ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative (CBHTI) are teaming up to make mental health resources more accessible for residents.
Pritzker and CBHTI announced the launch of the Behavioral Health Care and Ongoing Navigation care portal, also known as BEACON. BEACON was created to be a centralized resource for Illinois youth and families looking for mental health care.
“We have made behavioral health a priority of my administration – not just investing in affordability and accessibility but breaking down the stigmas associated with it,” Pritzker said. “With the launch of BEACON, families have an easy and accessible place to start. I’m thankful for the team at the Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative and the staff across six different state agencies whose collaboration proves that breaking down silos in state government can yield success across the board for the people of Illinois.”
Illinois officials said that BEACON puts healthcare resources in the hands of more Illinoisans.
“Mental health care is health care, and no family should struggle to find that support. Thanks to BEACON, that care is within reach,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “The skills we want future generations to inherit are rooted in holistic well-being and resilient communities that care for each other.”
In the portal, BEACON provides the location of nearby resources for parents and families, and which programs the families are eligible for. The programs include outpatient counseling, school-based services, residential treatment services and more. BEACON also helps connect families with services and state agency representatives.
Additional information about behavioral health services for children and adolescents will be compiled on BEACON. The information will come from the following agencies:
- 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)
BEACON users also have the option to share more information about their child’s situation and needs. The more information they share, the more resources BEACON can offer. Cases open in BEACON will remain open until a child has been connected with a helpful resource.
“For so many families looking for behavioral health options for their children, the process is overwhelming and complicated,” said Acting Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services Director Elizabeth Whitehorn. “The BEACON portal is a critical new resource that will streamline access to youth behavioral health care services for families across the state, making it easier for them to access much-needed services.”
Illinois officials said that overall, BEACON will help children receive mental and behavioral support, which will strengthen communities in Illinois.
“For so many families looking for behavioral health options for their children, the process is overwhelming and complicated,” said Acting Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services Director Elizabeth Whitehorn. “The BEACON portal is a critical new resource that will streamline access to youth behavioral health care services for families across the state, making it easier for them to access much-needed services.”
BEACON is live now and Illinois residents can access it here.