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Monday 9am - 9pm Tuesday 9am - 9pm Wednesday 8am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 9pm Saturday 9am - 5pm

SamaraCare

SamaraCare is a non-profit organization offering counseling, psychiatric, and autism services to diverse populations across the lifespan.

Reduced cost care available to the uninsured, underinsured, and those facing financial hardship. We were founded in 1971 by three supporting congregations to provide preventative and therapeutic counseling with a focus on family life in response to meeting the mental health needs of a rapidly growing Naperville community. Its mission is to provide affordable access to high-quality comprehensive mental health care to everyone, regardless of financial resources, religious affiliation or insurance status. SamaraCare is unique in its ability to provide spiritually-integrated care for those interested in that option and in providing fee subsidy assistance, to under-resourced individuals, couples and families, through its Mental Health Access Program. In the last 15 years alone, the program provided over $7.5 million in fee subsidy assistance to thousands of under-resourced individuals, couples, and families. SamaraCare currently provides over 21,000 counseling hours serving over 1,500 clients annually. Now, with over 42 employees, SamaraCare offers both virtual and in-person counseling, psychotherapy, psychological testing/assessment, and psychiatric services throughout Chicagoloand. In 2019, SamaraCare achieved a significant strategic goal by merging with Winnetka-based Samaritan Counseling Center, an organization with similar core values serving Northern Cook and Lake counties for over 50 years. This expanded SamaraCare's geographic footprint to become a regional provider of mental health services. In 2021, SamaraCare merged with Wellspring Clinical Associates, psychotherapy and psychiatric care within one organization. This is the first step towards a long-term strategic vision to provide fee-subsidized psychiatric care to under-resourced clients.

03/30/2026

SamaraCare has two upcoming virtual grief groups, starting April 16 and June 10.

Our Grief Groups provide a safe and supportive environment for adults who have lost a spouse, friend, parent, partner, or other loved one.

Our grief groups help:
- Facilitate acceptance and promote healing
- Normalize the impact of grief
- Provide a nonjudgmental space to share thoughts, process emotions, and receive support

Both programs are offered in 8-week sessions. Area congregations are sponsoring the programs, making them available at no cost. An experienced SamaraCare facilitator will lead each group. Participants from various spiritual orientations are welcome. Please register as soon as possible as space is limited.

One session will meet virtually every Thursday from 7pm-8:30pm beginning April 16th through June 11th.

The next session will meet virtually every Wednesday from 6:30pm-8pm beginning June 10th through July 29th.

For questions or to register, contact Joellen Hosler, PhD, M.Div., LCPC, at 630-357-2456, ext. 419 or jhosler@samaracarecounseling.org.

Sponsors: Church of the Holy Spirit Lake Forest, First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest, St. James Lutheran Church, Christ Church Winnetka, Kenilworth Union Church, Saint Augustine's and Winnetka Congregational Church.

03/20/2026

By Anne Patterson, LCPC, Art Therapist

With celebrating St. Patrick's Day this month, I’d like to share a story with an important mental health lesson from Irish American author Mike Leonard. In The Ride of Our Lives, Leonard recounts a cross-country RV trip with his aging parent and adult children. The book is filled with humor and heartfelt moments, but one story stands out as a powerful example of resilience.

Leonard suffered several head injuries during his sophomore year of high school. He developed vision and cognitive problems, and his grades declined. No one connected his academic struggles to his injuries. Eventually, Leonard began to think differently about his situation. Rather than concluding that he was incapable, he considered that his struggles might have a different explanation.

Through persistent self-talk, he convinced himself that poor grades did not mean he would fail in life. Even though he hadn’t yet discovered his strengths, he believed he would find something he was good at. That belief reflects an important mental health concept called self-efficacy—the confidence that we can work toward goals and influence our future.

Self-efficacy grows through small accomplishments, encouragement from others, and continued effort. As spring approaches, consider what small steps might help move you toward your own goals.

To read the complete article click here: https://samaracarecounseling.org/blog/anxiety-and-stress/believing-you-can/

03/13/2026

SamaraCare Invites You to The Imagine Stronger Breakfast Benefit! Featuring Anjanette Young, LCSW.

You're invited to a special breakfast fundraiser to provide reduced cost counseling, psychiatric and autism services to women and children in need. Join us as we welcome Anjanette, author of Past the Pain, "How to Emerge from Trauma with Purpose" her personal journey of surviving trauma. Learn how her book and foundation inspires dignity and healing.

