Rayo Sun Circle Logo. A half blue, half orange circle with yellow spokes and a transparent center..

a new approach to community mental health

Rayo Counseling and Community Co-op is a worker-led, democratically organized Community Mental Health Center providing services free from coercion for under-resourced individuals across the mental health continuum.


  • Illinois faces a severe shortage of community mental health providers…

    Cook County is 16,000 providers short of what it needs. 

  • ...and the numbers continue to dwindle.

    Every year between 30% and 50% of mental health care workers leave the profession. 

  • Meanwhile, few remaining providers take Medicaid or Medicare…

  • …and publicly insured individuals go without critical mental health care.

  • We believe this system is broken.

  • It is time for a change!

we’re on a mission to…

Provide accessible, high-quality mental health care for individuals regardless of capacity to pay

Foster a sustainable work environment for community mental health professionals

A row of red, green and purple succulents providing contrast against the black and white image.

Create programs that cultivate autonomy, relationships, and self-expression


an environment of collaboration and care

We’re creating an abolitionist community mental health center that promotes non-hierarchical structures, voluntary engagement, and analytically-oriented services grounded in relationship.

A black and white smiling image of psychotherapist Jasmin Sanchez
  • Psychotherapist

    “My approach is warm, collaborative, and rooted in compassion.”

    Learn more about Jasmin

A black and white smiling image of psychotherapist Toni Solaru
  • Psychotherapist

    “I understand that our well-being is deeply connected to the social systems we navigate daily.”

    Learn More About Toni

A black and white smiling image of psychotherapist Charla Trubey-Hockman
  • Psychotherapist

    “I believe that the ‘personal is political’ and help clients develop more holistic treatment plans.”

    Learn more about Charla

A black and white smiling image of psychotherapist Felix Acuna Olivos
  • Psychotherapist

    “Together, we can create new ways to relate and live with meaning and joy.”

    Learn more about Felix

A black and white smiling image of psychotherapist Howard Ruan
  • Psychotherapist

    “In our shared space, you're welcome in all facets of your being.”

    Learn more about Howard

A black and white smiling image of psychotherapist Lauren Hersch
  • Psychotherapist

    “I am affirming of all lifestyles, orientations and identities.”

    Learn more about Lauren

meet our peer services team

At RAYO, we value the voices and experiences of Peers- Individuals with lived experience of psychological distress.

Reach out to Ren to learn more about our Peer Programming!

A black and white smiling image of psychotherapist Ren Gilbert
  • Peer Services Coordinator

    “I work through an abolitionist lense that centers your autonomy in a non coercive way.”

    Learn more about Ren

  • Peer Services Volunteer

    “I believe in the power of peer work.”

    Learn more about Jazz

A hand-written diagram of Rayo Co-Op's self-sovereignty framework. Four circles two parallel top to bottom and two parallel left to right. Validation vs. Challenge. Self-Sovereignty vs Collectivity. Education vs. Lived Experience. What is vs. what ca

A green wave backsplash

our ethos

Rayo’s ethos are guided by an ethic of dialectics—the productive tension created by conflict.

We represent this ethic with a circle divided horizontally, within which two concepts are positioned opposite each other.

For us, the foundational ethic is validation and challenge.


Chicago’s premier

…worker-led, democratically organized, community mental health center


A tall black and white image of four people conversing while sitting down on couches to represent group therapy.

Outpatient Therapy Program

Our Outpatient Therapy Program provides services for clients of all ages experiencing psychological distress.

We accept private insurance and Medicaid and Medicare plans.

We also offer sliding scale fees for those who are uninsured or underinsured.

  • Tailored therapy sessions designed to support personal growth, strengthen relationships, and foster family connections.

  • Collaborative group sessions that provide a supportive environment for shared healing and mutual understanding.

  • Comprehensive support to help clients access resources, coordinate services, and achieve their personal and mental health goals.


An image of two people sharing a cup of coffee. You see hands and arms. One person in a black sweater, the other person in white.

Milieu Program

Our Milieu Program is designed to provide a more supportive level of care for individuals experiencing psychosis and other symptoms of extreme states and severe psychological distress.

This program provides constellation treatment, meaning several points of engagement come together to constitute the whole.

We accept Medicaid and Medicare plans as well as a sliding scale fee.

  • Personalized therapy sessions for individuals, couples, and families.

  • Collaborative spaces led by peers to foster connection, mutual understanding, and shared growth through individual and group support.

  • Tailored assistance connecting clients to resources, services, and tools.

  • Engaging opportunities for creative expression, skill-building, and community connection.


An image of six people gathered around a table creating plant wreaths.

Rayo Peer Space

Rayo invites Peers — people with lived experience of psychological distress — to join together and build our peer space.

RAYO’s Peer Space is by and for peers! Free and open to all, our Peer Space Includes:

  • Friday night community meals from 5:30-7:30 meant to build our community and get to know each other.

  • We have 2 weekly events Wednesdays from 4:30-6:30 we will hold planning meetings meant to build groups and skill shares.

  • Engaging workshops and events that encourage learning, creativity, and the exchange of skills within the peer community.

  • Personalized support to help peers navigate resources, coordinate care, and achieve their individual goals.

  • Immediate, compassionate support from peers with lived experience, offering understanding and guidance in a safe and inclusive space.


visit us

2714 W Peterson Ave
Chicago, IL 60659

Hours
For Milieu and Outpatient:

  • By Appointment Only

Peer Space:

  • 5:30p - 7:30p Fridays

  • 4:30p - 6:30p Wednesdays

Email
info@rayoco-op.com

 

worker-led

democratically organized

community mental health center

person-centered

rights-based

services free from coercion

worker-led ✹ democratically organized ✹ community mental health center ✹ person-centered ✹ rights-based ✹ services free from coercion ✹