SamaraCare breakfast raises funds, awareness for women’s mental health care

Nearly 200 attended the SamaraCare Women in Touch Breakfast to support mental health care fee subsidies for women and children.

Danielle Schaeffer, disability ministry director at Christ Church of Oak Brook, presented her story of overcoming depression and instilling hope in discussion with SamaraCare CEO Rev. Michael Bradburn.

According to a recent survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation, 50% of adult women reported needing mental health services in the past two years, yet 33% cited cost as the primary barrier.

“That’s why we created our Mental Health Access Program, which lowers the cost of services for individuals, couples and families who are uninsured, underinsured or facing financial hardship,” Bradburn said. “Mental health is the cornerstone of well-being … and the demand for services remains at an all-time high. We are driven to minimize any financial barriers so we can provide access to high-quality care to anyone who asks us for help.”

Based in Naperville, with additional offices in Lisle, Wheaton, Evanston, Wilmette and Winnetka, SamaraCare uses a holistic approach to harness the powerful healing connections of the mind, body, spirit and community. It is committed to offering affordable access to quality mental health counseling and psychiatric care for individuals, couples and families of all ages from diverse backgrounds and varied financial means.

SamaraCare offers spiritually integrated counseling across many faith traditions and life perspectives for clients interested in this option. Through customized educational and wellness programming, they increase community understanding of – and continue to reduce the stigma associated with – mental health issues.

Learn about the nonprofit mental health provider at samaracarecounseling.org.