Lutheran Social Services of Illinois - Welcoming Center
Lutheran Social Services of Illinois - Welcoming Center
Serving Illinois since 1867, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) is a nonprofit social service organization of the three Illinois synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). LSSI is the largest statewide social service provider, serving almost 50,000 people across Illinois last year. The organization provides critical programs for the state's most vulnerable residents including foster care, early childhood development, mental health services, alcohol and drug treatment, home care for seniors, affordable senior housing, residential programs for people with developmental disabilities, and programs that help formerly incarcerated individuals integrate back into society.
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Services Offered
Behavioral Health Services LSSI offers a continuum of services for people with substance abuse or behavioral issues. LSSI provides counseling, psychiatric treatment, and alcohol/drug treatment with the goal of making the individual whole. All services are supervised by caring and licensed professionals who guide and encourage each individual in attaining personal goals.
Mental Health Treatment LSSI offers a variety of mental health treatment for children, adolescents through seniors. Treatment is geared toward people who experience moderate to severe mental health symptoms, which reduces their ability to manage daily routines, relationships, and responsibilities.
Portage Cragin Counseling Center LSSI's Portage Cragin Counseling Center provides counseling, psychiatric treatment, and support services for children, individuals and families living on the northwest side of Chicago. Treatment services are centered on each individual's needs and goals for the future, and remain flexible as life changes occur.
Services for Adults *Counseling with individual, family, and group sessions to help individuals improve their life choices, self-esteem, emotional control and relationships. *Psychiatric Evaluation and Medication Monitoring by Board-Certified psychiatrists who treat severe symptoms of mental illness. *Journeys, a group-oriented program that provides adults with severe mental illness a safe place to learn, practice, and integrate life skills that promote wellness and mental health recovery. Journeys teaches and reinforces skills that improve self-sufficiency and help individuals reach their potential. *Case Management/Community Support Team - Home and comunity-based services that link clients to support services, promote recovery, and increase self-management skills. Services for Children *Counseling, with individual, family and group sessions, that helps children express their emotions, improve their self-esteem and improve social and family relationships. Counseling also guides parents through issues related to their child's symptoms and behaviors *Psychiatric Evaluation and Medication Monitoring by board-certified child psychiatrists who specialize in the unique treatment needs of children with severe symptoms of mental illness *Case Management/Support Services that provide mobile services for children and families at home, at school, and in the community. Case management addresses life stressors that impact family stability, a child's safety, and his or her ability to function well at home, school, or with peers.
Building Family Foundations Building Family Foundations (BFF) targets new moms on the northwest side of Chicago. Funded by an anonymous donor, BFF's mission is to help new mothers and fathers by preparing them for parenthood and improving their parenting skills.
Alcohol/Drug Treatment LSSI provides a range of treatment options to help individuals with alcohol and/or drug disorders. Our services include medically-assisted detox, residential rehabilitation, sober living facilities, outpatient treatment, and recovery homes.
Fees and Payment
LSSI accepts Medicare, Medicaid, managed Medicaid plans, and commercial insurance. The BFF program is offered free of charge to LSSI clients, most of whom are high school students. LSSI is a nonprofit social service organization.
Services Offered To: Adults Couples Teens Children
Special Groups: Bilingual Faith-Based
Payment: Sliding Scale Pro-bono Medicare Medicaid
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Qualifying for assistance from Illinois' program usually depends on the severity of your condition and financial circumstance. Read our full guide to Illinois' program.
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.