Governor JB Pritzker, in partnership with the Illinois Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative (CBHTI), has introduced a new platform aimed at improving access to mental health services for families across the state.
The newly launched portal, named BEACON, is designed to serve as a centralized hub for Illinois families seeking mental health care. The initiative is part of a broader effort to make behavioral health resources more accessible and to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health care in Illinois.
A Step Toward Greater Accessibility
“We have made behavioral health a priority of my administration—not just in terms of affordability and accessibility but also in addressing the stigmas associated with it,” Governor Pritzker stated during the announcement. “With the launch of BEACON, families now have an easy, accessible starting point. I’m grateful for the work of the Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative team and the cooperation of six state agencies. This collaboration proves that breaking down silos in government can create meaningful change for the people of Illinois.”
Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton also highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating, “Mental health care is health care, and no family should struggle to access support. Thanks to BEACON, that care is now within reach. We are building communities where future generations can thrive with holistic well-being and resilience.”
Features of BEACON
BEACON offers families a user-friendly interface to find nearby mental health resources, including outpatient counseling, school-based services, residential treatment options, and more. By entering information about their specific needs, families can access programs they may be eligible for and receive guidance from state agency representatives.
The portal gathers information from several state agencies to ensure a comprehensive resource for users, including:
- Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS)
- Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)
- Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)
- Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)
- Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS)
- Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ)
Streamlining Access to Care
According to Acting Director of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, Elizabeth Whitehorn, BEACON aims to simplify the process of finding behavioral health services for families. “For so many families, the search for behavioral health options for their children can be overwhelming and complex,” Whitehorn said. “BEACON will streamline access to services, helping families more easily connect with the care their children need.”
Additionally, BEACON allows users to share more detailed information about their child’s circumstances, which enables the platform to offer more targeted resources. Each case remains open until the child is connected with appropriate support.
A Comprehensive Solution for Illinois Families
State officials emphasize that BEACON represents a significant step toward improving behavioral health outcomes in Illinois. With the collaboration of multiple state agencies, the platform aims to ensure that families have the necessary tools and resources to support their children’s mental and behavioral health needs.
“BEACON is a critical new resource for families across Illinois,” said Whitehorn. “It makes the process of accessing much-needed mental health services easier and more efficient.”
This new initiative underscores the state’s commitment to addressing mental health needs and supporting families with the resources they need to foster resilient communities.
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