When a young person in our community is struggling, families often don’t know where to turn. Long waitlists, insurance limitations, and cost can delay care at the very moment it’s needed most. Although Mental Health Awareness Month in May helped bring greater attention to the importance of seeking support, access to care is still not always equal.
At Oak Park Township, mental health support is available to residents at no cost. Through Youth and Family Services and Senior Services, individuals and families can connect with counseling, crisis support, and guidance without the barriers that too often stand in the way.
For youth ages 6–18, the Township’s Youth Engagement Program (YEP) offers short-term mental health services with no current waitlist. Support is designed to meet families where they are — whether that’s at school, in the community, or at the township — making it easier to get help early. Services are also available in Spanish, helping ensure support is accessible to more families throughout our community.
That flexibility can make a meaningful difference. When services are accessible and timely, young people are more likely to engage, and families are better supported through challenging moments.
Mental health needs don’t follow a schedule, and they don’t pause during the summer months. That’s why township clinicians continue working year-round, ensuring continuity of care for those who need it.
For older adults, mental health support is also available through Senior Services, offering connection and counseling that address isolation, life transitions, and aging-related challenges. Programs such as Thriving in Aging (TAP), Caregiver Resource Center (CRC), and the Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives (PEARLS) provide structured support for older adults experiencing depression, as well as guidance and relief for caregivers. These services help individuals stay connected, maintain independence, and improve overall well-being.
While private practices play an important role in the broader mental health landscape, community-based services ensure that support is available to everyone, regardless of insurance coverage or ability to pay.
Mental health care should not be out of reach. In Oak Park and River Forest, there is a place to turn. To learn more about available services, visit oakparktownship.org or contact Youth and Family Services at (708) 445-2727 or Senior and Disability Services at (708) 383-8060.
Because when it comes to mental health, access matters — and so does community.
Stephanie Scaletta
Oak Park Township