CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The City of Chicago is expanding the places where people can obtain mental health services. The latest moves are in local libraries.
The Chicago Department of Public Health is teaming up with the public libraries to offer what they call no barrier mental health services- this time at four library branches.
The services will be staffed by CDPH clinicians. Alisha Warren, the agency's Assistant Commissioner for mental health said this is part of an effort by the department to stretch beyond its own clinics and partner agencies.
Warren said the idea is to bring mental health care to settings where people might feel more comfortable than at a clinic and she noted that some people in mental health crisis gravitate to libraries as safe places. Now, she said, there will be professionals on hand, at times, to offer help.
For now, mental health services will be available at the Mount Greenwood Branch Library, the Beverly Branch, the Blackstone Branch and the Edgewater Branch.
Warren said the city hopes to expand the program, and talks are underway with O'Hare Airport officials.
"We are really trying to think about we can expand and embed mental health services in areas where people can access them and they be the most useful."
Other settings are being considered as well.
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