These websites can direct you to the mental health support groups and buddy programs that best suit your needs. You'll also find advice on billing issues with health insurance companies.
| Site | Who It's For | Why We Like It |
|---|---|---|
| Compeer | Depressed adults and children looking for friends | Feeling isolated by your depression? Compeer, a program of volunteers, can match you up with a buddy. This program, which has been endorsed by the American Psychological Association, can complement regular therapy. This site also gives you the tools to start your own Compeer if there isn't already one in your area. |
| Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration | People struggling with depression and other mental illnesses | A state-by-state mental health services locator, English and Spanish language hotlines, information on programs (including suicide prevention and emergency mental health), FAQs, and a dictionary of mental health terms are available here. |
| National Alliance on Mental Illness | People living with depression | This recovery program sponsors free group sessions led by trained individuals recovering from mental illnesses. They've been where you are and can offer sympathy, encouragement, and support. Go to the site to see if there's a group near you. Stories from others being treated for depression can be found on the NAMI blog. |
| The National Coalition of Mental Health Professionals and Consumers | Depressed people with limited health-care coverage | The printable checklist on this site can help you determine if you can receive adequate mental health care under your health plan. Ask yourself questions like, "Can I work with any licensed clinician or am I limited by a list of 'preferred providers?'" |
| Mental Health America | Depression patients facing insurance problems | This resource offers comprehensive information on financing your treatment and explains what to do when your insurance company denies you coverage. You can find targeted information by searching the "Get Information" section by gender, race, or disorder. |
| MassLegalHelp | People overwhelmed by the cost of health care | This site gives step-by-step instructions on dealing with service denials from health insurance companies. Although the information is specific to Massachusetts, it is applicable in other states. There are also links to groups in Massachusetts that offer free legal advice to patients. |
| HealthCare Advocates, Inc. | Patients struggling with medical bills and disputes | This nationwide company works for you—not your employer or doctor—to resolve disputes with health insurance carriers, deal with fee negotiations, and consolidate bills and forms. The site offers a free ask-a-question feature. Members, who pay a low monthly fee, have access to all the services. |
| American Psychological Association | People looking for mental health professionals in the U.S. or Canada | Links to the psychological associations in your state or province are available here. Individual sites differ, but they generally offer searchable directories of psychologists and other helpful information for the public. |
