Resource Organizations
Community Care Behavioral Health Organization
Community Care Behavioral Health Organization is a nonprofit dedicated to the well-being of the community. It works to ensure that mental health services continue to evolve and move in the direction of empowering people with lived experience and embracing the concept of recovery. This organization maintains partnerships with key stakeholders and focuses on treatment outcomes by way of evaluation. Their Web site includes a page dedicated to creative solutions to promoting recovery and educational newsletters for adults with mental disorders and for parents of children with mental disorders.
Michigan Disability Rights Coalition
The Michigan Disability Rights Coalition (MDRC) works to ensure that individuals with disabilities are afforded the same opportunities and rights as people without disabilities to live full lives within their communities. The MDRC values grassroots efforts and economic self-sufficiency, encouraging people with disabilities to organize locally. Also, their Web site offers various resources, including information on housing and recovery.
ediONLINE
Offered by Cornell University's Employment and Disability Institute (EDI), ediONLINE is a resource for policymakers, advocates, managers, and others looking to improve their work in supporting employment for people with disabilities. The courses provided through this resource share practical methods of hands-on learning and other skills to enhance work with individuals with disabilities seeking or working to maintain employment. Participants in these courses also have an opportunity to earn a Cornell certificate through ediONLINE.
EveryOne Home
With over 6,000 people homeless in Alameda County (in California) each night, this organization strives to end homelessness by working to put Alameda County resources to use and by seeking Federal and State funding. Through their Web site, they offer resources, information, and applications for their EveryOne Housed Academy, which helps others develop strategies to help homeless people move to permanent housing. They also offer access to their research findings on homelessness in Alameda County.
National Resource Center for Hispanic Mental Health
The National Resource Center for Hispanic Mental Health (NRCHMH) promotes quality mental health services and works to counter the inequalities in mental health treatment for Hispanics in the U.S. The organization sponsors activities to increase the knowledge of mental health agency administrators and direct care service providers in meeting the needs of Hispanic people in mental health programs.Through policy development initiatives, technical assistance, anti-discrimination campaigns, and trainings, NRCHMH strives to increase awareness and acceptance of mental disorders among Hispanic people.
Models for Change: Systems Reform in Juvenile Justice
This organization works with different states to provide accountability, rehabilitation, and protection from harm to juveniles in the justice system. Models for Change promotes multiple models of successful juvenile justice reforms that can be adapted and replicated as a means of effecting system-wide reforms in other jurisdictions. Key issues for change focused on by Models for Change include the use of evidence-based practices in juvenile programs and services, collaboration among juvenile justice and mental health professionals, and the use of community-based alternatives as solutions.
National Association of County Behavioral Heath & Developmental Disability Directors (NACBHDD)
The National Association of County Behavioral Health & Developmental Disability Directors (NACBHDD) serves as a national voice for behavioral health and developmental disability authorities. The NACBHDD highlights directors' views on significant behavioral health-related issues to Congress and other Government officials. It also promotes policies that support counties in their efforts to help people impacted by mental and substance use disorders and developmental disabilities, as well as partnering with other organizations on issues related to funding, availability and quality of publicly funded behavioral health, and related supportive services.
The National Association of ADA Coordinators
The National Association of ADA Coordinators is a nonprofit organization that educates public and private entities on all aspects of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Association works with key Government agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the U.S. Department of Education, to plan conferences focused on the ADA. They also provide trainings to both public and private sector organizations on topics including reasonable accommodation development and ADA attitudinal awareness to increase understanding and compliance and reduce the need for litigation.
ChildTrauma Academy
The ChildTrauma Academy (CTA) works to better the lives of children through direct service, research and education. The CTA helps translate scientific findings related to child development and the human brain into practical terms. Their work has had great influence on therapy programs, child protection, and educational systems.
National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare
The National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare works to ensure that indiviudals with mental and substance use disorders have access to quality healthcare services. The National Council advocates for public policy related to mental and substance use disorders and provides educational resources to assist their members in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of their services.
Centre for Economic and Social Inclusion
The Centre for Economic and Social Inclusion is a not-for-profit company in the United Kingdom dedicated to tackling disadvantage and promoting social justice. The Centre works with the government, interest groups, businesses, and the public sector to offer research and policy services and training and consultation. Key areas of social policy expertise include welfare to work, homelessness, criminal justice, and social exclusion. The Centre's new Web site, InclusionUS, can be accessed at http://socialinclusionus.org.
