Sexual Assault Counseling and Information Service (SACIS), and it's satellite office, Counseling and Information for Sexual Assault/Abuse (CAISA), provides crisis and on-going services to victims of sexual violence (sexual assault, sexual abuse, sexual harassment and/or stalking). Counseling services are also available to the victims' significant others (parents/guardians, siblings, spouses, etc.).
Services Offered
The Sexual Assault Counseling and Information Service (SACIS) as well as Counseling And Information for Sexual assault/Abuse (CAISA) are not-for-profit organizations dedicated to helping survivors of sexual violence and their significant others reclaim their loves. We are committed to changing attitudes that foster violence against others. Services are available regardless of age, gender, race, disability, spiritual preference, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.
Counseling SACIS provides crisis and long-term counseling services for anyone who has experienced sexual abuse/assault/harassment. Counselors must meet standards established by the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault for providing therapy for clients who have been victimized by sexual assault/abuse. This includes a basic 40 hour training program. SACIS counselors also attain a great deal of training beyond the minimum requirements.
Fees and Payment
SACIS and CAISA provide free and confidential services to anyone that has been a survivor of sexual assault or abuse as well as the significant others of any victim.
A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.
