Web MD list of Advocate Organizations and Support Groups

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
NIMH supports research in science and genetics leading to a better understanding of the causes of mental illness, so that improved treatments and cures can be found. Website includes information about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of various mental illnesses; the latest advances in treatment and brain research; research articles; educational programs on anxiety disorders and depression; a list of upcoming meetings and events; and information about clinical trials.

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI)
NAMI is a grassroots self-help support and advocacy organization for people with mental illnesses, their families, and friends. Website offers information about mental illness (with a special focus on schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders); treatment breakthroughs; government policy and legislation; legal issues and patients' rights; and programs, support groups, and other resources for family members. Also included are a Helpline, listings of upcoming meetings and events, and links to other mental health sites.

National Mental Health Association (NMHA)
The NMHA promotes victory over mental illness and the stigma associated with it through advocacy, education, research, and service. Website includes information on the range of mental illnesses and how they affect all age groups; healthcare reform and the rights of consumers (including parity of mental health benefits with other health coverage); suicide prevention; and treatment guidelines. Also included are a confidential online screening test for depression and a list of community support services. For additional information, access to NMHA's Help Desk is also provided.

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
The DBSA provides education about the nature and management of depressive and manic depressive illness (bipolar disorder) as treatable medical diseases. Website includes information on symptoms and screening; adolescent depression; advocacy issues (such as how to start a support group); funding for mental health research; patient assistance programs; a calendar of related events; and links to related websites. Also includes updates on the status of various mental health legislation.

American Psychological Association (APA)
The APA is the world's largest association of psychologists, with a membership of more than 159,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants, and students. Website provides books, journal articles, and research findings on such issues as depression in women and children, child abuse, sexual orientation, television violence, and controlling anger. Also offers access to databases containing more than a million references to psychologically relevant literature, referrals to local psychologists, and a list of psychological associations and related organizations around the world.

The American Psychoanalytic Association (APsaA)
The APsaA is a professional organization of psychoanalysts throughout the United States. Website provides a range of printed resources; programs and seminars; dates and locations of meetings and events; and advice on finding a psychoanalyst in your area. Includes "Ask a Psychoanalyst," where you can get answers to general questions about psychoanalysis. Other topics include the relationship between psychoanalysis and privacy and confidentiality, economics and managed care, and public policy.

National Association of Psychiatric Health Systems (NAPHS)
The NAPHS, created in 1933, advocates for behavioral health by coordinating treatment and prevention services and programs for children, adolescents, and adults with mental and substance use disorders. Website provides links to NAPHS member organizations and institutions and to other consumer help lines. Also included: a resource catalog, news releases, and ways providers can market their services or products to NAPHS members.

New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI)
The NYSPI is the oldest psychiatric research institute in the United States and one of the largest in the world. More than 300 biological, behavioral, and social research studies are currently being conducted there. Website provides links to a wide range of services, including the Anxiety Disorders Clinic, Depression Evaluation Service, Child Research Center (for depression and anxiety), and Schizophrenia Research Unit. Also included: a calendar of events and information on research and treatment for various psychiatric disorders.

National Mental Illness Screening Project (NMISP)
The NMISP was developed to coordinate nationwide mental health screening programs and to ensure that they are conducted properly. It is also involved in a number of research initiatives designed to shed new light on America's mental health. Website offers information about no-cost, anonymous, community-based screening programs for alcoholism, anxiety disorders, depression, and eating disorders, among others. Also provided: suicide education and research and information about interactive telephone screening programs.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
The AFSP funds research, education, and programs aimed at the understanding and treatment of depression and the prevention of suicide. Website provides suicide facts, danger signals, and advice on what to do if a loved one may be contemplating suicide. Topics include the role of neurobiology in suicide; child and adolescent suicide; suicide and AIDS; and the issue of assisted suicide. Also included: information on suicide research; related meetings and events; and how to contact survivor support groups in your area.

National Foundation for Depressive Illness, Inc. (NAFDI)
NAFDI was established to educate the public, healthcare providers and other professionals about depression as a biochemical illness and to encourage research and innovative treatment for the disorder. Website includes important facts about depression's biological basis, its symptoms, and treatment. Also included: the current issue of the NAFDI News, an advice column called "Ask the Doctor," additional health information resources, and a list of things you can do to feel better.

National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression (NARSAD)NARSAD raises and distributes funds for scientific research into the causes, cures, treatments, and prevention of severe mental illnesses, primarily schizophrenia and depression. Website provides media news; an online newsletter; answers to frequently asked questions by medical professionals; and educational brochures, such as "Conquering Depression" and "Understanding Schizophrenia." Also included: a reading list, grant guidelines, and a posting of important events and announcements.

 

Support Groups
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI)
Colonial Place Three, 2107 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22201-3042;
(800) 950-NAMI (6364) or (703) 524-7600

A grassroots, self-help support and advocacy organization for patients, families, and friends dealing with mental illness. NAMI has approximately 1200 affiliates and over 203,000 members in all 50 states. The group strives to be recognized as the primary source for information and referral on all aspects of mental illness and supports continued scientific research into causes and possible cures.

Emotions Anonymous
PO Box 4245, St. Paul, MN 55104-0245; (651) 647-9712

A 12-step organization similar to Alcoholics Anonymous. Participants meet weekly to work toward recovery from emotional difficulties. Diverse membership includes people of all ages, economic status, social and educational backgrounds.

Recovery Inc.
802 North Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60610; (312) 337-5661

A mental health self-help program based on the work of Chicago psychiatrist and neurologist Dr. Abraham W. Low. A pioneer in the development of the self-help movement, Dr. Low believed that psychiatric patients could take an active role in regaining and maintaining their mental health by learning to control their responses to recurring symptoms. There are currently over 700 active Recovery Inc. groups throughout the United States and Canada, as well as in Puerto Rico, Great Britain, Spain, and Israel.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
The AFSP, which funds research, education, and treatment programs aimed at the prevention of suicide, has compiled a national directory of survivor support groups for families and friends of people who have committed or attempted suicide. The group directory is listed state-by-state, so you can be quickly directed to information about groups in your area.