National Network to Eliminate Disparities in Behavioral Health (NNED)
The National Network to Eliminate Disparities in Behavioral Health (NNED) was established with support from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in partnership with the National Alliance of Multi-ethnic Behavioral Health Associations. NNED is dedicated to promoting equality for behavioral health services for individuals, families, and communities. It aims to promote policies, practices, standards, and research to eliminate behavioral health disparities through the development of a diverse national network of racial, ethnic, cultural, and sexual minority communities and organizations. NNED works with network members to share community-based knowledge of and training in multicultural and community-based practices, encourage collaboration, and research and design best practices.
Best Practices in Schizophrenia Treatment (BeST) Center
The focus of the Best Practices in Schizophrenia Treatment (BeST) Center is to promote recovery and better the lives of individuals with schizophrenia. The BeST Center works to accomplish this by encouraging the use of evidence-based and promising practices among policy makers, mental health partners, and family members. Also, the BeST center offers training, evaluation, consultation, and education and outreach activities to help enhance local systems.
SAMHSA's Partners for Recovery
SAMHSA's Partners for Recovery (PFR) seeks to better services and systems of care and supports and provide resources to services that work to prevent and treat behavioral health problems. PFR does this with a focus on five key areas: recovery, cross-systems collaboration, stigma reduction, workforce development, and leadership development. PFR works with different programs, including community partners and Federal agencies, to address the needs of those with or at risk of substance use conditions. PFR also develops technical resources and provides informration and tools to recovering individuals, providers, and state and local governments to respond to stigma.
Highland Users Group (HUG)
Highland Users Group (HUG) is a collective advocacy group comprised of mental health consumers working to improve the treatment of mental health consumers within the Highlands of Scotland. HUG campaigns work to improve the rights and services of consumers. HUG works with youth and the media and conducts trainings to increase awareness among professionals.
SAMHSA Services in Supportive Housing
SAMHSA's Services in Supportive Housing (SSH) enhances supportive housing for individuals in need by facilitating communication between the federal government and providers of supportive housing, providing an environment for housing providers to meet and exchange knowledge. This SSH initiative develops products for distribution thoughout the homeless services field while also ensuring the involvement of consumers. A list of current grantees and a description of their programs is included on this Web site.
Gay and Lesbian Equality Network (GLEN)
The Gay and Lesbian Equality Network (GLEN) is a non-governmental organization that works to achieve full equality, inclusion, and discrimination protection for lesbian, gay, and bisexual people in Ireland. It focuses on influencing policy and working with mainstream partner organizations. Its website features a section on behavioral health and well-being that includes a report and links to related organizations.
California Network of Mental Health Clients (CNMHC)
The CNMHC is a statewide, consumer-run organization that advocates for the rights and acceptance of behavioral health consumers. The organization educates the public on behavioral health topics and is involved in related policy decisions. The CNMHC website includes descriptions of its State projects, contact information for client-run organizations throughout California, and links to resources and other organizations.
New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services (NYAPRS)
NYAPRS is a coalition of behavioral health consumers and providers from across the State of New York. The organization advocates for the rights of people with behavioral health problems and spreads the message that recovery is possible for all consumers. NYAPRS peer services division connects consumers with peer groups and peer-run programs, though the coalition's holistic approach goes much further by influencing public policy, transforming services, assisting with community and economic development, and promoting cultural competence within systems of care.
Queensland Alliance
The Queensland Alliance, a Non Government Organization (NGO) which supports over 240 community organizations working in mental health in Queensland, Australia advocates for community services that promote mental health and well being. Their goals are social inclusion and community well-being; a mental health system focused on people's recovery in their own homes and communities; and easy access to information and strategies that promote mental health. The Queensland Alliance recently launched an $8.5M four-year initiative to reduce negative stereotypes about mental illness and negative perceptions of people with mental health problems.
