The Village Project: Free & Low-Cost Therapy for Pregnant and Parenting Women in Illinois
A compassionate, culturally aware, judgment-free space to talk about the realities of pregnancy and motherhood
10 pro bono telehealth therapy sessions, with the potential to extend services depending on your goals and progress
Work with advanced graduate interns, carefully supervised by licensed therapists to ensure high-quality, evidence-based care
Because No Mother Should Have to Do This Alone
Motherhood is beautiful—but it’s also overwhelming, confusing, and deeply emotional. Between the pressure to “do it all,” the sleepless nights, the shifting hormones, and the constant question of “Am I doing this right?” it’s easy to feel isolated. And when you’re uninsured or underinsured, accessing support can feel completely out of reach.
The Village Project was created to make sure that no mother is left without care simply because insurance or cost stands in the way. Launching in January 2026, this program expands perinatal mental health support to families across Illinois by offering accessible, compassionate therapy—all at no cost to the client. Our mission is simple: you deserve a village, and we’re building one for you.
Care Designed for Mothers Who Need It
Every stage of motherhood comes with its own emotional terrain. You may be adjusting to pregnancy, navigating postpartum, caring for a newborn, or balancing the needs of multiple children. Wherever you are, it’s normal to feel stretched thin.
Women who come to The Village Project often tell us:
- “I’m overwhelmed and don’t know where to start.”
- “I can’t afford therapy, but I know I need help.”
- “I feel guilty for struggling when I’m supposed to be happy.”
- “I used to feel like myself—now I’m not so sure who that is.”
- “I feel alone, even when I’m surrounded by people.”
These feelings are common. They’re human. And they deserve a place to be spoken out loud. Through therapy, you get to pause, breathe, and explore what you’re carrying with someone who truly listens. Together, you’ll build tools that support your emotional well-being, strengthen your sense of self, and help you navigate the complexities of motherhood with more clarity and compassion.
What Support Without Barriers Looks Like
For so many women, therapy feels like a luxury instead of a lifeline. The Village Project is here to change that narrative.
Ten pro bono sessions, with the possibility of extending care based on your goals and progress. We see you as a whole person—not a number—and we’re committed to supporting your journey, wherever it leads.
Telehealth flexibility, so therapy fits into your real life. You can step away for a feeding, sit in your car between errands, or log in during naptime. You don’t need perfect conditions to get support.
Care from advanced graduate interns, who bring fresh training, up-to-date knowledge, and compassionate presence—backed by the supervision of experienced, licensed therapists. You’re receiving thoughtful, high-quality care rooted in evidence and empathy.
A therapeutic space that welcomes all of you—your grief, fear, joy, anger, exhaustion, love, confusion, and everything in between. There is no judgment here, only support.
We designed this program to meet you where you are, not where you think you “should” be.
Behind every great child is a mom who’s pretty sure she’s screwing it all up… and a village reminding her she’s doing just fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Village Project?
The Village Project is a community access initiative designed to bridge the gap between need and care. Through this program, clients receive:
-
10 pro bono therapy sessions, with the potential to extend services depending on your goals and progress
-
Telehealth sessions that make support accessible from anywhere in Illinois
-
Services provided by advanced graduate interns, carefully supervised by licensed therapists to ensure high-quality, evidence-based care
-
A compassionate, culturally aware, judgment-free space to talk about the realities of pregnancy and motherhood
This program reflects our belief that mental health care should never be a luxury. Every mother deserves to feel supported, understood, and uplifted.
Who can sign up for The Village Project?
The Village Project provides free or low-cost therapy for:
-
Uninsured and underinsured pregnant and parenting women
-
Low-income and at-risk families
-
Illinois residents who are seeking mental health support during pregnancy, postpartum, or while raising young children
Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, birth trauma, stress, identity changes, or simply feeling overwhelmed—this space is for you.
Where & when are The Village Project sessions?
-
Where: 100% Telehealth (Illinois residents only)
-
Launching: January 2026
You can show up from your home, your car, your office—wherever you feel most comfortable. We’ll meet you there.
Why did Matrescence Therapy create The Village Project?
Because no mother should have to choose between caring for her family and caring for her own mental health.
Through partnerships with local social service agencies, shelters, doulas, community programs, and maternal health providers, The Village Project ensures that women who have historically faced barriers to care finally have access to consistent, compassionate support.
We are building a village—one grounded in equity, empathy, and the belief that when mothers are supported, whole families thrive.
Ready to Get Started?
Motherhood can make you question yourself daily. It can stretch your capacity, challenge your identity, and fill you with emotions you never expected. But no matter how heavy things feel, you’re not alone—and you never have to be.
The Village Project is here to offer community, compassion, and care during a time when you deserve it most. You’re worthy of support. You’re worthy of healing. And we’ll be here—walking alongside you, one step at a time.
If you’re interested in receiving therapy through The Village Project, we’d love to connect with you.
Contact our Equity & Access Coordinator to join: gabbie.adams@matrescence-therapy.com
MATRESCENCE THERAPY
Follow Us
Phone number: 224-999-0591
Virtual Sessions Throughout Chicagoland, Illinois, & Indiana
*This is a virtual practice.
All sessions are held through video. You must be residing in Illinois or Indiana.