Our Services
Ecker Center for Behavioral Health provides affordable, compassionate care to individuals and families in Elgin and surrounding communities.
The organization serves over 5,000 people annually, focusing on individuals with Medicaid or limited income.
Services are available to all, regardless of ability to pay. Insurance is accepted but not required for most services.
Crisis Care Services
Help When It Is Needed Most
Crisis support is available 24/7 by phone, in person, or in community settings.
Services Include:
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Crisis Line (888-ECKER-50): Available around the clock with trained professionals providing immediate support
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Mobile Crisis Response: Crisis staff are dispatched to individuals experiencing behavioral health emergencies where they are
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Crisis Stabilization Program: A safe, short-term setting (up to 23 hours) for adults in need of immediate stabilization
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Psychiatric Emergency Program (PEP): Available at Sherman Hospital for psychiatric evaluation following emergency medical clearance
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Crisis Residential Program: For Medicaid recipients, this 14–28 day program includes therapy, nursing care, and psychiatric oversight
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Triage and Referrals: Staff assess needs and coordinate next steps, including connections to additional support if needed
Outpatient Mental Health Services
Personalized Care Across the Lifespan
Outpatient services support children, adolescents, and adults through individual and group therapy, psychiatric care, and case management. Services are covered by Medicaid and most private insurance; sliding scale options are available.
Services Include:
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Psychiatry & Nursing: Psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and nursing consultations for medication side effects
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Therapy: Individual, group, and family therapy for all ages
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Case Management: Personalized support for housing, benefits enrollment, and assistance with daily needs
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Community Support Team (CST): 24/7 in-home and field-based behavioral health support
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Psychosocial Rehabilitation: Life-skills training including cooking, budgeting, and job readiness
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Fitness Restoration Services: Mental health treatment and legal education for individuals involved in the court system
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Housing is Recovery Program:
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Mental Health Juvenile Justice Program: Community-based care for justice-involved youth
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Supported Employment Program:
Substance Use & Recovery Services
Whole-Person Recovery & Support
Services combine substance use and mental health treatment, with flexible options for adolescents and adults.
Whole-Person Recovery and Support
Program Features:
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Substance Use Counseling: Individual and group counseling
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Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Structured support three evenings weekly for adults
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Case Management: Personalized support including transportation and recovery planning
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Medication-Assisted Recovery: Suboxone and Vivitrol administration and monitoring
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Recovery Support Groups: SMART Recovery, NA, AA, and drop-in access to the Recovery Café
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Overdose Reversal Training: Narcan kits and response education
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Comprehensive DUI Services
Problem Gambling Support
Confidential, Non-Judgmental Support
Comprehensive services are offered for adults experiencing gambling challenges.
Program Features:
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One-on-one counseling with trained clinicians
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Assistance enrolling in self-exclusion programs
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Education on gambling risks, habits, and healthy alternatives
Fitness Restoration Services
Court Readiness Through Community-Based Support
This program serves individuals found unfit to stand trial due to a mental health diagnosis. Participants live at home while receiving coordinated legal and behavioral health support.
Services Include:
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Weekly legal education classes
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Psychiatric evaluation and treatment
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Intensive case management and transportation assistance
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Court-ready progress documentation
Referral from the Illinois Department of Human Services – Division of Mental Health (IDHS DMH) is required.
Housing is Recovery
Stable Housing as the Foundation for Recovery
This program provides immediate, independent housing for adults at risk of institutionalization, including individuals transitioning from hospitalization or incarceration.
Support Includes:
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Rapid placement in transitional housing leading to permanent tenancy
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Financial assistance with security deposits, rent, and moving expenses
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Twice-monthly case management check-ins
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Referrals to therapy, job services, and benefits navigation
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Landlord coordination and ongoing housing advocacy
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Support in applying for housing subsidies such as Housing Choice Vouchers
Mental Health Juvenile Justice (MHJJ)
A Bridge from Detention to Stability
Key Features:
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Rapid assessments
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In-home therapy
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School advocacy and coordination with probation and caregivers
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Frequent check-ins until youth demonstrate stability and engagement
Supported Employment Program
Employment as a Path to Recovery
This program assists adults with mental health needs in achieving competitive employment and financial independence.
Services Include:
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Individualized employment planning
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Immediate job search and employer outreach
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Integrated behavioral health and benefits counseling
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Placement in community-based, competitively paid positions
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Coaching and milestone support at 30, 90, and 180 days
Comprehensive DUI Services
Court-Approved Education and Treatment
Licensed services meet all Illinois DUI requirements and include:
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DUI Evaluations: Alcohol & Drug Uniform Reports (initial and updated)
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10-Hour Risk Education: Includes five 2-hour sessions, exit interview, and post-test
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Sliding-fee treatment for moderate to high-risk assessments
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Documentation sent directly to the Secretary of State
Fees for services are based on income and household size.
Youth & Family Services
Court-Approved Education and Treatment
Comprehensive services are available for children and adolescents, with added supports for families and caregivers.
Mental Health Services
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Play therapy using art, toys, and storytelling for young children
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Individual, group, and family therapy for youth
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Parenting support using positive discipline strategies
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Case management that coordinates with schools, doctors, and courts
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Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT): Evidence-based skill-building for justice-involved youth
Substance Use Counseling & Early Intervention
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Individual and family counseling
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Peer groups focused on education and healthy decision-making
Need Help or Have Questions?
Email: info@eckercenter.org
Call the main line at (847) 695-0484 to learn more about any of the services above.