Coalition for Iraq + Afghanistan Veterans
This national non-partisan partnership of organizations is committed to working with and on behalf of all military veterans, families, survivors, and providers to strengthen the existing system of care and support for all those affected by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Swords to Plowshares-Iraq Veteran Project
A project of Swords to Plowshares, the Iraq Veteran Project was launched in 2005 to ensure that recent veterans receive the support, services, and protection they need to successfully transition home. This project offers a range of assistance, including employment services, benefits advocacy, health and social services, and housing services.
Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA)
VVA is an organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the full range of issues important to Vietnam veterans, creating a new identity for this generation of veterans, and changing public perception of Vietnam veterans. The Veterans Health Council, a program of VVA, serves as an information source for Vietnam veterans and veterans of more recent wars; it aims to ensure that veterans and their families are aware of health issues and available military benefits, to educate providers and educational institutions about health issues associated with military service, and to support veterans' healthcare initiatives.
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)
IAVA is the country's first and largest nonprofit organization working to improve the lives of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom veterans and their families. IAVA is dedicated to educating the public about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; advocating on behalf of those who have served; and fostering a community for troops, veterans, and their families.
Time to Change
Time to Change is England's most ambitious program to end discrimination faced by people who experience mental health problems. With 35 projects led by Mind and Rethink, the program is backed by international evidence on what works and has at its heart people with direct experience with mental health problems.
Real Warriors Campaign
The Real Warriors Campaign is a program of the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury. It promotes the reintegration of returning service members with their families and communities.
Pathways to Housing
Pathways to Housing uses a "housing first" model to advocate for people experiencing mental health problems and homelessness. In this recovery-based approach, clients are welcomed into housing, which can become a base for treatment services such as mental and physical health, substance abuse, education, and employment.
Institute for Community Inclusion
Established in 1967, the Institute for Community Inclusion at the University of Massachusetts-Boston works to promote the rights of all individuals who have disabilities to be fully involved in their communities. This social justice work is accomplished through partnerships with various stakeholders, including individuals, their families, and their communities.
National Social Inclusion Programme
The National Social Inclusion Programme is responsible for the implementation of the activities outlined by the Mental Health and Social Exclusion Report.
Adler Institute on Social Exclusion
The Adler Institute on Social Exclusion works to promote the academic and public understanding of the concept of 'social exclusion' and the factors that create and increase the severity of this condition. The institute also works to identify the most effective ways of addressing social exclusion through prevention and intervention. The institute supports these goals though research, outreach, and awareness programs.
Mental Health Voter Empowerment Project (MHVEP)
The purpose of Mental Health Voter Empowerment Project is to bring mental illness out of the darkness and into the mainstream of American society. It is envisioned as a program that will enable the population of individuals living with mental illness, and those concerned about mental health, to realize their potential as a "voting constituency of consequence."
The Senior Citizens League (TSCL)
The mission of The Senior Citizens League is to promote and assist members and supporters, to educate and alert senior citizens about their rights and freedoms as U.S. Citizens, and to protect and defend the benefits senior citizens have earned and paid for. TSCL's work often addresses mental health issues, including the stigma and discrimation surrounding mental illnesses.
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
1801 L Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20507
Phone: 800-669-4000
E-mail: info@ask.eeoc.gov
(Include your zip code and/or city and state so that your email will be sent to the appropriate office.) Through the operations of 50 field offices nationwide, the EEOC coordinates all federal equal employment opportunity regulations, practices, and policies.
Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP)
U.S. Department of Labor
200 Constitution Ave., NW
Washington DC 20210
Phone: 866-633-7365
The Office of Disability Employment Policy provides national leadership by developing and influencing disability-related employment policy as well as practice affecting the employment of people with disabilities.
Technical Assistance Collaborative (TAC)
535 Boylston Street, Suite 1301
Boston, MA 02116
Phone: 617-266-5657
E-mail: info@tacinc.org
TAC is a national non-profit organization that works to achieve positive outcomes on behalf of people with disabilities, people who are homeless, and people with other special needs by providing state-of-the-art information, capacity building, and technical expertise to organizations and policymakers in the areas of mental health, substance abuse, human services, and affordable housing.
