As May unfolds, it signals a pivotal time for mental health awareness.
Mental Health Awareness Month serves as an important opportunity to enhance discussions surrounding mental wellness, diminish stigma, and advocate for equal access to mental health resources. In the United States, approximately 59.3 million adults grapple with mental illness—a staggering statistic released by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that has underscored the urgency for effective care solutions. In light of this,
Relief Mental Health is amplifying its commitment to providing immediate, effective, and customized mental health care to those in need.
The impact of the mental health crisis in Illinois, and across the nation, is profound. Statistics reveal that since February 2021, nearly 38.5% of adults reported feelings of
anxiety or
depression, while 28% were unable to access necessary therapy or counseling, as reported by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). These figures highlight the dire need for responsive mental health care—an area in which Relief has established a commendable position by enabling patients to receive appointments within a week, oftentimes sooner.
Susan Mueller, founder and CEO of Relief Mental Health, stated, "Quick access to care can be lifesaving. Delays in treatment can intensify suffering. That’s why we've established a model that prioritizes speed without sacrificing quality."
Relief Mental Health utilizes a variety of innovative and traditional treatments tailored to meet patients' diverse needs. Their offerings encompass
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)—an FDA-cleared, non-invasive procedure that targets specific areas of the brain to alleviate symptoms of depression and OCD. Relief employs
BrainsWay Deep TMS technology, which is recognized as one of the most advanced methods available. Other treatments include
SPRAVATO® (esketamine), a prescription nasal spray that provides relief for treatment-resistant depression, and
ketamine infusions, which show promise for conditions such as bipolar depression and PTSD. Additionally, Relief offers comprehensive psychiatric medication and therapy to ensure every patient receives personalized care.
Dr.
Teresa Poprawski, Chief Medical Officer at Relief, emphasized, "Every patient deserves options. By delivering a full spectrum of treatment alternatives, including TMS and ketamine therapies, we can tailor and even merge interventions for improved outcomes."
A commitment to accessibility is essential for Relief, as they are in-network with most major insurance plans, which helps alleviate the financial burden of care on patients. Celebrating their fifth anniversary this May, Relief has grown from a single clinic to 12 locations across four states, showcasing their expansion and dedication to community engagement during Mental Health Awareness Month. Their outreach initiatives are ambitious and include participation in multiple events aimed at discussing mental health issues. Key activities planned for May include:
- - May 1: Panel expert at a mental health workshop hosted by the Somerset County Business Partnership in Somerville, NJ.
- - May 2: Exhibitor at the ADMIT Health and Wellness Fair in Rockford, IL.
- - May 3: Sponsor and exhibitor at the Kirsten Haglund Foundation's Freedom Walk in Woodridge, IL.
- - May 8: Exhibitor at the 11th Annual Mental Health Conference at Prairie State College in Chicago Heights, IL.
- - May 10: Sponsor of Marshmallow's HOPE Disc Golf for Youth Suicide Prevention in Rockford, IL.
- - May 13: Sponsor of the NAMI Dane County Community Open House in Madison, WI.
- - May 13: Exhibitor at the Transition Planning Committee Disability Community Resource Fair in Loves Park, IL.
- - May 17: Exhibitor at the Naomi Ruth Cohen Institute Community Mental Health Conference in Evanston, IL.
- - May 20: Presenter at the Illinois Southwest Suburban Coalition (virtual).
- - May 27-28: Presenter at the New Jersey Integrated Mental Health Conference in Asbury Park, NJ.
- - May 28: Sponsor of the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County Annual Dinner in West Long Branch, NJ.
- - May 29: Exclusive mental health sponsor of the Kane County Cougars Mental Health Awareness Night in Geneva, IL.
- - May 31: Exhibitor at the Mental Health Wellness Fair and Walk in Orland Park, IL.
- - May 31: Exhibitor at the Mental Health Fair at the Milwaukee Public Market in Wisconsin.
Mueller highlighted the importance of community engagement: "We're not just opening doors to our clinics—we're meeting people where they are, educating, advocating, and building connections."
Recognition has followed Relief for their commitment to exceptional service, evidenced by several recent accolades such as the
2024 Exceptional Service Award from the Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce, and being named
2024 Woman Business Owner of the Year by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. Relief is also preparing to debut its latest clinic opening in Denver, Colorado—a testament to its continuing growth and persistent mission to prioritize patient needs.
For more details on Relief Mental Health's services or to schedule a consultation, please call
855.205.4764, email
[email protected], or visit
reliefmh.com. Relief Mental Health is committed to establishing a new standard of mental health care, addressing the evolving needs of patients through innovative therapies and ensuring effective treatment options are readily available.