There’s a wealth of information about depression on the internet. Here, WebMD doctors have selected the finest professional organizations that can help people gain a better understanding of living with depression and other mental health conditions and get the support they need.
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) is a professional medical organization for child and adolescent psychiatrists. Part of its mission is to advocate for the mental health needs of children, adolescents, and their families. The AACAP website includes information and resources for patients and their parents, including a link to find a nearby psychiatrist for children and adolescents.
American Psychiatric Association
The American Psychiatric Association is an organization of psychiatrists who unite to guarantee compassionate care and effective treatment for all people with behavioral and mental disorders, substance abuse problems, and intellectual disability. Links from this website will provide you more information about common mental health problems, medication options, and prevention steps.
American Psychological Association
The American Psychological Association (APA) is the largest association of psychologists in the world. The APA’s site is filled with the latest information on topics ranging from addiction, ADHD, aging, and Alzheimer’s to bullying, eating disorders, sexual abuse, and suicide.
American Society for Adolescent Psychiatry
The American Society for Adolescent Psychiatry focuses on issues that happen during adolescence, such as mental illness, criminal behavior, and sexual abuse. On the website, you can access book reviews pertaining to adolescent psychiatry, articles written by professional ASAP members, and the Annals of Adolescent Psychiatry journal.
American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology
The American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology (ASCP) is a national organization of psychiatrists and other doctors, researchers, and nurse practitioners who are dedicated to knowledge and expertise in psychopharmacology. The website includes a link for finding a local expert psychopharmacologist across cities in the United States.
Brain & Behavior Research Foundation
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, which awards National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression (NARSAD) grants, supports research on depression and other mental health problems. Its website has a wealth of information on depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and schizophrenia, with the latest research, feature articles, and information for the newly diagnosed.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is a self-help organization for patients and their family members. The DBSA website provides timely information on depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder and explains how doctors screen for these conditions. This website also provides information for the newly diagnosed as well as information about recovery steps and ways to help a loved one with depression or with bipolar disorder.
Mental Health America is a leading nonprofit group that supports good mental health for all people. On the website, you can access information on mental health topics, depending on ethnic group, career or military status, and age group.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
The National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI, works to support and educate the public about various mental disorders with the goal of improving the quality of life for all people diagnosed with mental illness. NAMI’s website provides the latest facts, statistics, and research advances on different types of mental health conditions.
National Council for Mental Wellbeing
The National Council for Mental Wellbeing is a nonprofit group with member organizations across the United States. The website explains its goal of helping people with mental illnesses and addiction disorders so they can recover and lead active and productive lives. The website also provides available support services.
National Institute of Mental Health
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is the largest research organization in the world that focuses on mental health diseases. The NIMH website provides in-depth information and the latest findings on topics ranging from anxiety, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorders to obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and depression.
Here you’ll find frequently asked questions about depression from MedicineNet. Learn more about depression from this team of doctors and medical writers.
At eMedicineHealth, you can read comprehensive material about depression causes, symptoms, and treatment.
Support Groups
Many of the above organizations can guide you to either doctor- or peer-led support groups in your area. Some people feel less alone and isolated after meeting in these groups.
They provide a chance to share both the burdens of your condition and ways to deal with symptoms.
Some groups meet online if you prefer not to meet in person. And in some cases, you can remain anonymous for the meetings.
Check with your mental health care provider for a list of groups in your area. Or go online for more resources like these tools that can help guide you to the local or online support groups best for you:
- Anxiety & Depression Association of America
- The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
- Mental Health America
- National Alliance on Mental Illness
