Why Are Resources for Mental Health Important?
For many people, seeking help from a mental health professional or getting peer support for a mental health condition can make a huge difference in their lives and overall well-being.
Mental health resources are necessary because they can:
- Deepen awareness and empathy for those with a mental health disorder
- Increase understanding of mental illnesses
- Encourage people to seek professional help
- Help break the stigma that surrounds mental health issues
- Potentially save the lives of those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts or a life-threatening substance use disorder
How Do I Find Mental Health Help Near Me?
You can find mental health help in your area by searching on the internet or through social media for therapists, support groups, and other resources.
You can also ask your doctor for help. They may be able to help you connect with a therapist or local support group.
If you’re struggling with your mental health, know that help is available and that there’s hope. Others in your area are likely experiencing similar struggles.
Support Groups & Other Mental Health Services
Mental health resources come in various forms, so no matter where a person lives or what they’re going through, help is available.
Some free mental health services and support groups are listed below.
Mental Health Helplines
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24-hour mental health helpline that is an excellent resource for people in crisis. Call 988 if you or a loved one needs help.
In addition to providing help over the phone, various other mental health hotlines also allow people to text or chat virtually with trained volunteers.
Mental Health Organizations
Mental health organizations bring awareness to the public about mental illness and how people can better care for themselves and their loved ones.
Respected mental health organizations include:
- American Psychological Association (APA): The APA provides an extensive database of information on mental health and illness.
- Mental Health America: One of the largest and most comprehensive resources for mental health topics in the U.S., this organization provides free mental health screenings and can help people get further assistance.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): One of the largest organizations dedicated to mental health, NAMI offers support, education, advocacy, and a free mental health hotline for teens and young adults.
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): This is an extensive government database of mental health information, including statistics, fact sheets, and more.
- The Starr Coalition: This organization aims to increase advocacy efforts and reduce the stigma around mental health.
Online Support Groups
Online support groups can provide people with peer-to-peer support. They are convenient and give participants a sense of anonymity that many may appreciate while going through a difficult time.
Online support groups are often more affordable than in-person treatment or therapy, as most are free.
Suicide Prevention Organizations
Organizations like the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention focus on raising awareness about suicide and promoting prevention strategies to help those concerned about a loved one.
Many suicide prevention organizations are run by volunteers who have been personally affected by suicide in some way.
Resources for Different Mental Health Conditions
Mental health is a broad term encompassing over 200 disorders and conditions, all with unique symptoms and characteristics. For this reason, seeking mental health resources specific to a particular condition can be helpful.
Discover resources geared toward specific mental health conditions below.
Anxiety & Depression Resources
Depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental health disorders. They affect people of all ages and are a leading cause of disability.
Depression is the number one cause of disability in the U.S. among people 15 to 44, according to the National Network of Depression Centers.
Resources for anxiety and depression include:
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America: This mental health nonprofit offers webinars, online peer communities, and a database of licensed therapists.
- Anxiety Resource Center: ARC provides information, online support groups, and workshops related to anxiety.
- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA): This website has educational resources, and DBSA chapters across the nation offer a mix of in-person and online support groups.
Grief Resources
Grief affects everyone at some point in their life. After some losses, people may need grief counseling or other grief support resources to help them get back on their feet.
Substance Abuse Resources
Mental health and substance abuse often go hand in hand, as addiction to dangerous drugs and other substance use disorders can be both a cause and a result of mental health issues.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), an organization famous for its “Twelve Steps” program, offers anonymous in-person and virtual meetings in thousands of cities across the U.S. for individuals battling alcoholism. You can search for meetings on the AA website and access various resources on overcoming alcohol addiction.
A list of additional substance abuse resources is included in our drug addiction support guide.
Other Free Mental Health Resources for Different Groups
It can also be helpful to seek mental health resources that are specific to a particular group of people — like women, veterans, and young people. A person’s mental health can improve when they feel they are understood and in a safe environment.
Some of these resources are listed below.
Mental Health Resources for Women
Specialized mental health resources designed for women can be beneficial when confronted with unique challenges, and these resources may create a more comfortable space for seeking support.
Mental health resources for women include:
- Office on Women’s Health: As part of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, it provides information and resources to women looking to improve their mental health.
- Seek Her Foundation: This foundation empowers women to take care of their mental health and well-being. It also hosts events and workshops for women.
- She Recovers Foundation: The foundation provides support to women who are in mental health or substance abuse recovery. It also connects women through online support groups.
Mental Health Resources for Men
Men also face unique challenges that often require special treatment and support. Additionally, men often report feeling more comfortable sharing in male-only environments.
Resources for men include:
- Face It Foundation: This group provides resources for men experiencing depression, including online support groups and one-on-one peer mentoring. You can also find an informational blog and podcast here.
- MaleSurvivor.org: An online support forum for men who are survivors of sexual assault or sexual abuse, it also hosts a blog and informational webinars.
- Man Therapy: A mental health campaign for men, it uses humor to encourage this segment of the population to seek support for mental health issues.
Mental Health Resources for Veterans
Veterans often face many challenges after their service, such as an increased risk of substance abuse, unemployment, homelessness, and suicide.
Resources to help veterans include:
- Center for Women Veterans: As part of the VA, this group offers high-quality mental health services to female veterans through their VA benefits.
- Veterans Crisis Line: This hotline for veterans and their families is free, confidential, and available 24/7 and staffed by crisis counselors.
- VetChange: A free online program targeted toward veterans who want to quit drinking alcohol, it includes educational resources, as well as tools like a goal and progress tracker.
LGBTQ+ veterans are especially at risk of developing a substance abuse problem. Resources for LGBTQ+ veterans can help them get the mental health and medical care they deserve.
Mental Health Resources for Young People
Adolescents and young adults can also benefit from resources directed toward them and their unique needs and challenges. Many of these resources are geared toward prevention and supporting family members worried about young people who are struggling.
Mental health resources for youth include:
- Active Minds: This organization provides community, school, and workplace programs and events and offers educational information and resources.
- Bring Change to Mind: This group sponsors school programs and events and also gives people the opportunity to support youth advocates for mental health.
- Love Is Respect: A resource on domestic abuse and dating violence that is specifically for young adults, it includes a live helpline and chat line and specialized help for LGBTQIA+ youth.
Mental Health Resources for Sexual Abuse & Assault Victims
Sexual assault and abuse can leave victims feeling scared, hopeless, and depressed and can lead to many mental health issues.
Resources for victims of sexual abuse include:
- National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC): This organization provides extensive resources for survivors and their families.
- Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN): As the nation’s largest organization devoted to anti-sexual violence, RAINN offers numerous resources for victims, including a free and confidential National Sexual Assault Hotline.
- VAWnet: An offshoot of the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, VAWnet provides resources for women who are victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.
Mental Health Resources for Caregivers
Caregiving is a profession or family role that can come with a lot of stress and has a high risk of burnout. Caregivers often need support themselves, but much of their energy goes toward helping others.
Caregiver mental health resources include:
- American Association of Retired Persons (AARP): AARP provides a state-by-state resource guide on available caregiver tools for health, financial, or legal assistance.
- Caregiver Support Foundation: This nonprofit organization and charity offers in-person events and support groups for caregivers and their loved ones.
- Family Caregiver Alliance: This organization provides information to caregivers on how to care for themselves and gives them access to support groups and mentorship.
