ABOUT LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES OF ILLINOIS – BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES
Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) is a large, nonprofit social services agency providing a broad continuum of care for low income individuals struggling with substance use and other mental health disorders. Alcohol and drug rehab services, most in the Chicago area, range from medication-assisted detox and residential programs to outpatient treatment and sober living facilities. In addition to addiction services, LSSI operates programs in several other areas, including adoption and senior care. Counseling, psychiatric, and extensive support are also provided for individuals with developmental disabilities. The agency was founded in 1867 and is headquartered in Elgin.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Although this organization identifies as faith-based, no details are provided on its website regarding any direct integration of church-specific concepts with behavioral health programs. Limited information related to specific treatment modalities is available at the time of this writing.
Detoxification services for alcohol and opiate dependency are offered at the Kenmore Center for Addiction. Treatment averages three to five days and includes Suboxone and other medications to ease withdrawal symptoms. Many clients will be referred for the next level of care at an LSSI residential rehab facility. Residents participate in counseling groups and addiction education and families are encouraged to participate in the recovery process. Structured recovery homes are focused particularly on helping to prevent relapse and incorporate peer-led self-help groups.
LSSI also provides outpatient treatment options for individuals, groups, and families, along with a DUI education program. Aftercare includes access to sober living support.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
While little information about behavioral health treatment staff credentials is provided on the agency’s website, job descriptions listed on a career page included licensed social workers and other master’s level therapists and indicate a preference for bilingual Spanish skills.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
Seven facilities offer substance abuse treatment services at this time, including two residential, two sober living, and five outpatient locations. A January 2016 Chicago Tribune story referencing 14- and 30-day treatment programs reported multiple site closings due to state budget cuts.
Further details about living arrangements and related offerings are not provided on the facility’s website.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
Best-rehabs.com has not yet received feedback from any of this facility’s alumni and few reviews of LSS Illinois published on secondary sites such as Google offer opinions explicitly about addiction services. However, four Google reviews averaging a rating of 4.5 stars out of five represent treatment in one of the Chicago locations very favorably. One reviewer noted success with the caveat that much of the staff was in recovery and “not perfect.” Brandy, the alum, wrote: “They are all there to help you, in their own imperfect way!” Others characterized the program as life-saving and helpful.[1]
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
The sole loved one’s review published on Best-rehabs.com is also very positive, offering thanks for the help provided and perfect five-star ratings for accommodations and effectiveness of treatment.
FINANCING
Most services are covered by Medicaid or other state funds. Some commercial insurance is also accepted, according to the facility’s website.
[1] https://goo.gl/UuzjTl