April 27, 2026
We're moving! Our new address is:
1750 N. Washington St. Suite 120 Naperville, 60563
1750 N. Washington St. Suite 120 Naperville, 60563
By The Centered Life | Women's Therapy & Family Wellness | Naperville & Oak Park, IL
Every May, a quiet but powerful wave of green ribbons, social media posts, and community conversations sweeps across the country. It’s Mental Health Awareness Month — and for families, parents, caregivers, and individuals across Naperville and the greater Chicagoland area, it arrives at just the right time.
But what does it actually mean? Where did it come from? And more importantly — what can you do with this awareness beyond a single month?
At The Centered Life, a women-owned psychotherapy practice in Naperville, we believe awareness is only the first step. This post is your guide: to the history behind this month, to the mental health realities in our local community, and to the practical everyday lifestyle shifts to support you, your children, and your community — starting today.
A Movement Born from Personal Pain
Mental Health Awareness Month didn’t come from a government mandate or a PR campaign. It came from one man’s refusal to stay silent.
In 1908, Clifford W. Beers published A Mind That Found Itself — a memoir documenting his own mental health crisis, hospitalizations, and the disturbing mistreatment he witnessed in psychiatric institutions. His firsthand account shocked the American public and sparked the founding of what would become Mental Health America (MHA), originally called the Connecticut Society for Mental Hygiene.
For decades, MHA grew its influence — advising the U.S. military during World War I, building national coalitions, and advocating for compassionate, evidence-based mental health care. By 1945, President Harry Truman was calling for national investment in mental health research. That advocacy culminated in the signing of the National Mental Health Act in 1946 and the official establishment of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) in 1949.
That same year — 1949 — Mental Health America launched the very first Mental Health Awareness Month.
From One Week to a Full Month of Awareness
The original awareness campaign in 1949 lasted only a single week. Over the following decades, as mental health research expanded and public understanding slowly evolved, that one week grew into an entire month dedicated to education, outreach, and the normalization of seeking help.
Today, Mental Health Awareness Month is observed nationwide each May, marked by the green ribbon, which symbolizes hope, strength, and support. SAMHSA, NAMI, the CDC, thousands of organizations, and practices like The Centered Life all use this month to reach people who may be quietly struggling — and remind them they are not alone.
The 2026 theme from Mental Health America: More Good Days, Together — a call to reflect on what wellness really looks and feels like, and how communities can help make it possible.
“What started as one person’s refusal to be silent has become a nationwide conversation about dignity, healing, and the human right to mental wellness.”
Awareness isn’t just about feelings — it’s about facts. And the facts about mental health in our region are ones that every parent, caregiver, and community member deserves to know.
National Mental Health Snapshot
Let’s start with the big picture, sourced from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the CDC:
23.4% of U.S. adults — more than 1 in 5 — experienced a mental illness in 2024. That’s 61.5 million people.
Only 43% of adults with a mental illness received any kind of mental health care in 2024.
More than 1 in 7 U.S. youth (ages 6–17) experience a mental health disorder — and nearly half receive no treatment.
20% of U.S. high school students reported serious thoughts of suicide in 2023.
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people ages 10–14 and 15–24 in the U.S.
Only 30% of teens with depression are receiving treatment for it.
Serious mental illness costs the U.S. economy $193.2 billion in lost earnings annually.
Illinois & the Chicagoland Area: What’s Happening Closer to Home
The numbers don’t get easier when we zoom in to Illinois — but they do get more actionable.
The Chicago-Joliet-Naperville metro area: Approximately 6.1% of adults in our metro region — that’s an estimated 414,000 people — experienced a major depressive episode in a recent measured year, tracking closely with state and national rates (SAMHSA).
Illinois youth mental health — still not recovered: Research from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago found that approximately 50% of Illinois children and adolescents continued to experience one or more worsening mental health symptoms through June 2022–March 2024. Critically, researchers note that youth mental health has NOT returned to pre-pandemic levels.
