Why Us?

Why Behavioral Health Matters

Behavioral Health matters because

recovery is possible and takes place within a relationship of support
positive emotional and mental health improves quality of life, affects how we handle stress, relate to one another and allows us to make better life decisions
mental health is physical health and is one of the primary drivers in one developing life-threatening illnesses as diabetes and heart disease, as well as the development of addictions and persistent dysfunctional behaviors.
mental health treatment is community health empowerment
all humans have a right to thrive within their communities
all humans have a right to ensure that their pains and traumas are healed
early interventions matter and make a difference
when left untreated our mental health needs can contribute to more persistent needs

Behavioral Health matters because it is never too late to make it better.

Why Trauma-informed Care Matters

Trauma-informed care matters because it places a premium on conceptualizing clients’ presenting problems and symptoms as the results of trauma that occurred to them through no fault of their own.

Trauma-informed care is the deep recognition that trauma results from a stress reaction from an event, series of events, or set of circumstances that is perceived by an individual or community as physically or emotionally harmful or life threatening. Trauma has a lasting effect on the individual’s functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being. C4 clinicians go beyond preconceptions of pathology to focus on the individual in every situation, regardless of circumstance.

C4 follows and teaches adherence to the principles of trauma-informed approach including

safety,
trustworthiness and transparency,
peer support,
collaboration and mutuality
empowerment
voice and access to choice
recognizing cultural, historical, and gender issues.

Trauma-informed therapy methods can empower clients to create a healthier and more adaptive meaning of the experiencing that took place in their life.

Trauma-informed care recognizes the importance of supporting our staff and that providing open and reflective spaces to engage in this work, allows for a reduction in the impact of vicarious trauma.

Why C4 Matters

C4’s innovative, compassionate, and culturally-sensitive services reflect best practices in mental health.

Since 1972, C4 has remained committed to its founding principles, including the belief that people recovering from mental health needs and trauma are able to live and thrive in their communities.

We believe:

That treatment is a partnership between the client, staff, and a network of family and friends
That strength is found through that community,
That enabling healing in a safe, trusted environment is critical for the well-being of those we serve.
That one’s efforts in seeking help reflects a foundational strength for recovery and growth

C4 is a leader in community-based mental health treatment primarily in Chicago’s most vulnerable communities, endeavoring to partner together to collectively impact wellness and support in a positive way, for generations to come.

Mental illness affects 21% of the population with most at some point in their lives
Recent studies indicate that the prevalence of depression symptoms have risen 3x higher since COVID began

Mental health is every community’s concern.

C4 is dedicated in raising mental health awareness and recognizing the impact stigma has had in entrenching individual and one’s community mental health needs. C4 is driven as a community-based agency to work towards the goal of partnering with communities to help them reach their wellness goals.

Why Community Matters