The Family Institute at Northwestern University

09/10/2025

Every life matters. Every conversation can make a difference. 💛

Today is World Su***de Prevention Day. If you or someone you love is struggling with suicidal thoughts, you are not alone. The Family Institute offers therapy and resources to help individuals and families navigate life’s most difficult moments.

Think you can’t access therapy? Our Bette D. Harris Clinic at Northwestern University provides no-cost therapy to those who cannot otherwise afford it.

🔗 family-institute.org/therapists-locations/get-started

📱In crisis? Dial or text 988 for the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline, 24/7.

09/08/2025

Motherhood is often shown online as an “either/or” — you’re either a high-achieving “girl boss” or a stay-at-home “trad wife.” But real life doesn’t look like that for most families.

“The ‘versus’ way of framing motherhood really frustrates me,” says Emily Klear, LMFT, Director of Adult Psychotherapy Services at The Family Institute at Northwestern University. “It puts us in a position of competition… as if there’s a ‘right way’ or ‘wrong way’ to be a mother.”

For USA TODAY, Emily shares why these unrealistic expectations can be harmful — and what parents actually need to thrive.

👉 Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/3KdePik

08/30/2025

🕊️ Today is National Grief Awareness Day.

Grief is something we all experience, yet it rarely looks the same from one person to another. Our culture, religion, family traditions, and even gender roles all influence how we express and process loss. Some grieve privately, others with their community. Some cry openly, others find strength in silence.

In our latest article, Dr. Markeeta Parker explores how cultural differences shape the way we mourn — and how we can support one another with empathy and understanding.

👉 Read more: https://bit.ly/3UP8zj9

08/28/2025

💍 Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement is everywhere. But beyond the big life moments, what truly makes a relationship last?

🎤 Communicating clearly and consistently
💞 Building trust and cultivating openness
🏈 Showing up for each other amidst busy schedules

These are some of the very skills our expert therapists help couples strengthen in therapy — not only when times are hard, but during seasons of joy and change, too.

Couples therapy isn’t just a last resort. It’s a way to keep your relationship strong — throughout all of its eras. 🧨

Curious to learn more? family-institute.org/therapy-programs/couple-and-marriage

08/27/2025

👀 Are you (or someone you know) a “Type A” personality?

PARADE Magazine spoke with our very own Dr. Daniel Katz, a licensed clinical psychologist at The Family Institute, to break down 9 common traits of Type A people — from productivity and competitiveness to impatience and overthinking.

👉 Discover which traits resonate with you (and how to manage them in healthy ways): https://bit.ly/41MpNBJ

08/08/2025

📰 “There is a low correlation between being right and being happy.”

Wise words from Dr. Anthony Chambers, Chief Academic Officer at The Family Institute at Northwestern University, featured in The New York Times.

Dr. Chambers explains that the central task of any relationship is learning to manage your differences — not eliminate them. Couples who approach disagreements with flexibility, curiosity and humility are more likely to thrive.

It’s not always romantic, but it’s the real foundation of a lasting connection.

👉 Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/gebbJcbF

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. At The Family Institute at Northwestern University, we continue to provide therapy that affirms and respects who you are. For those who qualify, no-cost therapy options are available through our Bette D. Harris Clinic.

💬 We’re here to listen. We’re here to support you.

Learn more or connect with a therapist: bit.ly/44YOStD

If you’re in crisis, these affirming resources are still available to you:

📱 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)

07/08/2025

🏈 ✨ We’re honored that Make It Better Foundation shared the story of our 2025 Gratitude Gala, where Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles was recognized for his leadership in mental health advocacy.

From his personal journey to his vision for destigmatizing therapy in professional sports, Ryan’s story inspires us all to keep the conversation going.

Read the full feature in Better Magazine:

The Family Institute at Northwestern University raised $260,000 at its 2024 Gratitude Gala, honoring Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles with the Mental Health Community Impact Award and supporting free behavioral health services.

07/01/2025

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

06/30/2025

The therapy room is where it all starts ✨ no matter the view. (But this one in our Chicago office does have a certain magic about it!)

Work with one of our 100+ experienced clinicians here on Michigan Ave, via teletherapy, or at our offices in Evanston, Northbrook & Westchester. Book now at the link in our bio 🔗

06/28/2025

☀️ Summer can bring long days, relaxed routines and, sometimes, new challenges for families.

If you’re wondering how to find connection with your teen over the break, you’re not alone. Small, intentional efforts — like daily check-ins, inviting them to join you in simple activities, and carving out device-free time — can strengthen your bond in meaningful ways.

🔗 Get tips from staff therapist Jocelyn Nelson on fostering family togetherness this summer: https://bit.ly/45MSu4

06/27/2025

☀️ Summer with teens can be a beautiful season of connection—and sometimes, can take a little extra effort.

If you’re wondering how to keep your bond strong while routines shift and everyone’s on different schedules, you’re not alone. 💛

✨ A few ideas to nurture family togetherness this summer:

🌿 Check in daily. Even a quick “How’s your day going?” can create meaningful moments and emotional safety.

🎯 Ask what matters to them. Invite your teen to share what they’d enjoy doing as a family—then make a plan to follow through.

🚶‍♀️ Extend casual invites. Whether it’s a walk, errands, or a trip to the park, these shared moments can open the door to connection.

🎈 Let go of perfection. If things don’t go exactly as planned, that’s okay. Being present matters more than making everything perfect.

📵 Put away the screens. Try a short device-free block of time to be more present together—small changes can have a big impact.

Happy bonding this summer! Even small steps can help you create memories that last. 🌻

Which of these feels doable for you? Tell us below ⬇️

Tips by Jocelyn Nelson, M.A., LCPC, NCC, a staff therapist at The Family Institute. Full article on our website (🔗 in bio)