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This Web site is a component of the SAMHSA Health Information Network.

Mental Health Services Provided Across State Government Agencies
This publication describes the first cooperative, multistate project to develop and refine standard procedures and protocols to guide states in their attempts to identify mental health expenditures and resources and the number of consumers being served by agencies other than the state mental health agency. more...

American Journal of Orthopsychiatry: Special Section - Homelessness and Parenting
In a partnership with the American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, SAMHSA's Homelessness Resource Center guest edited a Special Section on Homelessness and Parenting. The Section includes the latest research about risk factors, pathways to homelessness, social support, and interventions to support parents. Seven research articles, a consumer perspective editorial, provider perspective editorial, and an overview by the guest editors comprise the Section. more...

Practice Guidelines: Core Elements in Responding to Mental Health Crises
Individuals experiencing mental health crises may encounter an array of professionals and non-professionals trying to intervene and help: family members, peers, healthcare personnel, police, advocates, clergy, educators and others. The specific crisis response offered is influenced by a number of variables. more...

Campaign for Mental Health Recovery: What A Difference A Friend Makes Brochure
The opportunity for recovery from mental illness is more likely in a society of acceptance. Many Americans are misinformed about mental illness and respond negatively when confronted with a friends mental illness. According to the 2006 HealthStyles Survey conducted by Porter Novelli, fewer than one-third of adults believe a person with mental illness can recover, and about 1 in 4 adults age 18-24 believes a person with mental illness can recover. To help improve awareness about recovery from mental illness, SAMHSA and the Ad Council have developed an anti-stigma campaign, targeted to men and women 18-24 years old, which focuses on friends as a key component of mental health recovery. more...

Culture Card: American Indian and Alaska Native: A Guide to Build Cultural Awareness
The purpose of this guide was originally to provide basic information for federal disaster responders and other federal health providers who may be deployed or otherwise assigned to provide or coordinate mental health services in American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. After one year of availability to only federal employees, the value of this guide to non-federal employees who work with AI/AN communities in a variety of settings was acknowledged and the Culture Card is now available to the general public. The guide is intended to serve as a general briefing to enhance cultural competence while providing services to AI/AN communities. (Cultural competence is defined as the ability to function effectively in the context of cultural differences.) It provides basic information on common AI/AN issues. Due to the diversity of tribes in the nation, the authors suggest users keep in mind that it should be supplemented by a more specific local orientation or training provided by a member of the particular community which user of the card is preparing to interact with. This is a pocket sized guide with fold out sections that cover the following topics: About This Guide, Myths and Facts, Tribal Sovereignty, Regional Cultural Differences, Cultural Customs, Spirituality, Communication Styles, Role of Veterans and Elders, Strengths in AI/AN Communities, Health and Wellness Challenges, Self-Awareness, and Etiquette Do's and Don'ts. more...

Characteristics of State Mental Health Agency Data Systems
State mental health agencies (SMHAs) are responsible for funding and providing mental health services to more than 6 million persons every year. The SMHAs have information technology systems that are used to identify and count mental health clients and measure system performance. However States' information technology systems vary widely in terms of the types of information collected and their ability to link data between hospitals and community mental health providers. This report reviews the current status of mental health IT in the States and their efforts to improve these crucial systems. more...

Web Survey
During your visit to our Web site, a customer-satisfaction survey may randomly appear. The survey gathers no personal information. Please help improve our site by taking the time to respond and completing the survey as accurately as possible. Read more about the survey...

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National and other useful hotlines providing mental health resources and referrals.

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We are available weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. EST to answer your mental health questions.

(800) 789-2647
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