At Community High School District 218’s Administrative Center in Oak Lawn, a quiet but significant shift is taking root. The INSPIRE Wellness Clinic, a once modest program operating after hours, has evolved into a full-service mental health hub supporting students and staff throughout the district—at Eisenhower, Richards and Shepard high schools.
Driven by rising demand and an urgent need for accessible care, the clinic now offers neuropsychological evaluations, counseling, and psychiatric telehealth services not just during the school day, but also after hours and throughout the summer.
“Mental health services play a critical role in supporting students’ overall well-being, helping them manage stress, build resilience, and navigate personal or academic challenges,” said Dr. Katherine Kain, administrator of the INSPIRE Wellness Clinic. “When students feel emotionally supported, they are better able to focus, engage, and succeed in school. Providing access to these services ensures we are addressing the whole child—not just their academic needs.”
The clinic sees students facing a range of concerns, from autism and chronic illness to learning disabilities, anxiety and concussion recovery.
The services are available free to in-district students with a referral from their school psychologist or building administrator. Families outside of District 218 can also request independent evaluations through a fee-based model.
To expand access, the district partnered with Schoolhouse Counseling Center, part of Hartgrove Mental Health Services, a relationship that has steadily grown over time.
“We have had a longstanding partnership with SchoolHouse Counseling — Hartgrove Mental Health Services,” Kain said. “It began with an after-hours clinic at the Administrative Center, and as we worked to address the evolving needs of our students and families, we expanded services into our school buildings during the day and after school.”
This summer, that partnership will deepen with the launch of a walk-in clinic, giving families continued access to care even when school is not in session.
“Services are available during the school day, after school, and throughout the summer,” Kain said. “Once a student completes the intake process and is approved, the team works with the student and their family to schedule sessions at a time that best fits their availability.”
In addition to student care, INSPIRE also supports District 218 staff and their families, providing outpatient counseling and psychological evaluations covered under the district’s employee insurance plan.
Beyond clinical care, the clinic also serves as a professional training center. Grand Rounds — regular development sessions for student services staff and social workers — help educators better understand and respond to the complex needs students bring into the classroom.
What began as a small initiative has grown into a vital pillar of support for the entire District 218 community. In a time when youth mental health challenges are rising nationwide, the INSPIRE Wellness Clinic is helping families find answers, support and stability without leaving the school system that knows them best.
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