Support
The organizations listed below are just a few of many, and while all contain relevant information, they may not be available in all cities or countries. This list was compiled primarily for readers located in the United States. All information is taken from the organizations’ websites and the author claims no responsibility for inaccuracies.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), and is now active across the United States.
When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary. https://988lifeline.org/
The previous Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. It has national, state, and city offices offering a Helpline, free crisis counseling, support and education through online classes, a video resource library, access to publications and reports, and options for advocacy. https://nami.org/
Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine (SAHM)
SAMH is a multidisciplinary organization committed to the promotion of optimal health and wellbeing of all adolescents and young adults by supporting adolescent health and medicine professionals through the advancement of clinical practice, care delivery, research, advocacy, and professional development. They offer a virtual chat series, health info for parents and teens, and help finding a health professional near you. www.adolescenthealth.org
Mental Health Foundation - America
A United States based non-profit creating a discrimination free society through raising awareness and advocating for positive mental health. MHF offers resources for you or a loved one; provides information on conditions, disorders, and dependencies; publishes relevant articles; creates awareness about bullying, veterans, and medications, and shares stories of struggle to victory. https://mentalhealthfoundation.org
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
NIMH is the lead federal agency for research on mental disorders. It’s one of the 27 institutes and Centers that make up the National Institutes of Health (NHI), the largest in the world. NHI is part of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS.) NIMH offers clinical trials and studies, mental health statistics, and education and awareness on a variety of MI diagnoses. https://www.nimh.nih.gov
Mental Health Foundation - America
A United States based non-profit creating a discrimination free society through raising awareness and advocating for positive mental health. MHF offers resources for you or a loved one; provides information on conditions, disorders, and dependencies; publishes relevant articles; creates awareness about bullying, veterans, and medications, and shares stories of struggle to victory. https://mentalhealthfoundation.org
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
DBSA provides hope, help, support, and education to improve the lives of people who have mood disorders (depression and bipolar disorder.) Peer-based, wellness-oriented support and empowering services are available online 24/7, in local support groups (nearly 600), audio and video chats, or printed material. They have more than 200 chapters and mental health care facilities across America. https://www.dbsalliance.org
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
SAMHSA is an agency within the US Dept of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavior health of the nation. Their mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities. Created in 1992, it makes substance abuse and mental disorder information, services, and research more accessible. https://www.samhsa.gov
World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH)
WFMH is an international membership organization founded in 1948 to advance, among all peoples and nations, the prevention of mental and emotional disorders, the proper treatment and care of those with such disorders, and the promotion of mental health. It’s goals are to heighten public awareness and improve attitudes; promote and prevent; and improve care, treatment, and recovery of people with mental disorders. WFMH has members and contacts in over 90 countries. https://wfmh.global
Mind
Mind provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness, and promote understanding. MIND supports communities across England and Wales. Their services include supported housing, crisis helplines, drop-in centers, employment and training, counseling and befriending. https://www.mind.org.uk
Brain Research Foundation (BRF)
BRF accelerates discoveries of the human brain by funding pioneering neuroscience research through donations and grants. https://www.thebrf.org
World Psychiatric Association (WAP)
The WPA is a global association representing 145 psychiatric societies in 121 countries, and bringing together more than 250,000 psychiatrists. The World Psychiatric Association promotes collaborative work, has developed ethical guidelines, publishes the World Psychiatry journal, and provides forums for shared learning. https://www.wpanet.org
Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
CAMH is Canada’s largest mental health teaching hospital, setting the standards for care, research, education, and leading social change. https://camh.ca
The Jed Foundation
JED is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults. Partnering with high schools and colleges to strengthen mental health, substance misuse, and suicide prevention programs and systems. https://jedfoundation.org
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24/7 across the United States. The Lifeline comprises 180 local crisis centers, combining custom local care and resources with national standards and best practices. https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Crisis Text Line
Free 24/7 support at your fingertips in the US, Canada, and internationally. Mental health support and crisis intervention by a community of trained volunteers that support people in their moments of need so that nobody feels alone. https://www.crisistextline.org
Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)
CIT is a police mental health collaborative program found in North America. CIT is used to describe both a program and a training in law enforcement to help guide interactions between law enforcement and those living with mental illness. NAMI.org and CITInternational.org offer CIT training.
