Mental Health
I try to speak openly and honestly about my mental health journey because it’s so incredibly important to remove the stigma that still surrounds mental illness. I am also acutely aware of how privileged I am in the resources and support that are available to me. With that, I wanted to offer a space that would provide some great resources—some of which have helped me tremendously—to those who may need them also (all resources linked below!). But more than anything I want this to be a safe space where we can discuss our mental health journeys, struggles, and victories. Because although our experiences with mental health can look very different from one another, it is critical to know that we are not alone.
The Alabama Department of Mental Health serves more than 200,000 Alabama citizens with mental illnesses, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders with several locations all over the state of Alabama. Its mission is to serve, empower, support, and promote the health and well-being of Alabamians.
Alabama Mental Health is a directory designed to provide statewide listings of Private Practitioners and Organizations, providing mental health services, support, and information in the State of Alabama, providing a pathway/access to mental health care.
The Loveland Foundation’s mission is to bring opportunity and healing to communities of color, especially to Black women and girls. Through fellowships, residency programs, listening tours, and more, ultimately they hope to contribute to both the empowerment and the liberation of the communities they serve. With the barriers affecting access to treatment by members of diverse ethnic and racial groups, the Loveland Therapy Fund provides financial assistance to Black women and girls seeking therapy nationally. ((As an official advocate of this organization, this cause is very near and dear to my heart. If you are able, please consider donating to this very worthy cause, and let's continue to openly discuss and normalize the importance of mental health for all of us.))
Mental Health America (MHA) 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. MHA’s work is driven by its commitment to promote mental health as a critical part of overall wellness, including prevention services for all; early identification and intervention for those at risk; integrated care, services, and supports for those who need them; with recovery as the goal.
The Mental Health Coalition was formed with the understanding that the mental health crisis is fueled by a pervasive and devastating stigma, preventing millions of individuals from being able to seek the critical treatment they need. Their mission is to catalyze like-minded communities to work together to destigmatize mental health and empower access to vital resources and necessary support for all. ((They also offer specific mental health support and resources for Black, BIPOC, AAPI, & LGBTQ communities, as well as resources specific to challenges we’re experiencing in midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.))
NAMI of Alabama is an organization of families, friends, and individuals whose lives have been affected by mental illness. They advocate for better lives for those individuals who have a mental illness, ensuring affiliates have the capacity to provide quality support and education for those affected by mental illness and advocate at all levels of government and the public sector for increased funding, services, support, and research for mental illness.
Psychology Today is the world’s largest mental health and behavioral science destination online. It is the original and largest publishing enterprise that is exclusively dedicated to human behavior. PsychologyToday.com is the world’s largest portal to psychotherapy and includes free access to hundreds of thousands of mental health professionals. ((Fun fact: this is the tool that I used to find my current incredible therapist)) :)
Talkspace is therapy for all with a mission to provide more people with convenient access to licensed therapists who can help those in need live a happier and healthier life. Online counseling lets you connect with a licensed, professional therapist from the privacy of your device 24/7 at a significantly lower cost than traditional, in-person counseling—offering comprehensive online mental health treatment options to meet all your needs.
What’s Missing?
This is by no means a full and complete list—just a starting point for those looking to seek help or support a cause—and I’m always looking out for new/other resources and advocacy groups. Got an organization that you think should be added to this list?