Where Can I Find Online Mental Health Resources

Mary-Lauren O’Crowley, LPC, NCC 

If you or a loved one is struggling with issues pertaining to mental health and are seeking trustworthy resources, you have come to the right place. Below, you will find a list of notable mental health websites which provide valuable, research-based information to assist you as you navigate your personal mental health journey.

Online Mental Health Resources: What are They and Where can I Find Them? 

1. SAMHSA

         The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA)’s mandate is to reduce substance abuse and mental illness in the US. It was established to make available information, services, and publications regarding mental disorders and substance abuse. The website helps you track mental and behavioral treatment centers near you. It also founded the national suicide lifeline, which provides support 24 hours a day all through the week for people idealizing or who have attempted suicide. 

         Additionally, SAMHSA has several programs that aim to raise awareness and educate mental health practitioners and those struggling with mental health issues alike. Some examples include a program for equality in the provision of mental health services and another that promotes early intervention for juvenile and adult criminals. SAMHSA also provides tools that integrate mental health, substance abuse, and primary care to provide well-rounded, universal health care services. It has a wealth of evidence-based resources on mental health and substance abuse to assist the reader in better understanding the biological, psychological, and social aspects of mental health conditions.  

2. NIMH

         The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is the largest mental health institution in the world. It provides basic and clinical mental health research on prevention, interventions, and general mental health care. It is also a hub for research in behavioral neuroscience. Additionally, it provides clinical and peer-reviewed research on diagnoses, treatment options, and outcomes.

NIMH has an exhaustive list of mental disorders, including treatment, and prevention to help the reader make informed decisions concerning their own mental health. The information may be scientific and research-based in nature, but it is also easily accessible to and understood by all individuals seeking to learn more about various mental health issues.

3. The Suicide Prevention Hotline

         Suicidal ideation, or thoughts about harming yourself, is a symptom of several mental health disorders, including depression. The suicide prevention hotline – 1-800-273-8255 is a toll-free number where you can find support for 24 hours any day of the week. If you are battling suicidal thoughts, are self-harming, or have attempted suicide, you do not have to bear this burden alone.  This lifeline is a SAMHSA resource established to help anyone contemplating or attempting suicide. There are over 160 crisis stations throughout the US with dedicated people ready to listen and offer support.  

4. NAMI

         The National Alliance on Mental Illness is a platform that seeks to raise awareness, provide support and resources on mental health in the US. It has information on signs and symptoms of mental health conditions, treatment, US mental health demographic data, and past and current research on various mental health issues and topics. 

         Along with information on general mental health conditions, NAMI also provides information and support geared specifically towards suicidal ideation and attempts, substance use and abuse, and other behavioral manifestations of various mental health disorders. The platform teaches the reader how to identify signs mental illness, self-care, and access treatment to bounce back to health. Improve your understanding of mental disorders, interventions, and research. 

4. Mental Health Resources 

         Mental Health Resources (MHR) provides community-based services for adults. The organization specializes in interventions for substance abuse and mental health conditions. MHR currently provides its services through telephone or telehealth due to the pandemic. Services are rendered through a collaborative approach. The team involved includes experts, family members, and the community, which ultimately improves treatment outcomes. The progressive platform advocates for staff diversity for inclusion and improving the quality of services for all ethnicities. It also advocates for anti-racism to ensure everyone gets quality treatment regardless of race.  

If you or someone you know is looking for support, please reach out to the intake specialists at Symmetry Counseling today to be paired with a licensed counselor!