Updated January 12, 2020
An extensive collection of resources for mental health, wellness, and personal development
Explore evidence-based practices for mental illness and read about available treatments. Access research, statistics, online courses, and self-help guides. This list also includes links to free downloadable worksheets, toolkits, and assessments for mental health professionals.
Education & Advocacy Websites
Mental Health
- The Advocacy Alliance
- American Counseling Association
- American Mental Wellness Association
- American Psychiatric Association
- American Psychological Association
- Association of Humanistic Psychology
- Basic Needs
- BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services
- Bring Change to Mind
- The Campaign to Change Direction
- Canadian Mental Health Association
- The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
- Foundation for Excellence in Mental Health Care
- Give An Hour
- Half of Us
- Here To Help
- The Kennedy Forum
- MentalHealth.gov
- Mental Health America
- Mental Health Research Network
- MindFreedom International
- Minds on the Edge
- National Alliance on Mental Health
- National Association of Social Workers
- National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors
- The National Institute of Mental Health
- The National Network to Eliminate Disparities in Behavioral Health (NNED)
- Open Sourcing Mental Illness
- Safe Harbor (“Alternative Mental Health”)
Addiction & Recovery
- Addiction Technology Transfer Center Network
- American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry
- American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence
- Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction
- Canadian Institute on Substance Use Research
- Celebrate Recovery
- Center for Substance Abuse Research
- Center on Addiction
- The Coalition to Prevent ADHD Medication Misuse
- Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America
- Faces and Voices of Recovery
- Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Drug Misuse Prevention and Recovery
- Moderation Management
- MOMSTELL
- National Association for Children of Addiction
- National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers
- National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors
- National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
- National Institute on Drug Abuse
- Office of National Drug Control Policy
- Refuge Recovery
- Recovery Research Institute
- SAMHSA
- Shatterproof
- SMART Recovery
- Start Your Recovery
- William White Papers
- World Health Organization on Management of Substance Abuse
Anxiety & Mood Disorders
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America
- Anxiety Canada
- Calm Clinic
- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
- The Depression Portal
- Heads Up Guys
- International Bipolar Foundation
- International Society for Bipolar Disorders
- Mood Disorders Association of British Columbia
- National Social Anxiety Center
- Postpartum Depression
- Postpartum Support International
- Shyness: Sponsored by the Shyness Institute
Schizophrenia & Related Disorders
- British Columbia Schizophrenia Society
- Early Assessment and Support Alliance
- InterVoice
- One Mind
- Paranoid Thoughts
- PEPPNET
- Strong 365
- Schizophrenia.com
- Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America
Trauma, Dissociation, & PTSD
- Association of Traumatic Stress Specialists
- The Center for Victims of Torture
- Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Foundation
- David Baldwin’s Trauma Information Pages
- DIDiva – A Dissociative Identity Response Compendium
- Healing Tree
- An Infinite Mind
- International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation
- International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
- National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse
- National Center for PTSD
- PTSD Association of Canada
- Sidran Institute: Traumatic Stress Education & Advocacy
- Trauma Dissociation
- The Trauma Informed Care Project
- Trauma Intervention Programs, Inc.
- Trauma Recovery
Personality Disorders
- Borderline Personality Disorder Demystified
- BPD World
- National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder
- TARA: Treatment and Research Advancements for Borderline Personality Disorder
Eating Disorders
- Academy for Eating Disorders
- Beat Eating Disorders
- Bodywhys: The Eating Disorders Association of Ireland
- The Center for Mindful Eating
- Eating Disorders Coalition
- Eating Disorder Hope
- F.E.A.S.T.
- Jessie’s Legacy
- MEDA: Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association
- National Association for Males with Eating Disorders
- National Association of Anorexia Nervousa and Associated Disorders
- National Eating Disorder Information Centre
- National Eating Disorders Association
- Project Heal
- Recovery Spark
- Something Fishy
ADHD & Autism
- Attention Deficit Disorder Association
- Autism Speaks
- Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
- Living with ADD
- National Autism Center
- Spectrum
Other Mental Disorders
- Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation
- International OCD Foundation
- The TLC Foundation for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors
- Tourette Association of America
Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, & stalking
- 1 in 6
- Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers
- Battered Women’s Justice Program
- DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence
- Helpmate: Domestic Violence Advocacy
- Just Detention International
- Legal Resource Center on Violence Against Women
- Love Is Respect
- Male Survivor
- Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault
- National Center for Victims of Crime
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline
- National Sexual Violence Resource Center
- No More
- One in Three Women
- Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN)
- SafeHouse Center
- S.E.S.A.M.E.