Location: Elements at Water Street
Hotel Indigo Riverwalk
120 Water Street,
Naperville, IL 60540
Parking is available at hotel.

Friday, May 8th, 2026
7am-7:30am: Coffee & Conversation
7:30am-9:00am: Breakfast/Presentation

Ticket Information:
Individual Tickets $100
Tickets avaliable online at samaracarecounseling.org/imagine

03/10/2026

Sacrifice Can Strengthen Mental Health

In our culture, the idea of sacrifice can feel outdated or even unhealthy. Yet psychological research and long-standing spiritual traditions suggest something surprising: intentional sacrifice—chosen freely and practiced with purpose—can actually strengthen mental health.

At its core, sacrifice is about voluntary restraint for a greater good. When someone gives up a habit, a convenience, or a comfort, they exercise self-regulation. This builds psychological resilience.

One mental health benefit of sacrifice is increased self-efficacy—the belief that “I can choose my actions.” In a world shaped by constant digital stimulation and impulse-driven consumption, choosing to abstain from something can restore a sense of agency. That sense of control is closely linked to reduced anxiety and greater emotional stability.

Sacrifice can also clarify priorities. When we remove distractions, even temporarily, we create space for reflection. Many people report greater focus, improved gratitude, and deeper awareness when they intentionally simplify aspects of their lives.

Sacrifice often shifts focus outward toward compassion, generosity, or service. Acts of giving—time, attention, or resources—are consistently associated with improved mood and a stronger sense of purpose.

Sometimes, letting go is not loss. It's strength in disguise.

02/26/2026

This year marks the 100th anniversary of Black History Month—a powerful reminder that history is shaped not only by extraordinary leaders, but by everyday courage, resilience, and advocacy.

Founded by Carter G. Woodson, Black History Month is designed to ensure Black history is taught, preserved, and honored. Woodson believed understanding our history provides inspiration and empowerment—and that silence and omission can impact identity and self-worth. That same spirit of empowerment and connection is at the heart of meaningful mental health work.

Black History Month is not only about reflection—it is about healing, visibility, resilience, and reclaiming narratives. For many, exploring identity, intergenerational experiences, trauma, and resilience can be a powerful part of the therapeutic journey.

As you seek to deepen your understanding this month, consider investing in your own story, your mental health.

Anne, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Art Therapist, believes that healing begins when your experiences are seen, heard, and honored.

Through a compassionate, culturally aware, and creative approach, Anne helps clients reconnect with their strengths, process difficult experiences, and build tools for lasting emotional wellness. Whether you are navigating stress, relationship challenges, or the weight of past experiences, counseling can provide a safe and empowering space for growth.

History is built through everyday actions—including the decision to care for your mental health. Invest in your well-being. Your story matters.

To learn more or schedule an appointment with Anne click here: https://samaracarecounseling.org/counselor/anne-patterson/

02/20/2026

Accountability means taking responsibility for one’s thoughts, actions, words, and choices.

Accountability is often framed as a tool for discipline or productivity, but its impact runs far deeper. When practiced in a healthy way, accountability can significantly enhance mental health by fostering self-awareness, emotional stability, and a sense of purpose.

Beyond psychology, many spiritual traditions also emphasize accountability as a path to inner peace, moral clarity, and personal growth. Together, these perspectives reveal accountability not as a burden, but as a powerful source of healing and resilience.

We suggest approaching accountability as an act of self-respect rather than self-criticism. When individuals hold themselves accountable with compassion and purpose, they create an internal environment where growth feels safe and sustainable.

Click Here to Read More: https://samaracarecounseling.org/blog/personal-growth/the-quiet-power-of-accountability/

02/17/2026

We’re excited to introduce Anne Patterson, our newest SamaraCare counselor!

Anne works with adults of all ages, specializing in:
Anxiety & Panic Disorders
Depression & Stress
Mood Disorders
Learning Disabilities/ADHD
OCD
Schizophrenia
Spirituality/Faith/Existential

Anne brings a warm, authentic, and holistic approach to counseling. She believes in the power of connection and creates a safe, supportive space where clients are respected, seen and heard.

Anne has a Master of Arts in Counseling and Art Therapy and has experience in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings and community counseling. Her work is grounded in a holistic perspective honoring the interconnection of mind, body, spirit, and community — and is informed by values of social justice, cultural awareness, and inclusivity.

