Chicago Women’s Health Center

I’ve never loved a doctors visit before.
I’ve been having a horrible time with my mental health medication management, and trying to get either a psychiatrist or a primary health care provider with a good handle on mental health meds. Judy was amazing. The whole staff was. So inclusive and incredible.

The only place I’ll ever go to receive services because my body, my health and wellness matters. The service providers are all so amazing and they take time to explain things to you, follow up and know that you matter. And even before you get to that step, the waiting room experience is just the perfect one ever. If I could, I would hang out there for self-​care. I wish all health services would aspire to learn from the health center and place care at the center of their service model and ethos. The health center = my special place as a brown immigrant woman.

After viewing excellent reviews, I decided to seek medical attention at Chicago Women’s Health Center. What initially drew me in was their sliding scale for payment, as I wouldn’t have been able to afford a visit like this one otherwise. When I called to see if I could be seen this week, I was put on a wait list for the next day, ended up getting seen, and then was scheduled for a visit with the Doctor a day later – even though their appointments were all filled! Everyone was welcoming, they took time to listen, and a health worker even held my hand through the pain when the doctor was performing a small surgical procedure. I’m so happy to have found a place like this!

Everyone is nice and friendly, the MD is very short and stoic, no long waits. all of that is nice but after getting my services done, no one ever called back for my results. So I called and called, left voicemails and never got a call back.
After almost a year later… still don’t know the results of my exam. Now I have insurance so now I’ll get the help I need.

I came to CWHC after a terrible experience at Lakeview Women’s Health. At CWHC, I felt safe, respected and heard. I was able to give a full history and elaborate on my symptoms. The nurse practitioner listened and asked questions. She then offered a range of treatment options and did a physical exam (none of this happened with the doctor at LWH). I truly felt like I was able to be a part of my treatment and felt more empowered about my health and much more at ease. The only reason I can’t give CWHC 5 stars is because it’s pretty difficult to schedule with a doctor. (APNs do most of the appointments but if there’s something needing further diagnostics or is beyond their scope, they have a doctor who sees appointments as well but only once to twice a month.) It’s definitely not a deal breaker, just something to be aware of. Overall, I am so thankful I took the advice of a friend and went to CWHC.

My first time here and I have nothing but great things to say! They squeezed me in and took great care of me! I will be back and sending my friends there as well!

I had heard amazing things about CHWC, and had high expectations. But my experience was overall very disappointing.
Here were the good parts of my visit: the staff were courteous; the health worker was very thorough and patient with my dozens of questions; I got all the information I was looking for. The sliding scale method of payment is radical and empowering!
Here were the bad parts: I went in seeking treatment for endometriosis, not an uncommon health issue. CWHC does not offer the type of treatment I wanted (Depoprovera injections). The best they could do was to call Planned Parenthood and get a price estimate from them (something I could have done on my own). They don’t do ultrasounds; they refer you to a place that charges $ 250 for a single ultrasound. I asked about HPV vaccines, thinking that vaccines are a low cost no-​brainer. They don’t even provide those! I’m sorry, but what kind of women’s health clinic doesn’t offer ultrasounds or HPV vaccines? Most female bodied people will need at least one, if not both of those things in their lifetime. I ended up paying $ 50 for a chat with a friendly professional and information I could have found on the internet.
CWHC has a radical model and is on the forefront of trans* health. But when some basic services are lacking, I see a problem. I’m sure for some people CHWC is amazing and just what they need, but for me and probably for many others, it didn’t work.

Went here for an appointment today and was extremely happy with the entire experience. Everyone was very kind, knowledgeable, and understanding. I highly recommend CWHC for anyone!

never before have I ever felt completely comfortable in a medical office. everyone at cwhc is amazing. the level of service offered really can’t be beat.

I used to DREAD going to the gynecologist. They had always been cold, impatient, barely looked me in the eye, much less asked me questions or treated me like a human being. The first time I went to CWHC I cried after my appointment because I was so overwhelmed that they actually seemed to care about my health. The hour long appointment with the nurse practitioner was the first time in my life someone had sat with me to discuss my overall health, covering all bases. I left feeling taken care of. This place is dedicated to their patients like no practice I’ve ever seen. Thank you for everything.

After making an appointment for a birth control consultation, I headed in for my first visit which went well. The health worker I spoke to was helpful and friendly. During my second visit though, the health worker was in a rush and seemed a little rude.
My third visit was by far the worst visit I’ve ever had to an OB/​GYN. I anxiously waited for OVER AN HOUR in the waiting room (not really a good way to treat a nervous woman who is about to undergo a serious event on delicate parts). Then when I was taken back, the MD or NP or whatever, was extremely short with me. I was in tears during the entire discussion and I felt as though I was met with absolutely no empathy or compassion. I didn’t end up getting the birth control, however they insisted that I pay at least half for the visit ($ 100), even though I did not receive what I came in for and it ended up merely being a consultation with the MD. I left that day feeling disheartened, frustrated, and cheated.
A few weeks later I went to a Planned Parenthood and thankfully was met with the respect and treatment I deserve. I would never recommend this pretentious, uppity, and scamming clinic to anyone who is need of assistance. It’s shiny and pretty on the inside, but most of the employees are snappy, uppity, and disrespectful women.

