Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Someone I know is having a mental health crisis, what should I do?

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI.org) has created a Guide to Navigating a Mental Health Crisis

“Please review it. It only takes a few minutes to understand what to do in a crisis. No one is ready for such a crisis to strike and no one ever expects it will happen in their lives; however, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. Chances are you will be affected, either directly or indirectly. Taking a few minutes out of your day to prepare for a mental health crisis, just in case, may help save lives. Know the options. Know the resources. Know there is help.” (NAMI.org)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 or Text: GO to 741741 / 22KILL 1-214-462-7229

Local Crisis Hotline:
Pillars Community Health 708-745-5277
Youth Crossroads 708-484-7400 (24 hour crisis line)
MacNeal Hospital 708-783-9140 (24 hour crisis line)

What do I do if I have been a victim or a witness of a sexual assault?

National Sexual Assault Hotline/RAINN 1-800-656-4633 (HOPE)
For further information on the national sexual assault hotline visit www.rainn.org

Local Crisis Hotline:
Sarah’s Inn Hotline 708-386-4225 (phone); 708-792-3120 (text) (24 hour crisis line)
Pillars Community Health 708-745-5277
Pillars Sexual Assault Hotline 708-482-9600 (24 hour crisis line)

Who do I contact if I am a victim or a witness of domestic violence?

National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233
For further information on the national domestic violence hotline visit www.thehotline.org

The Illinois Dept of Human Services Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence offers additional safety tips and an interactive map that outlines domestic violence service agencies by county. The Domestic Violence Helpline is 24-hour, confidential, and multilingual.

Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence Help 1-877-863-6338 (Voice) (24 hour crisis line) 1-877-863-6339 (TTY)

For further information on the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence visit http://www.ilcadv.org.

To report suspected domestic violence, abuse, or neglect of a minor (children under 18):

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Helpline 1-800-25-ABUSE (252-2873) (Voice) 1-800-358-5117 (TTY)

For further information on the IDCFS visit http://www2.illinois.gov/dcfs.

Local Crisis Hotlines: Sarah’s Inn Hotline 708-386-4225 (phone); 708-792-3120 (text) (24 hour crisis line) Pillars Community Health 708-745-5277

Pillars Domestic Violence Hotline 708-485-5254 (24 hour crisis line)

Who do I contact if I am a victim or a witness of elder abuse?

If you are 60 or older, or a person with disabilities age 18-59, and you are being neglected, abused, taken advantage of, or exploited, or if you suspect someone may be in that situation, contact the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) using the toll free numbers below or by email at ilsenior@aging.state.il.

Adult Protective Services Hotline: 1-866-800-1409 (Voice) (24 hour crisis line) 1-800-206-1327 (TTY)

Elder Abuse Hotline: 1-800-252-8966

For further information on the IDHS IDoA visit http://www2.illinois.gov/aging

For residents who live in nursing facilities, call the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Nursing Home Complaint Hotline: 1-800-252-4343.

For residents who live in Supportive Living Facilities (SLFs), call the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services’ SLF Complaint Hotline: 1-800-226-0768.

Local Crisis Hotline: Solutions for Care 708-447-2448

Who do you fund?

Currently funded agencies can be found under Programs & Services tab on the navigation bar. Currently funded agencies are split into three categories: Mental Health Funded Agencies, Developmental Disabilities Funded Agencies, and Substance Use Disorders.

Where can I access behavioral health services in Berwyn?

There are many agencies that provide behavioral health services to Berwyn residents. If you have public and/or private health insurance contact member services for a list of contracted providers in network. You can also contact your primary care physician for a proper referral. You may find agencies funded by the 708 Community Mental Health Fund under Programs & Services tab on the navigation bar. Currently funded agencies are split into three categories: Mental Health Funded Agencies, Developmental Disabilities Funded Agencies, and Substance Use Disorders.

I think my son has depression, how can I be sure?

Learn the signs of depression at NAMI.org. Call and make an appointment with your son’s pediatrician or primary care physician for a referral to a behavioral health care specialist.

Where can I find a list of private therapists in the Berwyn area?

Check first with your health insurance company. Care Coordinators can help identify a needs service for you.

I can not afford my anxiety medication, who can help me pay for this?

Contact the Berwyn Township Public Health Department at 708-788-6600 to get information on RX Goods and/or Needy Meds. Your physician can also help you access RX at an affordable cost.

Where can I locate parent support groups?

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has parent and/or family-to-family groups that meet weekly in the Berwyn area. These groups can be found on the NAMI website.

I need a home care giver for my aging parents?

Berwyn residents needing assistance with their aging parents should contact Solutions for Care at 708-447-2448 or through their website.

I need a Spanish therapist?

Contact your primary care physician to be referred to the specialist right for you. You also may contact member’s services on the back of your insurance card.

I need an appointment with a counselor?

Because we do not know what type of counselor you need to see, you should contact your primary care physician to get a proper referral to a counselor.

Do you provide counseling?

No, Berwyn Township 708 Community Mental Health Board is a funding entity. Tax dollars are distributed to local agencies providing mental health services to Berwyn Township residents.

Where do I access services for my son with a Developmental Disability?

In the Berwyn area, contact Suburban Access and request to register your son with the Illinois PUNS. Suburban Access can be reached at 708-799-9190. For further information visit http://www.subacc.org.

What is Illinois PUNS?

PUNS is an acronym for Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services. This is the State of Illinois; Department of Human Services: Division of Developmental Disabilities’ waitlist for funding intellectual/developmental disabilities. You can learn more about PUNS here.

My 2 year old niece is still not talking, where can I get help for her?

A referral to Early Intervention may be needed. The Suburban Access (Child & Family Connections) in Westchester serves Berwyn Residents. Anyone may make a referral. The telephone number is 708-449-0625.

Can I place my 2 year old niece on the PUNS list?

Early Intervention is who you contact for services for a 0-3 year old. Children over 3 years of age should contact Suburban Access for services and to be placed on the PUNS list. Click here for the Suburban Access website.