Finding background information for mental health or substance abuse stories can be a challenge. Since we review this type of information on a daily basis, we thought we could provide some direction. Below are some of the better sites:

Mental Health-Related Sites

National Institute of Mental Health
This is the official website of the government’s National Institute of Mental Health. It includes the latest news on mental health conditions and research, plus information about the signs, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment for numerous mental disorders.

National Mental Health Association
This is the official website of the National Mental Health Association, the oldest and largest non-profit organization focusing on mental health and mental illness. It is consumer-oriented, and includes information on treatment resources and support groups, medication resources, and fact sheets on a variety of mental health topics. You can also request free email alerts on the latest mental health news releases, legislation, and headlines.

National Mental Health Information Center
This organization falls under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This is their official website. It includes information on children’s mental health, youth violence, managing anxiety, a wide variety of programs and information on a variety of mental health topics, including disaster/trauma, youth violence prevention, and children and families. Many resources are listed.

Ohio Department of Mental Health
In addition to providing information about state mental health programs, legislation and funding, this site includes information about resources for those seeking help with mental illness at the local, state and national levels. This site is designed for professionals, rather than those seeking individual mental health help.

NAMI – National Alliance on Mental Illness
NAMI is “the nation’s voice on mental illness.” NAMI has organizations in every state and in over a thousand communities in the U.S. The organization is dedicated to the support, education, advocacy and research for those living with mental illness through a variety of activities. This user-friendly site contains information about mental disorders, treatment on various conditions, how to find support, and the recovery process. Also has information on finding a local NAMI group.

American Obesity Association
The American Obesity Association is the only obesity organization focused on changing public policy and perceptions about obesity. This organization has become an authoritative source for policy makers, media, professionals and patients on the obesity epidemic. Their programming areas include education, research, prevention, treatment, consumer protection and discrimination and stigma. Their website is full of useful information to professionals and consumers alike. Much of the content is available in Spanish.

Substance Abuse-Related Sites

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration
This site is for people looking for help with either substance abuse or mental health problems. Buttons at the top of the site direct users to either the substance abuse help or mental health help areas of the site. Content is easy to understand and follow. Other topics on the site include a wealth of information on topics including HIV/AIDS & Hepatitis, homelessness, and criminal and juvenile justice.

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
This organization provides national leadership in the effort to reduce alcohol-related problems. Its website contains much information about alcohol consumption and research, and a wide variety of pamphlets, brochures, and posters that you can download or order. You can also subscribe to the NIAAA’s free online newsletter.

Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services
Geared more toward professionals, this site includes state-related information on counselor credentialing, events, funding sources, legal and legislative rules, and news and publications. Recent research reports are also posted.

For Middle School Students
This website, targeting middle school students, contains information about alcohol consumption, how alcohol affects you, and how to resist peer pressure.

For College Students
This site, created by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, is a one-stop resource for comprehensive information on issues related to alcohol abuse and binge drinking among college students. It includes statistics, brochures, classroom curriculum, the latest research, and information about alcohol and drinking.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving
This site includes stats and resources on drunk driving, plus much information on DWI/DUI laws, underage drinking research, and other issues related to MADD’s mission.

Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)
This independent non-profit organization evaluates services and programs to assure quality and the best possible client outcomes. Its website includes listings of providers, free publications and educational opportunities. CARF is one of our accrediting organizations.

Preble County Mental Health and Recovery Board is the mental health planning board for Preble County. Its website includes information about the board, information about the Ohio Mental Health Act of 1988, a listing of local network providers, and links to related state and local organizations.

Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS Board of Montgomery County)
This is the website for the ADAMHS Board for Montgomery County. This organization is charged with improving and promoting mental health, to facilitate recovery from mental illness and chemical dependency and to prevent alcohol and drug abuse. To do this, ADAMHS contracts with local agencies, such as Samaritan Behavioral Health, to provide such services. This website contains information about the ADAMHS board, its members and meeting schedule.