Best. Best. Best! I can honestly say as a childbearing woman, that my womanparts have never, ever been in better professional hands (and besides that, I got a Rx for my asthma inhaler — yeah!). The respect and consideration that I have received here ruined me for any other kind of experience. I know because I stopped going for a while for insurance reasons, and when I came back, my whole body shuddered in relief. Why yes, I am ready for you to touch my private parts, thank you for asking!
If you thought that disregard and humiliation were par for the course during your medical exams, I recommend that you check this place out.
I am so sorry that they don’t accept more kinds of insurance. More people need access to this kind of care. This is the model for respect all providers should aspire to. Also, the ‘Black Lives Matter’ sign that greeted me when I walked in? Deal = sealed. Thanks, CWHC — you’re the best!

My favorite things about visits to the CWHC:
1. No long waits. I hate waiting & waiting anywhere when I have an appointment. They are always welcoming & friendly & quick to see me whenever I visit. Immediately, I feel like my time is valued.
2. Health care workers who lIsten & let me ask questions. I’ve never had a question or concern dismissed or left unanswered. The health care workers have always taken the time to address my concerns fully. My questions & opinions are respected.
3. Sliding scale payment options. Pay what you can. Your health & well-​being are important even if your income is low.

Quite literally the best women’s health facility I have EVER been to. This place is amazing, in part because the people who work here are truly passionate about helping women. Whenever any female friends of mine ask me to recommend a good healthcare facility, I immediately tell them about CWHC — I only wish I’d found out about this place sooner myself!

The Chicago Women’s Health Center is one of the best places I have ever received medical care! It is comfortable, clean, and respectful in a way that I have never experienced elsewhere – and it’s feminist-​minded to boot! I have always had more than enough time with every medical provider I have seen there and I’ve received top-​notch care. I’m really excited about the rumors that they will start accepting health insurance soon.

This is a great place for non-​judgmental services for women and gender fluid vagina-​havers. Sex positive, open-​minded, and integrative/​alternative healing friendly too – exactly what I & others need/​want in healthcare.

I’ve taken nearly all of my friends to CWHC at one point or another. They provide wonderful low-​cost health services. The providers are super knowledgeable and take great care of patients. I’ve been going to them for over 10 years now and I will always recommend them to anyone in chicago looking for a low-​cost gynocologist or health provider.

CWHC is a sparkly unicorn, and every time I go there, I find myself looking around for witnesses to verify that the experience I’m having is real and not just a fever-​induced fantasy.
Providers there are thoughtful and kind. They take the time to listen to you about your experiences of your body. They ask permission before touching you, and during exams they talk you through everything they are going to do before it happens. Health workers there are deeply committed to your well-​being and sense of safety.
You’d think these things would be expectations in any healthcare environment, but they aren’t. And because medical settings can be so impersonal, intrusive, and cold, coming to CWHC is an absolute relief as well as a reminder that taking care of your body can be safe and affirming.
Also, they have sliding scale for folks like me who couldn’t afford care otherwise!

Extremely disappointed. I had gone to this clinic a year ago and was treated well. That’s why I came back two months ago to get treated for recurrence.
Unlike last time, they only prescribed me one medication instead of the standard dual meds needed to clear my mixed infection. As it turned out, my symptoms persisted. I went in for a second visit, but this time they refused to give me meds and only suggested that I take tea tree oil suppositories. I took them for a month, and my condition did not improve at all. I kept calling in their office to set up an appointment, but it always goes straight to voicemail. I left several messages to the NPs, but I never heard back from them.
The receptionist did not follow up until hours, even days, later – particularly times when I’m not available. We had this phone tag for a month. When I got a hold of them once or twice, the receptionist always seemed annoyed and, once again, pushed me to keep using the suppositories. Apparently I need to double the dose per day.
I tried her suggestion for a week, but I got so fed up that I decided to go to an urgent care clinic, which finally prescribed me the dual meds and informed me that tea tree oil actually does not work… So much for homeopathic BS at the CWHC!
Currently on my 7-​day regimen. My docs at the urgent care have been calling in to check on how I’m doing. Now that’s proper health care. Fingers crossed I’ll get better soon.

I don’t think I have words that fully describe my love of this place.
I’ve had a myriad of gynecological services performed by these folks (primarily at their old location) and everyone is so goddam nice and makes it not at all awkward to chitchat with them while they’re all up in my crotch.
They’re non-​judgemental and helpful and honest and respectful and just so goddamn kind. I love them. I want to hug them all (after I put my pants back on). I’ve never had a doctor take as thorough of a history as they do. They simply just take their time and focus on the patient.
Their new space is lovely and bright and airy and clean and really just beautiful. Parking is better, the neighborhood is great, and you’re right across the street from Target for some post-​pap smear shopping.
My one complaint? The pre-​pap smear bar options are not as great, but there’s The Reservoir right around the corner.