Illinois is facing a mental health crisis. Over 400,000 adults in Illinois live with a serious mental health condition, yet nearly 50% don’t get the care they need due to provider shortages and lack of access. Many rural areas have zero mental health facilities, and in cities like Chicago, long wait times force people into emergency rooms or, worse, onto the streets. In response, solutions like deploying a mobile medical unit in Illinois are gaining traction.
What’s the impact of the mental health crisis in Illinois?
- ERs are overwhelmed with mental health crises.
- Jails house more people with mental illness than hospitals do.
- Suicide rates continue to climb, especially in rural Illinois.
Mental health providers like you work hard to help people, but without better access to care, many fall through the cracks. A mobile medical unit in Illinois can change that, bringing mental health services directly to those who need them.
At AVAN Mobility, we’ve spent over 10 years designing mobile medical units that remove barriers to care. Our vehicles can help Illinois mental health facilities like yours expand your reach and save lives. While we’re experts in this space, we know we’re not the only manufacturer, and our main goal is to help answer your questions and find the best solution.
You’ll learn:
- The state of Illinois mental health care and its biggest challenges
- How mobile medical units improve access to mental health care
- Two solutions we offer—the Mobile Counseling Van and the Mobile Outreach Van
If you’re ready to close the gap in mental health care, keep reading.
What’s the state of mental health in Illinois?
Mental health is a big issue in Illinois. 1 in 5 adults in the state struggles with a mental illness every year. That’s over 1.7 million people—more than the populations of Chicago and Springfield combined.
But many don’t get the help they need. Why?
Why is mental health care so hard to get in Illinois?
There are big gaps in Illinois’ mental health system. Some of the biggest challenges are:
Not enough providers: Illinois meets only 24% of its mental health care needs with the number of professionals available.
Long wait times: Many people wait weeks or months to see a therapist or psychiatrist.
High costs: Even with insurance, mental health care can be expensive.
No local care: Rural areas have very few mental health providers, leaving people without support.
What’s the cost of inaction?
When mental health care isn’t available, the consequences are severe:
Lives are lost to suicide: In Illinois, suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-34.
Generational trauma continues: Children who grow up in households with untreated mental illness are more likely to develop mental health conditions themselves.
More people turn to self-medication: Substance abuse rates are rising in Illinois, with many using drugs or alcohol to cope with untreated mental health issues.
Workplaces and communities suffer: Untreated mental illness leads to job loss, broken relationships, and homelessness, affecting entire neighborhoods.
What’s changing?
Illinois is working to improve mental health care. A new bill could raise providers’ pay, making it easier to hire more professionals. The state is also funding programs to train more mental health workers.Â
But even with these changes, people still need better access to care right now. That’s where a mobile medical unit in Illinois can help. Keep reading to learn about the Mobile Counseling and Mobile Outreach Units and how your organization can use them to reach people with mental health concerns in Illinois.
What is the Mobile Counseling Unit?
Mental health is tough to access in many parts of Illinois. There are very few mental health clinics in many parts of the state, and the wait times can make getting help even more frustrating. Finding the right mobile medical unit in Illinois that’s tailored for helping people with mental health needs is a step in the right direction.Â
The Mobile Counseling Van is a way to bring mental health care in Illinois directly to the people. This van is not like a typical medical vehicle. It feels warm, private, and safe, helping people feel comfortable enough to talk. Here’s how it can help your organization provide better mental health care in Illinois.
A cozy space that feels like home
Many people feel nervous in a clinic or hospital. The Mobile Counseling Van is designed to feel like a living room instead of a medical office. It has:
- Couches to help people feel at ease
- A table for taking notes or placing coffee
- Speakers to play calming music during sessions
When people feel safe and relaxed, they are more likely to talk about what’s bothering them. Studies show that talking about feelings can lower stress, improve mood, and even reduce symptoms of depression.Â
Natural light and fresh air for better mental health
The van is designed with large windows that let in plenty of natural light. Research shows that natural light helps reduce anxiety and depression, making it an important part of mental health care.
For even more comfort, the van has an optional ventilation system in the roof. This keeps fresh air flowing, making the space feel even more open and inviting.
Easy access for everyone
Many people with mobility challenges struggle to visit a mental health clinic. The Mobile Counseling Van has:
- A side entry door for easy access
- A built-in ramp for wheelchairs and walkers
This makes mental health care more accessible to seniors, people with disabilities, and those recovering from injuries. No one should have to struggle just to get the help they need.
