The Village of Orland Park has launched a transformative partnership with Care Solace, a leading mental health care coordination service, to ensure that no resident has to navigate the complex healthcare system alone during a crisis.
This initiative is designed to break down the barriers of cost, confusion, and long wait times that often prevent people from seeking help.
“It’s important to us to make sure our residents have access to the support they need,” Mayor Jim Dodge said. “We’re proud to partner with Care Solace to help connect people with the right resources as they navigate mental health challenges.”
Dodge said the heart of the program is the Care Companion—a dedicated expert who acts as a personal navigator for residents. Instead of a resident calling dozens of providers only to find they aren’t taking new patients or don’t accept their insurance, Care Solace handles the heavy lifting:
- 24/7/365 Support: Residents can access help at any hour, every single day of the year.
- Verified Providers: The service taps into a vast database of mental health and substance use treatment providers that are continuously “vetted” for availability.
- Insurance Coordination: Care Companions specifically match residents with providers who accept their specific insurance plan, including Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance. They also find options for those without insurance.
The service is completely free and confidential for all Orland Park residents. It is not a treatment provider itself, but a high-tech, high-touch “bridge” to care:
- Initial Contact: Residents can call (888) 515-0595 or visit the custom Orland Park web portal.
- Multilingual Support: Help is available in over 200 languages, ensuring that the village’s diverse population can communicate their needs comfortably.
- The “Warm Handoff”: A Care Companion stays on the line (or via email/text) until an appointment is secured, often reducing wait times from months to just days.
While many school districts use Care Solace, Orland Park is among the forward-thinking municipalities providing this to all residents, regardless of age or school affiliation. This is particularly vital for:
- Seniors navigating Medicare-approved mental health services.
- Parents looking for specialized pediatric counselors.
- Individuals battling substance use disorders who need immediate placement in a treatment facility.
Dodge said by integrating this service, the village is treating mental health with the same urgency as a physical emergency, ensuring that help is just one phone call away.