Nicasa Behavioral Health Services is a behavioral health and social services organization that serves the residents of Lake County and northern Illinois. Since 1966, we have provided services across a continuum of care that includes education, prevention, harm reduction, early intervention, treatment, and recovery.
Mission
Transforming one life at a time through our behavioral health and social services.
Vision
Strengthen the communities we serve by being the premier behavioral health and social services provider.
Our Legacy
Our growth into a five-site, nationally recognized leader in comprehensive substance use prevention and treatment is a result of our ability to seek out those in need, identify strengths and resources, and deliver services that create positive choices and lifelong solutions.
1966
Nicasa Behavioral Health Services was founded by members of a local Alcoholics Anonymous group to support recovering alcoholics and their families.
1988
The 19th Judicial Circuit of Lake County and McHenry Counties ruled Nicasa Behavioral Health Services as the sole provider of alcohol/drug abuse evaluations in Lake County.
2010
Nicasa Behavioral Health Services expanded its offerings to include Family Advocacy Services to help families achieve stability and self-sufficiency.
2013
Nicasa Behavioral Health Services began offering mental health services in response to a severe shortage of available mental health services in Lake County.
2014
Nicasa Behavioral Health Services helped to open the first school-based health center in Round Lake High School. Additionally, became certified to provide mental health services to the Medicaid populations throughout Lake County.
2016
Nicasa Behavioral Health Services was selected as one of four DCFS Immersion Site pilot project sites and serves as the only provider in Lake County and the entire northern region to provide WRAParound services to families.
2018
Nicasa Behavioral Health Services implemented the Jail High-Utilizer Program that focused on treating adult populations of color who experienced 2 or more arrests and detention in the Lake County Jail.
2018
Two federal grants were awarded: Act-Recover-Change-Hope (ARCH) and the Treatment Recovery Enhancement and Expansion (TREE) Program.
2019
For the first time in Nicasa Behavioral Health Services’ history, the largest population of clients served was Latinos.
2020
Nicasa Behavioral Health Services remained operational throughout the COVID-19 pandemic by converting all services to telehealth to service many individuals who were left without care.
2020
Waukegan services expanded to include middle schools in the Mundelein and Wauconda school districts.
2021
Nicasa Behavioral Health Services was awarded COVID-19 housing funds from Lake County for the Rapid Re-Housing Program for adults with a history of criminal justice involvement who were chronically homeless upon exiting jail.
2023
The Teen Problem Gambling Outreach Group was awarded one of four national awards from the National Council on Problem Gambling.
2023
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine selected Nicasa for a pilot project focused on providing prevention information and Narcan to identify overdose ‘hot spots’ throughout western Lake County.
2023
Nicasa was awarded funding from the Lake County Board as part of the American Rescue Plan Act to create a new First Responder and Veteran Wellness Center (Frontline Care Center).
Our Values
Advocacy
Service Excellence
Inclusivity
Integrity
Compassion
Multilingual Support
Nicasa Behavioral Health Services is committed to providing quality, compassionate service to those in need regardless of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, ability, religion, economic status, and/or immigration status; and is able to provide services in English and Spanish.
Accreditations & Memberships
As a trusted leader in behavioral health, Nicasa is committed to maintaining the highest standards of care and service. Our memberships in key professional organizations reflect our dedication to staying at the forefront of the industry.
