Mental Health Services

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. Responding to the Gospel, 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.

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, finding community services that can help, or sending you resource materials.

People of all ages who have concerns about their own or a loved one’s mental or emotional health, substance use, or overall well-being may call.

When you call LSSI Connect, you will be asked to follow the prompts to speak to a crisis counselor. You can choose to be connected with a trained professional who can handle immediate crisis needs, ask for more information, or request a referral for continued care.

Those answering the phones are compassionate professionals. Depending on the reason for your call, you will either be connected to social workers or counselors, or you may choose to speak to a specialist about receiving more information or scheduling a follow-up visit.

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

• Depression
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Drug Use
• Withdrawal from Substance Use
• Alcohol Use
• Trouble Sleeping
• Loneliness
• Financial Struggles
• Financial Pressure
• Work Pressure
• Suicidal Thoughts
• Acceptance
• Trauma
• COVID-related Stress
• Alcohol Use
• Drug Use
• Concerns for Family or Friends
• Relationship Challenges
• Family Crisis or Conflict
• Child in Crisis
• Bullying
• Gender and Identity
• Grief and Loss
• Self-injury
• Parenting Problems
• Domestic Violence
• Disability
• Panic Attacks
• Aggression
• Hearing Voices

We will ask for at least a first name and call-back number in case the call gets dropped or disconnected. However, it is not required.

You can use our services whenever you are concerned about your mental or emotional health, or alcohol/substance use. No problem is too big or too small and there is no wrong reason to call. We will find you the right help, no matter what it looks like.

We speak English and Spanish, but can always find more resources for translation.

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 intervention is needed. No matter the situation, our professionals will help the caller in identifying the next best steps.

Service Area Boundaries:

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

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.

Anyone! Children, Adolescents, Adults, Seniors.