Illinois

Welcome. We’re so glad you are here.

PSI-IL is the Illinois state chapter of Postpartum Support International (PSI), the world’s leading non-profit organization dedicated to helping those suffering from perinatal mood disorders, the most common complication of childbirth.

Our mission is to promote awareness, education, prevention, and treatment of perinatal mental health issues affecting mothers, their families, and support systems in all areas of Illinois.

  • You are not alone

    All mothers, fathers, and families deserve support during pregnancy and parenthood.

  • You are not to blame

    This time is challenging.

  • You will be well

    Many types of support are available.

Get Help

If you, or a loved one, is suffering with perinatal mood disorders, you’ve come to the right place. Contact one of our PSI-IL Support Coordinators, who will help guide you through the process of finding a professional near you with expertise and experience in treating perinatal mood disorders. Whether you are searching for a therapist within your insurance network, a medication prescriber knowledgeable in prescribing during pregnancy and lactation, or looking for a local peer support group, we are here to help.

Find a PSI-IL Coordinator or Support Group:

Deb Torres
Chicago/Cook County
734-846-7535 TEXT or CALL
icolbydeb@gmail.com

Jessica Erickson
Chicago/Cook County
248-798-4718 TEXT or CALL
jessnik@uchicago.edu

Angelica Marconi
Cook/Lake Counties
224-707-0206 TEXT or CALL
marconiangelica3@gmail.com

Marinna Marotta
NE IL: Lake and McHenry Counties
847-514-6783 TEXT or CALL
marinna.psicoordinator@gmail.com

Lara Vazquez
West Chicago: DuPage, Kane, & Will Counties
630-632-8131 TEXT or CALL
laravv06@gmail.com

Taylor Bochenek
South of Chicago, Will County
815-210-7061 TEXT or CALL
taymalecki@gmail.com

Melissa Millinger
Central IL Tri- county area: Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford
309-863-5360 TEXT or CALL
melissamillinger@gmail.com

Patrice Pelmore
Champaign, Ford, Piatt, Vermilion and Macon
312-857-5389 TEXT or CALL
PSI.ChamBana@gmail.com

LaKeesha James-Smith
Bloomington and Carbondale Areas
312-627-9960 TEXT or CALL

Anquenette Perkins
Statewide – for areas not covered by one of the Coordinators above
708-669-9832 TEXT or CALL
perkinspsiv@gmail.com

Postpartum Depression Illinois Alliance’s (PPD IL)

The Postpartum Depression Illinois Alliance’s (PPD IL) mission is to promote awareness, prevention and treatment of maternal mental health issues throughout the state of Illinois.

www.ppdil.org

IL Support Groups
Other Resources

We do not offer crisis management services. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911. For additional safety information, contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

mom looking out window

Did you know that perinatal mood disorders (PMDs) are the number one medical complication of childbirth? While often referred to as postpartum depression or even simply as postpartum, PMD can take many forms and can also occur during pregnancy. Perinatal mood disorders include depression, anxiety, OCD, panic disorder, PTSD, and (much more rarely) psychosis.

Get the facts by visiting PSI’s website at www.postpartum.net

Get Involved

Want to make a difference? Become a member today.

  • Receive PSI-IL quarterly newsletter
  • Invitation to Members Only Events
  • Help us fulfill our mission and feel good for helping a great cause!

Memberships are tax-deductible donations.

Join Now

Volunteer

PSI state chapters are made up of a variety of local stakeholders and further the mission of PSI on a grassroots level. Chapters work on a wide range of initiatives that they dictate for themselves because they know their states best! While some states may focus on passing legislation, others may create a robust network of peer support groups, or compile a state-wide list of perinatal mood disorder providers and resources.

All are welcome at PSI! Survivors, mental health professionals, doulas, clinicians etc. volunteer through the chapter in order to give back to their local communities. We work to reduce stigma, increase awareness, and provide connections to resources.

Contact PSI-IL to volunteer

Climb Out Of The Darkness

Every year, PSI hosts Climb Out Of The Darkness, a movement that invites people from all over the world to host local walks and events to spread awareness of mental health challenges of new families. A Climb can be as simple as a play-date in a park, a hike, or a more elaborate event. The majority of Climbs are held in June, near the summer solstice in celebration of long sunny days and a family’s climb from anxiety and depression to recovery.

Find a Climb

We gather as a community to walk and socialize. We meet fellow survivors, supporters & providers.

#climbout

Host a Climb

We are looking for Climb Leaders to host events in your state. Leaders will go through a quick training, and will have the support of other climb leaders, your state chapter and PSI staff. To create a Climb event in your area, email our Climb Manager Emily at Cotd@postpartum.net!

For Professionals

PSI Provider Directory

Postpartum Support International offers an online directory of qualified perinatal mental health professionals. Join the registry and share your listing as a mental health provider, a healthcare provider, childbirth professional, or support group. As a specialized provider, you can tailor your directory listing to reach out to potential clients in your area. Keep your profile up-to-date with practice announcements, new programs and groups, and more!

Apply Today

Perinatal Psychiatric Consult Line

The PSI Perinatal Psychiatric Consult Line is a service provided for medical professionals who have questions about the mental health care related to pregnant and postpartum patients and pre-conception planning. It is staffed by reproductive psychiatrists who are members of PSI and specialists in the treatment of perinatal mental health disorders. The service is free and available by appointment. Call 1-877-499-4773 and we will match you with an appointment. We will respond to your request within one business day. This service is available for medical providers only.

Learn More

Upcoming Training Sessions

We provide top-notch education and training for professionals both in-person and online allowing you to serve your patients with confidence.

Upcoming PSI Training

About Us

Our mission is to promote awareness, education, prevention, and treatment of perinatal mental health issues affecting mothers, their families, and support systems in all areas of Illinois.

PSI-IL is State Chapter of Postpartum Support International, a 501(c)(3) organization.  The Tax ID number of Postpartum Support International and PSI-IL is 77-0196208.

Join us on Facebook

Chair– Melissa Millinger

Vice Chair– Katie Prezas

Secretary– Kate Ross

Treasurer/Liaison– Leslie Bradley

Outreach/Social Committee– Rachel Menge, Leslie Pietruszka, Erika Walton

Events and Training– Rachel Diamond, Trish Wierenga, Nicki Petersen

Advocacy/Social Justice– Ashley Tabata

daddy and mommy

Contact Us

For more information or if you are interested in volunteering, please contact us using the form below and we’ll be in touch soon.

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