Our Services

Overview
Family Service is a community mental health center based in Cicero. As such, our services are primarily for residents of Cicero, although we do accept clients who live in surrounding communities. Family Service specializes in counseling for individuals and families, and treatment of mental illness. Our services are aimed at helping people recover from mental health problems and lead happier, healthier, more productive lives, regardless of where they fall on the continuum of age, wellness or financial status.

Family Service provides care for children, adolescents, adults and seniors. Our services are for people facing difficulties in their lives that can bring on depression, anxiety or other mental health problems. They are also for those with serious and ongoing mental illness or serious emotional disorders — people who need support, advocacy, as well as medication management to move toward recovery. Our goal is to help our clients identify issues, build on strengths, find solutions and regain control of their lives.

Intake
When you or someone in your family is struggling with mental, emotional, work, school or relationship problems, you can obtain help by calling our center and requesting services. After speaking briefly with our receptionist to determine if we offer the services you need, you will be scheduled for an intake interview.

In the initial office visit, one of our counselors will gather information about you and your family, as well as your current situation and concerns. You and your counselor will decide together whether our services are appropriate for you and discuss treatment options. Our goal is to schedule a follow up appointment at the conclusion of this initial meeting. If we are not able to schedule services immediately, one of our staff members will contact you by phone periodically to check on how you are doing until we can schedule your next office visit.

There is no charge for the initial visit. During this session, the counselor will discuss our fees for any further services that you receive. Our fees are based on your ability to pay.

Crisis Intervention
Family Service is not a crisis center. However, we are able to respond to crisis situations promptly during our regular business hours. If your situation is urgent, we will schedule an office visit for you within a few hours. If you contact our agency after hours and are experiencing a mental health emergency, you will be directed to contact a crisis program.

Mental Health Assessment and Treatment Plan
After your initial visit, you will meet with one of our professional staff who will complete a comprehensive mental health assessment. This is the formal process of gathering and preparing written information about your current life circumstances, personal and family history, mental health status and other relevant information. The assessment leads to the identification of service needs and recommendations for treatment. After completing a mental health assessment, you and your counselor will develop an individual treatment plan which identifies treatment goals and objectives, the expected length and frequency of services, and the specific services to be provided. The following services are available.

Individual Therapy
Individual sessions with a therapist which focus on the resolution of specific emotional or behavioral problems.

Family Therapy
Treatment which focuses on enhancing communication, resolving problems and improving relationships between family members.

Group Therapy
Assistance which is provided in small groups for persons with similar types of problems. The agency offers several different types of treatment and support groups.

Parenting Groups
Groups which focus on helping mothers and fathers understand the needs of their children and become more effective parents.

Medication Management
After a thorough evaluation by one of our psychiatrists, medications may be recommended to help control or alleviate severe symptoms. Clients taking medications meet with a psychiatrist on a regular basis to assess the effectiveness of medications, address any side effects and make medication adjustments, as needed. Medication management is usually offered in conjunction with other services.

Medication Training
Sessions which help to educate persons taking medications and/or their family members about the purpose of medications, potential side effects, communicating with mental health professionals about medication issues and other topics related to the use of psychotropic medications.

Case Management
Case managers provide outreach visits to hospitals, homes and other community locations. They are available to assist clients in obtaining a variety of community services and resources, as well as state and federal benefit programs.