By Gabriella Bonamici
Primary Trust is a play about connecting with our neighbors and nurturing our wellbeing. So it’s only fitting that for this run, the Goodman is partnering with Coffee, Hip-Hop, and Mental Health (CHH&MH), the nonprofit café that’s destigmatizing mental healthcare and bringing access to its greater community.
We asked co-founder, Nick Henderson, to share more about the history of CHH&MH, his plans for the future, and what our collaboration means to the organization. Be sure to visit one of our bars before your performance of Primary Trust and try one of our specialty cocktails—Mai Tai and Center of the Galaxy—as part of these proceeds will benefit CHH&MH.
Goodman Theatre: What was the inspiration behind CHH&MH and how did you bring the concept to life?
Nick Henderson: CHH&MH was born out of my own journey with mental health. Can you imagine having trauma eat away your years? I was so tired of watching trauma own me. After struggling in silence for years, I realized the need for a space where people could feel seen and heard, without stigma. Coffee, Hip-Hop & Mental Health came to life by blending elements that spoke to my own passions—coffee culture, music, and mental health—into a nonprofit café model. It started with one conversation, then grew into a movement dedicated to destigmatizing therapy and making mental health resources more accessible. CHH&MH is my way of saying thank you to myself for standing up to trauma, saying, “Hey, you don’t get to control my life.”
GT: If you had to summarize your mission in six words, which six words would you use and why?
NH: “Healing Together, Changing Lives, Creating Hope.” These words embody our purpose. We believe in healing as a collective effort, where people find strength in shared experiences. We aim to change lives by making therapy accessible and to create hope by breaking down barriers to mental health care.
GT: What does it mean to “normalize therapy” and why is it important to you?
NH: To normalize therapy is to shift the perception of mental health care from something “taboo” to a natural part of self-care. It means making conversations about mental health as common as talking about physical health. This is important to me because I’ve seen firsthand how silence and shame can weigh on a person, and I want people to feel empowered to seek help without fear of judgment. It’s about creating a culture where taking care of our minds is just as important as taking care of our bodies.
GT: What can patrons expect when they walk into Normalize Therapy Café?
NH: Patrons can expect a warm, inviting space that feels like home. It’s not just about coffee; it’s about community. We want people to feel connected, whether they’re here for a drink, a conversation, or just a quiet moment to themselves. We also emphasize that our café serves a greater purpose—every purchase helps support our mental health programs and resources. You’ll find a blend of good coffee, good music, and an environment that encourages open dialogue about mental well-being.
GT: What’s your current favorite item on the menu?
NH: Right now, my favorite is the Maple & Brown Sugar Latte. It’s sweet and comforting, just like a conversation with a close friend. It’s a reminder that even in the small things—like the perfect cup of coffee—we can find comfort and joy.
GT: Are there any events coming up that we should look out for?
NH: Yes, we just hosted a special event called the 500 Cup Campaign on October 10, in honor of World Mental Health Day. It’s a fundraiser to support our new Southside Thoughts initiative, a weekly group therapy series in Hyde Park starting October 13-27. Each drink on the menu will honor a celebrity we lost to suicide, aiming to spark conversations about mental health awareness. If you weren’t able to come to the cafe for the campaign you can still purchase a virtual coffee or pastry to pay it forward!
GT: What is your advice to those who may be new to therapy?
NH: Be patient with yourself, and don’t feel pressured to have everything figured out right away. Therapy is a journey, and it’s okay if it feels uncomfortable at first. The most important thing is showing up and being open to the process. You deserve a safe space to unpack your thoughts and emotions. It’s a brave step to take, and it’s okay to be proud of yourself for it.
GT: What does the partnership between CHH&MH and Goodman Theatre mean to you/your business?
NH: Our partnership with Goodman Theatre is a powerful example of community solidarity. It shows that we can bring mental health to the forefront by collaborating with organizations that share our vision. This partnership allows us to reach new audiences, create meaningful conversations, and amplify our mission in impactful ways. It’s not just about business; it’s about using our platforms together to drive change and support healing.
GT: What are your hopes, dreams, and future plans for CHH&MH?
NH: My hope is for CHH&MH to become a model for how we can integrate mental health into everyday life. I dream of expanding our reach, not only in Chicago but across the country and even globally. We want to continue breaking down barriers to access, offering support to those who need it most, and building a world where therapy is as common as grabbing a cup of coffee. The future involves growth, more partnerships, and continuously finding innovative ways to connect people to healing resources.
…Our mission at CHH&MH is to help people reach their potential and tap into the greater parts of themselves. We don’t want anyone to feel like they’re completely broken or beyond repair—everyone is capable of healing. It’s not about being perfect or achieving 100% all the time, but about getting better, even if that means showing up at 80%. That’s still a win. Healing is a marathon.
Gabriella Bonamici is the Marketing Assistant at Goodman Theatre