Privacy and security for sensitive conversations
Mental health sessions need to be private. The van has insulated walls to block outside noise, so people inside can talk without worrying about being overheard.
For added security and peace of mind, the van includes:
- Tinted windows so clients can see out, but no one can see in
- An optional security system to monitor the area outside the van
This makes the Mobile Counseling Van a safe and discreet space for mental health care.
Customizable to fit your organization’s needs
Every mental health organization is different. That’s why the Mobile Counseling Van can be customized to fit your needs. You can:
- Add your organization’s logo and colors to the exterior
- Store supplies in overhead storage cabinets for easy access
- Remove seats to create more space for different setups
This lets you provide support to people in a space that feels less like a clinic and more like a welcoming community resource.
Serve rural areas with the Trail Edition Upgrade
If your organization serves rural areas in Illinois, like communities in southern Illinois or the Shawnee National Forest region, you might need to travel on unpaved or rough roads.
The Trail Edition Upgrade gives the van better off-road capabilities, so you can bring mental health care to people no matter where they live. Keep reading to learn about the Mobile Outreach Van.
What is the Mobile Outreach Unit?
If your organization is looking for a flexible way to support mental health in Illinois, the Mobile Outreach Unit is a great option. This vehicle is built for mental health support, addiction counseling, harm reduction, and overdose prevention—all in one.
Here are a few features of the Mobile Outreach Unit that make it so beneficial for supporting people in Illinois with mental health concerns.
A fully equipped space for on-the-go mental health support
Clean hands prevent the spread of illness, and proper nutrition is important for mental health recovery.Â
- The optional sink lets staff wash their hands and keep things sanitary.
- The fridge is perfect for storing medications, vaccinations, water, and snacks during long outreach days.
Having a real workspace makes it easier to provide counseling, referrals, and case management on the go.Â
- The built-in desk gives staff a space to meet with clients and fill out paperwork.
- Floor-to-ceiling cabinets keep supplies organized and easy to grab.
Some people may need a quiet place to talk, while others may need a group setting for support. You can use the space to adapt to what’s needed.
- Heat and air conditioning keep the van at the right temperature all year.
- Bright LED lights make it easy to work at night.
- Removable seats let you adjust the space for different needs.
People struggling with mental health or addiction may feel nervous asking for help. A private, secure space makes it easier for them to feel safe.
- A cab divider separates the front and back, so sessions stay private.
- Tinted windows let people inside see out, but no one outside can see in.
- Grab handles help people safely step in and out.
Mental health crises and overdoses can happen anywhere, anytime. Having the right tools on hand can save lives.
- You can add first-aid kits, overdose response tools, or other medical equipment if needed.
Reaching the Hardest-to-Serve Communities
Supporting individuals who are experiencing homelessness in bustling Chicago, offering a helping hand to families in small towns, or reaching out to those in isolated areas without access to essential services—these compassionate efforts remind us of our shared humanity and the big impact we can have on one another’s lives. The Mobile Outreach Unit lets you meet them where they are.
Ready to take the next step in expanding mental health care in Illinois?
You came to this article because mental health care in Illinois is struggling to meet demand. Long wait times, provider shortages, and individuals falling through the cracks indicate that the current system leaves too many without the help they need. You want to change that, but figuring out how to reach more people isn’t easy. Maybe you’ve begun researching how a mobile medical unit in Illinois can help your organization help other people.
After reading this, you now know:
- The state of mental health in Illinois and why access to care is a major issue
- How a Mobile Counseling Van creates a welcoming, private space for therapy sessions
- How a Mobile Outreach Unit brings mental health, addiction, and harm reduction services to people in desperate need of it
- The flexible, customizable features of both units that make outreach more effective
At AVAN Mobility, we believe everyone should have access to healthcare. For over 10 years, we’ve helped organizations like yours expand their reach, serve more people, and improve lives. Our mobile medical units are built to give communities better access to mental health support, no matter where they are. Whether you’re in a busy Chicago neighborhood or a small town in southern Illinois, we can help you build a mobile solution that fits your needs.
If you have questions about how a mobile medical unit in Illinois can help, click the button below to talk to a mobility expert.
Not ready to chat yet? No problem! Check out our other resources to learn more about how mobile medical units can transform mental health care.
From here, check out our article on how to choose a mobile medical unit. This will help steer you in the right direction as you decide what’s most suitable for your needs.
After that, check out the video below to learn more about the cost range you can expect when purchasing a mobile medical unit.
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