We're rebuilding Riverside's inpatient behavioral health units, growing community programs, and training the next generation of providers. Your gift helps make sure no family in our region faces a mental health crisis alone, or far from home.
Care That Reaches Across Illinois and Stays Rooted at Home
Most of the people we care for, about 85%, live right here in Kankakee County. But in 2025, our inpatient behavioral health teams also cared for neighbors from 70 Illinois counties. For many families, especially in rural areas, Riverside is the closest place to find this kind of care.
64 BedsInpatient capacity across adult, adolescent and geriatric units, all being renovated
3 PhasesRenovation plan to modernize every inpatient behavioral health unit
12 ResidentsPsychiatry residents training in Riverside's education pipeline
70 CountiesIllinois counties served by inpatient behavioral health in 2025
330+ Zip CodesGeographic reach of Riverside's inpatient behavioral health care
Need support now? Call or text 988 any time. To reach Riverside's behavioral health team, call (844) 442-2551. In an emergency, call 911.
Why now
Behavioral Health Care Can't Wait
At some point, nearly every family is touched by a mental health challenge. It may be a teenager who has quietly withdrawn, a parent carrying more than they can manage, or a senior facing loss. These moments often happen behind closed doors, and closer to home than many of us realize.
Across the country, many hospitals are cutting back behavioral health services. Riverside is doing the opposite. We've committed nearly $30 million to rebuild and expand our inpatient behavioral health units. The work began in fall 2025, and the first completed phase, the renovated adult unit, is now open. The full project is expected to finish in 2027.
Mental health is health care. It deserves the same commitment, investment and compassion as any other part of healing — and this campaign is how our community makes that real.
See the Progress
Take a look inside the renovation as of August 2026. Construction continues across the remaining phases, and we'll share new updates here as the work moves forward.
Riverside Medical Center's 64-bed inpatient behavioral health department cares for adolescents, adults and seniors in dedicated units. Many of these spaces were built decades ago and no longer fit the way behavioral health care is delivered today. Through a three-phase renovation, we're rebuilding them around privacy, safety, dignity and healing.
Complete
Phase I: Adult Unit, New Layout
New 20-bed adult layout
14 private rooms and 3 double-occupancy rooms
Designed for modern therapeutic care and patient dignity
Next Phase
Phase II: Adolescent and Geriatric Units
Two units fully renovated
Care areas matched to the needs of teens and seniors
Private rooms and enhanced therapeutic environments
Future Phase
Phase III: Expanded Adult Capacity
Additional private adult patient rooms
Fewer transfers to hospitals outside our region
Greater access to inpatient care close to home
What the Renovation Adds
Private patient rooms
Specialized treatment spaces
Quiet and de-escalation areas
Improved patient observation and safety design
Enhanced interdisciplinary care environments
Updated infrastructure and patient-centered healing spaces
In moments of crisis, environment matters. Privacy matters. Compassion matters. Healing begins in spaces where people feel safe, supported and treated with dignity.
The open care team station keeps clear sight lines to patient rooms — safety and connection by design.
Step Inside the New Adult Unit
Phase I is complete. Here is a first look at the renovated adult inpatient unit your support helps create — designed around privacy, safety, and dignity.
Private patient rooms with calming, home-like touches that support rest and recovery.
Bright, welcoming shared spaces where patients can connect and take part in activities.
Circadian lighting that mimics natural daylight to support a calming environment.
Three Ways Your Gift Builds the Future of Behavioral Health
This campaign is about more than construction. It supports the full continuum of care, from crisis through recovery, and the people who make healing possible.
Modernize Inpatient Spaces
Renovate the 64-bed inpatient facility across three phases, adding private rooms, therapeutic environments, de-escalation areas and safety-centered design for adolescents, adults and seniors.
Strengthen the Continuum of Care
Expand outpatient, school-based and community programs that keep people connected to support beyond hospital walls, so care doesn't stop at discharge.
Invest in the Future Workforce
Support the Psychiatry Residency Program and behavioral health training initiatives that grow the next generation of skilled, compassionate providers for our region.
Riverside's commitment to behavioral health extends far beyond inpatient care. Across the community, our teams help individuals and families get support earlier, reduce barriers to care, and stay connected to services right where they live.
Outpatient and Day Treatment
Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs at Pathways for children, teens and adults
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children ages 3 to 8 with autism spectrum disorder
Addiction and dual-diagnosis services, including medication-assisted treatment and wraparound support
Support for individuals in Mental Health Court and Drug Court programs
Community-Based Programs
School liaison and prevention programs
Summer Bridge programming for at-risk youth
Glenn's Guardian Angel Fund
Building Blocks case management program
Mobile behavioral health toolkits
Crisis intervention partnerships with first responders and law enforcement
See the Care Your Gift Supports
Senior Behavioral Health
A closer look at how Riverside cares for older adults facing depression, anxiety, grief and other challenges.
