Who We Are
Nefesh Chicago is an interdisciplinary organization of Orthodox Jewish mental health professionals providing leadership and interdisciplinary education in the field of personal, family, and community mental health. Our diverse members are Torah-observant psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists, marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, psychiatric nurses,
Nefesh Chicago provides an opportunity and vehicle for mental health professionals, Rabbanim, and educators to network and collaborate in meeting our common challenge -to enhance the emotional well being and achdut of Klal Yisroel. Together we are developing timely and effective approaches that are based on widely accepted mental health principles, within a Torah perspective and halachic framework. We address critical issues facing us as professionals and confronting Jewish families and communities.
Our History
Established in 1996 as a local/regional branch of Nefesh International, Nefesh Chicago has grown to become a vibrant organization for Orthodox Jewish Mental Health Professionals, serving both the needs of mental health workers and the community at large. With the support of Chicago’s leading mental health professionals and rabbis, Nefesh serves a vital function in the Chicagoland Jewish community by raising awareness of mental health issues, providing a ‘professional home’ for mental health workers in the Jewish community, and increasing the quality and regularity of professional training that is tailored to the unique needs of Orthodox Jewish mental health professionals.
Our Services
Nefesh Chicago prides itself on offering a variety of high-impact continuing education lectures and workshops for the benefit of local clinicians, educators, and rabbis/rebbetzins. Nefesh Chicago also offers on-going study and clinical supervision groups and a referral service for psychological and social services within the Jewish community. Nefesh Chicago is committed to providing:
- Networking opportunities
- Professional support
- Resource development/sharing
- Professional training
- Community education