Nicasa: Empowering Individuals with Support for Substance Use and Recovery

Sixty years ago, Nicasa Behavioral Health Services started out as a one-person agency offering support to participants of Alcoholics Anonymous – and has grown into a comprehensive continuum of care for substance use, mental health and problem gambling treatment. Prevention and in-school programs, deflection and harm reduction initiatives, care coordination and much more are also offered – all of which provide life-saving behavioral healthcare and social services to individuals, as well as their families.

At the heart of Nicasa’s mission is a simple belief: lives can be transformed, one person at a time. This mission is carried out through community partnerships, relationship-building, premier-quality care, and peer-led recovery support that help individuals overcome challenges and reach their fullest potential.

Substance Use Treatment Saves Lives
Substance use remains a serious concern in Lake County. In 2024, there were 118 fatal overdoses, including four in Vernon Township. These numbers don’t capture the people grieving these losses or those still struggling who are not receiving help. For many, substance misuse is one of several complex challenges. Nicasa provides treatment and wrap-around support so individuals can address external barriers and focus on recovery.

“If someone passes away from a fatal overdose or completes a suicide attempt, that is one too many,” said Nicasa Chief Executive Officer Bruce N. Johnson. “When we meet clients where they are, listen, and help them define their own recovery goals, we can keep them alive and moving toward long-term recovery.”

It Takes a Community to Recover
In 2025, a grant from the Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board expanded Nicasa’s substance use treatment services to include in-person and telehealth counseling, resource connections, and support from peer recovery specialists who draw from their own experiences to help clients navigate a complex system of care. By addressing needs holistically, Nicasa helps individuals stabilize, strengthen relationships, and reconnect with their communities.

Meeting a Growing Need

The demand for services has surged since the pandemic, as individuals seeking help have more complex needs and limited access to affordable care. With nearly 80% of clients uninsured or on Medicaid, fundraising efforts are critical to help cover the cost of treatment – so no one in need is turned away.

Building a Brighter Future
Nicasa thrives through collaboration with families, providers, volunteers, partners and donors – to ensure all community members can access life-saving behavioral health and social services.
For information on volunteering or registering for programs, visit nicasa.org, call 847-546-6450 or email info@nicasa.org.