Behavioral Health FAQs

Who is LSSI?

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, or LSSI, is an non-profit, social services agency serving people of all faiths and all walks of life, including children, families and adults. LSSI brings healing, justice, and wholeness to people and communities. Serving Illinois since 1867, LSSI is one of the largest statewide social service providers. The organization provides critical programs to Illinois residents, including foster care, mental health services, alcohol and drug treatment, affordable senior housing, residential programs for people with developmental disabilities, and services that help families who have been impacted by incarceration.

How can I get in touch with LSSI’s behavioral health services?

Part of Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, LSSI Connect is way to find the right help by speaking to a trained professional over the phone. We listen and do our best to understand and offer the right guidance and connect you to the appropriate service—whether that be sending a team out to meet you, scheduling you with one of our programs, finding community services that can help, or sending you resource materials.

What can I expect when I call?

  • A compassionate professional will answer your call. We speak English and Spanish, but can always find more resources for translation. If all our counselors are busy we will ask you to leave a message and call you back.
  • Who you speak to will depend on your request. You may be connected to social workers or counselors or a specialist about receiving more information or scheduling a follow-up visit.
  • You will be asked for your name and a call back number in case the call gets dropped or disconnected but it’s not required that you give either.
  • If you are in crisis, you can be connected immediately to a trained professional for help over the phone or to come to your location.

What kinds of things can I call about?

Struggling with mental health looks and feels different for everyone. Concerns may include:

 

 

  • Suicidal Thoughts
  • Depression and/or Loneliness
  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Drug and/or Alcohol Use
  • Financial Pressure
  • Work Pressure
  • Trauma

 

  • Relationship Crisis or Conflict
  • Child in Crisis
  • Bullying
  • Gender and Identity
  • Grief and Loss
  • Self-injury
  • Parenting Problems
  • Aggression
  • Hearing Voices

 

Can your crisis services come to me?

Our Mobile Crisis Team is available to those on the north and northwest side of Chicago. Once you call LSSI Connect and Press 1, a trained professional will assess the current situation and support the caller in identifying needs and whether same-day, on-site in-person intervention is needed.

LSSI’s Mobile Crisis Service Area Boundaries:

  • North: Howard Street
  • East: Lake Michigan
  • West: Austin Avenue
  • South: North Avenue

If you are outside of LSSI’s service area boundary you will be referred to the 988 system for the closest mobile crisis provider to meet your needs.

Can I request help for a loved one?

Absolutely. Family members or friends are encouraged to help their loved ones by calling LSSI Connect to determine the best plan for next steps. Please note that a specialist will be required to speak to the individual needing help before offering any services as they should be given the right to consent for services, unless he/she is a minor.

Who can get help?

LSSI serves children, adolescents, adults and seniors.

When do I call 911?

LSSI Connect is an alternative to calling 911 or going to the emergency room for mental health or addiction services. However, 911 is a more appropriate place to call if someone is in immediate danger, if the person has harmed themselves, is attempting to harm others, or acting violent.