Directory of Resources and Links: Counseling and Mental Health

Welcome to my hand-picked list of links to additional counseling, mental health, and self-help resources. Be sure to check back frequently, as this is an ever-growing and evolving directory.

Please note: While I believe most people will find the information on these websites to be helpful, I am not responsible for the content, claims, or representations of the listed sites and cannot attest to the clinical value of the material for any particular indiviudal or situation.

Crisis Services and Hotlines

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline‘s 24-hour toll-free crisis hotline, 988 will connect you to immediate help in your area.
• The Child-Help USA 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) crisis line assists both child and adult survivors of abuse, including sexual abuse. The hotline, staffed by mental health professionals, also provides treatment referrals.
• The National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) is a nonprofit organization specializing in crisis intervention, information, and referral services for domestic violence victims, perpetrators, friends and families.
• The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE. This nationwide partnership of more than 1,100 local rape treatment hotlines provides victims of sexual assault with free, confidential services around the clock.
• In areas where 211 is available, dialing the number 211 can connect you with mental health crisis services in your area.

Seattle-Area Crisis Services

• Child Protective Services is the division of DSHS of responsible for receiving and investigating reports of suspected child abuse and neglect. The hotline 1-866-ENDHARM (1-866-363-4276) is a 24/7, toll-free number that directs you to the appropriate local office to report suspected child abuse or neglect.
• Crisis Clinic of Seattle and King County provides a broad array of telephone-based crisis intervention and information as well as referral services. You can call them at 1-866-427-4747 or 206-461-3222.
• The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) provides the basics of life to Washington residents who need a helping hand. DSHS and its partners offer protection, comfort, food assistance, cash assistance, and a host of other services.
• The Office of Crime Victims Advocacy (OCVA) assists crime victims in accessing services and resources. It serves as an ombudsman for crime victims who are dissatisfied with the response they received in the aftermath of a crime. OCVA also provides individual case consultation to service providers and victim advocates regarding clients.
• Teen Link is a confidential, anonymous, and non-judgmental help line answered by teens between 6-10pm, 365 days a year. Teen volunteers are trained to listen to callers’ concerns and talk to them about whatever is on their minds. Call them at 1-866-TEENLINK or 206-461-4922.
• HearMeWa is a new statewide support system focused on the safety and well-being of young people. It offers a direct line to a national crisis center 24/7, 365 days a year. Help is available online or teens can also text “HearMeWA” to 738477
• Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs (WCSAP) provides information, training, and expertise to program and individual members who support victims, family and friends, the general public, and all those whose lives have been affected by sexual assault.

General Mental Health Information

• NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization. NAMI builds awareness about mental illness and advocates for access to services, treatment, supports, and research.
• The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is the largest research organization in the world specializing in mental illness. They maintain an extensive database of information on the topic of mental health.

Anxiety and Stress

• The National Institute of Mental Health’s page on anxiety disorders is a descriptive resource offering information on causes, signs and symptoms, and treatment.
• The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) is the leader in education, training, and research for anxiety, depression, and related disorders.
• The American Psychiatric Association, founded in 1844, is the world’s largest psychiatric organization. They provide a helpful overview of anxiety disorders.
• The American Psychological Association (APA) offers a great resource on panic disorders on their website.
• The National Center for PTSD is the world’s leading research and educational center on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Their website provides instant access to a range of educational information on trauma and PTSD in multiple formats for a variety of audiences.
• GoodTherapy.org offers practical information on managing stress.

Depression

• The American Psychological Association is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the U.S. They maintain an informative page on depression.
• The National Institute of Mental Health’s page on depression is a descriptive resource offering information on causes, signs and symptoms, and treatment.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness also offers a comprehensive depression fact sheet.

Parenting Skills and At-Risk Youth

• MedlinePlus provides information on health, education, safety, child care, and other resources for parents and grandparents.
• Child development experts have found that an authoritative parenting style is the most effective method for raising children who are both academically strong and emotionally stable. Parenting Science provides evidence-based information and suggestions for becoming an authoritative parent.
• The National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP) publishes an annual directory to inform professionals, programs, and families about the many schools and residential placement alternatives available to help struggling young people.

Substance Abuse and Addiction

• The SAMHSA Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator and the SAMHSA 24/7 Treatment and Referral line at 1-800-662-4357 provide referrals to alcohol, substance abuse, and dual diagnosis treatment facilities, including facilities that offer sliding scale fees and other special payment arrangements.
• The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) helps adults find alcohol treatment for themselves or an adult loved one.
• AllTreatment.com is a drug rehab center directory and substance abuse information resource. My Therapist Profile on their website is located here.
• The Rehab Locator offers a searchable database for drug and alcohol rehab centers.
• Universities or teaching hospitals may also be a source of low-cost or free treatment services. You can search for and contact the colleges and universities in your area to find out more about what might be available.
• Alcoholics Anonymous is an international organization that provides support groups for people trying to overcome alcoholism.
• Narcotics Anonymous is a global, community-based organization that supports recovery from addiction through a twelve-step program and includes regular attendance at group meetings.
• Al-Anon and Alateen are support groups for relatives and friends of alcoholics.