Mental health is a significant part of one’s overall well-being, which has slowly been recognized as an emerging issue among the new generations. However, access to services continues to be a serious challenge in Chicago. Since closing half of the city’s public mental health clinics in 2012, many communities were left without affordable or nearby options for care. South and West Chicago neighborhoods have been impacted greatly, where residents struggle to find adequate care due to long waiting times and limited resources and locations.

The loss of public clinics has deepened Chicago’s pre-existing health disparities, affecting not only individuals but also families and entire communities. In 2023, high school depression rates were found to be about 40.6% for students in the Chicagoland area. With the rise of social media and post-COVID times, there are even more Chicago residents going without mental health support. Based on a report made by The Mental Health Movement, the previously running mental health clinics served 5,300 residents, many of whom were African American (61%) and Latino (17%). Most specifically, low-income neighborhoods and communities of color were disproportionately harmed, as private mental health services remain costly and difficult to access. These communities already face many systemic inequities and barriers, such as access to education and food insecurity. Now, they are also facing the challenge of finding mental health clinics, which are overworked and understaffed because of the lack of other available locations.

Mayor Johnson has made progress in demonstrating a change in this issue. In January 2025, the Roseland Health Hub was reopened for many residents in the South of Chicago. Although reopening a single clinic is not enough to combat the city’s big issue, Mayor Brandon Johnson must be committed to expanding public mental health services across Chicago. By reopening and expanding public clinics, communities will be strengthened, and emergency room wait times will be reduced. Regardless of income or zip code, every Chicagoan deserves access to mental health care and support.