Chapter News

This year's annual NASW-Illinois Chapter Advocacy Day has been announced for Wednesday, April 15, 2026!

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. 

Thank you to the social workers and social work students who called, e-mailed, and met with their legislators this month and helped to push House Bill 1085 across the finish line and pass in the Illinois Senate. The bill, which establishes minimum reimbursement rates for in-network behavioral health services, ensuring that mental health and substance use disorder treatment is covered by health insurance under fair terms, heads to the governor's desk where it is expected he wi

As Illinois faces a worsening mental health and substance use crisis, House Bill 1085 Senate Amendment No. 3 (HB1085 SA3) stands as a critical opportunity to protect access to care and support providers. During this month’s veto session, we urge all NASW-Illinois Chapter members and allies to contact your state senators and ask them to vote YES on HB 1085 SA3.

NASW-IL Endorses Senator Karina Villa for IL State Comptroller

Governor JB Pritzker has officially signed House Bill 1806, the Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources (WOPR) Act, into law, making Illinois one of the first states in the country to directly prohibit AI from impersonating a licensed mental health professional.

From regulating AI in therapy to securing new clinical supervision funding, this work is the result of collective action—it only happens because of you thanks to your membership, your advocacy, and your commitment to social work values.

If lawmakers fail to pass HB1085 sponsored by Sen. Karina Villa, the mental health workforce crisis in Illinois will deepen, and access to care will become a privilege reserved for the wealthy.

IL State Rep. Bob Morgan’s Ban on AI Therapists Secures Bipartisan Support, Heads to Governor’s Desk for Final Signature

HB1085 will result in a rate increase for all mental health and substance use disorders (MH/SUD) services through most state-regulated private health insurance plans in 2027 and contains other important reforms.

HB1806 ensures that care is delivered by licensed, trained providers—not unregulated chatbots.

HB1715 removes outdated statutory language that gave the DCFS unused police authority.

Last summer, the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR) launched a virtual version of the application process for social workers. This new process has significantly sped up application processing times which, in turn, has allowed us to update our recommendations for all graduating social work students applying for the LSW.

This year's format brought participants into the Illinois Capitol Building for face-to-face lobbying with their direct legislators for lobbying on key issues affecting the social work profession this session.

President Donald J. Trump had the opportunity this inauguration week to dispel fears around his administration’s views on diversity, equity,

Essential to the success of our annual Advocacy Day is the NASW-Illinois Chapter Lobby Leaders Program.

This year's NASW-Illinois Chapter Advocacy Day will take place on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Springfield, IL.

This year's annual NASW-Illinois Chapter Advocacy Day has been announced for Wednesday, April 9, 2025!

As we come together following Election Night 2024, I know many of you may be experiencing a sense of uncertainty about what the future holds

The NASW-Illinois Chapter is excited to present two powerful new resources aimed at improving mental health support for students statewide.