The parent-child connection is real: The Lurie Children’s study found a clear link between parental stress and children’s worsening mental health symptoms. Parents whose stress had increased since the COVID-19 pandemic were significantly more likely to have children experiencing mental health decline. This means supporting parents isn’t just good for the parents — it’s protective for the entire family.
Illinois is investing — but gaps remain: Illinois has seen a 55% increase in mental health providers over the last five years. Yet nearly half of children with a diagnosed mental or behavioral health condition still received no treatment, and access remains challenging outside of Cook County and the collar counties like DuPage and Will (home to Naperville).
DuPage County specifically: DuPage County, where Naperville sits, has a dedicated Prevention Leadership Team, county-level youth mental health surveys, and crisis support infrastructure — reflecting the genuine need our suburban community faces. The DuPage Crisis Recovery Center operates 24/7 for youth and adults. Mobile crisis response is available at 630-627-1700.
“Parents in our region are under immense pressure — and the data shows that when parents struggle, children do too. Addressing the mental health of the whole family isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.”
The Undertreatment Crisis Is the Real Epidemic
Here’s the number that stays with us: nearly 6 in 10 people with a mental illness receive no treatment or medication whatsoever. The problem is rarely awareness alone — it’s access, stigma, the fear of that first call, and the genuine belief that asking for help means something is deeply wrong with you.
It doesn’t. It means you’re paying attention.
Awareness Month gives us language, momentum, and permission to have conversations that might otherwise get pushed aside. Here’s how to use this time well — whether you’re a parent, a neighbor, a colleague, or someone who is quietly wondering if you might need support yourself.
1. Start Conversations Before There’s a Crisis
The single most powerful thing any adult can do for a child or teen is create an environment where hard conversations are normal and safe. You don’t need to be a therapist to say: “I’ve noticed you seem stressed lately. I’m not here to fix it — I just want you to know I’m listening.”
Research confirms that teens who feel able to talk to a trusted adult are more likely to seek help when they need it. This month, be that trusted adult.
2. Know the Warning Signs
For children and teens, signs worth paying attention to include:
You know your child. Trust the instinct that something feels different.
3. Model It Yourself
Parents are the most powerful mental health advocates their children will ever have — not because of what they say, but because of what they model. When a parent says “I’ve been feeling anxious lately, so I’m going to talk to someone,” that moment can shape how a child approaches their own mental health for the rest of their life.
Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. It’s one of the most protective things you can do for your family.
4. Use Available Screening Tools
Mental Health America offers free, confidential online screening tools for adults and parents. If you’ve been experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or postpartum depression, a screening can help you identify what you’re experiencing and take the next step.
5. Connect Youth to Creative Support
Not every young person will open up in a traditional therapy setting — and that’s okay. Art, music, movement, and creative expression are powerful therapeutic tools, especially for teens who may struggle to put feelings into words.
This summer, The Centered Life is launching Vibe & Create — a Teen Art Therapy Group for young people in the Naperville area. Led by licensed clinicians, Vibe & Create creates a safe, therapeutic space where teens can process emotions, build resilience, and feel genuinely seen. Registration details coming soon.
6. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Community
Mental health is not a solo journey. It’s built through safe relationships, open conversations, and the reassurance that when things get hard, there are people — and places — ready to meet you where you are.
The Centered Life hosts community workshops and events throughout the year because we believe healing extends well beyond the therapy room. Join our newsletter to stay connected.
We know you have questions. Here are the ones we hear most often — answered honestly.
About Mental Health & Therapy
Q: What is the difference between feeling stressed and having a mental health disorder?
A: Stress is a normal, often temporary response to life’s pressures. A mental health disorder is when emotional or psychological symptoms become persistent, intense, and begin to interfere with daily functioning — work, relationships, parenting, or your sense of self. You don’t have to be in crisis to deserve support. If something feels off and it’s been going on for a while, that’s worth talking to someone about.
Q: How do I know if my child needs therapy?
