COVID-19 and Mental Health

Update: Chicago Behavioral Hospital Staff Receive COVID-19 Vaccine

Frontline workers at Chicago Behavioral Hospital received their initial doses of the COVID-19 vaccine this week. “We are so grateful,” said Jerry Cholewa, CEO of Chicago Behavioral Hospital. “We have worked diligently throughout this pandemic to ensure the health and safety of everyone in our hospital while continuing to provide much-needed treatment services to those experiencing mental health crisis. Being able to offer vaccines to our staff brings us one step closer to returning to a sense of normalcy.”

CBH will continue to follow measures designed to mitigate viral spread, including distancing, masking, handwashing, and routine cleaning of surfaces. In-person visitation to the hospital remains restricted at this time, but phone and video visitation are available.


COVID -19 has caused a serious economic downturn and tremendous social changes impacting mental health of all ages.  This has resulted in an overall spike in suicide.  In addition,

  • 67% of people report higher levels of stress since the outbreak of COVID-19.
  • 57% say they have greater anxiety since the outbreak.
  • 54% say they are more emotionally exhausted.
  • 53% say they feel sadness day-to-day.
  • 50% feel they are more irritable.
  • 42% report their overall mental health has declined.

With such impact on mental health it has become necessary for individuals to seek support for themselves and others.  We are here for you 24-7. Making one phone call is all it takes to get the support needed.  Call Chicago Behavioral Hospital at 844-756-8600.

What are we doing to combat COVID-19?

Mental health and addiction treatment should not be delayed, and we are taking every precaution possible while continuing to offer needed treatment in a safe way to you or a loved one.

Chicago Behavioral Hospital is following CDC guidelines, as well as that of state and local public health departments.

Every patient, family member, and visitor who comes to our facilities is screened for COVID-19 with a Symptom Questionnaire and by having their temperature taken. This ensures that people with symptoms of COVID-19 are recognized promptly and actions are taken to guarantee that illness is not introduced or spread.

Staff and patients are monitored daily for COVID-19 symptoms and are screened with a temperature check as well as the Symptom Questionnaire and are asked to stay home if they are feeling ill. Mask wearing, hand hygiene, social distancing, and environmental deep cleaning continues to be top priorities for us and occurs on a regular basis 7 days a week.

How does this impact patients?

We are committed to high quality, compassionate care, and that will not change.  We remain available 24/7 to screen and accept patients into all our inpatient and outpatient programs.

What You Can Do to Prevent Virus Spread

  1. Notify staff if you have a fever or are feeling sick. The hospital may ask you to stay home.
  2. Notify staff if you have reason to believe you have been in contact with an infected person.
  3. Wash your hands often with either soap and water or hand sanitizer.
  4. Routinely disinfect high-touch surfaces in your home (doorknobs, light switches, countertops).
  5. Follow social distancing guidelines.
  6. Wear a mask.