Gun Violence and the Impact on Mental Health

Thrive Counseling Center is deeply concerned about the recent gun violence in our surrounding communities and across the nation. Our hearts are with the families and friends of those affected by the event in Highland Park yesterday.

We recognize that these incidents come with an increase in feelings of fear and anxiety, anger and confusion, and sadness and grief for us all. We are here to support you. If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance, you are welcome to walk into our building at 120 S Marion Street in Oak Park or call our crisis line at 708-383-7500, ext 204.

We also want to take a moment to address the myth that people with mental illness are associated with committing acts of violence. We know that it is hard to understand why these things happen, but there is often a difference in the psychological state of those who are involved in mass shootings from those who experience mental illness. “People with mental illness are more likely to be a victim of violent crime than the perpetrator” (Ghiasi, Azhar, Sing, 2022). It’s important for us to have compassion around the experience of others and promote a community of safety and support. Please take a moment to read more about this complex issue through the article linked below.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537064/

COVID-19 Information

Thrive is Open!

Thrive returned to normal operating hours on July 6, 2021, listed below:

  • Mon-Th: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Fri: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Sat: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

We are excited to welcome clients back to the office in person, but telehealth services remain available. Crisis services are available 24 hours day/7 days week/365 days year.

The agency’s medication refill line is available 24-hr a day for clients to request medication refills; the agency’s psychiatric nurse (or designee) responds to requests within 72 hours.

Thrive is also a proud partner of the Illinois Call4Calm Text Line Service. Text “TALK” TO 552020 (or “HABLAR” for Spanish). Additional community resources can be found in the Oak Park River Forest COVID-19 Resources Guide: