Website Resources for Parents

ADDICTION RECOVERY MANAGEMENT SERVICES (ARMS) www.addictionanswers.com
This program at Massachusetts General Hospital is an invaluable resource specializing in supporting teenagers and young adults between the ages of 15 and 25, and their families, as they deal with substance abuse related issues.
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY (AACAP) www.aacap.org (202) 464-0131
A non profit medical association dedicated to treating and improving the quality of life for children, adolescents and families affected by mental, behavioral, or developmental disorders. It includes many educational materials and extensive lists of child psychiatrists and how to contact them.
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF SUICIDOLOGY, www.sucidology.org (202) 237-2280
Promotes research, public awareness, public education and training for professionals and volunteers. Runs suicide centers across the U.S. and lists emergency numbers for their centers.
ANXIETY DISORDERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA, www.adaa.org
Dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and care of anxiety disorders and to improving the lives of all people who suffer from them.
AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION, www.afsp.org
Dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research, education, and to reaching out to people with mood disorders and those impacted by suicide.
BEFRIENDS, www.befrienders.org
A website with information and resources for suicide prevention including
a listing of help lines available in countries around the world.
BIPOLAR NETWORK NEWS(BNN), www.bipolarnews.org
The BNN reports the latest news on Bipolar Disorder research and treatment with a strong focus on childhood onset illness. The aim is to share and explain information on emerging trends in research and treatment of bipolar illness that will help educate patients, family members, physicians and other professionals in the field. The newsletter is available free of charge to all who request it.
BP CHILDREN, www.bpchildren.com
Information, publications and resources for young people and adults to help them understand pediatric Bipolar Disorder. They provide an excellent list of resources for helping teens manage school.
bpMAGAZINE and bp CANADA, www.bphope.com and www.bphope.ca
These are online magazines for children and adults living with Bipolar Disorder, and a community for people with shared concerns and varied experiences.
CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION, www.cmha.ca
A nationwide charitable organization for gaining education on general mental health and parenting issues. Assesses and refers out.
CENTER FOR ADDICTION AND MENTAL HEALTH, www.camh.net
Canadian research facility and hospital which provides patient care. Includes assessment and referrals for children’s mental health issues.
CHADD (Child And Adult Attention Deficit Disorder), www.chadd.org
Provides information and resources for people with ADHD and their families, offering support for individuals, parents, teachers, and professionals.
DAILY STRENGTH, www.dailystrength.org/C/Bipolar-Disorder/support-group
Online support groups, including ‘Bipolar’, ‘Bipolar Teens’, ‘College Stress and many more. This site also has an ‘Ask the Expert feature.
DEPRESSION AND BIPOLAR SUPPORT ALLIANCE (DBSA), www.dbsalliance.org (800) 826-3632
Offers up to date information on depression and Bipolar Disorder, as well as listings to patient support groups across the U.S.
THE HINKS-DELLCREST CENTER, www.hinksdellcrest.org/
A children’s mental health center located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Gives parents general information on child and adolescent behaviors and general information on mental health issues. Does assessment.
MENTAL ILLNESS: WHAT A DIFFENCE A FRIEND MAKES, www.whatadifference.samhsa.gov/learn.asp?nav
Resources for people living with mental illness, their friends, and information. Real life stories and tools to help in the recovery process.
MOOD DISORDERS SOCIETY OF CANADA, www.mooddisorderscanada.ca
A national, not for profit, consumer driven, voluntary health charity committed to ensuring that the voices of consumers, family members and caregivers are heard on issues relating to mental health and mental illness, and in particular with regard to depression, bipolar illness and other associated mood disorders. Gives links for anxiety and mood disorders including Bipolar Disorder.
MOOD DISORDERS SOCIETY OF ONTARIO, www.mooddisorders.on.ca/new.html
(416) 486-8046; toll-free (888) 486-8236
Offers regular support groups and provides information and support for families of a youth or young adult living with a mood disorder and/or psychosis.
NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness), www.nami.org (866) 615-6464
The nation’s largest grassroots organization for people with mental illness and their families. Offering mental health support, education, and advocacy. Articles on different mental disorders, medication, discussion boards.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE, www.nida.nih.gov
Bringing the power of science to bear on drug abuse and addiction. A major government agency involved in the research of juvenile (and adult) drug and alcohol use and abuse.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH (NIMH), www.nimh.nih.gov
The largest scientific organization in the world dedicated to research focused on the understanding, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders and the promotion of mental health.
REACHOUT, www.reachout.com
Produced by SAMHSA, this site has videos, audio clips, and stories by teens directed towards teens. Addresses issues of mental illness, suicide, self injury, relationships, issues, maintaining good health and much more.
SELF ABUSE FINALLY ENDS (S.A.F.E.), www.selfinjury.com (800) 366-8288
A nationally recognized treatment approach, professional network, and educational resource base, which is committed to helping you and others achieve an end to self-injurious behavior. There are parent webinars on how to understand and help their children.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES (SAMHSA), (800)789-264
Government’s National Mental Health Information Center, providing information about mental health via its toll-free number.
STARFISH Advocacy Association, www.starfishadvocacy.com
Offers education information, online classes, support and resources for parents raising children with neurological disorders.
S.T.E.P. Up For Kids, www.stepup4kids.com (866) 922-5437
A non profit foundation dedicated to supporting kids with Bipolar Disorder and their families. This includes support groups, downloadable fact sheets, research articles, and strategies for promoting public awareness.
The Balanced Mind Foundation, thebalancedmind.org
TBM is a parented, nonprofit, web-based, membership organization of families raising children diagnosed with, or at risk for, pediatric Bipolar Disorder. They offer information on diagnosis, treatment, and related issues. Particularly helpful is information on how to locate a pediatric/adolescent mental health provider who sees children with Bipolar Disorder in your area.
The Clay Center For Healthy Young Minds (www.pathstodream.org)
The Clay Center at Massachusetts General Hospital is built on the belief that knowledge is power. To that end, the Center aims to be a reliable and trusted source of information on how to understand and support the mental health and learning needs of young people, prevent hardships and develop coping strategies for those at risk of emotional distress. This is an extremely user friendly site filled with invaluable information for all parents.