Updated November 21, 2018
An extensive collection of resources for mental health, wellness, and personal development. Explore evidence-based practices for mental illness and to read about available treatments. Access research, statistics, online courses, and self-help guides. This list also includes free downloadable worksheets, toolkits, and assessments for mental health professionals. Lastly, this list has a section for Washington, DC area resources, including help for domestic violence and a link to register for a free naloxone administration training.
Education and Advocacy Websites
Mental Health Advocacy and Research
American Mental Wellness Association
Prevention, intervention, and articles and information
A site dedicated to transforming the lives of people experiencing mental health problems in the world’s poorest communities
An organization dedicated to ending the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health
The goal of the Campaign to Change Direction is to change the culture of mental health in America so that all of those in need receive the care and support they deserve.
Provides one-stop access to U.S. government mental health and mental health problems information
MHA – founded in 1909 – is the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and to promoting the overall mental health of all Americans
Mental Health Research Network
A site dedicated to mental health research
NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness
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
Addiction and Recovery
Center for Substance Abuse Research
A university-based research institute addressing issues related to alcohol and other drugs
Science-based, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to finding, promoting, and enacting solutions for the addiction crisis
Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America
Preventing alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse
Addiction and recovery information and resources for finding help
A non-profit site dedicated to reducing the harm caused by the abuse of alcohol
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
An advocacy organization dedicated to fighting addiction
Partnership for Drug-Free Kids
A site providing support and guidance for families affected by addiction
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA’s mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities. Access free downloadable publications, workbooks, and toolkits for evidence-based practices. Use the treatment locator tool to find help for substance use and mental illnesses.
Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Elder Abuse
Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers
An international, multi-disciplinary organization dedicated to making society safer by preventing sexual abuse
National Center on Elder Abuse
Resources for elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation
The National Domestic Violence Hotline
Speak with an advocate or access resources for domestic violence and healthy relationships
This joint effort between the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) aims to provide a variety of eLearning modules to educate and support you in your efforts to prevent and respond to sexual violence.
A global campaign to raise awareness about violence against women
Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN)
The nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline and carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
Dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women
CDC’s Division of Violence Prevention site. Access tools and trainings, prevention information, and resources
Child Abuse and Bullying
A site dedicated to preventing adverse childhood events, healing trauma, and building resistance
Brings care and awareness of children victimized by trafficking, bullying, and abuse
A non-profit charity aiding victims of child abuse. Call the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453
A site dedicated to ending child sexual abuse
Moore Center for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse
An organization that supports and conducts research to expand the understanding of child sexual abuse and educates policymakers and the public to develop proven strategies for the prevention of child abuse
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Comprehensive reporting center for all issues related to the prevention of and recovery from child victimization
Training, policies, and ways to help
Self-Injury
Adolescent Self-Injury Foundation
Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing hope and resources for adolescents and young adults who self-injure and their families
International Society for the Study of Self-Injury
An organization dedicated to advancing research and treatment for non-suicidal self-injury
Self-Injury and Recovery Research and Resources
Resources for self-injury
Research, education, advocacy, and support for self-injury
Self-Injury Outreach and Support
Information and resources for those who self-injure, those who have recovered, or those who want to help
Support and resources for women and girls
A nonprofit movement dedicated to providing hope and help for individuals who struggle with self-injury, depression, addiction, and suicide
Suicide Prevention and Recovery
A charitable nonprofit that provides online healing support and other services for people who are coping with suicide loss
American Association of Suicidology
A nonprofit organization that promotes research, public awareness programs, public education, and training for professionals and volunteers
A voluntary health organization that raises awareness, funds scientific research, and provides education. AFSP also supports survivors of suicide
International Association for Suicide Prevention
