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Saint Anthony Hospital’s expansion of mental health services aims to provide critical care and support to an underserved community.Chicago Today
Saint Anthony Hospital in Chicago has announced the expansion of its behavioral health services, including new outpatient programs for adult patients and walk-in therapy appointments for children under 18. The hospital’s goal is to provide more accessible and timely mental health care for the underserved communities it serves.
Why it matters
Mental health services have historically been difficult to access, especially in low-income urban areas. Saint Anthony Hospital’s expansion of behavioral health offerings aims to remove barriers and make essential care more available to those who need it most in Chicago’s West and Southwest Sides.
The details
The new adult outpatient services will offer psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis, and treatment for conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. For children, Saint Anthony is building on the success of its SPARK mental health program by now offering walk-in therapy appointments. The hospital’s experienced, bilingual staff will provide individualized care plans in a safe, supportive environment.
Saint Anthony Hospital’s new behavioral health services launched on April 14, 2026.The hospital’s SPARK program for children’s mental health has been operating prior to this expansion.
The players
Saint Anthony Hospital
A non-profit community hospital serving Chicago’s West and Southwest Sides since 1897, dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality healthcare.
Dr. Romeen Lavani
Chief Medical Officer at Saint Anthony Hospital.
Dr. Anoop Takher
Chair of Behavioral Health at Saint Anthony Hospital.
Dorval R. Carter Jr.
President and CEO of Saint Anthony Hospital.
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What they’re saying
“By offering outpatient services, Saint Anthony Hospital is assisting the community and providing an option for an under-resourced issue. It has become too common for our community to suffer from mental health crises and have no way of finding a solution. We want to help, and this expansion of service is one of the many efforts Saint Anthony Hospital has made for our community over the last 125 years.”
— Dr. Romeen Lavani, Chief Medical Officer, Saint Anthony Hospital
“Mental health services are needed now more than ever, and Saint Anthony Hospital is looking to be a resource to an ever-growing problem for both children and adults. By being available for children to receive immediate services and for adults that are trying to solve or improve their mental well-being, we are here for you.”
— Dr. Anoop Takher, Chair of Behavioral Health, Saint Anthony Hospital
“Our community deserves the same high-quality healthcare as any other, and Saint Anthony Hospital is committed to removing every barrier that stands in the way. When it comes to mental health, we’ve seen far too many roadblocks put in the way and we hope by offering outpatient service for adults and convenient walk-in availability for children we will see improved results for our community.”
— Dorval R. Carter Jr., President and CEO, Saint Anthony Hospital
What’s next
Saint Anthony Hospital plans to continue expanding its mental health services and community outreach efforts in the coming years to further address the growing need for accessible, high-quality behavioral healthcare in Chicago’s underserved neighborhoods.
The takeaway
This expansion of behavioral health services at Saint Anthony Hospital represents a significant step forward in providing much-needed mental health support to the residents of Chicago’s West and Southwest Sides, who have historically faced barriers to accessing quality care. The hospital’s commitment to removing obstacles and meeting the community’s needs is a model for how healthcare providers can better serve vulnerable populations.