National Coalition of Mental Health Consumer/Survivor Organizations
1300 L Street NW, Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: 978-590-2014
E-mail: info@ncmhcso.org
The National Coalition of Mental Health Consumer/Survivor Organizations is a coalition of people with psychiatric diagnoses who counter stigma and discrimination through the evidence of their recovery. The organization ensures that consumer/survivors have a major voice in the development and implementation of health care, mental health, and social policies at the state and national levels, empowering people to recover and lead a full life in the community.
Research and Training Center for Children's Mental Health
The Research and Training Center for Children?s Mental Health works to strengthen the empirical foundation for effective systems of care, and improve services for children with serious emotional or behavioral disorders and their families.
13301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33612-3807
Phone: 813-974-4661
American Psychological Association (Public Policy Office)
The American Psychological Association (APA) Public Policy Office represents the largest and most visible national presence advocating for psychology at the federal level. APA works closely with decision-makers on Capitol Hill and in federal agencies as they formulate legislation and regulations of interest to psychologists.
750 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242
Phone: (202) 336-5500
Toll-free phone: (800) 374-2721
Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law
The mission of the Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law is to protect and advance the rights of adults and children who have mental disabilities. The Center envisions an America where people who have mental illnesses or developmental disabilities exercise their own life choices and have access to the resources that enable them to participate fully in their communities. For three decades, the Center has been the nation's leading legal advocate for people with mental disabilities.
1101 15th Street, NW
Suite 1212
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: 202-467-5730
TDD: 202-4674232
Fax: 202-223-0409
The Carter Center
The Carter Center focuses on mental health policy issues through four strategic goals: to increase worldwide public awareness about mental health and mental illness, and to stimulate local actions to address those issues; to achieve equity for mental health care comparable to other health care; advancing promotion, prevention, and early intervention services for children and their families, and to reduce the stigma and discrimination against people with mental illnesses.
The Carter Center
One Copenhill
453 Freedom Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30307
Phone: 404-420-5156
E-mail: carterweb@emory.edu
Fountain House
Fountain House is a nationally recognized center for research into the rehabilitation of individuals with mental illnesses. It is a key training base for the worldwide replication of Fountain House's pioneering Clubhouse Model. Increasingly, too, it is an influential voice in continuing efforts - local, statewide and national - both to promote the rights of men and women with mental illness and to battle the barriers and stigma they face.
425 West 47th Street
New York, NY 10036
Phone: 212-582-0340
E-mail: fhinfo@fountainhouse.org
International Center for Clubhouse Development (ICCD)
The International Center for Clubhouse Development promotes the development and strengthening of clubhouses; oversees the creation and evolution of standards; facilitates and assures the quality of training, consultation, certification, research and advocacy; and provides effective communication and dissemination of information.
425 West 47th Street
New York, NY 10036
Phone: 212-582-0343
E-mail: webmaster@iccd.org
National Mental Health Information Center
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) National Mental Health Information Center provides information about mental health for users of mental health services, their families, the general public, policy makers, providers, and the media. It has an array of publications available to the public at no-cost.
P.O. Box 42557
Washington, DC 20015
Phone: 800-789-2647
E-mail: nmhic-info@samhsa.hhs.gov
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Colonial Place Three
2107 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300
Arlington, VA 22201-3042
Phone: 703-524-7600
E-mail: info@nami.org
The National Alliance on Mental Illness is the nation?s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons living with serious mental illness and their families. It has an extensive network of local and state affiliates that support the NAMI mission through advocacy, research, education.
Mental Health America
2000 N. Beauregard Street, 6th Floor
Alexandria, VA 22311
Phone: 800-969-6642
Mental Health America (formerly known as the National Mental Health Association) is the country?s leading nonprofit dedicated to helping ALL people live mentally healthier lives. With our more than 320 affiliates nationwide, they represent a growing movement of Americans who promote mental wellness for the health and well-being of the nation ? everyday and in times of crisis.
The National Coalition of Mental Health Professionals and Consumers
P.O. Box 438
Commack, New York, 11725
Phone: 866-826-2548
E-mail: Kathleen Saccardi, NCMHPC@aol.com
The National Coalition of Mental Health Professionals & Consumers is a grassroots organization of professionals from all mental health and substance abuse care disciplines, consumers of mental health and substance abuse services, clergy, attorneys, and consumer advocates. The organization's goals are to preserve quality care and the consumer?s rights to choice, personal privacy, and control over treatment decisions.