Roots & Rays Center for Creative Medicine
Rooted in healing. Growing in community. Grounded in care.
Mission.
Roots and Rays Center for Creative Medicine 501(c)(3) is a nonprofit organization founded by the team at Roots and Rays Creative Counseling, LLC. Our mission is to provide opportunities for individuals and groups to access meaningful healing and creative expression within our community and across the Chicagoland area.
We believe that mental health care is a fundamental right, not a privilege. By working at the intersection of art and mental health, we use arts-based workshops, counseling, and community-led initiatives to bridge the gap in mental health access—especially for those who are historically underserved or excluded. Our work centers the belief that creative expression is not just a complement to care, but a powerful, standalone tool for healing, connection, and resilience.
Our work engages the community through direct, hands-on programming that integrates traditional counseling with creative, metaverbal modalities—including art therapy, expressive workshops, and contemporary artistic practices that support creative development and reflect the lived experiences of our participants. These practices are not only therapeutic but also affirming, accessible, and rooted in collective empowerment and agency.
We are committed to eliminating financial barriers through fundraising, strategic partnerships, education, and direct assistance, ensuring that mental health and creative wellness are within reach for all.
Donations made to Roots and Rays Center for Creative Medicine directly support this essential, equity-driven work.
"When you learn, teach. When you get, give."
― Maya Angelou
Ongoing Initiatives to Fulfill Our Mission
Individual and Group Counseling / Peer Support Sessions
We provide personalized one-on-one counseling sessions, group therapy sessions, and creative space for community building and peer-support. These sessions offer a safe space for individuals to explore their emotions, gain insights, and develop coping strategies.
Creative Workshops & Art Therapy
We facilitate creative art therapy interventions to foster community engaging Clients in tactile and creative processes. Creative expression is a powerful tool for processing emotions and experiences. It allows individuals to communicate in ways that words alone cannot.
Community Outreach Programs & Ongoing Partnerships
We engage with the community through mental health awareness campaigns, free workshops, and support groups. We collaborate with other local area mental health care providers, community organizations, and art studios to offer discounted services. These partnerships allow us to extend our reach and provide high-quality care to more people at reduced costs. Outreach helps destigmatize mental health issues and makes our services accessible to those who might not otherwise seek help.
Vision.
We envision a world where mental health care and creative expression are universally accessible, where every individual can heal, grow, and thrive within a supportive community. We strive to be a leading force in dismantling the barriers to mental wellness by creating spaces where art, empathy, and healing intersect. Our vision is a future where the healing power of creativity is recognized as integral to emotional well-being, and where all people, regardless of background or financial circumstance, have the opportunity to explore their full potential—together, as a community.
We aim to build a Chicagoland community that values mental health as a cornerstone of holistic well-being, where stigma is erased, resources are plentiful, and every person is empowered to express themselves authentically and heal fully. Through innovation, collaboration, and outreach, we are committed to transforming the landscape of mental health care into one that celebrates creativity, connection, and resilience.