The Foglia Family Living Room

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have a question not listed here? Please email help@namimch.org.

Q: Does the Living Room provide support in languages other than English?

A: Yes! The Living Room has a spanish-speaking staff on site, and we are able to provide interpretation services for other languages.

Q: Is the Living Room the same as going to the hospital?

A: No. The Living Room is not a hospital or clinical setting. It is an alternative to the emergency room for individuals who are experiencing a mental health crisis or emotional distress. While more than 95% of guests do not need further hospitalization after a visit, we may recommend some guests go to the hospital after a visit if they are not safe to return home.

Q: Do I need an appointment?

A: No, you do not need an appointment. Walk-ins are accepted Monday-Friday, 12:30pm - 7:00pm (the Living Room closes at 8:00pm).

Q: What can I expect when I arrive?

A: The Living Room is located at NAMI McHenry County’s office (338 Memorial Drive, Crystal Lake). Upon arrival, enter through the main entrance and then ring the doorbell for the Living Room, located to your left. You will be greeted warmly and respectfully by one of NAMI’s trained staff. Once inside the Living Room, you can get a cup of coffee, hot tea, or water, and then choose one of our calming rooms for your meeting, such as our meditation room, art room, or low-sensory room. If it’s your first time at the Living Room, you will be asked to complete a few simple forms. Then, you will talk with a Recovery Support Specialist about what brought you in, and make a plan for next steps. Our team will make sure you are safe before you leave.

Q: How often can I come to the Living Room? Is there a limit?

A: You can come to the Living Room as often as you’d like!

Q: Who will I talk to in the Living Room?

A; You will meet with trained Recovery Support Specialists. NAMI’s staff have lived experience with mental health conditions and are trained in de-escalation, trauma-informed care, and peer support.

Q: Is the Living Room confidential?

A: Yes, the Living Room is completely confidential.

Q: Do I need insurance?

A: No, the Living Room is completely free. We do not accept any payment or insurance. If you would like to support NAMI, you can make a donation here

Q: How long can I stay?

A: Most visits last an hour or two. We will make sure you are safe and have a plan before leaving.

Q: Will you prescribe medication?

A: No. The Living Room does not provide medical or psychiatric services. However, we can help connect you to providers in the community.

Q: What if I need ongoing support?

A: The Living Room team can help connect you to therapists, psychiatrists, support groups (NAMI groups or outside groups), and other community resources. You can also continue accessing the Living Room as often as you need.

Q: Is the Living Room only for people with a diagnosis?

A: No. If you are in a crisis or experiencing emotional distress, you are welcome at the Living Room.

Q: Can professionals refer someone to the Living Room?

A: Yes! Hospitals, law enforcement, therapists, community agencies, and individuals may all refer someone to the Living Room. If you would like Living Room flyers or business cards to keep at your location for easy referrals, please email help@namimch.org, or stop by the Living Room during open hours. Please note that the Living Room is a voluntary program.

Q: I would like to use the Living Room, but I don’t have transportation.

A: NAMI has a limited budget to transport first-time Living Room guests. For more information, please email help@namimch.org.