Knowledge is Power
No matter what you do or the path you take in life, having all available information at your disposal is crucial in making the best-informed choices. This is especially true when it comes to your and your family’s mental health. Whether you just want more information on mental health or are in need of mental health services, having solid information will help you be more confident in choosing the best options. While information is key in finding the best mental health education services, where do you start?
This article will outline resources that provide mental health education services for you and your family. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it will give you a great place to start in finding the people and resources that will help you gain more knowledge about mental health.
Start Your Search Locally
When you start your search for mental health education programs, your first instinct is to hop on the computer and plug searches into Google. While you may find a few resources here and there, not having a clear direction on where to search will leave you spinning your wheels. When you first start searching for mental health education services, start your search locally by first talking to mental health providers located in or near your hometown. Mental health providers often have their own practice or can be found at local clinics, hospitals, or counseling firms.
Another local resource you can turn to is a non-profit mental health coalition. These resources are often affiliated with national mental health organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health America. Additionally, local colleges often have mental health staff and resources on campus, and you may get further resources from local mental health and substance abuse drop-in sites. If you live in rural areas with limited resources, Rural Health Info Hub (RHIhub) is an excellent mental health education resource.
Where to Find National Mental Health Education Services
Fortunately, you can visit excellent national organizations on the web to get excellent mental health education resources. When you do your internet search for mental health education, search for those that are sponsored by government entities or nationally renowned colleges (those with .gov and .edu in their addresses). These organizations are staffed with experienced mental health staff and feature information that is the product of extensive research and testing.
One excellent government-sponsored organization that provides mental health education services is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This government-sponsored website features mental health treatment locators, educational programs, and educational resources called TIP Sheets that provide in-depth information on a variety of mental health topics. They also feature a news section with current research, education, and national trends on mental health as well as substance abuse.
As mentioned earlier, NAMI is another excellent website for mental health education services. There is an entire section of their website devoted to mental health education. There are dedicated pages for the following:
- Family education
- Peer-to-peer education
- Family and friends education
- Provider education
- NAMI Homefront (for veterans and active military service members)
Additionally, there are resource pages for the Black and Latino community and links to support groups.
Another excellent national mental health education resource is Mental Health America (MHA). They provide educational resources, news, advocacy, and have updates on current legislation. They feature a full section on specific mental illnesses such as PTSD, schizophrenia, anxiety, and bipolar. Additionally, they cover topics such as suicide, youth mental illness, mental illness in minority communities, and warning signs of mental illness.
Finding Mental Health Services at Compassion Recovery
The search for mental health education services can be difficult. Having accurate and timely information on mental health and illness is crucial to the overall well-being of you and your family. If you need mental health education or need professional help, contact Compassion Recovery toll-free today. Our compassion treatment team provides intensive outpatient mental health treatment for teens and adults. We utilize innovative therapy programs that are tailored to meet your specific and unique needs. We believe in mental health treatment that is holistic and treats your entire being. With our IOP program, you will get the tools and support you need to address, manage, and overcome your mental illness. Call Compassion Recovery today and start living your best life.