Doctor Brock Chisholm the first Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) famously stated “without mental health, there can be no true physical health.”
Since then the WHO has issued a broader definition of mental health “Mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.”
In the United States, we have access to many different organizations we can use to educate ourselves and benefit from the wealth of information and services provided in our local area. It is important to take advantage of the many resources we have for our own and our children’s health.
Below is a list of resources you can find near where you live.
National, Local, and Online Resources
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Los Angeles— is the nation’s largest mental health organization with a wide range of resources online. You can also search for the branch closest to you on their website or click here.
Mental Health USA is a non-profit organization providing resources and information for those coping with mental health symptoms.
Immediate help for those in crisis
Los Angeles Suicide & Crisis Hotlines
Veterans Crisis Line — call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 to talk to someone.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: call 1-800-273-8255. For Spanish speakers call 1-888-628-9454
Crisis Text Line is a texting service you can use to reach out for support
Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or those who have hearing loss — this organization has online chat, video relay service (800-273-8255) TTY and Voice/Caption Phone (800-273-8255)
Hopeline NC — Hopeline is a crisis center you can call if you feel you need to talk to someone. Hopeline has volunteers who are trained listeners, not professional counselors.
Resources for Addiction
Alcoholics Anonymous Los Angeles
Alcohol.org — Provides a list of AA Alternatives
Women for Sobriety (WFS) — is an organization that provides an abstinence-based self-help program for women facing alcohol or drug addiction. Click Here to find locations of meetings
Reach out
Jennifer Willemsen, MA, LMFT provides therapy for children, adolescents, and adults in the Los Angeles area
If you are in the Los Angeles, CA or surrounding area, and are ready to feel more in control of your life through therapy that is effective and enjoyable, give me a call at (951) 397-1426 or fill out the contact form and click send to request a free 15-minute phone consultation.
