The Naomi Ruth Cohen Institute

for Mental Health Education

A mental health awareness institute focused on reducing the stigma often associated with mental health challenges and suicide, providing education, resources, and support to those in need.

Save the Date!

23rd Annual Community

Mental Health Conference

Saturday, May 17, 2025
Evanston Township High School

This year’s theme will center on understanding neurodiversity

Have a panelist or presenter to recommend? Contact us!

Resources

Whether someone has recently been diagnosed or has been living with a mental health challenge for most of their life, the experience can be very isolating. No one should suffer in silence. No one ought to feel alone.

Education & Training

We offer mental health education, training, and presentations to the greater Chicagoland community to increase understanding and decrease stigma connected to mental health and suicide. Many programs offer professional CEUs.

2024 Annual Conference

“Mental Health in the Workplace”.

This year’s annual community mental health conference focused on acknowledging and addressing mental health challenges in our personal and professional environments.

Naomi Ruth Cohen Institute and
The Chicago School

NRCI, a non-profit organization, is supported by its Founders, an Executive Director, many committed students and volunteers as well as The Chicago School and The Community Solution Education System. The Chicago School maintains an efficient and mindful balance of including NRCI in the college community’s collective goals and in supporting our independent voice and unique community impact.

Naomi Ruth Cohen

There are many ways to describe Naomi – a loving daughter, caring sister, relative, and a cherished friend to many. She was a gifted artist and designer, as well as a skilled geriatrics counselor; who engaged with her community. Naomi was a compassionate and spiritual person, who cared deeply about disadvantaged people and the humane treatment of animals.

Naomi Ruth Cohen in graduate cap and gown

Founders

Marilyn and Larry Cohen smiling with flowers between them

Marilyn and Larry Cohen are dedicated to reducing the stigma that has been a barrier to individuals and families being able to access the mental health treatment, support and understanding that they need and deserve. They established the Naomi Ruth Cohen Charitable Foundation in 2000 in honor of their daughter, Naomi, who lived with Bipolar Disorder and died by suicide. In 2008 they joined with The Chicago School to establish the Naomi Ruth Cohen Institute for Mental Health Education to reduce stigma connected to mental health and suicide through education, research, and community.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

988 suicide and crisis lifeline