Mental Health in Focus: Resources and Response | | |
Mental Health Awareness Month exists to reduce stigma and increase access to support.
This year, we invite Illinois campuses to extend that intent inward, to the people who make the work possible.
Acknowledging that faculty and staff are struggling is not a sign of institutional weakness. It is the foundation of a campus that can actually sustain the support it promises to students.
| | SAMHSA Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit | | |
Looking for an easy way to engage your team or community during Mental Health Awareness Month? The Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers free, ready-to-use resources designed to help you turn awareness into meaningful action. From pre-written social media posts and shareable graphics to weekly themes and conversation starters, the toolkit makes it simple to create thoughtful, consistent messaging without starting from scratch.
Whether you’re planning a full campaign or just looking to highlight a few key messages, SAMHSA’s toolkit provides a flexible framework to guide your efforts throughout May. It’s a practical way to keep your outreach aligned with national conversations while offering clear, stigma-reducing language and actionable next steps.
Explore the full toolkit and find ways to bring these resources into your own work this month.
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The NAMI Illinois (National Alliance on Mental Illness Illinois) plays a critical role in strengthening the state’s behavioral health landscape through education, advocacy, and community-based support. As a statewide organization supported by a network of local affiliates, NAMI Illinois works to reduce stigma, improve access to services, and elevate the voices of individuals and families impacted by mental health conditions. Their efforts help build more informed, responsive communities—an essential foundation for a stronger, more connected behavioral health system.
For providers, workforce professionals, and community partners, NAMI Illinois also serves as a valuable resource hub—offering training programs, support group models, and educational tools that complement and enhance workforce development efforts across Illinois. By centering lived experience and promoting collaboration across systems, their work aligns closely with ICCTAC’s mission to strengthen the behavioral health workforce and expand access to high-quality, person-centered care.
See more about NAMI Illinois resources here
| | Mental Health America of Illinois | |
A statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting mental health, preventing mental illness and improving care for individuals experiencing mental and emotional challenges. With roots dating back more than a century, MHAI focuses its work around three core areas: education, advocacy and access to information, helping individuals and communities better understand mental health and navigate available support.
Through public education initiatives, policy advocacy and resource navigation, MHAI works to reduce stigma and expand access to affordable, effective mental health services across Illinois. The organization also offers tools like mental health screenings, community trainings and connections to local providers - making it a valuable trusted resource for individuals, professionals and communities seeking to support mental well-being at every stage of life.
| | National Institute of Mental Health | |
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is the leading federal agency for research on mental illnesses and mental health conditions. As part of the National Institutes of Health, NIMH advances understanding of mental health through scientific research that supports better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment options for people of all ages. Its work helps translate research into accessible, evidence-based information for the public, clinicians, and policymakers.
NIMH also serves as a trusted source for educational materials on mental health conditions, symptoms, and treatment approaches. The institute provides fact sheets, data, and resources designed to help individuals and families better understand mental health and make informed decisions about care. Through its focus on science and education, NIMH helps reduce stigma and reinforce mental health as a vital part of overall well-being.
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SAMHSA National Helpline
The SAMHSA National Helpline, operated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, is a free, confidential resource available 24/7, 365 days a year for individuals and families facing mental health or substance use challenges
By calling 1-800-662-HELP (4357), users can connect with trained information specialists who provide referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Services are available in both English and Spanish, and no insurance is required to receive assistance.
Callers can remain anonymous, and the service may also direct individuals to low-cost or sliding-scale treatment options in their area—making it a valuable, accessible entry point for those seeking help or supporting a loved one.
Learn more
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Call4Calm Text Line
A free, confidential emotional support resource available to Illinois residents through the Illinois Department of Human Services. individuals can text TALK (or HABLAR for Spanish) to 552020 to connect with a trained mental health professional.
After reaching out, users typically receive a follow-up from a counselor within 24 hours, offering support and helping connect them to local resources.
In addition to one-on-one support, Call4Calm can also help individuals navigate broader needs by texting keywords like “food,” “shelter,” or “unemployment” to receive information about available services. The program is free, available 24/7, and allows users to remain anonymous—making it a simple, approachable option for those experiencing stress or looking for guidance on where to turn next.
Learn more
| | Prioritizing the people who help people | | |
We know the work you do takes a lot out of you -- and our partners at the Illinois Behavioral Health Workforce Center (BHWC) do too. Their latest blog, "Wellness for Behavioral and Mental Health Professionals," is a candid, first-hand look at the unique challenges our field faces: compassion fatigue, the savior complex, high caseloads, and the all-too-common tendency to put our own wellness last.
It's a worthwhile read and a good reminder that we can't pour from an empty cup.
Read the blog here: https://jobboard.illinoisbhwc.org/blog/wellness-for-behavioral-and-mental-health-professionals/
If you haven't explored the BHWC as a whole, we encourage you to.
They are a tremendous statewide resource for behavioral health professionals at every stage of their career, from job listings and training opportunities to workforce data and a growing library of resources. Visit them at illinoisbhwc.org.
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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
For Institutions & Staff
Key Themes & Resources
- Prevention: Promoting early intervention, mental health literacy and stigma reduction through education and community engagement.
- Access & Equity: Expanding access to care in underserved areas and addressing systemic barriers within the behavioral health system.
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Workforce Wellbeing: Supporting the mental health of providers through burnout prevention, peer support and sustainable workplace practice.
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Crisis Response & Recovery: Strengthening crisis systems (like 988) and ensuring individuals have pathways to ongoing, community-based care.
| | 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 | | |
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 spring (May through June) or fall (July through December) course, please contact Anita Sego at asego99@siumed.edu.
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What campus professionals need to know about digital health
From passive scrolling to algorithmic content loops, social media is shaping the mental health of students on Illinois campuses in ways campus professionals need to understand. This blog breaks down what the research says, how to bring these conversations into everyday student interactions, and where to point students when they need more support. Whether you work in advising, counseling, residence life or the classroom, this is a practical read for anyone supporting student well-being today.
| | | 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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