Below you'll find web sites that have been suggested as being useful, interesting, or somehow related to SSN's work. Please feel free to send feedback or link suggestions to [email protected].
The Freedom Center - A Survivor-run group based in Western Massachusetts providing support and advocacy via an information-rich web site, support groups, etc. Some of the Freedom-center's primary goals include ending all forced or coercive treatment, ensuring true informed consent to all treatment, and expanding treatment alternatives.
The Consortium - An organization run with the self-stated goal of being a "center for responsible innovation that creates conditions to enhance the lives and make possible the dreams of people living with disabilities and/or living with the impact of abuse." The Consortium also provides a unique opportunity for individual served by the mental health system to apply for consumer initiative grants. The Consortium is one of the local agencies that supports the Staff Survivor's Network by providing meeting space.
Two Hats - A consumer/provider support group for individuals working in the mental health system who also have mental health issues themselves. This group meets monthly in the Boston area for support and networking and is organized by members of M-Power.
Acupuncture and Asian Healing Arts - An office in Northampton, MA lead by Claudia Sperber, Lic. Ac., providing acupuncture, acupressure, reflexology, diet therapy, herbal medicine, and emotional counseling on a sliding fee scale. Group sessions are also available and particularly for individuals with limited income.
The Icarus Project - A consumer/survivor run group providing information, support, a creative outlet, and most notably, a place to explore and redefine what it means to live with a mental illness. This group is directed particularly at individuals who identify as living with manic depression.
M-Power - A state-wide consumer-driven advocacy organization. As stated on their web site, they strive to secure human rights, promote access to information about rights, enlighten mental health professionals about their experience, and stand against the stigma and discrimination that can impeded the quality of life of individuals with mental illness.
Zuzu's Place - Zuzu's Place is identified as a housing co-op for people who have struggled with overwhelming emotional experiences. From the website: "The members of Zuzu's Place are committed to independent living, to making their home, outside of the psychiatric system. Members appreciate the universal human need for community, but they do not want to live in a "group home" or other institutional setting run by "staff."
ServiceNet, Inc - An agency in Western Mass providing numerous social services. This organization serves a variety of individuals via outpatient counseling, adolescent and early intervention, home health, crises, and MH and MR residential and support services. ServiceNet is one of the local agencies that supports the Staff Survivor's Network by providing meeting space.
Windhorse Associates - A private organization offering services to individuals suffering from significant emotional and psychiatric disturbances via a therapeutic-community approach. Windhorse is also a good source for innovative and progressive training opportunities.
The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health - Find information here about DMH services, philosophy, application process, etc.
The Tunefoolery Music Ensemble - A group of over 30 musicians with psychiatric disabilities based in the Cambridge, MA area. Book a gig!
The Massachusetts Clubhouse Coalition - An organization dedicated to helping individuals with long-term mental health issues find the needed resources in their communities. Find a clubhouse in your community!
The Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee - The MHLAC seeks "to make full use of the law to ensure that the rights of persons who are or may be regarded as mentally disabled are recognized and protected." Services provided include legal referrals, information, and advice to individuals, lawyers, mental health professionals and the general public.
The Disability Law Center of Massachusetts - A portection and advocacy organization with the self-stated mission to "provide legal advocacy on disability issues that promote the fundamental rights of all people with disabilities to participate fully and equally in the social and economic life of Massachusetts."
The Copeland Center for Wellness and Recovery - An organization that "works toward transforming lives, programs [and] mental health services and systems." Offers information about training and reading materials relating to mental health recovery and, in particular, WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan).
Metaservices - A recovery-based mental health service located in Arizona and offering a welath of services, information and training around recovery alternatives, peer support, etc.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) - A government program offering educational resources pertaining to substance abuse and mental health issues, as well as offering grant opportunities for a variety of initiatives.
The National Mental Health Self-Help Consumers' Clearinghouse - Provides national listings and information about a variety of peer-driven organizations, trainings, etc. *Please note* Because there are so many consumer/survivor run organizations in existence at this point, we have not made an attempt to list them all on this website at this time, but strongly encourage interested individuals to utilize this source to learn more about these groups.
