Agencies
Services
Mental Health Resources
Mental Health is an important part of your overall wellness. Be Well Illinois has tools and tips to help you around this topic. This page is designed to help you learn how to identify signs of mental health issues, how to manage issues and find resources here to help.
Other Useful Resources
The 988 Lifeline
988 is now active across the United States. This new, shorter phone number will make it easier for people to remember and access mental health crisis services. (Please note, the previous 1-800-273-TALK (8255) number will continue to function indefinitely.) Click below to learn more about 988.
Mental Health and Wellness Terms
Words shape how we see our minds. When you understand mental health terms, big, scary labels turn into useful tools and vague worries can become clear next steps. A shared vocabulary helps you spot red flags earlier, ask sharper questions, and support friends with real empathy. It also makes appointments less confusing and self-advocacy more effective at school, work, and home.
Free Public Youth Mental Health Resources:
- BEACON (Behavioral Health Care and Ongoing Navigation): BEACON is a centralized resource for Illinois youth and families seeking services for behavioral health needs. It’s common for young people to struggle with behavioral and/or mental health challenges. Get started with BEACON here.
- Illinois CARES Line: A 24-hour crisis line (1-800-345-9049) for children, youth, and families, particularly for those needing urgent behavioral health care.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Free, 24/7 confidential support for mental health or substance use crises via call, text, or chat.
- Safe2Help Illinois: A free app, hotline (844-4-SAFEIL), and text line (SAFE2) that offers a confidential way for students to report school safety threats and mental health crises.
- Illinois Call4Calm Text Line: A free, anonymous text service (text "TALK" to 552020 or "HABLA" to 552020 for Spanish) for emotional support.
