Bette D. Harris Clinic

04/03/2026

Why do we show up the way we do in our relationships?

So much of it can be traced back to patterns we carry, often without even realizing it, patterns shaped by our early environments, relationships, and experiences.

Understanding those patterns can bring clarity to how we think, feel, and connect. 💭

Curious what patterns you might carry? Vienna Pharaon offers a quiz to help you identify your “origin wound,” which can be a helpful starting point for reflection (https://bit.ly/4cofGZa).

If this resonates with you, we’d love to invite you to In Session, a special evening with Vienna Pharaon, LMFT. She will be leading a live conversation exploring these patterns, where they come from, and how they show up in our lives and relationships.

Join us on May 7th at The Arts Club Chicago.

✨ Every ticket includes a copy of The Origins of You, and Vienna will be signing books at the event.
🎟️ Less than 20 tickets remain, be sure to get yours today!

Reserve your seat here: https://www.family-institute.org/in-session

04/01/2026

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or burnt out lately, you’re not alone.

Stress is a natural part of being human, but sometimes even a small pause can help you reset, even just for a moment.

Taking a breath, stepping outside, or giving yourself a few quiet minutes can make more of a difference than you might think.

April is Stress Awareness Month, a time to slow down, check in with yourself, and take care of yourself in small, meaningful ways.

If you’ve been feeling stressed, you don’t have to navigate it alone, our team is here to support you.

Get started here: https://bit.ly/3FMMPxc

What’s your favorite way to reset? ✨

03/27/2026

Less than 50 tickets remain for In Session with The Family Institute ✨

Join us on May 7th at The Arts Club of Chicago for an evening centered on connection, reflection, and access to care, featuring Vienna Pharaon, LMFT, bestselling author and nationally recognized mental health educator, in conversation with Nancy Burgoyne, Ph.D., Chief Clinical Officer at The Family Institute at Northwestern University.

Together, they will explore how family experiences shape identity, relationships, and the path toward healing. Guests will enjoy drinks, light bites, and time to connect with a community that cares deeply about mental health.

Events like In Session make it possible for our Bette D. Harris Family & Child Clinic to provide free therapy to 1,200 people each year, ensuring that care is accessible to those who otherwise could not afford it.

We’d love to have you with us and hope to see you there!

Reserve your seat: https://www.family-institute.org/in-session
🎟️

03/20/2026

Spring is finally here, bringing a sense of fresh perspective and a shift in rhythm.

A change in light, in energy, and in how we move through our days.

Here’s a reminder to step outside, take a breath, and enjoy the beauty around you!

How are you planning to enjoy the season? ☀️

11/23/2025

Thank you to Ryan Poles and the Chicago Bears for representing our cause today! 🧡⤵️

10/14/2025

On , NBC Chicago featured Dr. Anthony Chambers, Chief Academic Officer at The Family Institute at Northwestern University, to discuss the importance of accessible, affordable mental health care.

Through our clinic, The Family Institute provides no-cost and bilingual therapy in Evanston, in downtown Chicago, and via teletherapy to those who could not otherwise afford it.

“Know that you don’t have to wait — as soon as you call, you’ll be seeing someone within 24 to 48 hours,” says Dr. Chambers.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4odnhNq

09/23/2025

What is distress tolerance? 💪

It’s the ability to manage painful emotions or stressful situations without reacting in ways that might make things worse.

Think of it as building your “emotional toolkit.” When distress shows up — whether it’s stress, anger, or sadness — you can reach for strategies that help you ride the wave instead of being swept away. 🌊

Scroll through for practical tools you can start practicing today. And remember: developing these skills takes time and support — you don’t have to do it alone. 💙

Learn more about how no-cost therapy through our clinic at The Family Institute at Northwestern University can help: https://bit.ly/2GQkYAH

09/16/2025

Today, on the first day of , we celebrate this year’s theme “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future.”

We honor the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities — while also recognizing the challenges many face today. In recent months, families already burdened by inequities in access to care have experience heightened levels of stress, fear, and trauma.

According to NAMI, only 35.1% of Hispanic/Latinx adults with mental illness receive treatment each year, compared to the U.S. average of ~46.2%. Language, stigma, financial barriers, and fear around immigration status all contribute to lower access to support.

At The Family Institute, we believe honoring the past means acknowledging these realities — and inspiring the future means helping to create change. That includes offering Spanish-speaking therapists and working toward more equitable, culturally sensitive mental health care for all. 🧡

08/06/2025

💬 Why do some people thrive in relationships, while others struggle with trust, closeness, or fear of abandonment?

💡 The answer may lie in your attachment style — a pattern of how you connect with others that often begins in childhood. Attachment styles can be secure or insecure (anxious, avoidant, or disorganized), and they can deeply influence how you show up in romantic relationships.

❤️‍🩹 The good news? Attachment styles can change. With self-awareness, supportive relationships, and therapy, you can build healthier ways of relating to others and yourself.

🤝 At the Bette D. Harris Family & Child Clinic at The Family Institute at Northwestern University, we offer no-cost therapy to individuals, families, couples and children. Our services — provided by graduate student therapists in training and supervised by licensed professionals — is designed to help those who might not otherwise be able to access mental health care.

🔗 Learn more and get started: https://bit.ly/2GQkYAH

07/23/2025

If you or someone you love identifies as LGBTQ+ and is struggling with their mental health, you’re not alone.

We know that changes to national hotlines can feel confusing or even discouraging. For immediate support in a crisis, these affirming resources are still available:

📱 The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678
📱 Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
📱 Teen Line: 800-852-8336 (8 pm – 12 am CST)
📱 YouthLine: 877-968-8491 or text teen2teen to 839863 (6 pm – 12 am CST)

Our Northwestern University therapists-in-training provide counseling that affirms and respects who you are — at no cost.

💬 We’re here to listen. We’re here to support you. Learn more: bit.ly/2GQkYAH

07/01/2025

Join us in turning awareness into action this month and beyond. We are committed to expanding access through our no-cost clinic.

Learn more: family-institute.org/therapists-locations/get-started

Mental health access is not equitable.

🤎 Only 1 in 3 Black adults who need mental health care receive it.

💛 Asian Americans are the least likely racial group in the U.S. to seek services—only 25% of those with mental illness receive care.

🧡 Latinx communities face significant challenges, including language barriers, provider shortages and lack of insurance.

❤️ Among Native and Indigenous adults, nearly 1 in 5 experience mental illness, yet only about 1 in 3 receive treatment.

Founded in honor of author and advocate Bebe Moore Campbell, is a call to turn awareness into action by addressing the barriers to mental health care faced by Black, Indigenous and People of Color.

At The Family Institute, we honor and value the dignity of all individuals as we work to strengthen and heal families from all walks of life. This July—and every month—we are committed to breaking down stigma, expanding access through our no-cost Bette D. Harris Clinic, and training the next generation of culturally responsive mental health professionals at Northwestern University.

Sources: NAMI, SAMHSA

06/19/2025

For many Black Americans, is a day of remembrance, resilience and celebration. But, Dr. Chika Ofodu writes, it’s important to understand that it’s not only a Black holiday — it's an American holiday. Juneteenth tells a critical story about who we are as a nation and, for all of us, offers a powerful opportunity to reflect, learn and participate in the shared work of healing and justice.

🔗 Full article with resources and local events: https://bit.ly/3TBe8Rn