Our mission is to support three organizations which help people with mental illnesses and their families: NAMI Georgia, Compeer Atlanta and the Mental Health America of Georgia. These organizations coordinate support groups, provide educational materials, advocate for people with mental illnesses, promote mental health and prevention and provide community support through long lasting supportive friendships. Other organizations of interest can be found by clicking here.

For more information about UUCA's Mental Health Concerns, please contact Carole Galanty at (404) 872-3373 or Doris Williams at (404) 378-8959.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mental Health Future Programming

Have you experienced mental illness or have a family member or friend who has?  Do you want to get involved and don't know how to get started?   Would you like to meet other people with similar issues?  Please come on Monday, October 15, 7:30 - 9:00 pm, in High School Youth Room.  Sponsored by Mental Health Concerns, part of UUCA's Social Justice Ministry.  For more information contact Carole Galanty at 404-872-3373 or carolegalanty@yahoo.com

For information on NAMI Northside Atlanta events

contact Gary Teller - gmtellermindspring.com to receive an e-newsletter

For information on NAMI DeKalb events

contact Jean Paquelo - jpaquelo@bellsouth.net to receive an e-newsletter

NAMI Georgia, (770) 234-0855 - NAMI Stands for National Alliance on Mental Illness, formerly known as the Georgia Alliance for the Mentally Ill - was founded by Milton and Miriam Chaikin at UUCA in 1982. NAMI is a family-based, grassroots support and advocacy organization. We are parents, children, spouses, siblings, close relatives and friends of persons with severe mental illness and we believe in recovery. We are working together to build a better tomorrow for our loved ones

NAMI's Mission Statement: NAMI is dedicated to the eradication of mental illnesses and to the improvement of the quality of life of all whose lives are affected by these diseases.

Listed below are a couple of affiliates close to UUCA in Fulton and DeKalb Counties.

NAMI Northside Atlanta - please contact Jerry Bishop, President, 678-4467-5080 for information

Monthly program meetings take place on the 4^th Monday of the month, 7:00pm – gathering; 7:30pm - meeting,
Dunwoody United Methodist Church, 1548 Mt. Vernon Road, Atlanta, GA
Directions: From I-285: Take Ashford-Dunwoody exit (Exit 21). Turn North onto Ashford-Dunwoody passing Perimeter Mall on your left. Bear right at the water tower where Ashford-Dunwoody Road joins Mt. Vernon Rd. The church will be on your left. Meeting on 2nd floor, Room 258-259.

Support Group Meetings

3rd Tuesday of the month at 7:30pm,
Dunwoody United Methodist Church, Education Bldg. Room 254 Small group for sharing or just listening.
Facilitator: Anita Chilcutt (770) 458-3170.

1st Monday of the month at 5:30 pm
Roswell Support Group, Northwest Behaviorial Medicine, 11755 Pointe Place, Suite A-1, Roswell

NAMI DeKalb - please contact Naomi Godfrey, President at 770-987-2204 or

Jean Pajuelo, Newsletter Editor & former president, at (770) 633-8239 for information

Monthly program meetings take place on the 2^nd Thursday of the month, 7:00 pm,
DeKalb Addiction Center, 455 Winn Way, 1st Floor, Room 2, Decatur, GA.

Support Group Meetings take place on the 2^nd and 4^th Mondays of the month at 7:30 pm,
DeKalb Addiction Center, 455 Winn Way, 1st Floor, Room 2, Decatur, GA.. Contact Saul Sherr 404-636-1727

NAMI C.A.R.E.
Consumer Support Meetings take place on the 1^st and 3^rd Wednesdays of the month,
Shallowford Presbyterian Church, 2375 Shallowford Road (near Briarcliff Road) Contact Richard English 404-819-6517

Family to Family Course
This course is for family or close relatives of those with major depression, bipolar disorder (manic depression), schizophrenia, schizo-affective disorder, panic disorder, or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). The program is a series of 12 weekly classes to help family members understand and support their ill relative while maintaining their own well being. The course is taught by trained family members. The class is free!

The course discusses the clinical treatment of these illnesses and teaches the knowledge and skills that family members need to cope more effectively. Previous students have said that taking the class has helped immensely in correctly interacting with and setting parameters for consumers.

New class starting dates and information available from Pat Strode, NAMI Georgia CIT Coordinator and Family to Family Education Director, (770) 234-0855 or (770) 234-9347 or Gladys Harper, Office Manager.

Compeer Atlanta offers a program for volunteers to be a friend to someone with a mental illness, developmental disability or the isolated elderly. There are different levels of participation depending on time and commitment you feel comfortable with. For information, please contact Doris Williams at (678) 868-5972 or (678) 686-5918).

