Helpline

We’re here for you

Local support is just a message away—no matter what you’re going through.

On this page:

Talk with someone who understands

The free, confidential NAMI Chicago Helpline is available from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. Call or text HELPLINE to 833-NAMI-CHI (626-4244), or click the CHAT WITH A REAL PERSON button to get connected now.

The NAMI Chicago Helpline is ready to support you

Our local team of trained specialists will listen without judgment, help you make an action plan, provide emotional support and connect you to mental health resources.

The helpline is:

Local

Free

Confidential

Hablamos Español

Our Helpline is here for you:

9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

The NAMI Chicago Helpline serves all of Chicago and suburban Cook County:

Who can call the Helpline?

The NAMI Chicago Helpline serves all of Chicago and suburban Cook County. Anyone can call the Helpline, including:

People calling for themselves

People who are supporting a loved one

Providers who need resources for a client

Reach out if you need:

Help navigating mental health resources in Chicago and suburban Cook County

Access to local support groups and community support

Support for trauma and grief, loneliness, or as a member of the LGBTQ+ community

Help learning how the mental health care system works

What happens when you reach out?

We ask a few questions to get started and help guide your conversation with a local, trained specialist.

Your specialist will provide the support you need, work with you to develop a plan for whatever you’re going through, and connect you to local resources.

If it’s alright with you, they’ll check in later to see how things are going.

Community partner toolkit

Communities are stronger when we lift each other up. That’s why we created this toolkit with ready-to-use materials about the NAMI Chicago Helpline that can be shared online or in person. By sharing these resources, you may help someone in your community connect to the support they need.

What’s included (in English and Español):

One-page handouts

Posters

Social media templates

Spread the word

Sharing these materials helps more Chicago and Suburban Cook County residents to access mental health resources. It’s a simple action with a large impact on your community’s well-being.

What to expect when contacting the Hotline

Calling the NAMI Chicago Helpline

Here is what you can expect when making a call to the NAMI Chicago Helpline.

Step 1 of 4

First, you’ll hear a message that gives you service selection options including English or Spanish languages. You will then hear a message asking if you would like to complete an after-call survey.

Step 2 of 4

We’ll play some hold music while you are connected to a live specialist.

Step 3 of 4

If a specialist is available, they will say hello and introduce themselves. If specialists are on calls with others, you will hear a message that offers you three options—stay on the line, request a callback or leave a voicemail.

Step 4 of 4

After you connect with a specialist, they will listen to you, understand how your problem is affecting you, provide support, and share any resources that may be helpful.

Texting with the NAMI Chicago Helpline

Here is what you can expect when texting the Helpline.

Step 1 of 4

When you text the word “HELPLINE” to NAMI Chicago, you are opting in to receive texts from NAMI Chicago and agree to our Data Policy & Security Notice.

Step 2 of 4

You will then be asked to complete a brief survey to help your specialist understand how they can best support you.

Step 3 of 4

Your specialist will say hello and introduce themselves.

Step 4 of 4

After they ask about your needs, they will be calm and comforting, listen to you, and provide support. They may also share helpful resources.

Chatting with the NAMI Chicago Helpline

Here is what you can expect when starting a chat with the Helpline.

Step 1 of 5

After clicking “Chat” a new window with a brief survey will open. This survey helps our live specialists understand how to best support you and takes less than 5 minutes to complete.

Step 2 of 5

When you click “Start Chat”, you accept our Data Policy & Security Notice.

Step 3 of 5

You will then see a message that indicates we are connecting you to a live specialist.

Step 4 of 5

When you are connected, a specialist will say hello and introduce themselves.

Step 5 of 5

After they ask about your needs, they will be calm and comforting, listen to you, and provide support. They may also share helpful resources.

Support groups

Connect with others who understand and find community through peer-led support groups.

Mental health information

Learn how to navigate the mental health system and access care and resources.

Classes, trainings and presentations

Take a class or training to learn more about mental health, build practical skills, and support yourself or someone you care about.