The following are non-profit mental health organizations we know to be excellent resources for both sufferers and their loved ones. The descriptions come directly from the literature provided by the organizations.
Active Minds
Active Minds has become the premier nonprofit organization impacting college students and mental health. Active Minds brings to mental health what no other organization can—the voice of young people who are disproportionately affected by mental illnesses and the way mental health is addressed on campuses and in society at large. Now in its sixteenth year, Active Minds is present in more than 800 schools, communities and workplaces nationwide, including 550 student-led chapters. Our programs and services empower young adults, ages 14-25, to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, create communities of support, and ultimately save lives. Each year, nearly 16,000 young adults join Active Minds as passionate advocates and educators for mental health. Our advocates encourage their peers and networks to learn about, talk about, and seek help for mental health issues just as they would for a physical issue, without shame or silence.
Anxiety and Depression Association of America
Anxiety and Depression Association of America is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety, depressive, obsessive-compulsive, and trauma-related disorders through education, practice, and research. The ADAA offers free educational information and resources about anxiety disorders, local treatment provider referrals, self-help groups, self-tests, and clinical trial listings. The organization funds scientific research through grants and awards and promotes awareness that anxiety disorders are real and treatable.
Crisis Text Line
With over 100 million messages processed to date, Crisis Text Line is free, 24/7 support for those in crisis. Text 741741 from anywhere in the USA to text with a trained Crisis Counselor—one of our dedicated, trained, supervised volunteers from around the country.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
DBSA, a non-profit organization, provides hope, help, support, and education to improve the lives of people who have mood disorders. DBSA envisions wellness for people who live with depression and bipolar disorder. Because DBSA was created for and is led by individuals living with mood disorders, our vision, mission, and programming are always informed by the personal, lived experience of peers.
Go Fetch Wellness
The mission of Go Fetch Wellness is to connect people with animals as part of their mental wellness plan. We strive to educate through speaking, advocate for those suffering, and incorporate animals into the lives of those living with mental health challenges.
The International OCD Foundation
The International OCD Foundation is a donor-supported nonprofit organization. The mission of the International OCD Foundation is to help everyone affected by obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and related disorders to live full and productive lives. Our aim is to increase access to effective treatment, end the stigma associated with mental health issues, and foster a community for those affected by OCD and the professionals who treat them.
The Jed Foundation
The Jed Foundation is a nonprofit that exists to protect emotional health and prevent suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults. We’re partnering with high schools and colleges to strengthen their mental health, substance abuse and suicide prevention programs and systems. We’re equipping teens and young adults with the skills and knowledge to help themselves and each other. We’re encouraging community awareness, understanding and action for young adult mental health.
Mental Health America
Mental Health America, founded in 1909, is the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and to promoting the overall mental health of all Americans. Our work is driven by our commitment to promote mental health as a critical part of overall wellness, including prevention services for all, early identification and intervention for those at risk, and integrated care, services, and supports for those who need them.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
National Alliance on Mental Illness is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI acts as an advocate for those who suffer from anxiety and other mental disorders through peer directed education classes, community outreach, support groups and a helpline. In addition, NAMI works to eliminate pervasive stigma, to effect positive changes in the mental health system and to increase public and professional understanding about mental illness. What started as a small group of families gathered around a kitchen table in 1979 has blossomed into the nation’s leading voice on mental health. Today, we are an alliance of more than 600 local Affiliates and 48 State Organizations who work in your community to raise awareness and provide support and education that was not previously available to those in need.
The National Institute of Mental Health
The National Institute of Mental Health is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and is the lead federal agency for research on mental disorders. The mission of NIMH is to transform the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research, paving the way for prevention, recovery, and cure.
Postpartum Support International
The mission of Postpartum Support International is to promote awareness, prevention and treatment of mental health issues related to childbearing in every country worldwide. PSI headquarters is located in Portland, Oregon and has members all over the world, including volunteer coordinators in every one of the United States and in more than 36 other countries. PSI disseminates information and resources through its volunteer coordinators, website and annual conference. Its goal is to provide current information, resources, education, and to advocate for further research and legislation to support perinatal mental health. In addition, PSI has a bilingual toll-free Help Line and online support groups.
Sidran Institute
Sidran Traumatic Stress Institute, Inc. is a nonprofit organization of international scope that helps people understand, recover from, and treat traumatic stress (including PTSD), dissociative disorders, and co-occurring issues, such as addictions, self injury, and suicidality. Sidran provides educational programming, resources for treatment, online support, and publications about trauma and recovery.
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project, founded in 1998, is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.