Family Insight Evenings

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Family Insight Evenings is a monthly group that provides support and education to adult family members of individuals affected by mental illness.

Please Read Details Below About New Location

Are you looking for a structured place to learn how to support mentally ill family members?

We’d love to invite you to join us on Wednesday, November 4th for our next Family Insight Evening at Turning Point (8324 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, IL).

This program provides opportunities to:

learn and practice skills to deal more effectively with ill family members
meet others who understand
share insights in a structured environment

The group will be led by NAMI CCNS Family-to-Family teachers. It’s open to adults who have participated in NAMI Family-to-Family or NAMI Family Support Groups.

Next Class Date: Wednesday, November 4th, 2026

Topic: Mental Health and Co-occurring Substance Use

Come join us for a conversation centered around mental health and co-occurring substance use and speak with two very knowledgeable professionals on the topic.

Jess Jacobsen will provide his personal story and lived experience in dealing with mental health challenges and substance use addiction, otherwise known as dual diagnosis. Jess will share how those issues manifest in his life, how he has learned to recover, and how he has built a productive, fulfilling life.

Matthew Frank will further elaborate on the realities of dual diagnosis through the lens of professional experience as well as pertinent topics related to treating dual diagnosis, such as abstinence vs. harm reduction, helping struggling loved ones who don’t want help, and stigma.

The rest of the time will be spent with Jess and Matt answering your questions.

Speakers:

Matthew Frank:
Matt is a licensed clinical social worker, certified alcohol and other drug counselor, and founder of Unity Counseling, PLLC. After earning an undergraduate degree in Criminology and Psychology, Matt worked for NSSRA, which informed his decision to pursue a career in social work. During his master’s program at Loyola University in Chicago, Matt interned for the public defender’s office, urging judges to consider treatment during a defendant’s sentencing when mental health was a significant factor.

Jess Jacobson:
Jess earned his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at DePaul University and is a licensed clinical mental health counselor at the Josselyn Center — a community-based mental health center. Jess grew up with mental health struggles, which led to his substance use. Jess’ lived experience with these challenges and recovery inspired his career as a mental health counselor in order to help others with the same challenges. Jess is a mental health advocate, NAMI speaker, and active AA member.

Time: 6:00 – 7:45 PM

Location: Turning Point (8324 Skokie Blvd, Room 180, Skokie, IL 60077)

Parking and Entrance: Parking for Turning Point is accessible via Washington Avenue. All attendees should enter through the main entrance located off the parking lot. Please note that entrances along Skokie Boulevard are locked and not monitored.

Registration is required to attend.

To meet Turning Point’s safety requirements, we’ll provide an electronic form and ask for your name, phone number, email, and ZIP code. Please complete a registration form when you arrive, even if you’ve been to Family Insight before.

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