A: You’re already asking the right question, which means your instincts are working. Look for persistent changes in mood, behavior, sleep, appetite, or social engagement. If a child seems withdrawn, more irritable than usual, or expresses feelings of sadness, worry, or hopelessness that don’t resolve, it may be time to seek a professional evaluation. Early support is always better than waiting.
Q: Isn’t therapy just for people in crisis?
A: Absolutely not. Therapy is for anyone who wants to understand themselves better, build stronger coping skills, improve their relationships, or process life’s inevitable challenges. Many people come to therapy before they hit a wall — and those are often the people who build the strongest, most lasting results. Think of it less like an emergency room and more like a gym: consistent work leads to genuine growth.
Q: Is therapy effective? How long does it take?
A: Yes — therapy has decades of research supporting its effectiveness for anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, parenting challenges, and more. The length of treatment depends on your goals and what you’re working through. Some people feel significant progress in a matter of weeks; others work with a therapist for years on deeper, longer-standing patterns. At The Centered Life, the type of service and timeframe is always decided between you and your therapist — not an insurance company.
Q: What’s the difference between a therapist, a psychologist, and a psychiatrist?
A: A therapist or counselor (such as an LCSW or LCPC) provides talk therapy and supports emotional, behavioral, and relational health. A psychologist (PhD or PsyD) typically provides therapy and psychological testing. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who primarily manages psychiatric medications. At The Centered Life, our licensed clinicians provide evidence-based psychotherapy and can refer to psychiatrists or other specialists when needed.
About Therapy for Women & Mothers
Q: Why is mental health especially important for women and mothers?
A: Women experience higher rates of anxiety, depression, and postpartum mood disorders than men, and they face unique hormonal and life-stage transitions — pregnancy, the postpartum period, perimenopause and menopause — that significantly affect mental health. Add to that the invisible labor of caregiving, career pressure, and relational expectations, and it’s clear: women are carrying a uniquely heavy load. The Centered Life was built specifically to support women at every stage of that journey.
Q: What is postpartum depression and how do I know if I have it?
A: Postpartum depression (PPD) affects approximately 1 in 5 new mothers and can appear any time in the first year after birth. Symptoms may include persistent sadness or emptiness, difficulty bonding with your baby, extreme exhaustion beyond normal new-parent fatigue, feelings of inadequacy or guilt, anxiety, and in some cases intrusive thoughts. PPD is not a character flaw — it’s a medical condition with effective treatment. If something feels wrong, it probably is. Take the free online PPD screening at screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools/postpartum-depression/ and speak with a clinician.
Q: I feel anxious and burnt out but I’m ‘high-functioning.’ Do I really need therapy?
A: High-functioning anxiety is one of the most common reasons women come to The Centered Life. You’re capable, productive, and you manage everything — but inside, you’re exhausted, second-guessing yourself constantly, and operating on stress as a baseline. The fact that you’re keeping it together on the outside doesn’t mean the inside is okay. You deserve support that meets the full picture — not just the version you show the world.
Q: What makes The Centered Life different from other therapy practices in Naperville?
A: Several things set us apart. First, our entire team is composed of female therapists who specialize in working with women and families — we understand your pressures not just clinically, but personally. Second, when you call us for the first time, you speak directly to a licensed clinician — not a receptionist or answering service — because we believe the therapeutic relationship begins from the very first conversation. Third, we offer appointments within 1–2 business days. Fourth, our philosophy goes beyond treating symptoms: we focus on the lifestyle choices and relational patterns that shape your whole wellbeing. And fifth, we are a community — offering therapy, workshops, group programs, and events because we know healing happens in connection, not just in a one-hour session.
Q: What is the environment like at The Centered Life?
A: We have intentionally created a space that feels nothing like a clinical waiting room. Our offices are private, tranquil, and spa-like — removed from other businesses, with free parking and a calm, welcoming atmosphere. Clients are invited to help themselves to a warm or cold beverage and a light snack. We even have therapy dogs. We know the first time walking through a therapy door takes courage — and we want everything about the experience to say: you are safe here.