A site dedicated to preventing suicidal behavior, alleviating its effects, and providing information for mental health workers, advocates, and suicide survivors
1-800-273-8255
The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
Information on suicide, mental illness, and coping with loss
Suicide Prevention Resource Center
Suicide prevention resources including trainings, toolkits, programs, and more
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide
Resources for suicide survivors and for mental health professionals
Grief and Bereavement
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement
A nonprofit organization dedicated to helping those grieving the death of a pet
A national nonprofit self-help group that offers support, understanding, compassion and hope to bereaved parents grandparents or siblings struggling to rebuild their lives after the death of their children, grandchildren or siblings
The Center for Complicated Grief
A site dedicated to improving the lives of people suffering from complicated grief by helping clinicians and the general public learn how to recognize complicated grief
The Compassionate Friends: Supporting Family After a Child Dies
Provides highly personal comfort, hope, and support to families experiencing the death of a son or a daughter, a brother or a sister, or a grandchild, and helps others better assist the grieving family
A public charity offering global support to parents devastated by miscarriage, stillbirth, and early infant loss through programs that educate the public, inspire healing through service to others, and empower the hurting
National Alliance for Grieving Children
A nonprofit organization that raises awareness about the needs of children and teens who are grieving a death and provides education and resources for anyone who supports them
National Organization of Parents of Murdered Children
Providing support and assistance to all survivors of homicide victims
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors
A nonprofit site offering compassionate care to all those grieving the loss of a loved one who died while serving in the Armed Forces or as a result of his or her service
Supporting widowed mothers and fathers with children in the home
Autism
A site dedicated to promoting solutions for the needs of individual with autism and their families. This site provides resources, research, advocacy opportunities, and more.
A nonprofit organization dedicated to disseminating evidence-based information about the treatment of autism spectrum disorder, promoting best practices, and offering comprehensive and reliable resources for families, practitioners, and communities
Anxiety and Mood Disorders
An international nonprofit organization and a leader in education, training, and research for anxiety, depression and related disorders. Access free information and resources
A leading peer-based national organization to provide hope, help, support, and education to individuals with mood disorders. Educational materials, free online screenings, information for clinicians, and a tool to locate a local (peer-led) support group.
National Social Anxiety Center
Promotes evidence-based treatments for social anxiety and provides resources for individuals struggling with SAD and for clinicians
Shyness: Sponsored by the Shyness Institute
Resources for people seeking information and services for shyness and social anxiety
Eating Disorders
A site for professionals and individuals to explore and learn how to apply mindfulness practices to their relationships with food and eating
ANAD is a nonprofit organization that provides education, treatment resources, and support programs. ANAD assists individuals struggling with eating disorders and provides information for family members and loved ones
Eating disorders information including a screening tool, a treatment locator tool, and a helpline. This site also has a collection of educational videos and webinars.
Personality Disorders
Borderline Personality Disorder Demystified
Information and resources for individuals suffering from borderline personality disorder
Providing information, advice, and support for those affected by personality disorders
National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder
A resource for families and individuals with borderline personality disorder. Provides education, raises awareness, and promotes research.
TARA: Treatment and Research Advancements for Borderline Personality Disorder
A national not-for-profit education and advocacy organization providing information on BPD and other personality disorders to families, consumers, and providers
Schizophrenia and Related Disorders
Early Assessment and Support Alliance
Provides information and support to young people experiencing symptoms of psychosis for the first time
An internet community dedicated to providing high quality information, support and education to the family members, caregivers and individuals whose lives have been impacted by schizophrenia
An organization dedicated to improving the lives of those with schizophrenia. SARDAA provides education, treatment resources, and a collection of videos.
Trauma and PTSD
International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
Resources for assessing and treating traumatic stress disorders
This site is dedicated to providing education and research on trauma and PTSD. The site includes sections for both the public and for professionals.
The Trauma Informed Care Project
Trauma resources for consumers and providers
Other Mental Disorders
A non-profit site that aims to advance education and understanding of BDD, supporting research and treatments
This donor-supported nonprofit organization aims to increase access to effective treatment for OCD and to end the stigma surrounding mental health. The IOCDF provides resources and support for individuals with OCD and their family members and loved ones.
