Resources
Mental illness and its treatment can be a confusing area to navigate for those not in medicine, and certainly for those who are new to psychiatric treatment. I have compiled a list of resources that may be helpful for patients as well as friends and family of patients who would like to learn more about psychiatric diagnosis and treatment.
Crisis Hotlines
If you or someone who know is in immediate danger of harming themselves or someone else, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for help.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). - A free, confidential crisis hotline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The hotline is able to provide crisis counseling for those in need, as well as referrals to mental health professionals where needed. If you are a veteran, press 1 after calling to reach veteran-specific resources.
- Crisis Text Line
Text "Hello" to 741741. - A free, confidential crisis hotline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The hotline is able to provide crisis counseling for those in need, as well as referrals to mental health professionals where needed.
National Support and Advocacy Organizations
These organizations offer not only online resources for further information regarding illness and treatment, but can also be used to locate clinicians and support groups in your area.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness
- One of the largest patient- and family-organized organizations in the nation. Here you can find resources regarding local support groups, get involved in charity and research, and attend classes to further your knowledge of psychiatric illness and treatment.
- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
- A non-profit advocacy and outreach group that is targeted towards patients with mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder, as well as their family and friends.
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America
- A non-profit advocacy and research organization centered around the prevention and treatment of anxiety disorders, depression, and OCD.
Education
Here are resources you can use to further your knowledge of psychiatric conditions, diagnosis, and treatment, including both psychotherapy, medications, and procedures such as TMS and ECT.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness — Mental Health Conditions
- A section of NAMI's website centering on education about various psychiatric conditions.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness — Treatments
- A section of NAMI's website centering on education about various psychiatric treatments, including medications, psychotherapy, and neuromodulation.
Substance Abuse/Dependence
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
- SAMHSA, a division of the Department of Health and Human Services, is an administration that centers particularly around substance abuse, including both alcohol and tobacco, as well as illicit substances. Their website provides resources for locating treatment targeting substance dependence, as well as 'dual diagnosis' treatment, which focuses on psychiatric illness in the setting of substance abuse.
Prescription Assistance
Here you can find resources regarding financial assistance for prescription coverage.
- GoodRx
- GoodRx is a program that contracts with most major pharmacies to offer discount cards for many different medications.
No subscription or sign-up is required ; you can simply go to the website, enter the drug name, dose, and quantity, and either print off the coupon for your pharmacy, or show the coupon to the pharmacist. The coupon is usedin place of your insurance. - NeedyMeds
- NeedyMeds is a website where you can look up manufacturer coupons and patient assistance programs for a variety of different brand name and generic medications.