Outpatient Care
How Pathways and other outpatient programs help people get structured support while living at home.
ABA Therapy for Children
Specialized autism care that once required long drives is now available right here in our community.
Your impact
What Your Gift Makes Possible
Philanthropy makes possible what operating budgets alone cannot. When you give to this campaign, you help fund the renovation of inpatient units, programs that reach beyond hospital walls, and the training of the providers our region needs for generations to come.
Proof of Community Support
$815,000
Raised for behavioral health at the 2026 Riverside Heart Ball
A record for the event
Where Your Investment Goes
Capital and facility modernization: renovated inpatient units, private rooms, therapeutic spaces and healing environments across all three phases
Programmatic growth: outpatient, school-based and community programs that extend Riverside's reach
Workforce development: the Psychiatry Residency Program and training that builds the future behavioral health workforce
Community outreach: prevention, early intervention and school-based support that reduce barriers to care
Choose the Difference You Want to Make
$100
Personal Hygiene Kits
Provide essential hygiene items for behavioral health patients, supporting personal comfort, dignity, and well-being during their stay at Riverside. Your gift will purchase 5 hygiene kits.
$250
Glenn's Guardian Angel Fund
Established in memory of an individual who experienced behavioral health challenges, this fund helps patients facing difficult circumstances by providing essential items such as shoes, clothing, coats, and other personal necessities when they need them most.
$500
Addiction Counselor Certification
A new dual diagnosis program to support specialized training and certification for addiction counselors, equipping behavioral health professionals with the knowledge and skills to help individuals navigate substance use challenges and move toward recovery.
$1,000
Children's Mental Health Toolkit
Help create and replenish therapeutic resources that give children new ways to express their feelings, develop coping skills, and navigate difficult conversations. These tools support clinicians using play therapy, art, music, games, and sensory activities to help children communicate and process emotions. Your gift can provide new curriculum resources and supplies to support children and families throughout the year.
$5,000
Inpatient Outdoor Healing Space
Help transform and modernize the outdoor space for inpatient behavioral health patients, creating a peaceful, therapeutic environment where patients can enjoy fresh air, connect with nature, and find moments of calm. Enhancements may include comfortable seating, landscaped gardens, shaded areas, and sensory-friendly features.
$10,000
Behavioral Health Patient Support
Provide flexible support for patients experiencing behavioral health challenges by helping fund essential resources, therapeutic activities, and supportive services that promote recovery, strengthen coping skills, and improve overall well-being.
Every Gift Moves This Work Forward
Give any amount, one time or monthly. Make a pledge over time, or talk with us about a leadership gift. Every gift to this campaign supports behavioral health at Riverside.
Make Your GiftSecure online giving through the Riverside Healthcare Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Shown at the 2026 Riverside Heart Ball, this video shares why Riverside is investing in behavioral health for our community.
Stories
Real Voices from Our Community
Behind every number is a neighbor. These are some of the people whose lives are touched by behavioral health care at Riverside, and the people who provide it.
David's Story: A Journey to Mental Wellness
David shares what it felt like to ask for help, and how support through Riverside Pathways helped him take the next step forward.
Technicians are with patients around the clock. Your gift supports the team members who help make healing possible.
Pediatric Mental Health Nurse
Nurses who specialize in caring for children and teens during some of the hardest moments of their lives.
Mental Health Specialist
Specialists who guide patients through treatment and help them build the skills to move forward.
A message from our President and CEO
This Campaign Is Our Commitment to Make Sure No One in Our Region Has to Face a Behavioral Health Crisis Alone
Riverside has never been content to simply treat illness. We have always believed in caring for the whole person, and behavioral health is as essential to that mission as any other dimension of care. In nearly 40 years at Riverside, I have watched this community grow, and I have seen firsthand what it means for a family to find the care they need close to home, and what it costs when they cannot. Your investment will transform the spaces where healing happens, strengthen the programs families count on, and build the workforce our region needs for generations to come. This work matters. And your partnership makes it possible.
Phillip M. Kambic, MBA, LHD, FACHE, President and CEO, Riverside Healthcare
Riverside providers and community voices talk openly about mental health, stigma, and how to get help for yourself or someone you love. Press play to listen right here.
How Can Your Primary Care Provider Help with Mental Health?
Well Within Reach • Riverside Healthcare
Understanding Outpatient Behavioral Health: Beyond the Hospital Walls
When people think about mental health treatment, they often think about doctors, therapists, medications and counseling. Another factor plays a powerful role in recovery: the environment itself.
Specialized autism care for children is now available in a newly built, child-friendly space at the Riverside Healthcare Atrium in Bradley.
Ways to partner
More Ways to Make a Difference
Honor Someone You Love
Your gift may be made in honor or memory of a loved one. We would also welcome the opportunity to discuss additional ways to recognize your generosity.
Many employers match charitable gifts made by their employees, and some match gifts from retirees and spouses too. Check with your human resources department to see if your company participates.
