Suggested Mental Health Resources

Part of the Mental Health Educational Toolkit.

The mental health and substance abuse resources listed below were selected based on recommendations from others, federal agency guidance or general internet research. Inclusion on this list of applications does not constitute an endorsement from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living, WRMA, Inc. or the Adult Protective Services Technical Assistance Resource Center.

U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

• Early Serious Mental Illness Treatment Locator - Use the Early Serious Mental Illness Treatment Locator, for information about treatment facilities in the States/Territories for a recent onset of serious mental illnesses such as psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other conditions. These evidence-based programs provide medication, therapy, family and peer support, assistance with education and employment and other services.

• SAMHSA Office of Behavioral Health Equity - Useful information regarding reducing disparities in mental and/or substance use disorders across populations. Focus areas for these groups: American Indidian/Alaska Native (AI/AN); Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI); Black; Hispanic; and LGBT.

• GAINS Center for Behavioral Health and Justice Transformation - GAINS focuses on expanding access to services for people with mental and/or substance use disorders who come into contact with the adult criminal justice system.

• Evidence-Based Practices Resource Center - If your APS program is looking to collaborate with others on an evidence-based practice initiative, search this Center’s website.

• Homelessness Programs and Resources - Learn about grants and program services to prevent and end homelessness for people with mental or substance abuse disorders.

• Medication-Assistance Treatment (MAT) - Learn about medication assistance treatment used to treat substance abuse disorders as well as support recovery.

• Resources for Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral for Treatment - SAMHSA’s Behavioral Health Treatment Locator can help you find mental health treatment facilities and programs around the country. You may also call SAMHSA’s 24-hour toll-free Referral Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).  Disaster Distress Helpline Call or Text 1-800-985-5990

• DisasterDistress.samhsa.gov

• The Power of Language - Learn about the importance of using appropriate terminology and language when writing about or depicting individuals with substance use disorders, or individuals who are in recovery.

• Tribal Training and Technical Assistance Center - Tribal assistance regarding mental and substance use disorders, suicide prevention, and mental health.

Other Hotlines and Resources

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources at 1-800-273-8255.

• Veteran's Crisis Line - Connect with the Veterans Crisis Line to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. 

• Federally Qualified Health Centers - FQHCC’s provide mental health and substance abuse disorders services. Use this site to search by zip code for centers.

• Connect2Affect - AARP Foundation spearheaded Connect2Affect to seek out solutions regarding social isolation. The goal is to create a network of resources that meets the needs of anyone who is isolated or lonely. This site includes a Social Isolation Risk Assessment.

Mobile Apps

• SAMHSA Disaster App - Access to evidenced-based mental health and substance use information, tools, and resources for use in the field.

• Centers for Disease Control (CDC) - Official CDC app for all types of health information.

• SAMHSA Suicide Safe - Tips for providers on how to communicate effectively with patients and their families, determine appropriate next steps, and make referrals to treatment and community.