Mental Health

Chicago’s first mental health urgent care just opened in River North. Co-Founders of SHFT, Genia Yovankin and Holley Brandchaft-White, join live in studio to talk about the new urgent care and services offered.

The national campaign encourages parents to delay giving smartphones until after 8th grade, easing social pressure and helping shield children from the negative effects of social media.

Author, mindfulness expert, podcast host, Michelle Maros joins in studio to talk about her book "Dear Friend". The book has 365 daily reflections to help you along your mental wellness journey.

After a new study linked melatonin to possible heart health risks, "ChicagoLIVE" speaks with a sleep medicine specialist from Northwestern University about what the research really means. She explains when melatonin can be helpful, why timing and dosage matter more than strength, and how high doses may do more harm than good.

Riley Glassmann joins to share his personal mission behind the “Grow a Mo” movement, encouraging men to take action for their mental and physical health during the annual Movember campaign.

A groundbreaking Northwestern Medicine study finds that a Botox-like injection can dramatically reduce phantom limb pain in Ukrainian war amputees. "ChicagoLIVE" speaks with Dr. Steven Cohen, senior study author and Director of Pain Research at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, about how this innovative treatment targets nerves to relieve pain and help amputees regain mobility and use of prosthetics.

Dr. Erica Rozmid, a clinical psychologist, is helping parents show their kids how to “Spiral Up” by noticing small “glimmers” or positivity and gratitude.

At the University of Illinois College of Medicine, students are now learning from real human actors instead of plastic dummies. "ChicagoLIVE" speaks with Bob Kaiser, Interim Executive Director of the Simulation and Integrative Learning Institute at UIC, about how more than 160 actors are helping future doctors and nurses practice communication, diagnosis and patient care.

BraveHearts—the nation’s leading equine-assisted services organization for Veterans—will return to Chicago on Friday, October 24, for “Trail to Zero,” an annual 20-mile horseback ride to raise awareness for Veteran mental health and suicide prevention. Amanda Bethards and Winston join ChicagoNOW.

We’ve all heard the advice: “trust your gut.” But what does that really mean — and is there science behind it? Dr. Hongkui Zeng, Executive Vice President and Director of the Brain Initiative at the Allen Institute, joins us to explain how the nervous system tracks and regulates the body’s internal organs. This NIH-supported project aims to uncover the body’s true “sixth sense” — the subconscious communication between the brain and organs like the heart, lungs, and stomach that helps keep us balanced and alive.

The Friendwork Collective is helping adults build genuine friendships and improve mental health through creative, inclusive community events. From art nights to fitness meetups, each gathering is designed to make connection easy, natural, and fun. Founder Ashley Komperda and member Rosie Patterson join us to share the group’s mission and preview their upcoming Wellness Walk on October 11.

While bullying is often associated with childhood, new data shows it's a growing problem among adults. A national survey found that nearly one in three U.S. adults have experienced bullying, with cyberbullying—especially on social media—being the most common form. As part of Bullying Prevention Month, we're joined by Dr. Lora Erickson from The Chicago School, which now offers a Suicide and Cyberbullying Prevention Certificate aimed at equipping professionals with the tools to recognize, prevent, and respond to this increasingly prevalent issue.