How Family Service Center can help you have happier, healthier holidays

Wishing you good health. As we navigate both the continued evolution of the pandemic, as well as enter the holiday season, wishes for good health and cheer will echo throughout our community.

But what happens when you add the word "mental" into the mix - as in mental health? It's defined as "of or relating to the mind," but that little word carries a lot of baggage. It can call up light or darkness, mindful or crazy, calm or fear. As an organization best described as a mental health agency, that word can become an obstacle to reaching those that would benefit from services that FSC offers.

FSC: In support of good mental health

We are a local, not-for-profit, agency working to assist individuals and families who are facing challenges with relationships, anxiety, sadness, grief, and much more. FSC's trained and caring counselors are here to help in moments that feel overwhelming or particularly challenging. We also work in the community providing group support after sudden loss, as well as education and skill building programs designed to teach, connect, and help navigate topics ranging from building resilience to coping with COVID in our community.

Research consistently demonstrates the effectiveness of evidence-based mental health treatments and skill building. FSC is led and championed by those who have witnessed the life-changing impacts that can come from working with trained counselors. Our staff and volunteer Board work tirelessly to spread the word about FSC's services and eliminate barriers that can prevent access.

We remove obstacles with skilled and welcoming clinicians, customized educational programs, options of in-person or telehealth counseling sessions, being an in-network provider with many insurance companies, and by offering sliding scale fees for those who demonstrate need. Even families with health insurance can experience significant costs through high deductibles and co-pays or "out of network" clinicians. Most of FSC's clients receive some type of subsidy.

Powered by the community, for the community

FSC can do all of this thanks to the support and generosity of neighbors, local businesses, private foundations, and local government grants. Nearly 50% of the work at FSC is funded by contributions. The more resources we have, the more help we can offer to our community. In fact, as part of our 2021 Annual Appeal (happening right now), we are making that community support even more tangible to our clients. We are creating a Hallway of Hope. Donations between now and year-end will result in an engraved butterfly being placed on our FSC walls. This will let those walking FSC's halls know that they are not alone.

Tis the season of joy (and stress)

As we enter this second COVID-impacted holiday season, FSC will continue to invest the resources entrusted to us to better serve local needs. Due to the shared experience of remote-everything, more people depend upon online resources. Unfortunately, that has also increased the amount of misinformation, especially when navigating mental health issues. We are working to increase access to trusted online and in-person resources.

One small example is our Holiday Expectations vs. Holiday Realties Series, currently being sent to those that subscribe to FSC (and also available on our website). Because our experienced counselors know first-hand that this can be both a joyful and stressful time of year - we asked them to share their thoughts on how to best navigate some of the most common holiday stressors. We hope you take a moment to learn what they said at FamilyServiceCenter.com.

Thanks to many, FSC will continue to seek out ways to help our community. From all of us at FSC, Happy Holidays ~ Wishing you a Season of Good Health (of or relating to all of you)!

What happens when I contact FSC?

Parents, caregivers, young adults, seniors, local agencies' staff, school administrators and counselors all reach out to FSC when issues arise around supporting mental and emotional wellness:

• During business hours, an intake coordinator will speak with you to gather the information that will help FSC determine how best to help you. You can also leave a confidential message after hours.

• An FSC therapist will reach out and schedule an intake appointment, in a timely manner, to better understand your therapeutic needs and to make recommendations for treatment.

• FSC accepts many insurance plans. FSC will work with you to identify an affordable sliding scale fee based on your demonstrated need when insurance is not available or not accepted at FSC.

For details or information, call (847) 251-7350, go to FamilyServiceCenter.com or visit the new offices at 191 Waukegan Road, Suite 206, Northfield.