Behavioral Health Office — If you or someone you know is seeking help or information regarding Behavioral Health issues, call 708-424-9200, ext. 2118.

Poison control can be reached at 1-800-942-5969.

BH Group — Crisis services are available through the Behavioral Health Division, or through 708-681-HELP evenings or weekends.

Behavioral Health Division

OUR MISSION
The Stickney Public Health District, Behavioral Health Division serves to meet the outpatient mental health needs of the residents of Stickney Township. It strives to be consumer-focused in service delivery and has a primary goal of meeting the needs of adults with serious and persistent mental illness and persons who lack the financial resources to pursue care through private practitioners. The Behavioral Health Division also provides educational workshops to the community on topics of promoting mental health and strives to provide all its services in a cost-effective manner.

OUR PHILOSOPHY
The Stickney Public Health District, Behavioral Health Division provides a person-centered treatment approach that focuses on empowering individuals to manage symptoms of mental health conditions. Persons served are provided with treatment options of therapy and/or case management and psychiatric services to best assist with achieving a positive level of functioning.

OUTPATIENT SERVICES
Individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, family therapy, psychiatric evaluations, medication monitoring, case management, crisis and assessment hospital referral, consultation

CRISIS SERVICES
Assessment and hospital referral

CONTACT INFORMATION
Main Office: South Clinic, 5635 State Road, Burbank, IL 60459

We accept Medicare, HFS Medicaid, Medicaid Managed Care Organizations, private insurance, and offer a sliding scale fee that ensures affordable services to Stickney Township residents.

Behavioral Health Services

The Behavioral Health Division provides individual, family, and couples therapy. Psychotropic medication monitoring services are also available. Depending on need and preference, therapy sessions are offered in-person, virtually, and also by phone. First time appointments (intakes) are scheduled following a brief phone screening. Please call Melinda at 708-237-8946 to schedule an intake appointment.

Take Care of Your Emotional Health!

It is important to remember to take care our emotional well-being. Many of us are struggling with anxiety during these challenging times. There are some things; however that your can do to help with anxiety. Reaching out to a friend or relative to talk; eating healthy, exercising, maintaining a daily routine (including a sleep schedule), and meditation can help calm anxiety.

If you are experiencing continued difficulty implementing strategies to deal with anxiety, the Behavioral Health Division of Stickney Public Health District can offer support. Residents of Stickney Township who are considering our services for the first time can contact us at 708-237-8918 for a brief consult with a therapist.

The Behavioral Health Division Is An Ally Of LGBTQ Individuals

In one national survey, LGBT adults reported higher rates of discrimination compared to heterosexuals. This is one of the most understood causes of minority stress. The level of victimization and discrimination impacts both mental and physical health.

For example, one study showed an increased suicide risk, and another showed higher risks for some types of cancer. LGBTQ youth are also exposed to many minority stressors, such as harassment and discrimination. The result is a strong risk factor for suicide and suicide attempts. Studies have found high rates of victimization among LGBTQ youth. In one nationwide survey, 84.6 percent of LGBTQ youth reported verbal harassment and 40 percent reported physical harassment. This can result in an increase in mental health problems.

Combating homophobic attitudes is the key to protecting LGBTQ youth. In addition, studies have also concluded that family acceptance, caring adults, and school safety promote health and well-being of LGBTQ youth.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Behavioral Health Division at (708)237-8918 for further information.

Area Drop In Centers Offer Support for Emotional Well Being

Although not affiliated with the Stickney Public Health District, the following facilities offer support for area residents.

The Living Room is a safe place where you can talk with a peer if you are experiencing life's emotional stresses. The trained peer recovery support specialists use their personal experience to help you find and maintain your recovery. Services are free of charge.

Who can visit The Living Room?
Anyone who is 18 and over who is feeling scared, anxious, angry, sad, or just needs someone to talk to. You can walk-in or call ahead.
When can I visit The Living Room?
7 days a week and 365 days a year from 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Where is The Living Room?
4731 Willow Springs Rd., LaGrange, IL

**Melinda Antoskiewicz, LCPC**

Ms. Antoskiewicz began her service with the Health District as a Clinical therapist in 1998. She was promoted in 2008 to the position of Behavioral Health Director. Melinda has led the Division through three successful CARF accreditation surveys (each survey occurs every three years) while maintaining a clinical caseload.

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Melinda moved to the Chicago area to pursue a graduate degree. She earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology in 1985, and is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.

Prior to her position at Stickney Behavioral Health, Melinda was employed with Grand Prairie Services for 8 years. She held the position of Assistant Director of Training and Assistant Director of the Centre for New Beginnings, and was the recipient of the McAfee Award for Excellence in Social Service.

Ms. Antoskiewicz brings a rich background of clinical experiences and has a special interest in grief and loss, clinical supervision and services to the LGBT community.

**Cherity Machnick, LCPC**

Cherity Machnick is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. She completed her clinical training with the Behavioral Health Division in 2001. Upon receiving a Master's Degree from Roosevelt University in 2001, Ms. Machnick began using her clinical training and experience to help residents with serious mental disorders, anxiety and depression. Mrs. Machnick also has experience in the field of Developmental Disabilities, and facilitating therapy groups. She is a resident of the southwest suburbs and enjoys nature and time with her family.

Sylvia Zoltek — **Sylvia Rabianski, LCPC**

Mrs. Rabianski joined the staff of the Behavioral Health Division as a part-time therapist in July 2013. Fluent in Polish and English, she immigrated to the U.S. with her family when she was 10 years old. She grew up in Central Stickney, where she attended Charles J. Sahs School, and later moved to Burbank where she attended Reavis High School.

Mrs. Rabianski earned her Masters Degree in Community Counseling from Argosy University in 2010 where she gained valuable experience working as an intern at Grand Prairie Services. She passed her licensing exam in 2013 and is currently designated as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. Mrs. Zoltek provides therapy services to both Polish and English speaking individuals and has a special interest in working with individuals diagnosed with depression and anxiety.

**Eioisa Rosales, LCSW**

Eloisa Rosales joined the Behavioral Health Division in 2007 as the Division’s first bicultural, bilingual Spanish speaking Clinical Therapist. Ms. Rosales obtained a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2007, and is currently a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Ms. Rosales’ parents migrated from Mexico to the United States in 1980, and she is the first in her family to earn a Master’s Degree.
Ms. Rosales previously worked with the DCFS system as a case manager. She also has experience working in a residential setting for individuals diagnosed with severe mental disorders. In her current role as a Clinical Therapist with the Behavioral Health Division, Ms. Rosales provides treatment primarily to children and adolescents, and also Spanish speaking adults. She does, however; provide therapy services to individuals of other ethnic backgrounds as well. Ms. Rosales has facilitated several social skills groups with adolescents, and has provided various workshops for parents including violence prevention and also parenting skills.