The Family Institute at Northwestern University

The Family Institute at Northwestern University The Family Institute at Northwestern University is a leader in relationship-based behavioral health We like to say we define family how you define family.

The Family Institute at Northwestern University (www.family-institute.org) is committed to strengthening and healing families, couples and individuals from all walks of life through clinical service, neuropsychological assessment testing, education and research. An affiliate of Northwestern University, The Family Institute is a relationally based mental health system of care governed by its own in

dependent Board of Directors and responsible for its own funding. The Institute offers a wide range of high quality mental health counseling at four locations (Northbrook, Evanston, Westchester, Downtown Chicago) through our staff practice and our free Bette D. Harris Family and Child Clinic, where we are committed to serving at-risk, under-resourced communities. The Family Institute also operates two nationally-renowned graduate programs in marriage and family therapy and counseling psychology in affiliation with Northwestern University, and conducts cutting-edge research projects that lead to a better understanding and treatment of mental health issues.

This Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, we're continuing to share reflection...
05/20/2026

This Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, we're continuing to share reflections from Guanyu Wang, LMHC, a Postdoctoral Clinical Scholar Fellow at The Family Institute at Northwestern University.

In this piece, she takes a closer look at Asian American and immigrant fathers, the complexity of raising a family across cultures and generations, and the unique strengths that shape their relationships with their children.

Her perspective is grounded in both her clinical work and her own research with immigrant families.

Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/4dzaSjj

Perfectionism and having goals aren't the same thing. đź’™ For Mental Health Awareness Month, we're sharing another Mental ...
05/19/2026

Perfectionism and having goals aren't the same thing. đź’™

For Mental Health Awareness Month, we're sharing another Mental Reset, skills for building a healthier mindset and learning to let go of perfectionism, based on insights from Mairin Wilkie, LCSW, a therapist at The Family Institute.

Having standards for yourself is healthy, but when the pursuit of flawlessness leads to self-criticism and anxiety, it may be time to zoom out. You are capable of showing yourself the same compassion you'd show anyone else.

If you're looking for support, you can connect with a therapist and learn more on our website: https://bit.ly/498B0A5

This Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, we're honored to share a new article...
05/15/2026

This Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, we're honored to share a new article from Guanyu Wang, LMHC, a Postdoctoral Clinical Scholar Fellow at The Family Institute at Northwestern University.

In the article, she reflects on the history of AANHPI communities in the U.S., why May was chosen for this observance, and the layered story of a community whose contributions, resilience, and presence have profoundly shaped American life.

Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/4nsDmQl

Featured on NBC-5! đź“şAs part of Mental Health Awareness Month, Daniel Lopez, M.S.W., LCSW, from The Family Institute at N...
05/13/2026

Featured on NBC-5! đź“ş

As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, Daniel Lopez, M.S.W., LCSW, from The Family Institute at Northwestern University, was featured on NBC-5, sharing expert perspective on trauma, healing, and resilience in an interview with NBC-5 reporter Lexi Sutter.

We’re grateful to be part of the effort to increase awareness, education, and access to mental health resources during Mental Health Awareness Month.

Watch the NBC-5 segment and learn more about available mental health resources here: https://bit.ly/4wpn8eN

Featured on NBC-5! đź“şAs part of Mental Health Awareness Month, Tramaine Presley, Psy.D., LCPC, LMHC, from The Family Inst...
05/12/2026

Featured on NBC-5! đź“ş

As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, Tramaine Presley, Psy.D., LCPC, LMHC, from The Family Institute at Northwestern University, was featured on NBC-5, sharing expert guidance on children’s mental and emotional well-being in an interview with NBC-5 reporter Lexi Sutter.

We’re grateful to be part of the effort to increase awareness, education, and access to mental health resources during Mental Health Awareness Month.

Watch the NBC-5 segment and learn more about available mental health resources here: https://bit.ly/4uNu2cg

Heading into a new week, take a moment for a mental reset. 💙For Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re sharing simple “Men...
05/11/2026

Heading into a new week, take a moment for a mental reset. đź’™

For Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re sharing simple “Mental Resets” — small mindfulness practices that can help you feel grounded during stressful or overwhelming days.

Taking a moment to pause, notice your surroundings, and reconnect with the present can support emotional well-being.

If you’re looking for support, connect with a therapist and learn more here: https://www.family-institute.org/therapists-locations/get-started

Ahead of Mother’s Day, many people are reflecting on the relationships that have shaped their lives. For some, the holid...
05/09/2026

Ahead of Mother’s Day, many people are reflecting on the relationships that have shaped their lives. For some, the holiday can also bring grief, longing, or complicated emotions, especially for those who have lost their mothers too soon.

In a new reflection for The Family Institute at Northwestern University, Lisa Gordon, Ph.D., ABPP shares how losing her mother to metastatic breast cancer shaped her understanding of aging, purpose, friendship, and living fully.

Through years of working with clients in their seventies, she reflects on the lessons we continue learning from one another across every stage of life.

Read the full reflection here: https://bit.ly/4u1BEYo

Featured on NBC-5! đź“şAs part of Mental Health Awareness Month, Nikki Lively, M.A., LCSW, from The Family Institute at Nor...
05/07/2026

Featured on NBC-5! đź“ş

As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, Nikki Lively, M.A., LCSW, from The Family Institute at Northwestern University, was featured on NBC-5, sharing expert insight on supporting couples and building healthy relationships in an interview with NBC-5 reporter Lexi Sutter.

We’re grateful to be part of the effort to increase awareness, education, and access to mental health resources during Mental Health Awareness Month.

Watch the NBC-5 segment and learn more about available mental health resources here: https://bit.ly/4cYkjcU

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. We honor and celebrate the rich cultures, hi...
05/01/2026

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

We honor and celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. This month and beyond, we recognize the importance of listening, learning, and supporting one another.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to pause and take a moment for yourself. Mental health is part of everyday ...
05/01/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to pause and take a moment for yourself.

Mental health is part of everyday life, shaped by our relationships, experiences, and the moments we move through each day. Whether you’re navigating something difficult or simply looking for support, you don’t have to do it alone.

This month, we’re sharing resources designed to support your mental health in meaningful and practical ways.

Click here to learn more https://bit.ly/3QAOgXU

“Why did I stay?”It’s a question many people find themselves asking, and it often rests on an assumption that leaving is...
04/30/2026

“Why did I stay?”

It’s a question many people find themselves asking, and it often rests on an assumption that leaving is a straightforward choice. It also assumes there was even a choice that felt possible.

In many cases of narcissistic abuse, it doesn’t always feel that way.

In this piece, Melissa Prusko, PsyD, NATC explores the complexity of leaving, and how it often involves both trauma and grief.

Leaving is also a psychological and emotional process, one that can take time to unfold.

Leaving is not a single act, it is an unwinding.

Read the full article: https://bit.ly/4ega4Sk

Address

618 Library Place
Evanston, IL
60201

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 8pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 8pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 8pm
Thursday 8:30am - 8pm
Friday 8:30am - 6pm
Saturday 8:30am - 4pm

Telephone

+18477334300

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Family Institute at Northwestern University posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to The Family Institute at Northwestern University:

Shortcuts

Share

Category