New community mental health center in Libertyville opens

LIBERTYVILLE – Clearbrook, one of the largest Illinois nonprofit organizations for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, hosted a ribbon-cutting and open house Jan. 29 at its new Community Mental Health Center in Libertyville.

Open to all Lake County residents, the center provides mental health support to both children and adults while continuing to serve existing Clearbrook clients.

Clearbrook staff, along with Libertyville Mayor Donna Johnson, delivered remarks and participated in the ceremony. The grand opening also was attended by members of the Libertyville Village Board, local business leaders and Clearbrook clients and their families.

Located at 1659 Northwind Blvd. in Libertyville, the 1,580-square-foot building is Clearbrook’s first community mental health center in Lake County and its third one overall.

The center is open to the public and also will support individuals residing in Clearbrook’s two community integrated living arrangements in Grayslake and the surrounding area as well as individuals at its intermediate care facility in Gurnee and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who live in private residences with family, many of whom are awaiting independent, long-term housing.

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities often experience a higher incidence of mental illness such as depression and anxiety due to a range of factors, including social stigmatization, difficulty communicating, higher rates of trauma exposure and lack of access to appropriate support systems.

“The truth is that people with IDD have many of the same mental health challenges as the rest of us, but those challenges are often compounded by the other unique circumstances of their lives. That the village of Libertyville and officials in Lake County have been so incredibly supportive in addressing these needs is a testament to the values of this community,” Jessica Smart, CEO of Clearbrook, said in a news release. “This facility is designed not only to support the individuals we currently serve, but to also strengthen the community as a whole. Later this year we will be opening a day program in Libertyville for those with IDD utilizing visual arts, music, fitness.”

Clearbrook’s community mental health centers offer a comprehensive range of mental health services including individual, group and family mental health therapy sessions. Art therapy and numerous wellness activities also are be offered.

Services are available by appointment only and can be scheduled by calling 847-870-7711. Clearbrook accepts Medicaid and private insurance plans.