SamaraCare

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 me

ntal 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.

Feeling overwhelmed or stuck? You don’t have to figure it out alone.Lolan Adan, LCPC, supports adult individuals and cou...
04/13/2026

Feeling overwhelmed or stuck? You don’t have to figure it out alone.
Lolan Adan, LCPC, supports adult individuals and couples navigating:
• Anxiety & stress
• Depression
• Life transitions
• Relationship challenges
• Trauma & emotional healing

"I aspire to accompany you as you navigate challenges and celebrate triumphs with intention, grace, and hope."

Lolan offers a warm, culturally attuned, and supportive space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered to move forward. He supports clients in gaining insight, building resilience, improving relationships, and moving toward a more grounded and meaningful life.
Take the first step toward feeling better today.

👉 Learn more: https://samaracarecounseling.org/counselor/lolan-adan/
📞 Call: 630-357-2456
In-person session: Tues. & Wed., 10am – 6pm
💻 Virtual sessions: Thurs. 10am – 6pm

Feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or unsure where to turn? The right support can change everything.Anne Patterson works w...
04/10/2026

Feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or unsure where to turn? The right support can change everything.
Anne Patterson works with children (7+), teens, and adults navigating:
• Anxiety, depression & mood challenges
• ADHD, OCD & bipolar disorder
• Life transitions & stress
• Grief, relationships & family conflict

Trained in both counseling and art therapy, Anne helps you go beyond surface-level coping—so you can heal, grow, and feel more like yourself again. Through trust and connection, find support in building confidence, strengthening self-awareness, and developing the skills needed to care for yourself and move forward with resilience.

You don’t have to do this alone.

👉 Learn more: https://samaracarecounseling.org/counselor/anne-patterson/
📞 Call: 630-357-2456
💻 Virtual sessions: 10am - 6pm Thurs. & Fri.
In-Person sessions: 11am - 7pm Mon. & Tues., 10am - 6pm Wed.
Insurance Accepted: BCBS PPO, Aetna PPO, United Healthcare PPO, Medicare

We'd like you to meet Lolan Adan, LCPC, one of our newest SamaraCare counselors!Lolan works with adults and couples, spe...
04/09/2026

We'd like you to meet Lolan Adan, LCPC, one of our newest SamaraCare counselors!

Lolan works with adults and couples, specializing in:
Anxiety & Panic Disorders
Depression & Stress
LGBTQ+
Loss & Grief
Life Transitions
Career & Vocational Stress
Chronic Illness & Caregiving Dynamics
Spirituality/Faith/Existential

Lolan offers an empathetic and reflective counseling approach that honors each person’s unique story. In a safe, supportive environment clients can navigate challenges while discovering new meaning, resilience, and hope.

Lolan earned a Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola University Chicago. After more than two decades working on Wall Street, he made a intentional career transition to counseling.

He accompanies individuals and couples facing anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, acculturation challenges, chronic illness, and questions of meaning, spirituality, and identity.

Availability & Locations
📍 In-person: Naperville office, Tues. - Wed., 10am - 6pm
💻 Telehealth: Available Thurs., 10am - 6pm
To learn more about Lolan or schedule an appointment, click here: https://samaracarecounseling.org/counselor/lolan-adan/

Recently, I noticed the prairie near Springbrook in Naperville was darkened by a prescribed burn. At first glance, the c...
04/02/2026

Recently, I noticed the prairie near Springbrook in Naperville was darkened by a prescribed burn. At first glance, the charred ground can look dark and lifeless. Yet those familiar with prairie ecosystems know something remarkable: beneath the surface, deep roots remain alive and strong, preparing for new growth in the weeks ahead. Fresh grass and wildflowers will begin to rise from the soil, nourished by the very burn that cleared the way.

As Easter approaches, the prairie offers a powerful reminder that renewal often begins in ways we cannot yet see. Spring is often celebrated as a season of joy and fresh beginnings, but for some people it can also bring complicated emotions. When expectations for happiness don’t match how we actually feel, it can be discouraging.

This season can be an opportunity to approach ourselves with patience and compassion. Small steps—like spending time outdoors, connecting with supportive people, or giving yourself space to rest and reflect—can nurture your mental health. Just like the prairie after a burn, growth and healing often begin quietly beneath the surface—taking root long before we see the full bloom. Spring reminds us that hope has deep roots—and growth and fresh beginnings are always possible.

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

SamaraCare has two upcoming virtual grief groups, starting April 16 and June 10.Our Grief Groups provide a safe and supp...
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.

By Anne Patterson, LCPC, Art TherapistWith celebrating St. Patrick's Day this month, I’d like to share a story with an i...
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/

SamaraCare Invites You to The Imagine Stronger Breakfast Benefit! Featuring Anjanette Young, LCSW.You're invited to a sp...
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

Sacrifice Can Strengthen Mental HealthIn our culture, the idea of sacrifice can feel outdated or even unhealthy. Yet psy...
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.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of Black History Month—a powerful reminder that history is shaped not only by extr...
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/

Accountability means taking responsibility for one’s thoughts, actions, words, and choices.Accountability is often frame...
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/

We’re excited to introduce Anne Patterson, our newest SamaraCare counselor!Anne works with adults of all ages, specializ...
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/

Great report from the Dupage County Crisis Recovery Center! Take a look at the report here:
02/16/2026

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

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

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