In an emergency, dial 911. First responders are trained and equipped to deal with a wide variety of situations.
If you are concerned for the mental health of yourself or others, local organizations have resources to help, including consultations by phone or video calls.
• Contact Samaritan Counseling Center online or by phone, 847.382.4673 (HOPE). Both existing and new patients may take advantage of phone or video sessions; most insurers have agreed to cover remote consultations.
• Contact Barrington Youth & Family Services online or by phone, 847.381.0345. BYFS is arranging an online equivalent to their popular drop-in counseling for high school students. Currently, any high-schooler who wants to talk can call 847.381.0345 for a free 30-minute phone session—no insurance or other information needed.
• The Juniper Center, 847.759.9110, is offering virtual group or individual therapy sessions on anxiety, depression, grief, LGBTQ matters, and more. Tension Tamer Live Fridays, from 10 - 10:30 AM, are free to all and accessible through Zoom.
• NAMI Barrington Area is offering online support groups for individuals living with a mental illness (NAMI Connection Recovery Support Groups) and for their families (NAMI Family Support and NAMI Parent Support). The schedule varies week to week. If interested, please call 847-496-1415 or email info@namiba.org.
•Resource List from the National Alliance On Mental Illness (PDF) Feeling anxious? Concerned for a loved one or yourself during this difficult time? Wondering about COVID-19 and mental health challenges? Download this helpful resource guide.
The following helplines are still available 24/7:
• Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800.273.8255 (TALK) Website includes specific resources for survivors of attempts, loss, and disaster; Deaf or hard-of-hearing, and other situations.
• Disaster Distress Helpline: 800.985.5990; or text TalkWithUs to 66746; TTY: 800.846.8517,
• Crisis 'Warmline' of the Fox River Valley: 630.966.9393
We update these pages regularly; we encourage you to check back. To suggest a resource, please contact Community Engagement Librarian Sam Adams-Lanham at sadams@balibrary.org.