Crisis Assistance Response & Engagement Program (CARE)

If You Are Experiencing A Mental Health Crisis

Call 9-1-1 and Ask for the CARE Team

CARE logo

Crisis Assistance Response & Engagement Program (CARE)

Available via 911 throughout certain parts of the city, the CARE team seeks to ensure that individuals experiencing a mental health crisis are assisted by teams of behavioral health professionals, with resources to address their unmet health and social needs. When the CARE team responds to an individual in crisis they offer de-escalation, mental health assessment, referrals to community services, and transport to community-based destinations as appropriate. The CARE team conducts follow-up at 1, 7, and 30 days with all individuals that they encounter.

The CARE team responds to 911 calls with a mental health component Monday-Friday, 10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. in select community areas.

If CARE is Unavailable, Please Dial One of the Crisis Lines Below:

  • 24/7 National Mental Health Helpline: 988
  • Call 211 for non-emergency mental health resources: 211
  • Illinois CARES Hotline: 800-345-9049
    • Available 24/7 for children and adults with Medicaid
  • 24/7 Multilingual City of Chicago Domestic Violence Helpline: 877-863-6338