widely available throughout Chicago, with various therapeutic approaches available. 

Cognitive behavioral therapy is commonly used to help patients challenged with conditions like depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction. 

Other talk therapies, like dialectical behavior therapy, are offered at many hospitals and facilities as well.

Creative arts therapies are also popular in Chicago, with many facilities incorporating art, music, dance, and drama into the treatment process. 

This can help patients explore their experiences and emotions from new angles.

Additional evidence-based modalities that are utilized include exposure therapy for anxiety disorders, EMDR for trauma, and medication management when appropriate. 

Substance abuse disorders are treated using interventions such as relapse prevention, motivational interviewing, and 12-step facilitation.

Some Chicago hospitals specialize in novel treatments like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for severe depression, electroconvulsive therapy when needed, and intensive outpatient programs. 

Day treatment and partial hospitalization options are also available to support transitioning patients.

The diverse array of mental health resources in the city allows patients to receive leading-edge, personalized care that addresses their specific challenges. 

An emphasis on evidence-based practices and specialized modalities ensures highly effective outcomes.

Want to know about mental health hospitals, check these out:

1. 7 Best Mental Health Hospitals in Georgia
2. 6 Best Mental Health Hospitals in Michigan
3. 7 Best Mental Health Hospital in San Antonio

Top Mental Health Professionals In Chicago

Chicago is also home to many excellent mental health professionals, dedicated to providing high-quality care to individuals struggling with mental health. 

Some of them are listed below:

1. Ndidi Onyejiaka

Dr. Ndidi Onyejiaka is a Board Certified Psychiatrist and Pediatrician, with a Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Missouri at Kansas City. 

She is an esteemed member of various professional organizations, including the International Society for Sports Psychiatry and the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. 

She caters to individuals, couples, families, and groups of all ages, specializing in supporting athletes and performers seeking peak performance or transitioning to life after retirement. 

Her expertise also extends to addressing the mental health needs of children, adolescents, and young adults affected by depression, anxiety, trauma, and medical conditions.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Onyejiaka, please contact her at (312) 625-5373.

2. Jacqueline Arant

Jacqueline Arant is a dedicated psychiatric nurse practitioner with extensive experience in hospital systems and clinics, specializing in adult mental health. 

She offers compassionate care to clients dealing with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, and more. 

Jacqueline collaborates with other providers to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs, often connecting them with additional resources for comprehensive care. 

In addition to evaluation and medication management, she specializes in administering psychedelic therapy (Spravato) to patients with treatment-resistant depression. 

Jacqueline also collaborates with a team offering Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) treatment and psychotherapy services.

For inquiries or appointments, please contact Jacqueline Arant at (872) 704-8521.

3. Ameera P Lys

Ameera Lys is a clinical social worker and therapist, who has been practicing as a trauma-informed therapist since 2011. 

Specializing in assisting adolescents and adults navigating various mental health and identity development challenges, she is known for her genuine and empathetic therapeutic approach. 

She draws her approach from a diverse range of methods including psychodynamic, relational, DBT/CBT, motivational, trauma-informed, strengths-based, and solution-focused therapies. 

Ameera customizes her therapy techniques to align with each client’s specific objectives. Individuals seeking support can reach out to Ameera at (773) 570-1438.

4. Amanda Lucas

As a therapist, Amanda Lucas’s practice is rooted in an affirming, strengths-based, and anti-oppressive framework. 

She specializes in working with adults, offering support for depression, anxiety, mood disorders, grief, trauma/PTSD, life transitions, and relationship issues.

Utilizing evidence-based therapies and techniques such as CBT, EFT, mindfulness, and self-compassion, she empowers her clients to navigate life’s obstacles and foster personal growth. 

In her practice, Amanda cultivates a supportive and collaborative therapeutic environment, encouraging individuals to embrace opportunities for positive change. 

Appointments can be scheduled by contacting Amanda at (312) 667-3851.

5. Michelle Montero

Michelle Montero is a licensed clinical psychologist with downtown and North Chicago offices. 

As a generalist, she offers her expertise to individuals, couples, and groups facing various challenges, and has experience across outpatient, inpatient, and residential treatment settings.

Michelle specializes in supporting youngsters and adults dealing with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, women’s wellness, relationships, sexuality, and identity issues. 

Additionally, she also focuses on performance psychology, catering to individuals in sports and exercise, performing arts, and high-pressure careers. 

You can schedule a free 15-minute consultation with Michelle Montero at (773) 492-8322.

6. Judy Kern

With 39 years of outpatient practice, Judy Kern brings a wealth of experience to her work. Her therapeutic approach is interactive and tailored to each individual’s needs and comfort level. 

Specializing in both young and older adults from diverse backgrounds, she focuses on creating a comfortable environment for her patients, helping them cope, and fostering positive changes in thinking and behavior. 

Judy’s office, located in downtown Chicago, is easily accessible by public transportation. Individuals can avail of a free 15-minute consultation with Judy Kern at (312) 313-3347.

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