Resources

If you need help in a crisis:

United Way offers a listing of resources for each region of our state. Just type in your zip code at the top of the page and they will connect you to your local area website. http://www.liveunited.org/

The numbers for the National Suicide Prevention Crisis hot line are as follows:
1-800-784-2433 and 1-800-273-8255

Statewide Resources:

VOCAL now has a "email warm line" for people who like to chat and would like a friendly response within a few days. Edward, a volunteer at our Charlottesville office, answers emails once or twice weekly. Not a "hot line" nor crisis line, more like a penpal. Edward can also connect folks with statewide and local resources. Edward@Vocalvirginia.org

The Department of Mental Health Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services allocates and funds mental health services provided by the state. This website provides extensive information about services all over the state of Virginia. This site will also help you locate your local public mental health agency. http://www.dmhmrsas.virginia.gov/

Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy is Virginia's protection and Advocacy system serving people with any type of disability. They give resource guidance to individuals with disabilities who feel that they have been treated unfairly or discriminated against. http://www.vopa.state.va.us/

Virginia Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association is a statewide organization committed to the psychiatric rehabilitation and recovery of those who have experienced a mental disability. http://www.vapra.org/

VACSB represents Community Services Boards and Behavioral Health Authorities regarding federal and state public policy, regulations, and other issues impacting behavioral health and developmental services. The VACSB, through its Councils and Committees, works with state agency partners in problem identification and solutions to service delivery issues. The VACSB also provides advocacy and education for members and for the public at large. http://www.vacsb.org/

Mental Health America of Virginia promotes advocacy, recovery and education about mental illness in Virginia. http://www.mhav.org/

National Alliance on Mental Illness of Virginia is dedicated to the eradication of mental illnesses and to the improvement of the quality of life for persons of all ages who are affected by mental illnesses. www.namivirginia.org.

Helpline in central Virginia can be reached at 434-295-TALK (8255)

Nationwide Resources:

SAMHSA has identified eight strategic initiatives to focus the Agency's work on improving lives and capitalizing on emerging opportunities. These initiatives will focus SAMHSA's efforts and maximize the impact of our resources on areas of urgency and opportunity. They will also enable SAMHSA to shift its programs to better compliment the shifting policy landscape resulting from the Affordable Care Act and Parity. SAMHSA recently released a detailed plan for achieving the goals of the agency's eight new strategic initiatives entitled Leading Change: A Plan for SAMHSA's Roles and Actions 2011 – 2014. Everyone is encouraged to read the plan and provide feedback, which can be found here.

The National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery has released a position paper about guidelines for promoting recovery through choice and alternatives. We affirm the power of each person to discover his or her own path to recovery. "We are concerned about the over-reliance by health and mental health care providers on psychiatric pharmaceuticals. We are pro-choice regarding psychiatric medication, services and supports." The full document can be found here.

The Icarus Project The Icarus Project envisions a new culture and language that resonates with our actual experiences of 'mental illness' rather than trying to fit our lives into a conventional framework. Discussion boards, articles, free downloads and more. http://www.theicarusproject.net/

http://www.DrugWatch.com  Website providing information on prescription and over- the- counter medications that cause serious side effects.. Along with drug safety we hope to educate about suicide prevention by warning against drugs that result in severe depression.

MedlinePlus is an extensive and all-encompassing guide to drugs (prescription, non-prescription, generic), supplements and herbal remedies. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginformation.html

National Institute of Mental Health is the largest scientific organization in the world dedicated to research focused on the understanding, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders and the promotion of mental health. Their website contains research information on symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of various mental illnesses. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/

The National Association of Peer Specialists is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to peer support in mental health systems. This website offers information on the peer specialist movement and is setup to share ideas, strategies, and information about innovative programs that work. http://www.naops.org/

The National Consumers Self-Help Clearinghouse connects consumers to self-help and advocacy resources and offers expertise to and about peer-run programs. http://www.mhselfhelp.org

Life After Labels - You can read mental health stories about resistance and recovery, and post your own at: Life After Labels. Help show young people and the newly-labeled after the hopelessness of psychiatric labeling
http://www.lifeafterlabels.org/

The Abilities Fund offers great online resources about business development for entrepreneurs with disabilities. www.abilitiesfund.org.

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance offers an array of information on Depression and Bipolar Disorder and provides information about support groups and related events all over the country. http://www.dbsalliance.org/

Anxiety Disorders Association of America provides an extensive source of information about several types of anxiety disorders, treatment options, support group information, etc. http://www.adaa.org/

Breaking the Silence - Lesson plans, games and posters created to break the silence about mental illness in our schools. http://www.btslessonplans.org/

To Write Love on Her Arms- A Christian based organization, that believes in recovery and works with persons facing depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. Check out their website at http://www.twloha.com

www.moodletter.com Great online resource for people living with anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder - over 175 articles.

American Psychological Association website offers an abundance of professional literature about several different types of psychological disorders. It provides a link to find a psychologist. http://www.apa.org/

National Alliance on Mental Illness is a nonprofit, grassroots, self-help, support and advocacy organization of consumers and families and friends of consumers. http://www.nami.org/
 
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DISCLAIMER This page is offered strictly for informational and support purposes. We assume no liability whatsoever for any consequences arising out your use of information or connections provided through any of the above organizations. VOCAL does not necessarily agree with information provided by these organizations, their websites, members or other affiliations.