- Stalking Resource Center
- UN Women
- VetoViolence
- Women’sLaw.org
human trafficking
Child Abuse & Bullying
- ACEs Connection
- The American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children
- Ark of Hope for Children
- The Bully Project
- Child Abuse Prevention Network
- Child Help
- Child Trauma Institute
- Child Witness to Violence Project
- Darkness To Light
- Moore Center for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse
- National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
- The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
- Prevent Child Abuse America
- StopBullying.gov
elder abuse
- Elder Protection Center (State Elder Abuse Hotlines)
- The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse
- National Adult Protective Services Association
- National Center on Elder Abuse
Children & families
- American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- BPChildren
- FamilySmart
- National Association for Children’s Behavioral Health
- National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health
- National Parenting Center
- Partnership for Drug-Free Kids
- Separated Parenting Access and Resource Center
Adolescents & young adults
- Active Minds
- Born This Way Foundation
- Boys Town
- Eluna
- Hardy Girls, Healthy Women
- The Glendon Association
- The JED Foundation
- Love Is Louder
- Minding Your Mind
- National Runaway Safeline
- One Love
- Safe Place
- Seize the Awkward
- Sources of Strength
- The Steve Fund
- TeenMentalHealth.org
- U Lifeline
LGBTQ
- GATE
- Gender Spectrum
- The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association
- It Gets Better Project
- No More Fear Foundation
- OutRight Action International
- Trans Lifeline
- TransYouth Family Allies
- The Trevor Project
military & Veterans
- Lifeline for Vets (National Veterans Foundation)
- Military OneSource
- National Center for PTSD
- Real Warriors
- Service Women’s Action Network
- The Soldiers Project
Self-Injury
- Adolescent Self-Injury Foundation
- Harmless
- International Society for the Study of Self-Injury
- S.A.F.E. Alternatives
- Self-Injury and Recovery Research and Resources
- Self-Injury Foundation
- Self-Injury Outreach and Support
- Self-Injury Support
- To Write Love on Her Arms
Suicide Prevention & Recovery
- Alliance of Hope
- American Association of Suicidology
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
- The Columbia Lighthouse Project
- International Association for Suicide Prevention
- The Jason Foundation
- Means Matter
- National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
- Please Live
- Samaritans
- Suicide Awareness Voices of Education
- Suicide: Finding Hope
- Suicide Prevention Resource Center
- Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide
Grief & Bereavement
- Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement
- Bereaved Parents of the USA
- The Center for Complicated Grief
- The Compassionate Friends: Supporting Family After a Child Dies
- Miscarriage Matters, Inc.
- National Alliance for Grieving Children
- National Organization of Parents of Murdered Children
- Share Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support
- Star Legacy Foundation
- Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors
- Widowed Parent
Cult & Harmful Religion Recovery
- End Ritual Abuse
- Families Against Cult Teachings and Abuses
- Footsteps
- Freedom of Mind
- International Cultic Studies Association
- Journey Free – Recovery from Harmful Religion
- RA Info: Ritual Abuse, Ritual Crime and Healing
- Recovering from Religion
- Survival Network of Those Abused by Priests (SNAP)
- Survivorship
Torture Survivors
wellness, self-care, & emotional intelligence
- American Sleep Association
- Authentic Happiness
- Biofeedback Federation of Europe
- Center for Healthy Minds
- Charter for Compassion
- Emotional Intelligence
- The Forgiveness Project
- Greater Good: Science-Based Insights for a Meaningful Life
- International Forgiveness Institute
- National Sleep Foundation
- Personality Theories
- Positive Psychology Center
- The Pursuit of Happiness
- Sleep.org
- The Well-Being Institute
- World Sleep Society
- Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence
Mindfulness & Meditation
- American Mindfulness Research Association
- Mindful: Healthy Mind, Healthy Life
- Mindfulness Exercises
- Tara Brach
Stress
- The American Institute of Stress (AIS)
- International Stress Association
- International Stress Management Association
- Stress Management Society
Resources for finding help
- American Addiction Centers
- Assisted Living Research Institute: Assisted Living Options for People with Disabilities
- DrugAbuse.com
- DrugRehab.com
- Harm Reduction Coalition
- Legal Action Center
- The National Association for Free and Charitable Clinics
- National Empowerment Center
- Needy Meds
- Project Know
- RehabCenter
- RehabSpot
- SAMHSA Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator
- Spread The Vote
- The Support Group Project
Homelessness
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.
