When You Work With One of Us, You Work With All of Us
We bring together the right partners to support children, adults, couples and families across the lifespan. As researchers, educators and therapists, we work with our clients and Partner to See Change.
What sets The Family Institute apart?
Cutting Edge Research and Clinical Innovation
Research is at the core of our mission. Our team of mental health researchers, licensed therapists, and graduate students work together to drive innovation in behavioral health. Using evidence-based practices and the latest psychological research, we aim to improve therapy outcomes provide effective mental health care for individuals, couples, and families.
World-Class Mental Health Graduate Programs
At The Family Institute, we prepare the next generation of licensed mental health professionals through inclusive, research-informed education. Our nationally recognized graduate programs in Marriage and Family Therapy and Counseling combine rigorous academic coursework with hands-on clinical training in relationship-centered behavioral therapy.
Explore how our accredited Master’s-level programs equip future therapists with the skills, experience, and supervision needed to deliver effective, evidence-based mental health care.
Expert Mental Health Therapists Providing Evidence-Based Care
With over 115 licensed therapists, The Family Institute offers individual, couples, family, adolescent, and child therapy tailored to your unique mental health needs. Our care is grounded in evidence-based practices and measurement-informed therapy to ensure meaningful, trackable progress for every client.
Explore our mental health therapy programs and services designed to support you at every stage of life.
Personalized Treatment Plans for Mental Wellness
Whether you are suffering from anxiety, depression or simply looking to improve your overall well-being, The Family Institute is here to help. We offer customized, relationship-based therapy plans tailored to individual, couple, and family needs.
Start your journey toward better mental health today.
Free Mental Health Services for Individuals and Families
At The Family Institute, we believe everyone deserves access to quality mental health care, regardless of their financial situation. Through the Bette D. Harris Family & Child Clinic, we offer no-cost therapy services for individuals, children and families who may not otherwise be able to afford counseling or behavioral health support. Our licensed therapists and graduate-level therapists in training provide compassionate, evidence-based care to ensure that cost is never a barrier to mental wellness.
Featured Content
Our Newly Published Book is Our Model for Treating the Whole Family System
Focusing directly on the concerns that families, couples and individuals bring to therapy, Integrative Systemic Therapy (IST) values client participation in planning therapy and seeking solutions to their concerns.
Better Magazine Features 2025 Gratitude Gala
In its Better Makers series, Better Magazine shares highlights, memories and record-breaking outcomes from The Family Institute's 2025 Gratitude Gala. The annual fundraising event, which took place Wednesday, May 7, honored Chicago Bears General Manager Ryan Poles for his commitment to mental health inside and outside the Bears organization.
Flip-Flops & Family Feels: Summer Tips for Parent-Teen Bonding
Following the colder and shorter seasons of winter and spring, the summertime promise of longer and brighter days is coveted by many. Whether it's the warmth of the sun on your skin during a getaway or that first refreshing bite of ice cream after a long day, summer invites us to reconnect with the world, and our senses, in ways we aren’t always able to…
Beyond Rainbows: Honoring the Radical Roots of Pride
Pride Month is often adorned with rainbow flags, corporate-sponsored parades and affirming declarations of love and acceptance. Visibility matters — but we cannot afford to confuse visibility with justice. Further, we cannot afford to be distracted by the mainstream and colorful celebrations and lose sight of Pride’s true roots. Pride is a political…
What All of Us Can Learn from Juneteenth: A Black Therapist's Perspective
Each year on June 19, communities across the country celebrate Juneteenth, the day in 1865 when the last group of enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed. Juneteenth — which became a federal holiday in June 2021 — marks the formal end of slavery…
Debunking 5 Common Mental Health Myths
Through advocacy work, the courage of people sharing their mental health journeys through platforms like social media, documentaries, and podcasts, the inclusion of mental health initiatives and programs in schools and organizations across the country, conversations surrounding mental health are on the rise. There is no question that mental health…
In the News
Dr. Anthony Chambers Contributes to Mother's Day Questions for The New York Times
In recognition of Mother's Day, an article in The New York Times, "25 Questions to Bring You Closer to Your Mom," includes a question from Dr. Anthony Chambers, Chief Academic Officer at The Family Institute at Northwestern University: "If you could redo any period in your life, what would it be, and why?"
Mental Health Isn't A Fleeting Matter
Mental health requires continual attention — every day, week and month of the year, writes Jana L. Jones, president and CEO of The Family Institute at Northwestern University, in a letter to the editor of the Chicago Sun-Times this Mental Health Awareness Month. Full text below:
The New York Times Quotes Dr. Anthony Chambers on Life Transitions
Our Chief Academic Officer at The Family Institute at Northwestern University, Dr. Anthony Chambers speaks to The New York Times about the grief that can come with life's biggest transitions in The Downside of Getting What You Want.
For U.S. News & World Report, Dr. Michele Kerulis Speaks to Loneliness in Older Adults
In an article in U.S. News & World Report, Dr. Michele Kerulis shares the reasons for loneliness in older adults, the impact it can have on daily life, and advice for individuals and their loved ones to overcome common challenges. Read more
Emily Perepa, LCSW, ICST Shares Tips for Parents Working Remotely in USA Today
In an article in USA Today, Emily Perepa, LCSW, ICST offers tips for parents working remotely with young children at home. Read More
Emily Klear, M.S., LMFT Explores Dangerous Marriage Habits in YourTango
For YourTango, Director of Adult Psychotherapy Services Emily Klear, M.S., LMFT shares eight disturbing habits that we normalize in marriage but are detrimental our relationships. Read More
Give The Gift of Therapy
Your support helps provide free therapy for individuals and families who cannot afford the mental health care they deserve. Join us in expanding access to life-changing mental health services.
The Family Institute has provided the best therapy I have ever had. Truly impactful. It has transformed my family.