Elk Grove Township Meets Great Need for Mental Health Services

Elk Grove Township residents in need of psychiatric services can now access them quickly and efficiently through a new partnership between the Township and the Josselyn Center, a nonprofit community mental health provider based in Northfield. This new program drastically reduces wait times to see a psychiatrist - which at times have been as long as six to nine months - and provides for the holistic care of individuals in need of medication for a range of mental health issues.

The overarching goal is to provide comprehensive and holistic mental health services for children and adults living in the Township. Individuals in need of psychiatric services must either be in counseling through the Township or go through an intake process first. Once in counseling, if a therapist identifies a need for psychotropic medication, a referral is made to the Josselyn Center to connect the client with a psychiatrist.

"This entire program is so vital to assist our residents who cannot access the full spectrum of quality mental health services available in the private sector, due to financial constraints," said Elk Grove Township Clinical Director Luanne Pross. "No one is turned away due to the inability to pay, and there is a strong connection between our counselors and the psychiatrists to share information to meet the mental health care needs of our residents."

Convenience is also part of what is offered through this partnership; individuals can see a psychiatrist virtually and confidentially via telehealth on their own computers or smartphones. If residents do not have access to technology, computers are made available to them at the Township. Counseling through the Township is also available through telehealth, in-person at the Township, or through a hybrid arrangement.

"This public/private partnership is relatively unique, as few other government organizations have taken these steps to meet what we see as a great need, especially for those who have been sitting on a waitlist for months to see a psychiatrist," said Elk Grove Township Supervisor George Busse. "We are proud to be able to offer these services to our residents in need of this level of care."

Residents experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship issues, substance misuse, school issues, work performance and other challenges are encouraged to contact the Township for help. Translation services are also available.

For more information or to schedule an intake appointment, please call the Township Youth and Family Services Department at (847) 981-0373.