The Family Institute Expands Access to Mental Health Care, Helping Individuals and Families Begin the New Year Restored

CHICAGO –December 2025 -As the holiday season approaches and a new year around the corner, many individuals and families are experiencing heightened uncertainty, economic stress, and increasing social disconnection. While this time of year is often associated with celebration and togetherness, it can also bring up feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and emotional fatigue—especially for those already managing mental health challenges.

To help more individuals and families access the care they need, The Family Institute at Northwestern University will begin accepting United Healthcare (Optum/UBH) insurance starting December 1, 2025. UBH coverage will be available in addition to Blue Cross Blue Shield, and self-pay options, expanding affordable access to therapy across Chicagoland and Illinois.

This expanded access comes at a time when many are feeling the effects of ongoing stress, economic pressure, and social disconnection, factors that not only impact mental health, but also relationships, community ties, and overall well-being.

Recent research shows that a majority of adults report feeling anxious or uncertain about the future, with younger adults particularly affected. Therapists at The Family Institute see these concerns reflected across clients across the lifespan with many experiencing the cumulative effects of uncertainty, social anxiety, and emotional fatigue.

“Uncertainty has become part of our collective experience — it’s in our work, our relationships, and even in the way we move through daily life,” said Ethan Husbands, LCPC, staff therapist at The Family Institute. “Anxiety often tells us to retreat, but recovery begins when we start to challenge those thoughts and move toward connection instead of away from it.”

Each year, The Family Institute provides over 6,000 clients nearly 77,000 therapy appointments. Clinicians at The Family Institute use evidence-based therapy approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to help clients recognize patterns of avoidance, reframe anxious thoughts, and build practical coping strategies. These therapy approaches support individuals in developing resilience and restoring balance both personally and within their relationships.

“January is a natural moment to pause, reflect, and reset,” said Jonhatan Sutton, Ph.D., Director of Cognitive Behavioral Therapies Program at The Family Institute at Northwestern University. “We encourage anyone feeling anxious or overwhelmed to reach out. Therapy provides a space to make sense of what’s happening internally, to find grounding, and to strengthen the relationships that help sustain us through change.”

With compassionate care rooted in research, The Family Institute continues to help individuals, couples, and families across Chicagoland find calm amid uncertainty and take meaningful steps toward restoration in 2026. 

If someone is in need of care but unable to afford it, The Family Institute also provides free therapy services through the Bette D. Harris Family & Child Clinic for those that could not otherwise afford it.

To schedule a therapy appointment with the Clinical Practice or the Bette D. Harris Family & Child Clinic or Clinical Practice, call 847-733-4300.