Prairie State Legal Services (PSLS) provides high-quality legal services for individuals with mental illness who need support, such as information, advice, advocacy, and court representation. PSLS understands that low-income individuals with mental impairments are particularly vulnerable when confronted with legal issues because they are often unable to be effective self-advocates. This is particularly a concern with civil legal issues impacting the ability of the individual to provide for their basic human needs, including housing, safety, and financial stability. PSLS helps individuals with mental illness to overcome barriers to provide for their basic needs. PSLS serves clients at risk of losing their housing by fighting against illegal evictions, utility shut-offs, housing discrimination, or mortgage foreclosure; clients facing violence by obtaining restraining orders against abusers; and clients facing financial instability by fighting against wrongful denials of needs-based governmental assistance programs and improper collection practices. PSLS also opens paths toward financial stability and independence by removing barriers to employment; by restoring driver’s licenses, fighting against wrongful denials of professional licensing, and helping clients move past criminal records through sealings, expungements, and health care waivers.

Telephone Counseling Service: 9AM – 1PM (M-Th).

First-time callers can reach this service by calling the local office phone number.

Eligible callers either will receive immediate advice or a referral.