Chapter News

The NASW-Illinois Chapter Ethics Committee recognizes that recent changes to Medicaid eligibility and renewal requirements may place individuals and families at increased risk of losing healthcare coverage, disrupting continuity of care, and encountering additional administrative barriers to essential services.

A recent federal court decision shows how a landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling on mental health counseling, Chiles v. Salazar, is beginning to influence other legal disputes involving licensed mental health professionals. As the leading resource for the social work profession, NASW is committed to helping members understand important legal developments that may affect practice, licensure, and client care.

The NASW-Illinois Chapter is seeking an experienced Illinois licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) to serve as the Founding Clinical Fellow for Supervision Access for Equity (SAE), an innovative workforce initiative designed to remove financial barriers to clinical licensure and strengthen the behavioral health workforce.

In follow-up to passage of House Bill 1085 (HB1085) late last month, Heather O'Donnell, Director of Behavioral Health Strategy at DuPage County Health Department, shared the following information regarding the bill. Please read through the following to learn more about HB1085 which establishes minimum reimbursement rates for in-network behavioral health services.

The NASW-Illinois Chapter is pleased to welcome Lyannie Gomez as the new NASW Political Action for Candidate Election (NASW PACE) Field Organizer for Illinois. Lyannie is passionate about social work, advocacy, civic engagement, and community organizing.

Over the past year, social workers across Illinois have stepped up to serve their communities as the presence of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents has increased. Social workers have taken the responsibility of putting boots on the ground to be advocates, case managers, and literal shields to protect the constitutional rights and safety of their clients, but also their own neighbors, teachers, paleteros, and, in the most heart-wrenching instances,

This Tips & Tools for Social Workers provides information on three central themes to support CSWs with continued learning: How AI is being used by CSWs, ethical and legal considerations, and AI limitations.

The summer of 2026 has been one of volatile weather across the state of Illinois. My hope is that any necessary clean-up has been completed, that everyone’s power, if lost, has been restored, and you all remain safe.

We’re thrilled to invite you to share your expertise and passion at the 2027 NASW Chapters Virtual Conference! Join fellow social work professionals from across our region in Illinois, Missouri, and Wisconsin as we gather to explore innovative approaches and best practices in mental health.

Are you a social worker, social work student, or community member interested in advocacy, civic engagement, and making a positive impact in your community? NASW PACE in Illinois is looking for volunteers interested in getting involved with upcoming civic engagement and volunteer opportunities. Whether you’re interested in connecting with your community, supporting advocacy efforts, participating in volunteer activities, or learning more about the political process, there are