CARES Collaborative
For Mental Health Access
Designing and sustaining the ecosystem that connects youth, schools, and providers.
Vision
A future where thriving community-wide mental health systems ensure every young person has reliable, timely access to care – regardless of background or ability to pay.
MISSION
To design, fund, and implement sustainable models that bridge the gap between schools, community treatment providers, and families, dramatically expanding access to high-quality, equitable care.
Get In Touch
We welcome inquiries from parents, educators, clinicians, and community partners. Contact us to learn more about our services or explore ways to collaborate.
Call Us
(630) 228-1313
Email Us
info@carescollaborative.org
Hours
Mon-Fri: 8am-8pm
Sat & Sun: 8am-7pm
About CARES Collaborative NFP
CARES Collaborative NFP is a nonprofit organization dedicated to solving the youth mental health access crisis. We don’t just provide services; we design, implement, and sustain the systems that connect young people with care. In strategic partnership with schools, community treatment providers, and funding partners, we build the capacity to deliver compassionate, evidence-based support through coordinated networks, embedded school-based access points, and equitable funding models.
Our Access Model.
We build sustainable mental health ecosystems focused on coordination and barrier removal. We establish the necessary infrastructure and fund a network of high-quality community clinicians, guaranteeing accessible, evidence-based care is available where and when it’s needed most.
School-Based Access Points
We establish the clinical infrastructure and embed Care Coordinators within schools. This ensures seamless identification and warm hand-offs, connecting students to the full community network of care. (Less about being the therapist, more about managing the connection).
System Reporting & Impact Analysis
We provide partners with clear, aggregate data and reporting on utilization and outcomes, enabling schools and funders to see the direct impact of their investment in improved community-wide access.
Community Provider Network Coordination
We vet, contract, and coordinate a diverse, high-quality network of community clinicians and agencies. This expands the capacity of schools and guarantees students are connected to the right level of evidence-based care in their community.
Sliding Scale / Access Model
No one is turned away due to cost. We offer flexible payment options and prioritize equitable care delivery.
Equitable Funding & Resource Models
We secure grants and develop innovative Sliding Scale / Financial Access Models to remove the cost barrier for families. We subsidize care delivered by our community partners, ensuring zero students are turned away due to financial need.
Connect With a Mental Health Professional
Have questions about our services or looking for support? Speak directly with one of our licensed clinicians or care coordinators to find the right path forward for your school, organization, or family.
Why Partner With CARES
Systemic Partnership Design
We don’t just place clinicians; we design the care flow system, ensuring perfect integration with school staff and existing community resources.
Managed & Scalable Network
Our model offers diverse in-person, virtual, and hybrid options by leveraging our established network of community partners, solving capacity issues for schools.
Commitment to Community Equity
As a nonprofit, our sole focus is on system sustainability and eliminating financial barriers, ensuring the community’s mental health needs—not profit—drive every decision.
Schools Served
Clinical Professionals
Community Partnerships
GET INVOLVED
Strategic Collaboration
We invite School Districts, Community Health Organizations, and Social Service Agencies to partner with us to co-design a localized, sustainable access system.
Funding & Investment
We welcome conversations with Grantmakers, Donors, and Foundations who seek to invest in measurable, systemic solutions for youth mental health access. Fund our equitable access model, not just a single service.
Join Our Clinical Network
We seek Licensed Community Treatment Providers to join our coordinated network. Leverage our streamlined referral process and guaranteed funding model to expand your reach to students and families who need you most.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does CARES differ from a typical mental health clinic?
We are not a traditional clinic. We act as a system coordinator and access facilitator. We build the infrastructure, vet community providers, secure funding to remove cost barriers, and embed care coordinators in schools to manage the network.
How can our school district or community organization partner with CARES?
We offer Strategic Partnership Programs where we collaborate to co-design and implement a comprehensive mental health access model for your students and community. Contact us to discuss your specific needs for capacity building and resource integration.
What role do community treatment providers play in your model?
Community providers are essential partners in our network. We rely on them to deliver the high-quality clinical care. We support them by providing a guaranteed referral stream, handling coordination, and securing subsidized payment models to eliminate financial friction for families.
Our Partners
Contact us
Call Us
(630) 228-1313
Email Us
info@carescollaborative.org
Our Location
29 S Webster St STE 390A,
Naperville, IL 60540