What Nicasa does

Nicasa Behavioral Health Services is an independent nonprofit organization founded in 1966 and headquartered in Round Lake, Illinois, delivering a continuum of behavioral health and social services across Lake County and Northern Illinois. Its service portfolio spans adult and youth substance use treatment, adult and youth mental health counseling, adult and youth problem gambling treatment (since 2002), state-required DUI evaluations (court-appointed provider for the 19th Judicial Circuit since 1988), residential recovery at the Bridge House halfway house (since 1972), deflection and harm reduction (free Narcan distribution and test strips), peer recovery support, DCFS-funded Family Advocacy, the bilingual TREE care coordination program, and the largest Teen Court diversion program in Illinois. The organization operates six physical sites and serves more than 4,000 people annually, with programs delivered in English and Spanish both in-person and via telehealth.

The underlying technology stack is composed of commodity third-party tools rather than proprietary systems: telehealth delivery runs on Zoom, the client-facing portal for forms and document signing is the OakTree platform, client follow-up surveys are administered through SurveyMonkey, and the organization supplements in-person programming with virtual reality educational sessions (notably for gambling prevention) and an app-based goal-tracking tool. There is no evidence of proprietary AI/ML development; digital capability functions primarily to extend reach and modernize intake rather than to differentiate clinical delivery.

Revenue is generated through a diversified nonprofit model: government grants and contracts (Illinois DCFS for Family Advocacy, court-appointed DUI evaluation fees), insurance reimbursement including Medicaid, a sliding-fee scale for treatment, $75 Teen Court participation fees, individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and an annual golf outing fundraiser. A significant share of services — Family Advocacy, harm reduction, and deflection — is delivered at no cost to the client. Customers are primarily individuals and families in Lake County, with referral pipelines anchored in the 19th Judicial Circuit Court, 11 Lake County police departments, schools, and DCFS. Nicasa is CARF accredited, holds a Charity Navigator Four-Star Rating and a Candid Platinum Seal, and is a member of the National Council on Problem Gambling.

Name

Nicasa

Legal name

Nicasa Behavioral Health Services

Website

https://nicasa.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1966

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Nicasa Behavioral Health Services is a Lake County, Illinois nonprofit founded in 1966 that provides substance use, mental health, problem gambling, DUI evaluation, and youth diversion services across six sites and via telehealth, serving 4,000+ clients annually in English and Spanish.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Behavioral Health Services

NAICS

Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers (621420), Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Facilities (6232)

SIC

Services-Health Services (8000), Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Specialty Outpatient Facilities, Nec (8093)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) & Public Behavioral Health Providers (HLAFACAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Behavioral Health for Children & Adolescents (Youth Services) (HLAFACAL), Virtual Behavioral Health Integration Platforms (HLALABAE)

Keywords

• Behavioral health services
• Substance use treatment
• Mental health counseling
• Problem gambling treatment
• DUI evaluation services

Headquarters

HQ city

Round Lake

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Grants and Contracts: Funded by Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) for family advocacy services; operates as court-appointed provider for DUI evaluations under 19th Judicial Circuit
2. Insurance Reimbursement: Accepts most insurance plans and Medicaid for substance use, mental health, and gambling treatment services
3. Client Fees: Sliding fee scale based on income for treatment services; $75 fee for Teen Court program participation; appointment fees for DUI evaluations
4. Donations and Fundraising: Individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and annual golf outing event to support mission and programs
5. Free Community Services: Family advocacy services, Narcan distribution, and deflection/harm reduction services provided at no cost to clients

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Nicasa Behavioral Health Services provides a comprehensive continuum of behavioral health and social services for children, adults, and families across Lake County, Illinois. Its core offering includes substance use treatment, mental health counseling, problem gambling treatment, court-mandated DUI evaluations, residential recovery (Bridge House), family advocacy, harm reduction/Narcan distribution, Teen Court diversion, and the Frontline Care Center for first responders and veterans. Services are delivered in person at six sites and via telehealth in both English and Spanish.

Product overview

Nicasa Behavioral Health Services is a behavioral health and social service agency providing a comprehensive continuum of care for communities throughout Lake County. The organization operates a multi-service portfolio including substance use treatment (adult and youth), mental health services (adult and youth), problem gambling treatment (adult and youth since 2002), DUI evaluations, residential recovery (Bridge House since 1972), deflection and harm reduction, peer support, family advocacy, client care coordination (TREE Program), Teen Court diversion program, prevention and community services, social services, and the Frontline Care Center for first responders. Services are available in English and Spanish via in-person and virtual formats. The portfolio is unified by the organization's mission to transform lives through behavioral health and social services, with programs tailored to individual needs across the care continuum from education and prevention through treatment and recovery.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Frontline Care Center: The area's first program dedicated to supporting first responders, military members, veterans, and their families facing behavioral health challenges.