The TLC Foundation for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors
A site dedicated to sharing knowledge, supporting recovery, and finding a cure for body-focused repetitive behavior disorders (i.e. skin picking, hair pulling)
Tourette Association of America
Information and resources for tourette syndrome
Mindfulness
American Mindfulness Research Association
Mindfulness research and practice
Mindful: Healthy Mind, Healthy Life
A nonprofit dedicated to inspiring, guiding, and connecting anyone who wants to explore mindfulness
Stress
The mission of AIS is to improve the health of the community and the world by setting the standard of excellence of stress management in education, research, clinical care and the workplace. AIS provides research, statistics, and articles on stress. You can also take an online stress assessment or enroll in a free course.
A nonprofit organisation dedicated to helping individuals and companies recognise and reduce stress
Additional Resources
Assisted Living Research Institute: Assisted Living Options for People with Disabilities
A community organization focused on helping older adults maximize the various stages of life. One of their missions is helping people living with disabilities learn about all available care options.
Greater Good: Science-Based Insights for a Meaningful Life
From the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley (articles, quizzes, and more)
An organization dedicated to improving health and well-being through sleep education and advocacy
The latest research and news in science and health
Recommended Reading
Nola, Lisa. Listography: Your Life in Lists. Lists and journaling prompts for personal development
Seal, Moorea (2015). The 52 Lists Project. A year of lists
Torrey, E. F. (2001). Surviving Schizophrenia: A Family Manual, 6th ed. Since its first publication in 1983, Surviving Schizophrenia has become the standard reference book on the disorder. In clear language, this much-praised book describes the nature, causes, symptoms, treatment, and course of schizophrenia and also explores living with it from both the patient’s and the family’s point of view. This new, completely updated sixth edition includes the latest research findings on what causes the disease, as well as information about the newest drugs for treatment, and answers the questions most often asked by families, consumers, and providers.
Books and Resources for Therapists
Armstrong, C. (2015). The Therapeutic “Aha!” Strategies for Getting Your Clients Unstuck.
Belmont, J. (2015). The Therapist’s Ultimate Solution Book.
Ultimate Solution Handouts Free printable handouts for therapists
Finley, J., & Lenz, B. (2014). Addiction Treatment Homework Planner, 5th ed. Provides you with an array of ready-to-use, between-session assignments designed to fit virtually every therapeutic mode.
A variety of free worksheets, handouts, book chapters, articles, and more. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a unique and creative model for both therapy and coaching; a type of cognitive behavioural therapy based on the innovative use of mindfulness and values.
The Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and Addiction – Tools and Resources
The Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and Addiction (CARMHA) is an internationally recognized research centre based at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver. CARMHA conducts innovative and interdisciplinary scientific research related to mental health and substance use, primarily in the areas of clinical or other intervention practice, health systems and population health and epidemiology. Access free downloadable workbooks for stress in the workplace, depression, coping with chronic pain, and other topics.
Centre for Clinical Interventions
Free downloadable workbooks on anxiety, self-esteem, eating disorders, panic, perfectionism, and more
Courtney Armstrong, LPC – Free Tips, Tools, and Handouts
Fresh ideas for healing trauma, depression, and anxiety based on neuroscience. Access articles and handouts.
Marriage Intelligence: “Love Tools”
Free downloadable worksheets for surviving infidelity, forgiveness, communication, etc.
Get Self-Help – Free Resources
This website provides CBT self-help and therapy resources, including a large collection of worksheets and information sheets and self-help mp3s; a useful tools for therapists or individuals seeking to manage a mental health condition.
Kim’s Counseling Corner – Therapy and Self-Help Worksheets
Kim Peterson, LPC-S, specializes in child and teen issues, parenthood, play therapy and relationships. She provides links to online worksheets or PDF versions that she has collected over time as a therapist. Topics include abuse, depression, anxiety, self-harm, and more.
