Mental Health and Dual Diagnosis Resources and Information
Websites
The tragic shootings on the campuses of Northern Illinois University and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University have raised many questions regarding mental illness. This SAMHSA site offers links to materials to keep you informed about this important topic.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)Government site for national mental health information on specific disorders, diagnosis and treatments, news and events, and research activities.
Mental Health America (MHA)An advocacy organization working to improve the mental health of all Americans, especially the 54 million individuals with mental disorders, through advocacy, education, research and service. Online depression screening, discussion boards, news releases, publications.
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI)A self-help organization that offers support, education, advocacy and research for consumers, families, and friends of people with mental illnesses. Information and resources.
Iowa National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI Iowa)NAMI IOWA, formed in 1984, provides families with support, systems advocacy, and information services.
Iowa Protection and Advocacy Service, Inc.Agency mandated to protect and advocate for the rights of people with mental illnesses and to investigate reports of abuse and neglect in facilities that care for or treat individuals with mental illnesses.
Alianza Nacional para los Enfermos Mentales (NAMI)Website y materiales de NAMI en Español.
National Mental Health Information Center (NMHIC)Offers information about mental health via toll-free phone number (800-789-2647), and web site with more than 200 online publications. Developed for the general public, policy makers, providers, and the media.
Mental Health NetInformation on disorders. Links to professional resources, articles, a self-help book, a forum, chat room, and a quarterly e-journal, Perspectives: A Mental Health Magazine
Healthy Minds. Healthy LivesInformation for the public from the American Psychiatric Association. Brochures, fact sheets.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)Established to educate patients, families, and the public. Information, brochures.
The National Center for PTSD (NCPTSD)Aims to advance the clinical care and social welfare of U.S. Veterans through research, education and training on PTSD and stress-related disorders. This site is an educational resource on PTSD and traumatic stress, for veterans and also for mental health care providers, researchers and the general public.
American Psychological Association (APA)Articles, publications, news. APA's Help Center; Information, and resources for mental help geared for the public.
Managing Anxiety in Times of Crisis (SAMHSA)Helps families, schools, community organizations, and the public deal with the traumatic effects of stressful events.
Dual Diagnosis (NLM)MedlinePlus topic page with links to dual diagnosis resources.
Iowa Dual Recovery AnonymousIDRA recognizes the importance of peer support groups in the recovery process and encourages and supports Dual Recovery Anonymous meetings throughout the State of Iowa.
Dual Disorders Information (Treatment Improvement Exchange)Links to resources and publications concerning dual disorders.
Stress and Drug Abuse (NIDA)Site with compilation of information on drug use and stress from the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
The Addiction Website of Terence T. GorskiArticles on dual diagnosis by T. Gorski, a nationally recognized expert on substance abuse and mental health.
Coping with Traumatic EventsThis site has tips for parents, teachers, emergency workers, and others for dealing with traumatic events, and managing anxiety.
Iowa Federation of Families for Children’s Mental HealthA statewide advocacy organization working to assist parents of children who have emotional or behavioral disorders, are receiving mental health system services, are receiving special education services, or are in the juvenile justice system.
Publications
What is Mental Illness: an Overview (APA) 
You've Just been Diagnosed. Now What? (DBSA)
Choosing the Right Mental Health Therapist (NMHIC)
Know Your Rights (NMHIC)
How to Pay for Mental Health Services (NMHIC)
Information on commonly prescribed Medications (NAMI)
Antidepressant Medications for Children and Adolescents: Information for Parents and Caregivers (NIMH)
Traditional Therapies (NMHIC)
Recovering Your Mental Health: A Self-Help Guide (NMHIC)
Psychological Self-Help - online self-help book. Help with understanding the problem and working toward a solution
Teen Mental Health Problems: What Are the Warning Signs (NMHIC)
Depression: What Every Woman Should Know (NIMH)
Real Men, Real Depression Factsheet (NIMH)
Men and Depression Booklet (NIMH)
Just the Facts: Dual Diagnosis - fact sheet from the Florida Alcohol & Drug Abuse Association
Dual Diagnosis Fact Sheet (NAMI) - includes information about diagnosis, treatment, and coping strategies
Dual Diagnosis in Adolescence (NAMI) - guide to adolescents with both mental illness and substance abuse
Dual Diagnosis and Integrated Treatment of Mental Illness and Substance Abuse Disorder (NAMI)
The Relationship Between Mental Health and Substance Abuse Among Adolescents (SAMHSA) - report based on data from the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse
