Bette D. Harris Clinic

08/06/2025

💬 Why do some people thrive in relationships, while others struggle with trust, closeness, or fear of abandonment?

💡 The answer may lie in your attachment style — a pattern of how you connect with others that often begins in childhood. Attachment styles can be secure or insecure (anxious, avoidant, or disorganized), and they can deeply influence how you show up in romantic relationships.

❤️‍🩹 The good news? Attachment styles can change. With self-awareness, supportive relationships, and therapy, you can build healthier ways of relating to others and yourself.

🤝 At the Bette D. Harris Family & Child Clinic at The Family Institute at Northwestern University, we offer no-cost therapy to individuals, families, couples and children. Our services — provided by graduate student therapists in training and supervised by licensed professionals — is designed to help those who might not otherwise be able to access mental health care.

🔗 Learn more and get started: https://bit.ly/2GQkYAH

07/23/2025

If you or someone you love identifies as LGBTQ+ and is struggling with their mental health, you’re not alone.

We know that changes to national hotlines can feel confusing or even discouraging. For immediate support in a crisis, these affirming resources are still available:

📱 The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678
📱 Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
📱 Teen Line: 800-852-8336 (8 pm – 12 am CST)
📱 YouthLine: 877-968-8491 or text teen2teen to 839863 (6 pm – 12 am CST)

Our Northwestern University therapists-in-training provide counseling that affirms and respects who you are — at no cost.

💬 We’re here to listen. We’re here to support you. Learn more: bit.ly/2GQkYAH

07/01/2025

Join us in turning awareness into action this month and beyond. We are committed to expanding access through our no-cost clinic.

Learn more: family-institute.org/therapists-locations/get-started

Mental health access is not equitable.

🤎 Only 1 in 3 Black adults who need mental health care receive it.

💛 Asian Americans are the least likely racial group in the U.S. to seek services—only 25% of those with mental illness receive care.

🧡 Latinx communities face significant challenges, including language barriers, provider shortages and lack of insurance.

❤️ Among Native and Indigenous adults, nearly 1 in 5 experience mental illness, yet only about 1 in 3 receive treatment.

Founded in honor of author and advocate Bebe Moore Campbell, is a call to turn awareness into action by addressing the barriers to mental health care faced by Black, Indigenous and People of Color.

At The Family Institute, we honor and value the dignity of all individuals as we work to strengthen and heal families from all walks of life. This July—and every month—we are committed to breaking down stigma, expanding access through our no-cost Bette D. Harris Clinic, and training the next generation of culturally responsive mental health professionals at Northwestern University.

Sources: NAMI, SAMHSA

06/19/2025

For many Black Americans, is a day of remembrance, resilience and celebration. But, Dr. Chika Ofodu writes, it’s important to understand that it’s not only a Black holiday — it's an American holiday. Juneteenth tells a critical story about who we are as a nation and, for all of us, offers a powerful opportunity to reflect, learn and participate in the shared work of healing and justice.

🔗 Full article with resources and local events: https://bit.ly/3TBe8Rn

06/02/2025

Thinking about couples therapy but feeling a little unsure? There are a lot of myths out there that make couples therapy seem scary, one-sided, or like a last resort.

But the truth? Therapy can be a powerful tool for connection, not just conflict. Tap in and scroll to bust some common myths—and see what couples therapy is actually about. 💬 🫶

06/01/2025

🌈 Pride Month begins today!

The Family Institute at Northwestern University recognizes this year’s theme in Chicago—United in Pride—which celebrates the strength that comes from being together, embracing diversity and championing love and equality. It’s a reminder that when we move as one, we are unstoppable. But it’s also a call to recognize the challenges that persist—especially around mental health. LGBTQ+ individuals continue to face higher rates of anxiety, depression and trauma, often because of discrimination, stigma and inequitable access to care.

Pride is about being seen, valued and affirmed. It’s about the freedom to show up fully as yourself—and knowing you don’t have to do it alone.

Here’s to a month of joy, reflection, resistance and healing.