Free management, leadership, and personal effectiveness worksheets and tools. (Join the Mind Tools Club for a fee to access additional tools and online courses.)
National Center for PTSD for Professionals
Free handouts, toolkits, online trainings, and more
Psychology Tools is a leading online resource for therapists. Download free worksheets, assessments, and guides.
An extensive collection of free evidence-based education and therapy tools. Download customizable worksheets or access articles and treatment guides. An invaluable resource for therapists.
UW Medicine: Harborview Medical Center (Center for Sexual Assault and Traumatic Stress)
Handouts/worksheets for clients on coping with challenging thoughts, anxiety, anger, etc. The site also includes a list of assessments.
Recommended Memoirs
Alice, . (1971). Go Ask Alice. The story of a 15-year-old American drug addict, based on her own diary
Burroughs, A. (2003). Dry: A Memoir.
Cohen, K. (2008). Loose Girl: A Memoir of Promiscuity.
Hamill, P. (1994). A Drinking Life: A Memoir.
Kaysen, S. (1993). Girl, Interrupted.
King, H. (2006). Parched: A Memoir.
Knapp, C. (1997). Drinking: A Love Story.
Wurtzel, E. (1994). Prozac Nation: Young and Depressed in America.
Zailckas, K. (2005). Smashed: Story of a Drunken Girlhood.
Blogs and Self-Help Websites
Take psychological self-tests and quizzes, read about symptoms and treatments, compare types of counselling and psychotherapy, learn about secure online therapy, and more
A site for individuals seeking information on DBT. This site includes DBT skill lessons, flash cards, diary cards, mindfulness videos, and more.
Collaborates with Harvard Health Publications to provide a wide range of unbiased, motivating resources and self-help tools for mental, social, and emotional. 100% nonprofit; dedicated to Morgan Leslie Segal, who died by suicide when she was 29.
Janaburson’s Blog – All About Opioid Addiction and Its Treatment with Medication
A blog created to help people better understand the medication-assisted treatment of opioid addiction using either buprenorphine (Suboxone) or methadone from a physician, board-certified in Internal Medicine and Addiction Medicine
Advocacy blog for mental health reform
Self-Compassion by Dr. Kristin Neff
Test your level of self-compassion, watch videos, and download guided meditations
Providing the principles, patterns, and practices needed for personal development and success; a source for skilled living and personal empowerment
SucceedSocially.com is an extensive, completely free collection of articles on social skills and getting past social awkwardness. It’s written by someone who’s struggled socially himself, and who has degrees in psychology and counseling.
Additional Resources for Mental Health Professionals and Self-Help
Free Online Academic Journals for Mental Health Professionals
Free Online Assessment and Screening Tools for Mental Health
Free Online Education for Mental Health Professionals
Free Printable PDF Workbooks, Manuals, and Self-Help Guides
Drug and Supplement Safety Websites
Dietary Supplements for Exercise and Athletic Performance
Dietary Supplements for Weight Loss
A comprehensive database featuring information and news alerts about potentially dangerous drugs currently on the market or previously available worldwide. The Web site is dedicated to keeping the public informed about drug recalls, side effects, and pending litigation associated with various drugs and their manufacturers.
Free Online College Courses
Coursera provides universal access to the world’s best education, partnering with top universities and organizations to offer free online courses.
Take free online courses from the best universities and institutions in the world — Harvard, MIT, UC Berkeley, Microsoft, Tsinghua University, The Smithsonian and more.
All courses in one place. Course Buffet finds and organizes free college courses from over 17 platforms and 200+ universities, enabling you to search for them in one spot.
Local Resources (Washington DC Metro Area)
A free service that can help with finding local resources (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Access Community Lecture Series
These free workshops are designed for parents, families, individuals and professionals in the disability community and are open to the public.
