June 14, 2021
Nicasa Behavioral Health Services is committed to providing high-quality care that is safe for all clients and staff. In response to COVID-19, we continue to take necessary precautions to ensure all of our services continue to meet the needs of individuals and families who are struggling with substance abuse, mental health, problem gambling, and other social health needs. We continue to remain open and operational, providing all services via telehealth, with the exception of walk-in assessments. Walk-in sessions, and any other sessions needed to accommodate those who do not have access to technology or a phone, are provided on a limited basis. We continue to practice all necessary safety protocols, as detailed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Illinois Department of Public Health, and the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center. At this time, all clients and staff are still required to wear masks while physically present in any one of our locations. For clients residing in our adult residential recovery halfway house, Bridge House, all clients must enter with a negative COVID-19 test, and maintain a face covering at all times. We are strongly encouraging all residents within our residential program to receive the vaccine as well in order to best protect themselves and others while living in a congregate setting.
For any clients who are receiving virtual services with us, please visit our Client Forms page to read and complete necessary documentation. Please note these are not electronic forms, but you can print and sign or discuss with your counselor the best way to sign and return the necessary information. We will continue to provide a list of online resources for anyone to access on our Virtual Resources page.
Nicasa Behavioral Health Services' mission is to transform one life at a time through our behavioral and social health services. We will continue to monitor the situation as it pertains to COVID-19 and maintain our commitment to the safety of our clients and staff. If you have any questions or concerns related to accessing services, our COVID-19 safety precautions, client forms, or any other aspect of safe treatment, please contact us at (847)546-6450 or info@nicasa.org.
Remember to Protect Yourself
Nicasa Behavioral Health Services reminds everyone to remain vigilant of COVID-19 and continue practicing proven safety methods in order to decrease chances of exposure. The CDC continues to recommend practicing everyday preventative actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use hand sanitizer. Always wash your hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, throw the tissue in the trash, then wash or sanitize your hands.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe (disinfecting).
- Follow CDC's recommendations and adhere to business and facility protocols for using a facemask.
- Wearing masks in public and when around people who don't live in your household. Masks should NOT be worn by children under age 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
- Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19. This helps prevent spreading the disease to others. Facemasks are crucial for our staff and people who care for someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
Partner with Us
Nicasa Behavioral Health Services is grateful for all the support we have received since the onset of the pandemic, as well as the many people who have asked about how to help our clients and their families. While we have remained open and operation since March 2020, we are still in need of support and here are some ways people can help:
- Donate masks (any type)
- Volunteer at home to create hygiene and/or new home kits for our clients who are homeless and will soon be entering new, stable living situations (email Vicky Tello, LSW, Director of Philanthropy, for a list of items: vtello@nicasa.org.
- Gather and donate clothing (everything from adult professional clothing down to infant clothing) and/or non-perishable food items.
- Give a gift to help support the provision of substance abuse, mental health, and problem gambling care and services as all of these challenges overwhelmingly increased throughout the pandemic. Visit our Donate page and consider providing a monthly gift for ongoing support!
Other Updates
Please visit these resources for the most recent updates on COVID-19.
