Supporting Student Well‑Being Beyond the Campus Year | | Summer break is often framed as a time for students to rest, reconnect and reset. For campus professionals, it is also a period that can introduce new vulnerabilities. When students leave the structured environment of campus, where routines, resources and support systems are consistent, they may enter settings that vary widely in stability, safety and access to care. These shifts can disrupt mental health support, increase isolation and create gaps in continuity of services. Students who are already navigating stress, identity development or complex home dynamics may feel these challenges more intensely during the summer months. | | |
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD offers a Professional Consultation Program that supports clinicians, providers, and organizations working with individuals impacted by trauma. It serves as a centralized resource for guidance on PTSD assessment, treatment, and best practices, connecting professionals with subject matter experts in trauma-informed care. The program also provides access to clinical consultation, implementation support, and curated toolkits that translate current PTSD research into practical approaches that can be applied across healthcare, education, and community settings.
The accompanying resources are intended to strengthen early identification of PTSD, improve consistency in care, and support more effective treatment planning across a range of populations, including veterans and first responders. They emphasize evidence-based therapies and trauma-informed approaches that can be adapted in different professional environments.
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The NAMI Chicago Helpline is a free, confidential local support service designed to provide immediate emotional support, guidance, and connection to mental health resources for individuals in Chicago and suburban Cook County. Staffed by trained specialists, the helpline offers a non-judgmental space where callers can talk through what they’re experiencing, whether they are seeking help for themselves, supporting a loved one, or navigating mental health or social service systems. The team can help callers create an action plan, provide emotional support, and connect them to appropriate local resources based on their needs.
The helpline is available by phone, text, or chat and is open daily with extended weekday and weekend hours. It is not a crisis line or emergency service, but rather a supportive entry point for ongoing care navigation and community connection. In urgent situations, individuals are directed to emergency services or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Learn more about the NAMI Chicago Helpline here
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Illinois DocAssist is a free statewide consultation service that supports healthcare providers who work with children, adolescents and young adults. The program offers expert guidance on mental health concerns, trauma, medication questions and treatment planning. Providers can connect with child psychiatrists and behavioral health specialists for same‑day support, making it easier to navigate complex cases and ensure continuity of care.
DocAssist also offers training, resource navigation and evidence‑based recommendations that strengthen care across schools, clinics and community settings. For campuses and providers supporting students through transitions, trauma or emerging mental health needs, DocAssist is a reliable partner that helps bridge gaps and improve outcomes. It is one of Illinois’ most valuable tools for expanding access to high‑quality behavioral health support.
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The Illinois Warm Line is a free, statewide support line for individuals seeking emotional support, wellness guidance or help navigating mental health resources. Staffed by trained recovery support specialists and family peer support professionals, the Warm Line offers a compassionate space for people to talk through stress, anxiety or life challenges before they reach a crisis point. It is designed to complement, not replace, clinical services and is available to anyone in Illinois who needs someone to listen.
The Warm Line also helps callers connect with community‑based supports, wellness tools and recovery‑oriented services across the state. For campuses, families and community partners, it is a valuable option to share with students who may benefit from early support or who are hesitant to reach out to formal mental health providers. As part of Illinois’ broader behavioral health network, the Warm Line strengthens prevention efforts and promotes accessible, person‑centered care.
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Illinois Behavioral Health Workforce Center (BHWC)
The Illinois Behavioral Health Workforce Center is a statewide initiative created to strengthen the behavioral health system by expanding the recruitment, training and retention of mental health professionals. Established through state legislation and administered in partnership with the Illinois Board of Higher Education, the Center focuses on addressing critical workforce shortages, improving access to care and supporting providers across all regions of the state. Its two‑hub model, housed at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and the University of Illinois Chicago Jane Addams College of Social Work, allows it to serve both rural and urban communities with targeted support.
The Center offers data‑driven workforce reports, training opportunities, supervision sessions, retention toolkits and collaborative initiatives designed to strengthen behavioral health capacity across Illinois. Providers can engage through virtual trainings, in‑person events and ongoing communities of practice. For campuses and community partners, the BHWC is an essential resource for understanding workforce trends, improving staff readiness and supporting long‑term behavioral health system transformation.
Learn more
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The Steve Fund
The Steve Fund is the nation’s leading organization dedicated to supporting the mental health and emotional well‑being of young people of color, with a strong emphasis on college and university environments. Through partnerships with higher‑education institutions, the Fund provides research‑based programs, campus assessments, faculty and staff training, and culturally responsive tools that help institutions better understand and address the unique mental health challenges faced by students of color. Their work is grounded in equity, belonging, and evidence‑informed strategies that strengthen campus climates.
In addition to institutional partnerships, the Steve Fund offers student‑centered workshops, crisis support resources, and digital tools designed to reduce stigma and increase access to care. Their Equity in Mental Health Framework, developed with the Jed Foundation, gives campuses a clear roadmap for improving support systems and closing mental health gaps. For colleges and community partners, the Steve Fund is an essential resource for advancing mental health equity and ensuring students of color feel seen, supported, and empowered.
Learn more
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Illinois Session Recap
As the Illinois legislative session wraps up, several bills with direct implications for campus mental health, student support, and behavioral health workforce development have been signed into law. Here's a look at what passed and what it means for our community.
FY27 State Budget | HB 111
The enacted FY27 budget holds steady on key behavioral health investments in higher education. Mental Health Early Action on Campus (MHEAC) receives flat funding — $7M through IBHE and $6M through ICCB — as does the Behavioral Health Workforce Education Center (BHWEC) at $10M. While we had hoped for increases, these programs were protected in a challenging budget year.
