Starting in 1995, two national training and technical assistance centers were established to improve how schools address barriers to learning and enhance healthy development. Each of these centers is a source of information and technical assistance regarding mental health in schools:
Center for School Mental Health Assistance, University of Maryland This site maintains a library of resource materials including reprints, articles, and publications specific to school-based mental health. Website: http://csmh.umaryland.edu/
MentalHealth.gov provides one-stop access to U.S. government mental health and mental health problems information. Website: http://www.mentalhealth.gov/index.html
NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) which they call themselves “Nation’s Voice on Mental Illness” which is an invaluable source of information on the subject. In addition to the mountain of info you’ll find on NAMI’s site, you can also connect with state and local NAMI chapters. Website: www.nami.org
If you are interested in learning about disability, rehabilitation, and promoting independence and employment for individuals with disabilities, NARIC is the place to visit .NARIC, the National Rehabilitation Information Center, offers an online searchable database of more than 300 projects funded by NIDRR (National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research). Website: http://www.naric.com
NMHA addresses all aspects of mental health and mental illness. Delve into their online resources about mental issues and identify NMHA affiliates in your area. Website:www.nmha.org
Mental Help Net A vast amount of info here on specific mental disorders, mental health, wellness, and family and relationship issues and concerns. Website:http://mentalhelp.net
This service of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) provides information about mental health via a toll-free telephone number, more than 600 publications, and the website which is linked below. Website:http://www.samhsa.gov/
Children and Adolescents:
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP): You can find information on child and adolescent psychiatry, fact sheets for parents and caregivers, current research, practice guidelines, and managed care information, among other things. Website:https://www.aacap.org/
Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health The Federation has state and local chapters you can identify at: Website:http://www.ffcmh.org/find-local-chapter
NICHCY’s behavior site for a detailed list of resources and organizations addressing behavior disorders and concerns. Website:http://www.nichcy.org/schoolage/behavior/
Organizations on Specific Disorders:
Child & Adolescent Bipolar Foundation (CABF) Website: www.bpkids.org
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) Website: www.dbsalliance.org Toll-free number: 1 (800) 826-3632
The National Association for Dually Diagnosed (NADD) focuses upon the needs and issues of individuals who have both mental illness and cognitive impairments or intellectual disabilities, and the professionals and families who share concern for these individuals. Website:www.thenadd.org
The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) works to prevent eating disorders and provide treatment referrals to those suffering from anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder and those concerned with body image and weight issues. Website:www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
The Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation (OCF) is for people with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and related disorders, their families, friends, professionals and other concerned individuals Website: www.ocfoundation.org/
The SmartPatients website is an online community for patients and families affected by a variety of illnesses it lets patients learn about scientific developments related to their conditions at their own level through conversations, sharing their questions and concerns with other members, and use what they have learnt from their personal experience . The built-in clinical trial search engine enables users to find trials, track the ones they are interested in, and discuss them with the community .A beneficial use for the site is researching different treatment options that are currently only available in clinical trials.
The National Health Information Center (NHIC) public health education in the United States by maintaining a calendar of National Health Observances, which are special days, weeks, or months dedicated to raising awareness about numerous health topics. NHIC helps connect health professionals and consumers to organizations that can best answer their questions by providing up-to-date contact information for the most reliable resources. The center lists toll-free phone numbers of organizations offering health-related information, education, and support over the phone, and also information about Federal Health Information Centers and Clearinghouses which provide free public information and resources. Website:https://health.gov/nhic/
HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration) provides a nationwide network of community and migrant health centers and health care for the homeless programs. Website:http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/
The database at the Healthcare Hospitality Network can help patients and their families find lodging and other supportive services when confronted with medical emergencies. Website: http://www.hhnetwork.org/
If you’re eligible for Medicaid, you may be able to access mental health services through Medicaid. States vary, however, in what types of mental health services they provide under Medicaid. View the website below to see what you’re eligible for based on your current location.