Mental Health Courts
Mental health courts link offenders who would normally be prison-bound to long-term community-based treatment. They rely on assessments, individual treatment plans, and on-going judicial monitoring to address both mental health needs and public safety. They are similar to Drug Courts, and Community Courts. Each community and state has their own website. https://www.samhsa.gov/gains-center/treatment-court-locators
Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT)
AOT Laws allow courts to order certain individuals with brain disorders to comply with treatment while living in the community. It also allows the courts to commit the mental health system to providing the treatment. It is a way to get services to those who refuse voluntary treatment. 43 states have some form of AOT but few implement it as widely as it should be. https://mentalillnesspolicy.org
National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)
NEDA is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders by offering prevention, cures, and access to quality care. https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
The National Center is the world’s leading research and educational center for PTSD. Their mission is to advance the clinical care and social welfare of America’s Veterans and others who have experienced trauma, or who suffer from PTSD, through research, education, and training in the science, diagnosis, and treatment of PTSD and stress-related disorders. https://www.ptsd.va.gov
Bring Change to Mind (BC2M)
Bring Change to Mind is a nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging dialogue about mental health, and raise awareness, understanding, and empathy. Co-founded by Glenn Close to end the stigma around mental illness. https://bringchange2mind.org
Help Guide
Help Guide is a small independent nonprofit, funded by donations and grants, that runs one of the world’s top 10 mental health websites. Their team is dedicated to providing balanced, responsible, helpful, and motivating mental health information, resources, and tools. https://www.helpguide.org
National Institute of Alcoholism & Alcohol Abuse (NIAAA)
The mission of NIAAA is to generate and dissipate fundamental knowledge about the effects of alcohol on health and well-being, and apply that knowledge to improving diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. They conduct research in genetics, neuroscience, epidemiology, prevention, and treatment collaborating with national, international, state and local institutions, organizations, agencies, and programs. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
NIDA is the lead federal agency supporting scientific research on drug use and its consequences and applies that knowledge to improve individual and public health. https://www.drugabuse.gov
Child Mind Institute
The Institute is an independent, national nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders. They work to advance the science of the developing brain and empower parents, professionals, and policymakers to support children when and where they need it most. https://childmind.org
Active Minds
Active Minds is the nation’s premier nonprofit organization supporting mental health awareness and education in young adults. Through education, research, advocacy, and focus on young adults age 14-25, they open conversations about the way mental health is talked about. https://www.activeminds.org
Treatment Advocacy Center
The Center is a national nonprofit dedicated to eliminating legal and other barriers to the timely and effective treatment of severe mental illness. They promote laws, policies, and practices for the delivery of psychiatric care and supports the development of innovative treatments for and research into the causes of severe and persistent schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. https://www.treatmentadvocacycenter.org
The Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance
Committed to changing the treatment paradigm, accelerating scientific knowledge, and promoting policies that improve and save lives, The Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance offers peer-based programs, resources, support, and awareness. https://sczaction.org
National Federation of Families
The Federation works to develop and implement policies, legislation, funding mechanisms, and services systems that utilize the strengths of families. Its emphasis on advocacy offers families a voice in the formation of national policy, services, and supports for their children with mental health needs and substance use challenges. https://www.ffcmh.org
OK2TALK
This is a Tumblr app created by NAMI.org to create a community where young adults struggling with mental health conditions can find a safe place to talk about what they’re experiencing by sharing their personal stories of recovery, tragedy, struggle, and hope. https://ok2talk.org
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is a leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25. https://www.thetrevorproject.org
American Association of Suicidology (AAS)
The nonprofit AAS promotes research, public awareness programs, public education, and training for professionals and volunteers. It serves as a national clearinghouse for information on suicide. https://suicidology.org
myvision.org
Medical researchers have found close links between eye health and mental health. People with vision impairments often develop mental health problems like anxiety and depression because of the stress of living with their condition. People with mental health problems are also more likely to develop vision issues later in life. Learn more here: https://myvision.org/guides/mental-health/
Note to My Readers
If there are any organizations that you would like to see added to the list, please send an email and your reasons for including it for consideration. Resources from all countries are welcome. Thank you in advance for sharing information that could help another sister.
“When your child is diagnosed with a severe mental illness, you face unfathomable fears and discover courage and perseverance you never knew you possessed.”
— Sisters in the Storm