Citing a growing need for accessible mental health services, Josselyn, Lake County’s longtime mental health provider, has expanded to provide assistance throughout the county.
Susan Resko, CEO and president of the community mental health center, said her clinics regularly serve 8,000 clients and receive more than 1,000 calls each month.
“This pandemic has subsided, but the need for mental health hasn’t really diminished,” Resko said.
Josselyn recently added more locations, making it easier for people in areas like Waukegan, Grayslake and Highland Park to receive treatment.
“Our expansion is a source of great pride for us,” said Camilo Morales, clinical coordinator. “I’m so happy that we can reach so many people that we didn’t before.”
Morales explained that Josselyn has a Spanish language option on his website and bilingual therapists like himself to help those who primarily speak Spanish.
“They don’t need to explain what they’re going through because we’ve been there, we know what it’s like,” he said.
Robert Robbins, a Josselyn client, said he was living on the streets, moving from state to state, until one day he looked for help online and came across the Josselyn Center.
“I didn’t know there were places I could get help, so I turned to hard drugs for many years, about 10 years,” he said.
Robbins credited Josselyn’s comprehensive services for his 11 years of sobriety as studies to become a certified recovery support specialist himself.
Chloe Brodner, assistant director of clinic services, explained that with more than 100 therapists on staff, Josselyn offers traditional therapy as well as an expressive arts program including art, dance and music.
“So our services come in many different forms,” she said.
NBC Chicago
