Hartgrove Behavioral Health System

11/22/2025

International Survivors of Su***de Loss Day acknowledges the people whose lives have been forever changed by losing someone to su***de.

For the survivors, that mix of grief, shock, confusion, guilt and numbness often feels overwhelming, and it moves at its own pace. 😢

But knowing you’re not the only one carrying those questions or that pain helps. There are entire communities, like support groups, peers, clinicians, and loved ones, who show up for each other as they navigate their healing journeys.

Whether you’re years into your grief or just beginning, today should remind you that your loss matters, your experience is valid and you deserve safe and compassionate support. You are not alone.

***deLossDay

11/21/2025

👋 Introducing one of our newest team members in our education department: Charity Smith recently joined Hartgrove as a clinical educator, and she knew she wanted to teach since childhood.

Her firsthand experience in mental health came from her role as a mental health specialist (MHS) at another behavioral health facility under our parent company, then she spent three years as a lead math and science teacher for Chicago Public Schools (CPS) after earning her degree in middle grades education.

When we asked Charity what she loves most about being an educator, she lit up: watching scared students turn confident, watching quiet kids find their voice and seeing a once-"I hate math" kid suddenly grin through a problem set ➗😁. For her, teaching is about helping kids grow into stronger versions of themselves, while making sure every child gets the support they deserve.

She brings a strong passion for mental health, challenging stigma and seeing kids as more than their circumstances: "In behavioral health especially, I wish more people understood how essential education is to a child’s overall treatment. Learning gives our patients structure, hope, confidence and a sense of normalcy during some of the most difficult moments of their lives." 🎯

11/20/2025

Today we pause to honor the trans lives lost to anti-trans violence and neglect, and to acknowledge the challenges the trans community navigates every day.

The numbers in this video are tough to take in, but far too many trans individuals experience suicidal thoughts and carry their pain alone. The heavy weight of stigma, rejection and unsafe environments takes its toll, but support exists, and reaching out is a sign of strength.

Access to compassionate care, affirming providers and a space where identity is respected can lighten that load. So let's show up, offer care and remind our trans friends, colleagues, patients and community members that their lives matter. 💙

11/19/2025

Our Schoolhouse Counseling Center therapists definitely deserve a shout-out during American Education Week! They spend their days supporting students right where they are (in the schools!), and today we're highlighting Gina Smith, LCSW.

Gina loves seeing those moments when things finally click for a student — the kind of growth that happens quietly, consistently and sometimes unexpectedly in between classes, homework and everything else life throws at them.

Therapeutic rapport? That's her jam: 💬 "I get kids to open up in therapy by taking it at the child's pace. We build trust together with time and do fun things like play games to help the child feel comfortable and safe."

We are so grateful for the therapists who show up in our partner schools every day, making mental healthcare feel accessible, normal and totally okay to ask for. Here’s to all the educators, clinicians and everyone helping students get through those tough times day in and day out. 👏

11/18/2025

When you work in behavioral health, it's very powerful to hear a patient say they look forward to coming to your hospital every day, and that's exactly what this Hartgrove patient told us during their time in our Adult Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). 😁

Adult IOP is designed for structure, support and a community of people who actually get it. Some days it’s skill-building, some days it’s processing, some days it’s just knowing you don’t have to carry everything by yourself.

We're so proud that this program brings the sense of "okay, I can do this." ✔️ If you or someone you know is looking to feel that same sense in their mental health journey, we're here to help.

11/17/2025

Schools have a unique opportunity to provide a supportive mental health network for students, which can help lay a healthy foundation for how they deal with their mental well-being throughout the rest of their lives.

Here are a few ways schools can make a difference:

🏫 School-based mental health services (like the Schoolhouse Counseling Center!).
📚 Mental health education.
🗣️ Student support systems.
👨‍🏫 Training for educators.
👨‍👩‍👦 Parental involvement.

Dive deeper into each in our blog post: http://spklr.io/6181BMiJN.

Schools are the place our children receive their education and start developing into independent young adults with their own voice and identity. It is often here that students start thinking critically about themselves, their place in the world, as well as their hopes and fears for the future. One u...

11/14/2025

Why outpatient care? 🤔

It’s flexible, accessible and it meets people where they are, whether that’s taking a first brave step into therapy, checking in for ongoing support or stepping down after a higher level of care. With options like telepsychiatry and individualized treatment plans, patients can get the help they need without putting life on pause.

In 2024 alone, our teams provided more than 44,000 outpatient services across our partnering centers (Oak Park Counseling Center, Chatham Family Counseling Center and the Schoolhouse Counseling Center), and every one of them started with a conversation.

Need a hand? You can call us or learn more about it here: http://spklr.io/6048BzCL8.

11/13/2025

World Kindness Day makes us think back to this true act of kindness. 👇

Sending a huge thank you again to our generous donors, Scott and Dawn Dubow, who recently dropped off a ton of new clothing for our patients. A fresh outfit can make a big difference, and actions like these create a positive ripple effect throughout our hospital community. 💙

11/12/2025

For National Nurse Practitioner Day, we're spotlighting Dr. Lynda Pettigrew DNP, PMHNP-BC, APRN-FPA, whose compassion and clinical insight make such a difference for our patients. Her ability to empower patients to take ownership of their progress truly sets her apart, and we're very lucky to have NPs like her at Hartgrove Behavioral Health System.

Nurse practitioners are the glue that holds so much of the care process together, and in behavioral health, NPs do it all: from evaluating and diagnosing to managing medications, coordinating with therapists and helping patients and families understand every step of the care journey. They bridge the gap between medical and emotional care, making sure each patient’s treatment plan truly fits them.

Thank you, Dr. Pettigrew, for helping patients find their voice, their confidence and their path forward. 🙌

773-413-1700 A Fresh Start Toward a Hopeful Future Play Video Take a Virtual Tour 773-413-1700 A Fresh Start Toward a Hopeful Future Play Video Take a Virtual Tour Modern Behavioral Health Center in Chicago Located in Chicago, Hartgrove Hospital offers a wide range of

11/11/2025

Today we honor all who served, and we recognize the strength it takes to do so, both during and after service.

At Hartgrove Behavioral Health System, we see every day how important mental health support is for veterans and their families. Taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body, and help is always here when you need it.

We are grateful for you today and every day. Your courage and dedication mean more than words can say. ❤️🤍💙

11/10/2025

We have to say it: Becker's Hospital Review's 13th Annual CEO + CFO Roundtable was a vibe! 😁

Last week our CEO, Steven Airhart, and our COO, Patrick Sanders, connected, learned and shared ideas with other healthcare leaders from across the country. They spoke on stage and off about what's next for behavioral health, and these conversations help push our field forward.

It’s always inspiring to see so many people in one place who care deeply about improving lives and reimagining what mental healthcare can look like.

11/08/2025

There’s a common misconception that getting mental health treatment automatically means medication, ❌ but that’s not always the case. For some people, therapy alone helps them thrive. For others, it’s a mix of lifestyle changes, mindfulness and (sometimes) medication.

At Hartgrove Behavioral Health System, treatment plans are always personalized and built around what works best for you (or your loved one) to support long-term healing and growth, because care means meeting people where they are. 💙

Getting help doesn’t have to look one specific way, and that’s what makes outpatient care so valuable. We have several flexible options for kids, teens and adults across multiple outpatient facilities like the Oak Park Counseling Center, Chatham Family Counseling Center and the Schoolhouse Counseling Center.

Give us a call when you're ready or learn more about them here: http://spklr.io/6187BzCLB.