Regional Health Systems - East Chicago Care Center

“I'll come post more later but I just wanted to say that compared to a lot of places especially around here they are kind of amazing and I been going here a long time. I've had many atherapist and psychiatrist there that are excellent”

“Went to my doctor first because I am in the midst of a major depressive episode. She referred me to a psychologist which I have never done before, and have not even done counseling before. Came to this facility, already hating myself and scared to talk about emotions, but knowing I need help. Front desk was kind and helpful, asked me to fill out paperwork and wait to be called back. Some older man, maybe in his 50s/60s, white, tall, salt and pepper hair, glasses, comes out and tells me that if I have the time today to “sit around for 4-5 hours that’s what we’ll do” and that “if you just call the number someone can do this in 2 hours but if you want me to do this now, today, it’ll be 4-5 hours”. The tone that this man used with me made me feel even more insignificant than I already am feeling. I just came from my primary doctor where I cried for almost an hour. Cried the entire way from highland to east Chicago because I don’t want to feel this way, I don’t want to have to talk to a psychologist, I don’t want to deal with my feelings. And for this man to come out and essentially tell me I don’t want to do this for you but if you want to I guess I will. After telling him it’s okay i can just call, he shrugs his shoulders and with other patients in the waiting room listening he says to me “are you gonna hurt yourself today?” Not asking me because he cares but asking like I’m inconveniencing him. I answered “no” and he tells me “just call the number”. He proceeds to go behind the front desk and mumble something to the reception. I’m now visibly crying because I’ve never felt so worthless in a place where I thought I was going to get help for feeling worthless. The receptionist was kind to me and apologetic and said not to worry, if I come back I won’t see him again. I just can’t wrap my head around how this employee works at a facility that is aimed to help people, people who are struggling with depression, and thinks it’s acceptable to make people seeking help feel like an inconvenience.”

“I come here for Diana Cisneros she is kind understanding and compassionate. I love talking to her she really does give me emotional support and I am so glad she is my therapist”

“I am big guy, queer, trans and have intense anxiety. I have a problem even leaving my house and I have never had a problem here. I’ve been coming here since 2022 and all the staff has been nice to me. I come for both mental health and physical health care and they accept my insurance. I’ve never came and saw a receptionist not at the desk and they are always polite. I’m not my best self yet, and that’s okay because mental health takes time and years to understand. No one can spend a month or even a year with you and know exactly what’s wrong with you mentally. Anxiety and depression and other illnesses are barriers that we need to work on lifelong and I am happy to have found a place that is open to me and my identity. It’s a second home to me and I feel like they really care for me. I’ve only felt that after two years though because I have issues with trust and tones of voices.”