Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time, but if you have persistent fear and worry, you may want to seek treatment for it.
Anxiety isn’t all in your head. The condition can also affect nearly every other part of you. Anxiety can cause short-term symptoms, such as faintness, nausea, and numbness, while contributing to long-term conditions, including heart problems and substance use disorder.
That’s where support and educational organizations come in. The right group can help you feel not just understood, but also empowered, and offer you the tools you need to manage anxiety. Here are a few organizations to consider.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is one of the biggest mental health organizations in the United States, with branches nationwide. This grassroots organization does a bit of everything — advocacy, education, support groups, and more — to make life better for people with mental health conditions.
The NAMI website has a detailed page on anxiety disorders that can be a valuable resource for you or a caregiver. If a family member or friend, for example, is struggling to understand what you’re going through, they can sign up for the online education program. The organization also offers peer-led support groups to connect you with people who understand what you’re going through. (There are also family support groups for loved ones.)
On weekdays between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. Eastern Time, you can call the NAMI HelpLine at 800-950-6264, text 62640, or chat online. The HelpLine is run by peers who offer information, support, and referrals for people going through hard times.
NAMI also organizes walks to raise awareness, helps improve advocacy and mental well-being on college campuses, and works to improve public policy in the mental health space.
You can get involved at your local NAMI affiliate.
Anxiety & Depression Association of America
The Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA) is a nonprofit with a mission to improve the lives of people with anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions.
The ADAA website is full of information about anxiety disorders and personal stories from the community. The ADAA has a therapist directory to connect you to licensed professionals and counselors, and peer-to-peer communities that allow you to connect with others living through similar experiences.
You can also read personal stories about other people’s journeys of recovery and resilience on their website.
Inclusive Therapists
Self-described as a “social justice and liberation-oriented mental health directory, community, and resource hub,” Inclusive Therapists makes it easier to find diverse, inclusive mental health care professionals and more.
This directory was made to serve the needs of various groups, including:
- Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)
- Disabled BIPOC communities
- LGBTQ+ people
- Neurodivergent people
You can use their directory to find therapists, counselors, coaches, and healers. The site also contains a list of mental health resources, such as books, crisis prevention, events, podcasts, and more.
Asian Mental Health Collective
The Asian Mental Health Collective (AMHC) aims to normalize and destigmatize mental health care within the Asian community. Their work provides projects to foster healing through culturally informed services and peer support, as well as to support Asian mental health care professionals.
The site’s main feature is a therapist directory for the United States. It has several filters to help you narrow down your search if you have specific needs. The AMHC also offers support groups, therapy funds, a blog, and more.
Black Mental Health Alliance
The Black Mental Health Alliance (BMHA) can connect you with a Black therapist or psychiatrist who offers culturally competent care. They also share fact sheets and resources, such as a list of behavioral health books by Black authors.
The BMHA works with communities, individuals, and mental health professionals on programs and tasks that support the health and well-being of Black people.
American Psychiatric Association
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is the largest organization of psychiatrists in the world and publishes the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
The APA website has resources for psychiatrists and medical students, as well as other people and their families. You can use their tool to locate a psychiatrist or read their expert Q&A on anxiety disorders.
National Institute of Mental Health
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is a U.S. federal agency focused on researching mental health disorders to find better ways to prevent and treat them. The NIMH’s website has detailed guides and fact sheets about anxiety and offers education on how to ask for help, cope with symptoms, and find a treatment facility near you.