Compeer Programs include:

• One-to-One: Caring and well-trained volunteers spend 4 hours per month with their friend, doing whatever is of mutual interest, such as going out to eat, going to the movies, running errands. What they do is not important, it is the being together that counts.
• Compeer Calling: Volunteers speak with their friend via telephone for a minimum of 15 minutes per week., to provide friendship and a link to the community..
• Paired to Care: Group activities for volunteers and clients to socialize, learn new things or just have fun. Two activities are planned each month.
• Eagles Circle: A social and service club, made up entirely of consumers, who get together twice a month to talk, support each other, etc. This is held at UUCA and coordinated by Martha Koch, (404) 633-9219.
• Lunch & Learn: Community education and social sessions for clients to help improve daily living and communication skills. Classes offered monthly.
• Community Education: Staff and volunteers make presentations to civic groups, businesses, colleges, and religious groups to educate them about our services.
• Information & Referral: Compeer provides information and referrals to anyone in need who call or contact them.

The Mental Health America of Georgia (MHAG) provides advocacy on a local, state and national legislative advocacy and public policy, educational materials, care management, and is involved in many mental health coalitions. For information, please contact Ellyn Jeager, Director of Policy & Advocacy, (404) 527-7175 ext. 225.

According to Ellyn, “NMHAG recognizes that states make very difficult decisions in the face of severe financial difficulties. Along with our community partners, we are very concerned about the impact of these decisions on the particularly vulnerable population – people with mental health issues.”

NMHAG works with the Mental Health Services Coalition to monitor the Georgia Legislature on important issues that affect people with mental illnesses.

Contact Pat Strode for educational programs. 404-527-7175.

Mental Health Services Coalition (MHSC)
The Mental Health Services Coalition is a public and private mental health collaboration of individuals and organizations which educates and shares information, among our members, the public and policy-makers; and coordinates advocacy.

To join the Mental Health Services Coalition, the membership fees for one year are: Individual - $25.00; Consumer - $10.00. Please write and send your check to:

Georgia Parent Support Network
1381 Metropolitan Parkway
Atlanta, Georgia 30310
Contact: Anna McLaughlin, MHSC Chair, (404) 966-9503

Subscribe to the Mental Health Services Coalition’s email listserv at MH_SC-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Georgia Mental Health Network
A search engine for mental illness treatment in Georgia.

PLAN of Georgia, Inc.
Families working together to provide lifelong caring support
1780 Century Circle, Suite 6, Atlanta, GA 30345; (404) 634-0094
Kay Palacko, Executive Director

United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta 211 Source Book
A 24-hour help line with an online database to social service resources in metro Atlanta.

Georgia Parent Support Network
Accredited by the Council on Accreditation, the Georgia Parent Support Network is dedicated to providing support, education and advocacy for children and youth with mental illness, emotional disturbances and behavioral differences and their families.
1381 Metropolitan Parkway, Atlanta, Georgia 30310; Toll Free (800) 832-8645, Phone (404) 758-4500, Fax (404) 758-6833

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  Consumer Support Groups

Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)

 1-800-826-3632 www.dbsalliance.org

DBSA Metro Atlanta

• Atlanta (Emory) Support Group

1841 Clifton Road (Wesley Woods)

Health Center Building

2^nd & 4^th Thursday, 7:30- 9:00 pm

• Dunwoody Support Group

Peachford Hospital- Employee Dining Room

2151 Peachford Road, Dunwoody

770-455-3200

 

Emotions Anonymous -EA

1-800-848-3649

www.emotionsanonymous.org

Based on Alcoholics Anonymous 12-Step Program

• Peachford Hospital- Dunwoody

2151 Peachford Road (I-285- Exit 30)

Tuesdays.7:00- 8:00 pm- PHP Group Room

Thursdays- 8:00- 9:00 pm- Cafeteria

(no purses allowed in hospital)

 

Recovery, Inc.

Teaches coping techniques for anxiety, depression, anger, feelings of helplessness or hopelessness

• Chamblee

Holy Cross Catholic Church

3773 Chamblee-Tucker Road

Tuesdays at 7:00 pm

 

• Stone Mountain

Rock of Ages Lutheran Church

5135 Memorial Drive- near Stone Mtn Park

Saturdays at 10:30 am

404-292-7888

 Double Trouble Support Groups

For consumers who have drug or alcohol abuse

Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network

Runs Double Trouble support meetings statewide

Delois Scott- Executive Director- 404-687-9487

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CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

National Parent Network on Disability

Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health

National Center for Learning Disabilities
Information on legal rights for children with learning disabilities.

LEGAL RESOURCES

Georgia Advocacy Office

National Health Law Program

Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law

National Center for Learning Disabilities
Information on legal rights for children with learning disabilities.