988 Lifeline Posting Requirement | SB 2771 (Sen. Belt / Rep. Canty)
Starting January 1, 2027, public colleges and universities — along with healthcare and community facilities — will be required to display 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline contact information in prominent, accessible locations for students and staff. A straightforward but meaningful step toward normalizing crisis resource visibility on campus.
School Social Work Scholarship Expansion | HB 5460 (Rep. Lilly / Sen. Canty)
An Illinois Student Assistance Commission initiative, this law broadens eligibility for the School Social Work scholarship (formerly the Post-MSW School Social Work Professional Educator License scholarship) and expands its use to cover tuition and mandatory fees at both public and private Illinois institutions of higher education. Takes effect July 1, 2026.
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Actionable resources, meaningful change.
Whether you're a student, survivor, or staff member, there's something here for you. Explore the toolkits and resources below to find support, guidance, and tools to help create safer campuses for everyone.
For Students & Community Members
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PTSD Coach Online: A self-paced tool with grounding exercises, coping strategies and symptom education. Accessible for students who prefer private, on-demand support.
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HeadsUpGuys: A men's mental health platform with self-checks, action plans and real stories that reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking.
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Crisis Text Line: A widely used support option for young adults who prefer texting over calling. Helpful during high-stress periods like finals, transitions or summer break.
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The Trevor Project: Identity-affirming support for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults, especially important during Pride Month and summer transitions.
For Institutions & Staff
Key Themes & Resources
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Continuity of care: Ensuring students can remain connected to mental health support, community resources and affirming services when campus routines and structures pause for the summer.
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Equitable access to support: Recognizing that students' home environments, identities and circumstances vary widely and may affect their ability to access safe, consistent and culturally responsive care.
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Identity-affirming resources: Highlighting supports that meet the needs of LGBTQ+ students, students of color and others who may face unique stressors or reduced affirmation away from campus.
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Safety and connection: Promoting resources that help students maintain social connection, emotional safety and a sense of belonging during a period that can increase isolation.
| | Stay in the Loop. Check Our Latest Announcements | | |
Our announcements page is your go-to hub for the latest news, resources, and updates from across Illinois college and university campuses. From new training opportunities and policy developments to campus mental health initiatives, there is always something worth sharing. We encourage all of our partner colleges, universities, and organizations to submit announcements monthly so we can continue to uplift and amplify the great work happening statewide.
Have something to share?
Head over to our announcements page and let us know what is going on in your community!
| | On the Horizon: ICC TAC Updates | | |
Virtual Mental Health First Aid Training
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an evidence-based training program that teaches individuals how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health challenges, behavioral health concerns, and substance use issues. Much like traditional first aid equips someone to assist with physical health emergencies, MHFA prepares and empowers people to provide initial support to someone experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge or crisis until appropriate professional help can be connected.
Do you work for a Higher Education institution in Illinois that is funded in-part by the Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act (MHEAC)?
If so, you are eligible to complete the registration form for our upcoming training that is MHEAC-subsidized.
Due to scheduling adjustments within our training calendar, the July Mental Health First Aid session has been canceled.
We encourage interested participants to join us for our upcoming August training, which is now open for enrollment.
Register for August 4, 2026 training here
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Learning Collaboratives
Our learning collaboratives bring together professionals and community members to share knowledge, build skills and drive meaningful change.
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July 30, 2026, 11:00am-12:30pm: Credit Where (Academic) Credit is Due – Kristin Manzi
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September 25, 2026, 10:00am-12:00pm: Dealing with Difficult People – Amy Hawkins
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September 30, 2026, 12:00pm-2:00pm: Great Lakes ADA Center with Marcy Hintzman
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October 30, 2026, 12:00pm – 1:30pm: Best Practices: Using Data for the Evaluation of Counseling Centers in Higher Education with Lynn Braun
Interested in joining a learning collaborative? Reach out at icctac@siumed.edu
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Free SFBT Training Available for Higher Education Professionals
The ICC TAC, in partnership with the Institute for Solution-Focused Therapy (ISFT), is offering scholarship opportunities for self-paced, online training in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT).
Thanks to funding through the State of Illinois' Mental Health Early Action on Campus (MHEAC) Act, eligible professionals can access courses at no cost — covering everything from an introduction to clinical practice to specialized topics like crisis intervention, trauma, grief, and anxiety and depression. Courses range from 5 to 8.5 CE credit/clock hours and are open to mental health clinicians, social workers, educators, and health care professionals. All instructors were directly trained by SFBT founders Insoo Kim Berg and Steve de Shazer.
If you are interested in taking a self-paced in our fall (July through December) course, please contact Anita Sego at asego99@siumed.edu.
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When structure changes: supporting students into summer break
As students leave campus for summer break, many also lose access to the routines, services and support networks that help them thrive. This month's blog explores why summer transitions can be a critical period for student mental health and highlights practical steps campuses and providers can take to support continuity of care, reduce isolation and prepare students for a successful return in the fall.
Read more for actionable strategies, transition-planning tips and trusted resources that can help institutions support student well-being all summer long.
| | | ICC TAC Executive Director | | | |
Anita Sego, PhD, MCHES (she/her)
Executive Director
SIU School of Medicine
319 E Madison St., Ste 4M | Springfield, IL 62701
Email: asego99@siumed.edu
Phone: 217.545.7543
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