For more information on these individual programs and services, including basic documentation and qualification criteria, please continue reading below.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Jesse Brown VA Medical Center

Provides comprehensive outpatient and specialty mental health services for eligible Veterans, including psychiatry, individual and group counseling, PTSD treatment, Military Sexual Trauma (MST) services, substance use treatment, suicide prevention, and same-day mental health care. Veterans receive evidence-based treatment through multidisciplinary teams that coordinate care with primary care providers and other VA specialty services. Services are generally provided at little or no cost depending on a Veteran's eligibility and VA priority group.

Basic Eligibility:

• Must be eligible for and enrolled in VA health care
• Generally available to Veterans with qualifying military service and discharge status
• Some specialized programs (such as MST care) may have expanded eligibility

Common Documentation Requested:

• DD-214 or other proof of military service (if not already enrolled)
• Government-issued photo ID
• Social Security number
• Health insurance information (if applicable)
• VA Health Identification Card (if already enrolled)

Chicago Area Vet Centers (National Vet Center Call Center)

Vet Centers provide free, confidential counseling and readjustment services to eligible Veterans, Servicemembers, National Guard and Reserve members, and their families. Services include individual and group counseling, PTSD treatment, Military Sexual Trauma counseling, bereavement counseling, family counseling, and referrals to additional VA and community resources. Veterans do not need to be enrolled in VA health care to receive Vet Center services, and many eligible family members may also participate.

Basic Eligibility:

• Combat Veterans
• Veterans who experienced Military Sexual Trauma
• Veterans involved in qualifying hazardous duty
• Eligible National Guard and Reserve members
• Certain family members and surviving spouses may also qualify
• VA health care enrollment is not required

Common Documentation Requested:

• DD-214 or proof of qualifying military service
• Government-issued photo ID
• Military orders (for recently separated Servicemembers, Guard, or Reserve members, if applicable)
• Additional documentation may be requested based on eligibility category

Illinois Department of Human Services – Division of Mental Health

The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Division of Mental Health oversees Illinois' publicly funded behavioral health system and connects residents to community mental health providers throughout the state. While IDHS generally does not provide counseling directly, it helps individuals locate state-funded outpatient therapy, psychiatric care, crisis intervention, case management, and specialized behavioral health programs. Referrals and navigation assistance are provided at no cost.

Basic Eligibility:

• Illinois resident
• No Veteran status required
• Eligibility for referred services may depend on income, insurance coverage, age, or clinical need

Common Documentation Requested:

• Government-issued photo ID
• Proof of Illinois residency
• Social Security number
• Health insurance or Medicaid information (if applicable)
• Income verification (for certain state-funded programs)

Cook County Health – Behavioral Health Services

Cook County Health provides comprehensive outpatient behavioral health services, including psychiatric evaluations, medication management, individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, substance use treatment, and case management. Services are available regardless of a patient's ability to pay, and financial assistance programs are available for uninsured or underinsured residents. Veterans may receive care directly or be referred to specialty services when appropriate.

Basic Eligibility:

• Open to Cook County residents
• No Veteran status required
• Financial assistance available based on income for eligible patients

Common Documentation Requested:

• Government-issued photo ID
• Proof of residency
• Insurance or Medicaid information (if applicable)
• Income documentation (if applying for financial assistance)
• Medication list and medical records (if available)

Chicago Department of Public Health Mental Health Centers

The Chicago Department of Public Health operates community mental health centers that provide long-term outpatient counseling, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, case management, and recovery services. These clinics serve Chicago residents experiencing mental health conditions regardless of their ability to pay and emphasize community-based behavioral health treatment.

Basic Eligibility:

• Resident of the City of Chicago
• No Veteran status required
• Services are provided regardless of ability to pay

Common Documentation Requested:

• Government-issued photo ID
• Proof of Chicago residency
• Insurance or Medicaid information (if available)
• Income documentation (if requested for financial assistance)

Thresholds

Thresholds is one of Illinois' largest nonprofit behavioral health organizations, providing comprehensive mental health treatment, psychiatric care, substance use treatment, supportive housing, employment services, and case management. The organization specializes in long-term recovery and serves individuals living with serious mental illness through community-based programs. Services are funded through Medicaid, Medicare, insurance, and grants, ensuring that inability to pay does not automatically prevent someone from receiving care.

Basic Eligibility:

• Open to individuals experiencing behavioral health needs
• No Veteran status required
• Eligibility varies by program and funding source

Common Documentation Requested:

• Government-issued photo ID
• Insurance or Medicaid information (if applicable)
• Social Security number
• Medical or behavioral health history
• Income verification for certain programs

NAMI Chicago

NAMI Chicago provides free mental health education, peer support groups, resource navigation, advocacy, and referrals for individuals and families affected by mental illness. Although NAMI does not provide psychiatric treatment or therapy directly, its trained staff help connect Veterans and community members with appropriate long-term behavioral health providers throughout Cook County. All navigation and peer support services are provided free of charge.

Basic Eligibility:

• Open to anyone seeking mental health information or support
• No Veteran status required
• No income requirements

Common Documentation Requested:

• No documentation is generally required
• Contact information may be requested for follow-up referrals

Metropolitan Family Services

Metropolitan Family Services provides counseling, behavioral health treatment, family therapy, trauma-informed care, parenting support, case management, and referrals to psychiatric services. Programs vary by location, with many services funded through insurance, Medicaid, grants, or sliding-fee scales based on household income. Veterans and their families may access services alongside the general public.

Basic Eligibility:

• Open to individuals and families
• No Veteran status required
• Eligibility and fees vary by program and location

Common Documentation Requested:

• Government-issued photo ID
• Insurance or Medicaid information (if applicable)
• Income verification (for sliding-fee programs)
• Proof of residency (for certain programs)

Catholic Charities of Chicago

Catholic Charities of Chicago provides behavioral health counseling, trauma-informed therapy, family counseling, grief counseling, and referrals to psychiatric providers through a variety of community-based programs. Many services are supported through grants, Medicaid, insurance, or sliding-fee scales to ensure access for individuals and families with limited financial resources. Services are available regardless of religious affiliation.

Basic Eligibility:

• Open to adults, children, and families
• No Veteran status required
• Eligibility varies by program and funding source

Common Documentation Requested:

• Government-issued photo ID
• Insurance or Medicaid information (if applicable)
• Income verification (for reduced-cost services)
• Proof of residency (for certain programs)

Trilogy Behavioral Healthcare

Trilogy Behavioral Healthcare provides comprehensive outpatient mental health treatment, psychiatry, crisis stabilization, supportive housing, employment services, substance use treatment, and intensive case management. The organization specializes in serving individuals living with serious mental illness through long-term, community-based recovery programs. Most services are funded through Medicaid, Medicare, grants, or insurance, and financial barriers generally do not prevent eligible individuals from receiving care.

Basic Eligibility:

• Open to adults experiencing behavioral health needs
• No Veteran status required
• Eligibility varies depending on the specific program and level of care needed

Common Documentation Requested:

• Government-issued photo ID
• Insurance or Medicaid information (if applicable)
• Social Security number
• Medical or behavioral health history
• Income verification (for certain financial assistance programs)

If you have further questions regarding these services, please contact our main office at 312.433.6010 and select Menu Option 4 to speak with a representative who can assist you with navigating this issue.