Mental health remains one of the most crucial yet overlooked aspects of public health, affecting millions of people worldwide. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that nearly one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness (51.5 million in 2019), ranging from mild to severe conditions.
Addressing this immense challenge, numerous mental health nonprofits have emerged as leaders, tirelessly working to dismantle stigma, provide critical support, and advocate for adequate care.
These organizations, varied in their approaches and specialized in distinct aspects of mental health, strive to educate the public, support affected individuals, and influence policy to ensure a more inclusive and effective health care system.
Their efforts are not just a response to a growing crisis but a movement towards a more informed and empathetic society where mental well-being is prioritized alongside physical health.
These mental health nonprofits are just a few examples of the many groups making a profound impact in the field of mental health. By providing support, education, and advocacy, they play critical roles in improving the lives of millions.
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Mental Health Nonprofits
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
The National Alliance on Mental Illness, commonly known as NAMI, stands as a beacon of hope and a pillar of support in the United States for those affected by mental illness. Established in 1979 by a group of family members determined to find better treatment options for their loved ones suffering from mental illness, NAMI has grown into the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization.
With a mission centered around education, advocacy, and support, NAMI works tirelessly to improve the lives of individuals and families by fostering a better understanding of mental health conditions and pushing for reforms in the mental health care system.
- Mission: To provide advocacy, education, support, and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.
- History: Founded in 1979, NAMI has grown into the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
- Impact: NAMI’s influence is seen in its wide array of educational programs, advocacy at state and national levels, and direct support through a network of local affiliates and volunteers. The organization’s signature education program, “Family-to-Family,” has helped thousands of families gain a better understanding of mental illness and how to cope.
Mental Health America (MHA)
Mental Health America has been a leader in mental health support, recovery, and advocacy since its inception in 1909. As one of the most established community-based networks dedicated to helping those suffering from mental illness, MHA promotes mental health as a critical part of overall wellness. Through comprehensive, prevention-based resources and tools for early identification and intervention, MHA works to prevent mental health crises and facilitate recovery for millions of Americans annually.
- Mission: 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, and services and supports for those who need them.
- History: Founded in 1909, MHA is the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and promoting the overall mental health of all Americans.
- Impact: MHA’s programs reach millions every year, providing them with vital tools and information to improve their mental health or support someone they know. Their screening tools, used by millions, are a crucial first step for many in recognizing the signs of mental health conditions.
The Trevor Project
Founded in 1998 in response to the suicide of a young man named Trevor, The Trevor Project has evolved into the premier organization focused on preventing suicide among LGBTQ young people.
By providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services, The Trevor Project offers a lifeline to young people facing serious mental health challenges. Their round-the-clock crisis services, community building activities, and advocacy efforts make them a vital resource in the fight to save young LGBTQ lives.
- Mission: To end suicide among LGBTQ young people.
- History: Founded in 1998, The Trevor Project has become the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.
- Impact: Through a suite of nationwide programs, including a 24/7 crisis intervention lifeline, a social networking community for LGBTQ youth, and advocacy efforts, The Trevor Project offers support to thousands each year.
Brain & Behavior Research Foundation
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation is a powerhouse in the funding of mental health research, committed to alleviating the suffering caused by mental illness.
Established in 1987, the foundation awards grants to pioneering scientists worldwide, supporting research aimed at uncovering the causes and improving treatments for a wide range of mental health conditions. The work funded by the foundation has led to significant advances in the understanding of mental health, bringing hope and healing to millions.
- Mission: To alleviate the suffering caused by mental illness by awarding scientific research grants that will ultimately enable people to live full, happy, and productive lives.
- History: Established in 1987, the foundation has awarded over $418 million to fund more than 6,000 grants to more than 5,000 scientists around the world.
- Impact: The foundation is a leader in funding cutting-edge research into the causes, treatment, and prevention of mental illness. This funding has led to discoveries in understanding the biological and environmental factors behind mental health conditions.
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Child Mind Institute
The Child Mind Institute is an unparalleled force in the field of children’s mental health. Founded in 2009, it is dedicated to transforming the landscape of pediatric mental health care through innovative research and compassionate clinical care.
With a focus on developing evidence-based treatments and disseminating critical information to parents and caregivers, the Child Mind Institute is at the forefront of efforts to improve the lives of children struggling with mental health and learning disorders.
