CHICAGO - Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is partnering with Chicago Public Libraries (CPL) to increase access to no-barrier mental health services by offering mental health care in select library branches. The program is part of the recent expansion of mental health services by CDPH and partner agencies to all 77 community areas in Chicago as part of the #All77 campaign. 

"I am immensely proud of my administration's accomplishments in expanding access to mental health services into every Chicago neighborhood," said Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. "Our libraries are critical components of our social safety net and are often the first point of contact to City services for many of our most vulnerable residents, including youth and individuals experiencing homelessness. By including CPL branches in our robust network of community-based mental health centers, we will further lower the barriers around critical mental health services for all Chicagoans."  

The services are staffed by CDPH mental health clinicians and are an outgrowth of CDPH’s effort to expand services outside the walls of clinics and into community-based settings. Services are available to everyone age 13 and up, regardless of insurance, immigration status or ability to pay.  

“Offering care in libraries opens a new world of access beyond our own clinics and those of our partner agencies. Together we are building a comprehensive system of community-based mental health supports for all Chicagoans,” said CDPH Commissioner Allison Arwady, M.D. “It’s all about offering a multitude of access points so that there is no wrong door to enter. Residents can find services in a variety of community locations and settings where they feel the most comfortable.”  

Services will initially be available at the following libraries: 

• Mt. Greenwood branch, 11010 S. Kedzie Ave., Fridays 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

• Beverly branch, 1962 W. 95th St., Thursdays 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.  

• Blackstone Branch (in Kenwood), 4904 S. Lake Park Ave., Fridays 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  

• Edgewater branch, 6000 N. Broadway St., Tuesdays, 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.  

CDPH selected library branches located in community areas where there are not currently large numbers of no-barrier mental health providers. To be connected to services in these library branches, residents can call the CDPH mental health resources line at 312-747-1020, or they can speak with a librarian at the appropriate branch.  

“Chicago Public Libraries are community anchors for our city's diverse neighborhoods. At CPL we are constantly striving to make our services, programs and spaces more inclusive and relevant to Chicagoans,” said Chicago Public Library Commissioner Chris Brown. “CPL provides millions of touchpoints to patrons each year and we are excited to partner with CDPH on this new initiative, offering mental health services to residents who may not have known how or where to access this type of care for themselves and their loved ones.” 

Mental health services in libraries supplement mental health care available at other CDPH and CDPH-funded clinics. 
 

To find publicly funded mental health services and support in all 77 Chicago community areas, call 211 or visit mentalhealth.chicago.gov.

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