Availability & Locations
📍 In-person: Naperville office Monday, Tuesday, Thursday (10am - 6:45pm)
💻 Telehealth: Wednesday & Friday (10am - 6:45pm)

To learn more about Anne or schedule an appointment, click here: https://samaracarecounseling.org/counselor/anne-patterson/

02/16/2026

Great report from the Dupage County Crisis Recovery Center! Take a look at the report here:

02/12/2026

This Valentine’s Day, love doesn’t have to be wrapped in a card or ribbon. It can be found in small quiet moments: in patience, empathy, and the choice to meet others where they are.

Love can show up in simple but meaningful ways:
- in patience during difficult conversations,
- in empathy when someone feels unseen,
- in choosing understanding over judgment.

These acts of compassion might feel small but can make a real difference. It’s not only a gift to those who receive it, it nourishes the heart of the person giving it. Each intentional act, each moment of care, strengthens our own sense of purpose and connection.

A kind word, a willingness to listen, or an intentional pause before reacting can ease stress, reduce isolation, and remind others they matter. These small acts help build trust and emotional safety—foundations of lasting well-being.

The question this Valentine’s Day isn’t just who we love—it’s about the little ways we show it every day, one moment at a time.

❤️

02/05/2026

Most of us move through the day assuming that our thoughts are reliable narrators of reality. If a thought pops into our head—I’m failing, they don’t like me, I’ll never get this right—it can feel true simply because it appeared. But one of the most freeing ideas in mental health is this: your thoughts aren’t always “you.”

Humans produce tens of thousands of thoughts daily, many of which are repetitive and automatic, driven more by habit than reality. The brain is always forecasting, evaluating, recalling, and watching for threats—not to cause distress, but to do what it was designed to do.

Your brain produces thoughts—not guaranteed truths

The human mind developed primarily for survival rather than emotional well-being or accuracy. That means it’s really good at:
- Spotting potential threats
- Replaying past mistakes
- Imagining worst-case scenarios

This adaptation was useful in environments where survival required constant threat avoidance. In modern life, it often shows up as overthinking, self-criticism, or anxiety—especially under stress.

What matters most is, a thought is something that happens, not something that’s necessarily true. An idea appearing in your mind doesn’t automatically make it accurate.

02/03/2026

When Taylor first came to therapy, he described feeling constantly on edge. Sleep was difficult, thoughts intrusive, and inner dialogue often critical. He also noticed a long-standing pattern of putting others’ needs ahead of his own, which made it hard to ask for support or respond to himself with compassion.

In a supportive, nonjudgmental space, Taylor began exploring how past experiences had shaped the beliefs he held about himself and his relationships. Over time, he practiced skills to help him feel more grounded and present, particularly during moments of emotional distress. By gently questioning long-held assumptions about worth and trust, Taylor began responding to challenges with greater flexibility and care. While difficulties still arose, he reported feeling more connected to his values and better equipped to support his own well-being.

For many people, therapy is a space to better understand themselves, develop new skills, and explore different ways of relating to their experiences. If you or someone you care about is considering therapy please reach out to learn more about what possibilities are available.

To schedule an appointment with a counselor call 630.357.2456.

Click Here to Read the Full Article: https://samaracarecounseling.org/client-story/where-old-patterns-meet-new-possibilities/

01/29/2026

Temperance is the practice of self-regulation and moderation: ordering desires, emotions, and behaviors in ways that support balance, sustainability, and mental well-being.

The beginning of a new year offers a natural pause—a moment to reflect on what has sustained us, what has been draining, and where balance may have been lost.

Mental health flourishes when life is lived within appropriate limits. When habits, expectations, or emotional demands move toward extremes, distress often follows. Temperance supports mental health by encouraging awareness of personal limits and the capacity to respond with intention versus urgency. It replaces reactive change with steady, life-giving adjustment.

A new year often arrives with pressure to do more, move faster, and improve immediately. Temperance invites smaller, wiser choices: setting realistic expectations, establishing healthy boundaries, restoring rhythms of work and rest, and seeking support when needed. These practices reduce anxiety, guard against burnout, and foster long-term well-being.

As a companion for 2026, temperance can offer quiet guidance. It supports mental health by making space for clarity, resilience, and hope—one measured step at a time.

Address

1819 Bay Scott Cir, Ste 109
Naperville, IL
60540

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 9pm
Tuesday	9am - 9pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 9pm
Saturday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+16303572456

Website

https://samaracarecounseling.org/

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