Librarian's Picks: Mental Health.

'Quick picks' from librarians at the National Rehabilitation Information Center.

According to the American Psychological Association: "some 84 percent of Americans realize that good mental health plays an important role in their overall health and well-being, yet the same research shows that almost half of Americans don't know when it's appropriate to seek professional help."

In addition, the National Institute of Mental Health estimates that 22.1 percent of Americans over the age of 18 have a diagnosable mental disorder or disability. Psychological, behavioral, and psychiatric disabilities account for four of the ten leading causes of disability.

The organizations, agencies, and websites listed in this brochure can help you seek information, treatment, and support for you, a friend, or a family member.

For more resources, visit our Ready Reference Resources page of Mental Health or search the Knowledgebase. You may also download the brochure in PDF format at the bottom of this page. Disponible en español.

Information and Support

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Toll Free: 800/950-NAMI (6264)
nami.org.
NAMI is a nonprofit support organization for people with mental illness and their families and friends. Volunteers at local affiliates and state organizations provide education, support, and advocacy in their communities. The website includes online communities, publications, and other resources. Registration is free, but required for some areas of the site.

The National Association for the Dually Diagnosed (NADD)
Toll Free: 800/331-5362, 845/331-4336
thenadd.org.
NADD is a national organization designed to educate the professional community, support parents, and advocate for resources for people who have psychiatric disorders and intellectual/developmental disabilities. NADD publishes a newsletter, offers online classes, print and multiple audiovisual materials, distributes brochures, sponsors regional and national conferences, and offers referral services. Visit the online directory of IDD/MH providers thenadd.org/resources/nadd-consortium.

National Institute of Mental Health
Toll Free: 866/615-6464 (V), 866/415-8051 (TTY)
nimh.nih.gov.
The National Institute of Mental Health conducts research in mental health issues. The Health & Education section provides resources on specific disorders, as well as general mental health. The publications page includes booklets, factsheets, and easy-to-read  materials on a variety of mental health topics.

Mental Health America (MHA)
Toll Free: 800/969-6642
mentalhealthamerica.net.
Mental Health America is focused on: prevention for all, early identification and intervention for those at risk, integrated health and behavioral health care for those who need it, and recovery as a goal. Through 240 affiliates across the country, MHA provides a broad range of programs and services including finding and developing housing for homeless individuals, offering support groups and referrals for counseling, and providing programs and services in communities.

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP)
Phone: 202/996-7300
aacap.org.
The AACAP works to promote an understanding of mental illnesses and remove the stigma associated with them; advance efforts in prevention of mental illnesses, and assure proper treatment and access to services for children and adolescents. Website provides information for youth and families, professionals and students, resources and downloadable publications on specific disorders, and the child and adolescent psychiatrist finder.

National Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health (FFCMH)
Phone: 240/403-1901
ffcmh.org.
The National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health is a national family-run organization linking more than 120 chapters and state organizations that provide resources, tools, support, and services to children and youth with emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges, and their families.

National Empowerment Center (NEC)
Toll free: 800/power2u (769-3728)
power2u.org.
The National Empowerment Center seeks to carry a message of hope, healing, recovery, and empowerment to expatients or survivors of mental health issues, consumers, and professionals. NEC provides referral (English/Spanish) and information about topics such as advance directives, shock treatment, schizophrenia, self-help groups and advocacy organizations in your area, meditation, self-help techniques, and coping with depression. Maintains a list of consumer-run statewide organizations.

Treatment and Therapy

SAMHSA's National Helpline
Toll Free: 800/662-HELP (4357)
www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline.
Also known as, the Treatment Referral Routing Service, this Helpline provides 24-hour free and confidential treatment referral and information about mental and/or substance use disorders, prevention, and recovery in English and Spanish. Wide variety of publications and other resources are available to download.

American Psychological Association (APA)
Toll Free: 800/374-2721, 202/336-5500
apa.org.
The APA is a scientific and professional organization that represents psychology in the United States. With nearly 130,000 members, APA is the largest association of psychologists worldwide. The APA promotes psychology through supported research, publications, and public education. The website includes topic pages, publications, member resources, and the Psychology Help Center that provides resources for consumers.

American Psychiatric Asociation
Toll Free: 888/35-PSYCH (357-7924)
psychiatry.org.
Website section for the public has information on a variety of topics.

Onlice Resources

Attach a File: 
PDF icon mental health.pdf