Support groups, seminars, lectures, health programs, fitness classes, and more
Legal, social, and language services for vulnerable immigrants in the DMV area
Catholic Charities of Arlington
Affordable counseling services
Center Clinic at George Washington University
Graduate-level students provide affordable counseling services to children, adolescents, and adults in the DC metro area.
Low-cost counseling services for individuals, couples, and families
Recovery support and resources for people and families affected by addiction
Community Counseling Services Center
Graduate-level students provide low-cost counseling services in the Washington, DC area
CARF-accredited behavioral health treatment in Montgomery County, MD. Services include residential rehab, psychiatric rehab, day programs, vocational services, transitional-aged youth services, a vocational art program, clinical services, crisis care, integrated health, and mental health first aid.
On this website you can learn about Virginia’s Medicaid and FAMIS programs for children, pregnant women, and adults. You can also find information about health insurance options available through the Federal Marketplace. Use the site’s eligibility screening tool or find someone to help you apply for insurance. (Adults in Virginia between the ages of 19-64 qualify for low or no-cost health insurance if their yearly income is below $16,754.)
Information on the opioid epidemic in Virginia
Book clubs, free classes, workshops, and more
Call the hotline at 202-333-RAPE. DCRCC also provides counseling and victim assistance services.
Emergency Mental Health and Detox Services in Fairfax County
Fairfax County Domestic Violence Community Resources
Book clubs, free classes, workshops, tutoring, and more
Free REVIVE! Trainings to Prevent Opioid Overdose
REVIVE! trains individuals on what to do and not do in an overdose situation, how to administer naloxone, and what to do afterwards. Each attendee also receives a free REVIVE! kit, which includes all the supplies needed to administer naloxone.
George Mason Center for Psychological Services
Offers a range of evidence-based treatment services and has a sliding scale fee
Harrison House/Recovery Unplugged
A unique drug and alcohol treatment center located in Northern VA. Recovery Unplugged’s mission is to provide hope and healing for individuals affected by addiction using the power of music.
Grief support services and groups in Annandale, VA
Free support groups, lectures, and health and fitness classes in Montgomery County, MD
IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery
Treatment for substance abuse, PTSD, and co-occurring disorders exclusively for members of the IAFF (International Association of Fire Fighters) located in Upper Marlboro, MD
AA meetings in Springfield, VA
Health and wellness programs, weight loss seminars, lectures, fitness classes, and support groups
Free, volunteer-run classes on various topics
Maryland Psychotherapy Clinic and Research Lab
Low-cost counseling services for adults in Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, and the DC metro area, located at the University of Maryland in College Park
A sober living environment for men in early recovery
Montgomery County Public Libraries
Book clubs, free classes, workshops, and more
Narcotics Anonymous (Northern Virginia Area)
Network for Victim Recovery of DC
Victim assistance services
Northern Virginia Intergroup (AA)
Northern Virginia Mental Health Foundation
A site to raise awareness and acceptance of persons with mental health issues and to provide individuals seeking mental health services with help and information
A free program for seniors (60+) in the Northern Virginia area. Services include social calls, daily reminders (i.e. medications, appointments, etc.), and welfare/safety checks.
A Northern Virginia hotline. Call 703-527-4077
Quitline – DC Tobacco Free Coalition
Free smoking cessation program (including free nicotine patches and lozenges) for DC residents
Located in Alexandria, VA. AA, Al-Anon, and Alateen meetings
Pro bono services for individuals who are unemployed, uninsured, or otherwise unable to afford counseling (Burtonsville, MD location only)
A recovery club in Falls Church, VA. (Meetings include AA, NA, CoDA, Debtors Anonymous, Sex and Love Addicts, Marijuana Anonymous, Clutterers Anonymous, Love Addicts, Heroin Anonymous, Survivors of Incest Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, and more)
Wendt Center for Loss and Healing
Services for grief, loss, and trauma in Washington, DC
A non-profit counseling and education center
Please contact me using the contact form or send an email to cassiejewellLPC@gmail.com if a link is not working or if you’d like to submit a resource.
