Mental Health Resources

If you are in crisis of ANY kind, please call 911 in USA or 111 in NZ, go to your nearest Emergency Room, or call any suicide or related hotlines listed below. It's OK to feel the way you are feeling now AND to know that your life is worth saving. You are here for a reason—a precious and wonderful human being. There IS love and peace and joy available for you, even though you may not imagine it right now.

If you are not actively suicidal but need support, I encourage you to call your local suicide/crisis hotline or your Dr. or therapist or maybe a close friend you trust. It may be better to call a local helpline below as they may be more familiar with your local area resources.

Please be aware that Community Acupuncture can be a wonderfully effective mental/emotional support service when used in conjunction with other community support services and/or your primary mental healthcare services, particularly when addressing addictions, mental/emotional issues, cancer treatment side-effects, and trauma, such as PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). I am a certified NADA Acu-Detox Specialist (USA) with hundreds of hours of clinical experience using the NADA protocol (along with other acupuncture points and treatment modalities) in partnership with Western behavioral health services. Thus, I have seen first-hand the overwhelming evidence of what the latest research studies support--that the NADA protocol is an effective and efficient treatment that can help you relax, manage stress, tame addictions and OCD tendencies, sleep better, and feel more focused and at ease in your body and in all aspects of your life.

GENERAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES:

· Mental health specialists, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, mental health counselors

· Mental health programs at universities or medical schools

· Health maintenance organizations

· Peer support groups

· Community mental health centers

· Private clinics and facilities

· Hospital psychiatry depts. & outpatient clinics

· Employee assistance programs

· Family services, social agencies, or clergy

· Local medical &/or psychiatric societies

You can also check your local phone book or Google “mental health,” “health,” “social services,” “hotlines,” or “physicians” for phone numbers and addresses. A local emergency room doctor can also provide temporary help and can tell you where and how to get further help.

INTERNATIONAL PTSD-RELATED RESOURCES:

The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS): http://www.istss.org/

Particularly ISTSS’s links to other trauma organizations page: http://www.istss.org/resources/other_orgs.cfm

USA PTSD-RELATED RESOURCES:

National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): http://www.ptsd.va.gov/

PTSD Sanctuary: http://www.mhsanctuary.com/ptsd/index.htm

Includes numerous resources for counseling, doctors, support groups, online community forums, research studies, etc.

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): http://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml

Particularly NIMH’s PTSD pages:

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml

National Mental Health Association: http://www.nmha.org/

Pages can be searched for local affiliates and resources, including support groups for PTSD

Virginia’s Mental Health Association Affiliate: http://www.mhav.org/ or Toll-Free in USA: 1-866-400-6428

Additional info and resources:

The Lingering Trauma of Child Abuse

Home Management Strategies for PTSD

How Service and Therapy dogs are Helping PTSD Victims

Post Trauma Stress Disorder: Suggestions for Survival

Addiction and Suicide Amongst Veterans: Finding Hope in the Darkness

Partners with PTSD

NEW ZEALAND RESOURCES:

Mental Health Services available in NZ: On this NZ government website, you will find Emergency and Mental Health Crisis information, including Help Line numbers and web resources for locating mental health services provided in your area.

Some Key numbers to have handy:

Call 111 [NZ] in any emergency situation, be it mental, physical or otherwise
The Depression Helpline (0800 111 757)
Healthline (0800 611 116)
Lifeline 24/7 Helpline, suicide prevention etc. (0800 543 354)
Samaritans (0800 726 666)
Youthline (0800 376 633)
Alcohol Drug Helpline (0800 787 797)

Smoking Cessation Support:

Although I am not currently physically working in New Zealand, as a registered Quitcard Provider in NZ, I can attest to the wonderful support this program can offer you regarding nicotine and other addictions. Clicking the below button will help you find local NZ support in your area.