- Mission: To transform the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders.
- History: Founded in 2009, the Child Mind Institute is dedicated to transforming the field of children’s mental health through science, integrated clinical care, and impactful public education.
- Impact: The institute is known for its pioneering research on brain development and behavior. It offers clinical care to children and families and provides a wealth of free resources to parents worldwide.
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Active Minds
Active Minds focuses on mental health awareness and education primarily for students. By establishing student-led chapters across universities and high schools, Active Minds aims to destigmatize mental health issues and create supportive communities. Their programs empower young adults to speak openly about mental health, encouraging them to seek help when needed.
- Mission: To change the conversation about mental health among young adults.
- History: Founded in 2003 by Alison Malmon after the suicide of her brother, Active Minds focuses on mental health awareness and education for students.
- Impact: With chapters at colleges across the U.S., Active Minds plays a crucial role in creating peer support and reducing stigma around mental health on campuses.
Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)
The ADAA is a leading organization focused on anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, PTSD, and co-occurring disorders. They offer educational resources, support networks, and tools that aim to help individuals manage and reduce the symptoms of their conditions.
- Mission: To prevent, treat, and cure anxiety disorders and depression.
- History: Founded in 1979, ADAA is a leading organization in education, training, and research for anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and co-occurring disorders.
- Impact: ADAA has a comprehensive online presence with free educational information and connects thousands of people to treatment.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
DBSA provides hope, help, and support to individuals with mood disorders. Their peer-led services, educational materials, and outreach initiatives empower those affected by bipolar disorder and depression to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
- Mission: To provide hope, help, support, and education to improve the lives of people who have mood disorders.
- History: DBSA was founded in 1985 from the passion of several small support groups that noticed the lack of resources for mood disorder patients.
- Impact: DBSA reaches millions of people each year with support groups, online tools, and advocacy efforts.
The Jed Foundation (JED)
JED is dedicated to preventing suicide and safeguarding the mental health of teenagers and young adults. By partnering with high schools and colleges to enhance their mental health programs, JED creates safer, healthier communities for students.
- Mission: To protect emotional health and prevent suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults.
- History: JED was founded in 2000 after the suicide of Jed Satow, a college student. It aims to prevent suicide and protect the mental health of teenagers and young adults.
- Impact: JED partners with schools and colleges to enhance their mental health programs and safety nets.
National Council for Behavioral Health
The National Council for Behavioral Health is a leader in mental health and addiction treatment and recovery services. They provide comprehensive support and advocacy to help member organizations deliver effective and compassionate care.
- Mission: To advance our members’ ability to deliver integrated healthcare.
- History: Founded in 1969, it provides comprehensive mental health and addiction services in communities throughout the U.S.
- Impact: The Council represents over 3,000 member organizations and serves over 10 million individuals nationwide.
Mind
Mind offers a broad range of services, including support, advice, and information to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They are committed to improving services, promoting understanding, and securing better care for those dealing with mental health issues.
- Mission: To provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem and to campaign to improve services, raise awareness, and promote understanding.
- History: Founded in 1946 in the UK, Mind offers information and advice to people with mental health problems and lobbies government and local authorities on their behalf.
- Impact: It supports over 400,000 people across England and Wales through its helplines and services.
The Steve Fund
The Steve Fund is specifically focused on supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of young people of color. They collaborate with educational institutions and other organizations to promote mental health among one of the most vulnerable segments of the population.
- Mission: To support the mental health and emotional well-being of young people of color.
- History: Founded in 2014 in memory of Stephen C. Rose, The Steve Fund works with colleges, universities, and nonprofits to promote the mental health of young people of color.
- Impact: It offers programs that increase awareness, reduce stigma, and provide resources.
Give an Hour
Give an Hour aims to develop networks of volunteer professionals capable of responding to the mental health needs of communities, particularly focusing on U.S. military personnel and their families. This organization facilitates free access to mental health services, enhancing the support available to those who serve.
- Mission: To develop networks of skill-based volunteer professionals capable of responding to both acute and chronic conditions that arise within our society.
- History: Founded in 2005 by Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, Give an Hour primarily aims to provide free mental health services to U.S. military personnel and families affected by the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
- Impact: It has since expanded to offer services to other groups in need and provides thousands of hours of free mental health support each year.
