In the late 60's, three Naperville churches, Knox Presbyterian, Our Saviour's Lutheran and St. Raphael's Catholic, came together to form an interfaith counseling presence in the community. The Interfaith Family Life Center, Inc., began in 1971 to provide preventive and therapeutic counseling in family living and related concerns for all, regardless of religious affiliation or financial resources. In 1981 the Center became a member agency of the Naperville United Way and in 1983, affiliated with The Samaritan Institute of Denver, Colorado, becoming the Samaritan Interfaith Counseling Center.

More than a dozen additional area churches representing varied denominations have joined the original three as supporting churches. Samaritan Interfaith also receives regular contributions from individuals, service clubs, corporations, foundations and the Naperville United Way.

Samaritan's professional staff is committed, caring, and highly-credentialed. Credentials include licensed psychologists, licensed social workers, and licensed family and marriage therapists, all at the doctoral or master’s degree levels.  All of Samaritan’s therapists have postgraduate degrees from accredited universities and are accredited by various professional associations such as the American Association of Pastoral Counselors, the American Psychological Association, the American Association of Social Workers, and the American Association of Family and Marital Therapists. 

A Community In Need

1 in every 5 persons in the United States (20%) needs help for some type of mental health problem, yet only about 7% actually receive that help, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.  The DuPage County Health Department identifies untreated depression as one of the top health priorities in the County.  The Naperville United Way also identifies the availability of individual and family counseling services as a priority in Naperville. Only a small minority of those struggling with mental health problems get the help they need because of stigma, lack of insurance coverage, or lack of awareness. 

One of Samaritan Interfaith’s guiding principles has been to provide affordable mental health services to all.  We understand that financial issues often keep people from seeking the critical help they need – people who have either restricted or no insurance coverage for mental health treatment.  Through our Fee Subsidy Program Samaritan Interfaith helps to make quality mental health services possible for those who would otherwise not be able to afford it.

Our Record of Service in the Community...

Last year Samaritan provided over 11,000 clinical hours to people from Naperville and the surrounding communities.   Because Samaritan is such a valued referral resource for physicians, clergy, school counselors, social service agencies and other mental health professionals, almost 70% of clients come to the Center upon their direct referrals.

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