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

The Family Institute at Northwestern University

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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 independent 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.

02/01/2026

Honoring Black History Month means celebrating strength, resilience, sacrifice and leadership of Black Americans in every space—both past and present. We recognize the ongoing impact of racism, trauma, and systemic disparities on mental health. We are committed to relationship-based, culturally responsive behavioral health services so individuals and families can heal and thrive.

01/29/2026

Lately, the world can feel heavy. Between news cycles, global uncertainty, and everyday responsibilities, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Taking care of your mental health isn’t selfish. Whether it’s validating your feelings, setting boundaries with the news, leaning on support, or focusing on what’s within your control, small steps can help you stay grounded.

Here, Jocelyn Nelson, LCPC provides practical tips, gentle reminders, and support from her article How to Take Care of Our Mental Health When the World Feels Heavy.

Click the link to read full article: https://bit.ly/4mEiUtL

01/23/2026

When the season ends, the emotions don’t disappear. Being a Chicago Bears fan isn’t just entertainment—it’s identity, community, and shared experience. From a sport psychology lens, the intensity after a playoff loss makes sense: belonging amplifies both joy and disappointment. Here Daniel Wilsea, LCPC explores why it hurts, how to regulate those emotions, and how resilience grows when we stay connected to what matters most.

01/20/2026

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. showed us the power of courage, leadership, and standing firm for what is right, even in the most challenging moments. His vision for justice and equality continues to inspire us today.

If you are seeking ways to honor his legacy this year, consider attending Northwestern’s MLK Commemoration on January 20th at 5 PM. The event is free and open to the public: northwestern.edu/mlk

01/16/2026

Let's Go Bears! From all of us at The Family Institute, we wish Ryan Poles, last year’s recipient of our Mental Health Community Impact Award, and the Chicago Bears continued success and the best of luck this weekend.

01/15/2026

The Family Institute at Northwestern University is pleased to invite you to our spring event: In Session with The Family Institute: A Conversation with Vienna Pharaon.

Vienna Pharaon, proud alumna of The Family Institute, is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, national bestselling author of The Origins of You, top podcast host, and the creator of on Instagram, where she reaches millions of people worldwide each month with accessible guidance on healing origin wounds. She is one of New York City's most sought-after relationship therapists and the founder of Mindful Marriage and Family Therapy.

Dr. Nancy Burgoyne, our Chief Clinical Officer, will guide a compelling conversation with Vienna on how family dynamics shape identity, relationships, and behavior.

📍 The Arts Club of Chicago
🎟️ Tickets & details: https://www.family-institute.org/in-session

We look forward to gathering as a community for this special event.

01/12/2026

Social media is part of everyday life, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Research shows that when used intentionally, social media can support well-being, strengthen connections, and foster a sense of belonging. In this article, Dr. Yael Dror breaks down what the research actually says and shares practical ways to engage more mindfully—through connection, authenticity, and emotional awareness.

Small shifts in how we use social media can make a meaningful difference.

👉 Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/49kNrJH

01/06/2026

Dr. Anthony Chambers, Chief Academic Officer at The Family Institute, was recently featured in The New York Times article, "7 Questions to Ask Yourself for a Happier New Year." He shares his insight on one key question: “Is there anyone you need to forgive in 2026?” This is part of a set of reflective questions designed to help guide personal growth and reflection in the year ahead.

Click here to read the full article : https://nyti.ms/4aIYJZe

01/01/2026

Happy New Year! 🎉 As we welcome 2026, we’re grateful for the individuals, couples, and families who trusted us with their care this past year. Your resilience inspires our work every day.

In the year ahead, we remain committed to providing access to compassionate, evidence-informed mental health services, advancing innovative research, and training the next generation of clinicians at Northwestern University.

Wishing you a year filled with connection, growth, and moments of healing. ✨

12/30/2025

Do New Year’s fitness resolutions feel overwhelming? Step into the new year mindful and motivated. 🪷

Yesterday, Dr. Michele Kerulis, clinical associate professor at The Family Institute at Northwestern University, joined FOX 32’s Good Day Chicago to explore the most popular fitness trends of the year and share practical tips for setting achievable goals, supporting mental well-being, and staying motivated for lasting physical and mental health.

Watch the full segment on Good Day Chicago to hear helpful tips on how to stay motivated: https://bit.ly/3Yiyph6

12/23/2025

The new year often comes with pressure to change—but growth doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing.

In this month’s Tip of the Month, Jocelyn Nelson, LCPC, explores why setting intentions focused on flexibility and values may feel more supportive than traditional resolutions.

💭 A gentler way to reflect on growth in the year ahead.

Read Jocelyn’s full article on setting intentions vs resolutions here: https://bit.ly/3KHNCW0

12/09/2025

As this season of gratitude continues, it’s the perfect time to deepen how we express appreciation in our closest relationships. 💛

Research shows that when gratitude is specific and sincere, it increases emotional connection and relationship satisfaction — for both people.

Alexis Pandelios, Ph.D., offers 5 evidence-based ways to make your appreciation truly land:
1️⃣ Be specific
2️⃣ Highlight your partner’s qualities
3️⃣ Name how they’ve shown up for your needs
4️⃣ Slow down and share it sincerely
5️⃣ Write it out and read it aloud

Partners feel more seen and valued when gratitude goes beyond “thanks” and focuses on who they are, how they care, and the impact of their actions (Algoe et al., 2016; Park et al., 2021; Pandelios, 2025; Pandelios & Wong, 2024).

Try it with your loved one(s): write a quick note + read it aloud when you’re both present. ✨

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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

https://www.family-institute.org/request-appointment

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Our Story

Established in 1969, The Family Institute at Northwestern University is committed to strengthening and healing individuals, children and adolescents, couples and families through clinical service, education and research. 2019 marks The Family Institute’s 50th year of offering high quality mental health counseling, facilitated through a team of more than 70 clinicians practicing in four different Chicagoland locations: Chicago, Evanston, Northbrook and Westchester. Also committed to serving at-risk, under resourced communities, The Family Institute offers affordable care through the Bette D. Harris Family and Child Clinic.

The Family Institute conducts cutting-edge research to better understand mental health issues and treatment, operating two nationally-renowned graduate programs at Northwestern University in Counseling Psychology, and Marriage and Family Therapy.

For more information, visit www.family-institute.org.