Support
NAMI McHenry County provides support to adults living with a mental health condition, as well as family members supporting an individual with a mental health condition. NAMI peers provide support through our Living Room, Drop-In Center, Support Groups, and Classes.
Read on for more information about accessing NAMI’s support services.
For Individuals
Opening March 2
The Foglia Family Living Room
Crisis Support Without the Emergency Room
The Living Room is a calm, welcoming space for adults experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis. Staffed by trained peers with lived experience, The Living Room offers immediate, compassionate support in a non-clinical environment. .
The Living Room is:
A walk-in alternative to the ER or psychiatric hospitalization
Peer-led and recovery-focused
Quiet, comfortable, and trauma-informed
Free and confidential
Important Details:
The Living Room Program opens on March 2!
Who: Adults ages 18+
When: Monday-Friday, 12:30pm - 8:00pm (last referral at 7:00pm)
Where: NAMI McHenry County, 338 Memorial Drive, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Cost: Free
Opening March 2
Drop-In Center
Community. Connection. Support.
The Drop-In Center is a non-clinical space for adults looking to connect, build relationships, and find community. Whether you want to join an activity, talk with peers, or simply spend time in a welcoming environment — you are invited.
The Drop-In Center is:
Peer connection and community support
Groups, activities, and classes
A welcoming space to reduce isolation and loneliness
Support without pressure or expectations
Important Details:
This program opens to the public on March 2nd!
Who: Adults ages 18+
When: Monday-Friday, 12:30pm - 8:00pm starting March 1
Where: NAMI McHenry County, 338 Memorial Drive, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Cost: Free
Downloadable monthly calendar coming soon!
NOTE: all first-time Drop-In Center guests must complete a service assessment in the Living Room. If you are looking to attend an activity, please arrive at least one hour before the start time to check-in at the Living Room. Feel free to come in any time during open hours to avoid high-traffic times (Monday-Friday, 12:30pm - 8pm).
NAMI Connection
Support Group for Individuals
NAMI Connection is a weekly support group, at no cost to you, where individuals with a mental health diagnosis can share experiences in a safe, confidential setting. NAMI-trained peer facilitators guide groups using a structured model to ensure all have the opportunity to be heard, supported, and encouraged without judgment. The group encourages empathy, productive discussion,, and a sense of community.
How are Connection Recovery Support Groups structured?
90-minute meetings.
Led by NAMI-trained individuals who are in recovery. They understand your challenges and can offer you encouragement and support.
What is the cost?
Provided at no cost to you.
Where is the service provided?
Connection Support Groups are held in the NAMI Drop-In Center (338 Memorial Drive, Crystal Lake)
Support Group Schedule:
General Connections Support Groups are held Monday & Wednesday evenings from 6:00 – 7:30 PM (ages 18+)
Justice-Impacted Connections Support Group is held on Mondays from 6:00 - 7:30 PM at the Specialty Courts office (400 Russel Court, Woodstock) (ages 18+)
To Register: all first-time Support Group guests must complete a service assessment in the Living Room prior to attending group. If you are looking to attend a group, please arrive at least one hour before the start time to check-in at the Living Room. Feel free to come in any time during open hours to avoid high-traffic times (Monday-Friday, 12:30pm - 8pm).
For The Family
Opening March 2
The Foglia Family Living Room
Crisis Support Without the Emergency Room
Yes — our Living Room is for family members, too!
The Living Room is a calm, welcoming space for adults experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis. The Living Room also welcomes family members who are supporting a loved one in crisis. Staffed by trained peers with lived experience, The Living Room offers immediate, compassionate support in a non-clinical environment.
The Living Room is:
A walk-in alternative to the ER or psychiatric hospitalization
Peer-led and recovery-focused
Quiet, comfortable, and trauma-informed
Free and confidential
Important Details:
The Living Room Program opens on March 2!
Who: Adults ages 18+
When: Monday-Friday, 12:30pm - 8:00pm (last referral at 7:00pm)
Where: NAMI McHenry County, 338 Memorial Drive, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Cost: Free
Family Support Group
Who is it for?
Family Support Group is for adult family members and friends who have a loved one with mental illness. NAMI trained certified facilitators provide peer support in a confidential, supportive setting where information, education, and experiences are shared.
What is it?
Together we deal with the impact that mental illness has made on the lives of our loved ones, as we slowly acknowledge the impact that mental illness has had on our own lives as individuals, couples, parents, siblings and friends. Attending Family Support Group gives us an opportunity to develop an understanding of what role we can actually be effective in, while our loved ones navigate their personal journey of recovery.
Through Group Wisdom, we gradually learn new ways to communicate, develop coping skills, self-care strategies, break the barriers of stigma, overcome denial, and find solutions through the experiences of other participants enduring the same journey.
What is the cost?
Provided at no cost to you.
Where is the service provided?
NAMI Office (338 Memorial Drive, Crystal Lake).
Enter through the main entrance and then ring the doorbell for the “education and admin” door.
Family Support Group schedule:
Family Support Group is held weekly on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Spanish Family Support Group is held weekly on Thursday evenings from 6:00 - 7:30 pm
NOTE: all first-time Support Group guests must complete a service assessment in the Living Room prior to attending group. If you are looking to attend a group, please arrive at least one hour before the start time to check-in at the Living Room. Feel free to come in any time during open hours to avoid high-traffic times (Monday-Friday, 12:30pm - 8pm).
Educational Classes
-
Peer-to-Peer
What is NAMI Peer-to-Peer?
An 8-session evidence-based educational program for adults with mental health conditions who are looking to better understand themselves and their recovery. Provided at NO cost, the program is taught by trained leaders with lived experience, this program includes activities, discussions, and informative videos. The course provides an opportunity for mutual support and growth. Experience compassion and understanding from people who relate to your experiences. This is a place to learn more about recovery in an accepting environment.
What is the cost?
Provided at no cost to you.
-
Family-to-Family
What is NAMI Family-to-Family?
An 8-session course for family, partners, friends, and significant others of people living with mental illness. Provided at NO cost, the program is taught by trained teachers who are also family members and know what it is like to have a loved one living with a mental health condition. The course includes information on illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, and other mental health conditions. It is designed to help Adult family members understand and support their loved one living with mental illness while learning to maintain their well-being.
What is the cost?
Provided at no cost to you.