Q: Do you take insurance?
A: The Centered Life is an in-network provider with several insurance plans. We also work with clients to navigate out-of-network benefits, which many insurance policies include — meaning you may be able to seek partial or full reimbursement from your insurer. Importantly, for clients who prefer to work outside of insurance billing, we offer that option as well: it gives you full control of your records, and your care is never dependent on a diagnosis required by an insurance company. Please contact us directly for the most current information about your specific plan.
Q: How quickly can I get an appointment?
A: We can typically find available openings within 1–2 business days. We also offer evening and weekend availability, because we know your life doesn’t stop during business hours.
Q: What services does The Centered Life offer?
A: We offer individual psychotherapy for women and families, life coaching, support through major life transitions (pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, career changes), anxiety and depression treatment, and relationship support. We also host community workshops, group programs, and events throughout the year. This summer, we’re launching Vibe & Create, a Teen Art Therapy Group. Our co-founder has also authored The Calm and Confident Workbook, an evidence-based daily companion for high-achieving women navigating anxiety and self-doubt.
Q: Is The Centered Life only for women?
A: Our specialty and deepest expertise is in supporting women and families. While we primarily serve women — including mothers, caregivers, and professional women navigating the full complexity of modern life — we also support families and children as part of that whole-family approach.
Q: Where are you located?
A: The Centered Life is located at 1750 N. Washington Street, Suite 120, Naperville, IL 60563. We are open Monday through Thursday 9am–9pm, Friday 9am–5pm, and Saturday 9am–12pm.
At its core, Mental Health Awareness Month is not about a ribbon or a hashtag. It’s about permission.
Permission to say, out loud, that something is hard.
Permission to stop performing “fine” for the people around you.
Permission to look at your child’s changed behavior and say, “I see it. I’m going to do something about it.”
And permission to walk through a door — a therapy door, a support group door, a community event door — and begin.
What the Data Tells Us About Our Community
In Naperville and across the Chicagoland area, thousands of families are navigating anxiety, depression, postpartum challenges, childhood behavioral changes, and the silent weight of carrying too much for too long. The data confirms what we see every single day in our offices: the need is real, the gap in access is real, and early support makes a measurable difference.
The Centered Life has been part of this community since 2015. We are not a transient telehealth platform or an anonymous intake form. We are a practice built by women who live here, for people who live here — with the belief that centered lives are possible for everyone, with the right support.
Whether you’re a parent concerned about your child, a woman quietly worn down by the weight of everything, someone emerging from a hard season, or simply someone who is ready to stop waiting — we are here. Within 1–2 business days, you will speak to a licensed clinician who will listen, ask the right questions, and help you take your first step forward.
You don’t have to wait until things get worse. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to reach out.
“At The Centered Life, our hope for you is to support you in writing your beautiful, brilliant, and heart-aligned ending — with the help of talk-therapy. Our team of female therapists creates a safe space for women and families to tell their stories, and work through the rest together.”
💪 Ready to take the next step?
📅 Book Your First Session Today — You deserve a space that is fully yours. Our licensed clinicians are ready to meet you within 1-2 business days.
www.thecenteredlifetherapy.com/forms
Start Your Journey of Healing
You do not need to have it all figured out before you reach out. You just need to take one step. We will meet you right where you are and help you build from there.
Know Someone Who Needs This?
Share this post with a parent, a friend, a colleague, or anyone in your life who might be quietly carrying more than they show. Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is simply say: I was thinking of you when I read this. That one moment of connection could change everything.
1750 N. Washington Street, Suite 120, Naperville, IL 60563
Monday–Thursday: 9am–9pm | Friday: 9am–5pm | Saturday: 9am–12pm
Additional Mental Health Resources
Congratulations on exploring the first steps to enhancing your life. Let’s chat about you, your family, your job, your stress, your desires, and how we can make joy and bliss in between it all.
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