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Illinois Chief Behavioral Health Office Releases Report to Continue Transformation of State’s Behavioral Health System
“The Care Compass: A Strategic Framework to Transform Behavioral Health Access and Integration” sets forth vision for path ahead
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 10, 2026
CONTACT
CHICAGO — Today the Illinois Department of Human Services and the Chief Behavioral Health Office (CBHO) for the State of Illinois, led by Dr. Inger Burnett-Zeigler, announced the release of “The Care Compass: A Strategic Framework for Behavioral Health Access and Integration.” The report is a comprehensive, data-driven roadmap designed to strengthen the state’s behavioral health system.
“In Illinois, investing in high-quality behavioral health care has been a long-standing priority," said Governor JB Pritzker. “The Care Compass report provides the critical guidance necessary to improve system efficiency, strengthen the health workforce, and ensure all Illinoisians have access to the services they deserve.”
The report sets forth a strategic vision to improve related behavioral health outcomes among all Illinoisans. It is organized around three core priorities:
- Increase access to high-quality behavioral health care
- Strengthen the behavioral health workforce
- Integrate behavioral health data, reporting, and monitoring systems, each supported by targeted objectives and actionable initiatives
Additionally, the report provides a comprehensive overview of Illinois’ behavioral health landscape, combining qualitative insights from community engagement with quantitative analysis of statewide data.
Key initiatives highlighted in the report include:
- Building a statewide, integrated crisis response system,
- Supporting Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics as models of comprehensive care
- Advancing integrated mental health and substance use services
- Investing in workforce recruitment, retention, training, and career development to ensure Illinoisans can access timely, high-quality care in their communities
The framework was developed through a year-long process of public engagement and cross-agency collaboration, including listening sessions with providers, advocates, community members, and individuals with lived experience.
Key findings from the landscape analysis make clear the state’s current, strong investment in behavioral health as well as opportunities for advancement:
- Illinois invested approximately $3 billion in behavioral health services in FY2024, with Medicaid as the primary funding source.
- Demand for services remains high, particularly for anxiety, depression, and substance use conditions.
- Emergency departments continue to serve as major entry points for behavioral health care, especially among youth under age 24.
- Persistent challenges include workforce shortages, administrative complexity, and barriers related to transportation, housing, and broadband access in rural areas.
“At the Illinois Department of Human Services, we are committed to building a more integrated and accessible behavioral health system that better meets people's needs,” said IDHS Secretary, Dulce M. Quintero. “The Care Compass builds on Illinois' strong investments and provides a shared vision for expanding access, strengthening our workforce, and improving coordination across the behavioral health system.”
“Behavioral health is a priority in the state, evidenced by its robust investments in community providers, programs, and services. This report will provide critical guidance to stakeholders statewide to improve our system efficiency, optimize the impact of our investments, and, most importantly, help people to live more holistically well lives,” said Chief Behavioral Health Officer Dr. Inger Burnett-Zeigler.
These insights from the report, combined with data from Illinois Health and Human Services agencies, informed a plan designed to align policy, funding, and service delivery across the state’s behavioral health ecosystem.
The full report, titled "The Care Compass: A Strategic Framework to Transform Behavioral Health Access and Integration”, is available for public review here.
About the Chief Behavioral Health Office
Established in 2022 by Governor JB Pritzker, the Office of the Chief Behavioral Health Officer (CBHO) serves as the state's coordinating body for behavioral health policy and system transformation. Since taking office in 2025, Chief Behavioral Health Officer Dr. Inger Burnett-Zeigler has led efforts to strengthen collaboration across state agencies and advance a person-centered, evidence-based behavioral health system that prioritizes equity, community engagement, and accountability.
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