INSURANCE

Social Security Disability Insurance

HISPANIC

Hispanics and Social Security

International Online Magazine (Spanish)

PUBLIC POLICY

ADVOCACY – Find your Representative
Look on www.vote-smart.org to find your elected representatives.

Georgia General Assembly
Research legislation and contact your State Representative and Senator

State of Georgia

Office of the Clerk
The on-line information center for the Congressional Clerk. Look up federal legislation and committee assignments.

Department of Human Resources
Follow policy on the state level. Also, find contact information to regional boards and community service boards

GENERAL MENTAL HEALTH SITES

Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General
A direct link to the full report on Mental Health by the Surgeon General of the United States. The report may be read on the site, printed from the site, or ordered in bound form.

Dr. Grohol’s Mental Health Page
A privately-funded and comprehensive resource, this site includes links to dozens of disorder-specific sites as well as a suicide help line.

Internet Mental Health
A Canadian site that describes itself as a free encyclopedia of mental health information. Extremely informative site offering information on disorders, psychiatric medications, articles, and many links.

Mental Health Net
A guide to mental health, psychology, psychiatry resources online

Support-group.com
The support links section of this site includes an alphabetical listing of physical and psychological disabilities, and different online and offline resources.

Knowledge Exchange Network
Offers access to CMHS databases, consumer/survivor info, mental health information, CMHS/KEN publications, and programs.

NOSTIGMA.ORG
The website of the National Mental Health Awareness Campaign. Provides general information about mental illness and counters myths about mental illness.

Mental Health Infosource
Information and links for laypeople as well as healthcare professionals

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
Resource for clinicians and consumers alike. It includes links to affiliates around the country, both state and regional, as well as their Help line Online and a lot of information on mental illness in the press.

National Mental Health Association (NMHA)
Alexandria, Virginia 2231-2971, Phone: (800) 969-NMHA (Toll Free)
Resource for lay people, clinicians, consumers. Gives information on news releases, legislative alerts, and mental health parity issues.

Alternative Mental Health Online
Site describes itself as “the first major Internet site dedicated to non-psychiatric treatment of the mentally unwell”

DISORDER-RELATED SITES

NMHA’s Depression Screening Website
The website aims to educate people about depression, offer a simple and confidential way to get screened for the illness, and guide people toward appropriate professional help when necessary. In addition to offering a screening test, the website provides a broad range of information, including: the symptoms and treatments of depression; its affect on specific populations, such as women and older adults; where to find help; mental health advocacy; video clips of personal stories about recovery; and links to other helpful websites and groups.

C.H.A.D.D.
This comprehensive site provides articles, legislative updates and links to related websites. Includes articles such as “Attention Deficit Disorder in the Classroom”

National Depressive and Manic Depressive Association (NDMDA)
Chicago, Illinois 60610-3526, Phone: (800) 826-3632 (Toll Free)
Straightforward information and links on depression and bipolar disorder.

Schizophrenics Anonymous
Schizophrenics Anonymous (S.A.) is a self-help support group for persons with schizophrenia or related disorders. It is organized and managed by persons with the illness.

National Alliance for the Research of Schizophrenia and Depression
Primarily research-oriented, but they do provide information on NARSAD artworks (art by consumers).

Network to Explore and Express Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)
A consumer-run survivor’s support network for individuals with DID and other trauma related dissociative disorders. Also has pages for concerned others, and fun pages for “DID kids, the very special inner children and parts of us”.

National Attention Deficit Disorder Association
Information and links on ADD.

Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation

The Anxiety Panic Internet Resource
This is a great resource for anyone suffering from anxiety or panic, with dozens of coping tips, and there is a “no frames” options.

LDOnline
An interactive guide to learning disabilities for parents, teachers, and children. It includes a resources section, ask the expert, bulletin board and a recent article entitled “The Uses and Misuses of Processing.”

Learning Disability Links
Comprehensive information on learning disabilities, including testing and diagnosis criteria information.

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION ORGANIZATIONS

American Association of Suicidology (AAS)
Washington, DC 20008, Phone: (202) 237-2280.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
New York, New York 10005, Phone: (888) 333-2377 (Toll Free).

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Bethesda, Maryland 20892-9663, Phone: (301) 443-4543.

National Organization for People of Color Against Suicide
San Marcos, Texas 78667, Phone: (830) 625-3576.
Email: db31@swt.ed

Suicide Prevention Advocacy Network, USA (SPAN USA)
Marietta, GA 30068, Phone: (888) 649-1366 (Toll Free)

HOMELESSNESS & MENTAL ILLNESS

National Coalition for the Homeless

Corporation for Supportive Housing

Low Income Housing Coalition

RECOVERY

National Mental Health Consumers’ Self-Help Clearinghouse
A consumer run national technical assistance center dedicated to helping consumers plan, provide, and evaluate mental health and community support services.

National Recovery Center