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.
National Mental Health Consumers’ Self-Help Clearinghouse
A peer-run resource center
A consumer resource featuring information related to psychological issues that affect emotional and physical well-being
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 & Self-Help
- 12-Step Recovery Groups
- Books and Resources for Therapists
- 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 & Supplement Safety Websites
- Dietary Supplements for Exercise and Athletic Performance
- Dietary Supplements for Weight Loss
- DEA List of Controlled Substances
- Drug Alert
Free Online College Courses
Local Resources in Northern Virginia (and Surrounding Areas)
A free service that can help with finding local resources (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Support groups, seminars, lectures, health programs, fitness classes, and more
A nonprofit organization focused on developing, evaluating, and refining prosecution practices related to gender-based violence and human trafficking
Provides free, high-quality healthcare to low-income, uninsured Arlington County adults
Legal, social, and language services for vulnerable immigrants in the DMV area
An emergency shelter in Northern Virginia that assists women and children who are victims of domestic violence.
Assists Vietnamese victims of trafficking and domestic violence
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
A nonprofit organization in Northern Virginia dedicated to ending poverty by working through partnerships and in collaboration with charities, churches, and human services agencies.
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
Free legal assistance
Book clubs, free classes, workshops, and more
Call the hotline at 202-333-RAPE. DCRCC also provides counseling and victim assistance services.
Operates free, walk-in clinics throughout the District so victims of abuse and domestic violence (and other needy DC residents) can access free legal services on a wide range of issues, social services referrals, crisis support, and safety planning
Emergency Mental Health and Detox Services in Fairfax County
A nonprofit organization in Northern Virginia dedicated to ending homelessness and the cycle of poverty.
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
Provides services for women and children dealing with homelessness, domestic violence, mental illness, substance abuse, and recent incarceration
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
Employment services
Free, volunteer-run classes on various topics
Legal Counsel for the Elderly (DC)
Free legal services
Working to increase access to quality education programs, healthy food, and family support
Provides housing and support services to at-risk immigrants and refugees
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
Empowers victims of domestic violence to live healthy, independent lives free from abuse and violence
Narcotics Anonymous (Northern Virginia Area)
Network for Victim Recovery of DC
Victim assistance services
Provides services to homeless women
Northern Virginia Family Services
A nonprofit organization that serves the diverse individuals and families in Northern Virginia who live in poverty. Services: Mental health, immigration legal services, foster care and adoption, homelessness and housing, workforce development, health and well-being, early childhood development, and youth initiatives.
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
Recovery Program Solutions of Virginia
Nonprofit promoting access to treatment and assisting individuals with serious mental illness and substance use disorders
A nonprofit organization supporting freedom from disordered eating. Programs include clinical services, recovery coaching, and community education.
For victims/survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence in Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, Orange, and Rappahannock
Provides free services to black women survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse
A shelter house for teens in crisis, young mothers, and homeless youth
Located in Alexandria, VA. AA, Al-Anon, and Alateen meetings
A nonprofit organization that provides crisis intervention, safe housing, and supportive services to the homeless and to victims of domestic violence in Northern Virginia.
Pro bono services for individuals who are unemployed, uninsured, or otherwise unable to afford counseling (Burtonsville, MD location only)
Legal services for individuals who are in debt
Empowers adults, children, and families to transform their lives
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)
Virginia Victim Assistance Network
Provides training for victim assistance professionals and advocates for the needs of crime victims
Washington Regional Alcohol Program
Working to prevent drunk driving and underage drinking in the DC area
Wendt Center for Loss and Healing
Services for grief, loss, and trauma in Washington, DC
A non-profit counseling and education center
Women’s Law Center of Maryland
Advocates for the physical safety, economic security, and autonomy of women throughout the state by providing direct legal representation, information and referral services, and legislative advocacy
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