Products and services

• Adult Gambling Treatment Comprehensive counseling, financial assistance, and resources for Illinois adults facing gambling-related challenges, including options to quit, take a break, assist loved ones, promote safer sports betting, or enroll in self-exclusion programs.
• Youth Gambling Treatment Specialized gambling treatment for youth and young adults offering education workshops, counseling, and teen volunteer prevention groups.
• Adult Substance Use Treatment Personalized outpatient and intensive outpatient counseling to help adults set and achieve short- and long-term goals for living free from alcohol and drugs.
• Youth Substance Use Treatment Comprehensive substance use programs for youth ages 12-18, including consultations, evaluations, counseling, education, life skills training, early intervention, and outpatient/intensive outpatient treatment.
• Adult Mental Health Services Professional mental health services for adults including psychotherapy, consultations, evaluations, and counseling for depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and self-harm behaviors.
• Youth Mental Health Services Personalized mental health support for youth, including consultations, evaluations, and therapy for various mental health issues.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Services State-required alcohol and drug evaluations for individuals arrested or charged with a DUI in Lake County, including court-approved confidential assessments, education, and treatment support.
• Residential Recovery - Bridge House Community-based residential recovery halfway house in Waukegan providing supportive community and personalized treatment for individuals overcoming drug or alcohol addiction, operating 24/7/365.
• Deflection and Harm Reduction Support and practical resources for individuals and families across Lake County, including free Naloxone distribution, substance test strips, pathways to treatment, and community education.
• Peer Support Services Services led by individuals with lived experience providing practical guidance and encouragement for recovery across health, community, home, and purpose.
• Family Advocacy Services DCFS-funded family advocacy services offering confidential sessions, personalized support plans, case management, court/medical visit support, and referrals for families in Lake County.
• Client Care Coordination (TREE Program) Free bilingual service connection, advocacy, education, and support for Nicasa clients focusing on recovery and mental well-being, including Medicaid assistance and referrals.
• Teen Court Innovative alternative to traditional justice system for first- and second-time, non-violent youth offenders aged 10-18, using balanced and restorative justice with peer juries; $75 participation fee applies.
• Prevention and Community Services Comprehensive prevention and community services including in-school programming, the Choose Your Path Coalition, and community education promoting wellness and healthy behaviors.
• Social Services Support for families and individuals including resource connection and case management services.
• Frontline Care Center Program dedicated to supporting first responders, military members, veterans, and their families facing behavioral health challenges, located at 707 Railroad Avenue, Waukegan.
• Client Portal and Virtual Services Virtual service options including telehealth video sessions, the OakTree client portal for forms and document signing, and app-based goal tracking tools enabling remote access to behavioral health services throughout Illinois.

Quantifiable outcome

• Teen Court participants who complete the program do not re-offend within 12 months, compared to 50%+ of youth throughout Illinois
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2025Nicasa participates in the Gift Responsibly Campaign organized by NCPG with support from NASPL to raise awareness about underage lottery use risks.
• National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNicasa is a member of NCPG and participates in annual campaigns including Gift Responsibly Campaign and Problem Gambling Awareness Month. Nicasa also participates in Gambling Disorder Screening Day initiatives coordinated by NCPG.
• Illinois Problem GamblingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of Illinois Alliance, the state-level coalition for problem gambling awareness and services.
• Fox Lake Police DepartmentcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner police department for Teen Court diversion program - refers first and second-time non-violent juvenile offenders to the program.
• Gurnee Police DepartmentcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTeen Court partner making referrals of juvenile misdemeanor cases to Nicasa's diversion program.
• Lake County Sheriff's DepartmentcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTeen Court partner referring juvenile offenders for diversion programming.
• North Chicago Police DepartmentcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTeen Court partner for juvenile diversion program serving the North Chicago community.
• Waukegan Police DepartmentcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTeen Court partner making referrals of juvenile misdemeanor cases.
• 19th Judicial Circuit Court (Lake County)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCourt-appointed exclusive provider of DUI evaluations for Lake County since 1988.
• The Broke Girl SocietyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPodcast collaboration where Nicasa's Senior Director Elizabeth Thielen discussed problem gambling, recovery, and the need for women-centered support spaces.
• United Way of Lake CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner through 211 Lake County initiative providing community resource referrals and support coordination.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Rosecrance: Illinois-based nonprofit behavioral health organization providing substance use treatment, mental health services, residential care, and prevention programming across the state. Directly comparable in mission, funding mix, and continuum-of-care model.
• Gateway Foundation: Largest nonprofit addiction treatment provider in Illinois, operating outpatient, intensive outpatient, residential, and recovery home programs. Directly comparable as a multi-site, court- and insurance-funded substance use treatment network with similar payer mix.
• Chestnut Health Systems: Illinois-based nonprofit delivering substance use, mental health, and gambling treatment with research and prevention programs. Comparable as a community behavioral health provider with similar adolescent/adult service lines and CARF-accredited operations.
• Haymarket Center: Chicago-based nonprofit providing substance use treatment, mental health services, harm reduction, and recovery housing to individuals and families. Directly comparable as a multi-service urban behavioral health nonprofit serving Illinois communities.
• Thresholds: Illinois nonprofit providing mental health, substance use, and housing services with extensive outpatient programming and peer support specialists. Comparable as a community-based behavioral health provider with similar Medicaid and government contract reliance.
• Trilogy Behavioral Healthcare: Chicago-area nonprofit offering mental health and substance use treatment, prevention, and community-based programs to individuals and families. Comparable as a regional Illinois behavioral health agency with similar continuum-of-care structure.
• Howard Brown Health: Chicago-based nonprofit community health provider delivering integrated behavioral health, substance use, and primary care with significant LGBTQ+ focus. Comparable as an Illinois multi-site community health nonprofit offering co-located behavioral health services.
• Aunt Martha's Health & Wellness: Illinois nonprofit providing integrated community health, behavioral health, and social services across multiple sites, including youth and family programs. Comparable as a multi-site Illinois nonprofit offering co-located behavioral health and family/community services.

Broad incumbents

• Lutheran Social Services of Illinois: Large statewide Illinois social services nonprofit operating across many programs including behavioral health, family services, and community support. Overlaps with Nicasa's family advocacy and community-based service lines but at much broader scale.

Others

• Kennedy Forum Illinois: Illinois-focused behavioral health policy and advocacy organization working to expand access to mental health and substance use treatment. Relevant as a statewide ecosystem participant shaping policy and funding conditions for providers like Nicasa.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php?id=100092138421954
• Xx.com/nicasabhs

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Nicasa