The Family Institute at Northwestern University

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)

06/26/2025

is more than a parade, writes therapist Chika Ofodu, Ph.D. — it's a portal that invites us into deeper truth, connection and responsibility. It's a reminder that healing and liberation are inseparable.

🌈 Read the full article with resources: https://bit.ly/4ljHOhQ

06/23/2025

When the world feels overwhelming, taking care of your mental health is more important than ever. Our therapists are here to help you navigate whatever you're holding — big or small.

📅 Schedule a therapy appointment today.
🔗 https://bit.ly/3FMMPxc

06/20/2025

Summer self-care isn’t just about beach days and smoothies — though those help, too.

Here are 5 ways to support your mental health this season:

🌿 Get outside for at least 10 minutes a day
📵 Take a tech break and be fully present
😴 Keep a sleep routine — even when the days get longer
🧘🏽‍♀️ Practice grounding or mindfulness outdoors
🗣 Talk it out. Therapy isn’t seasonal.

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

06/01/2025

🌈 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.