Five Organizations Worth Your Attention
The behavioral health industry continues to make strides thanks in no small part to the many organizations and professionals that work within it. Progress is the result of dedication to care, research, and advocacy, demonstrated quite often by nonprofit and charitable organizations across the United States. The team at Valant recognizes that, in order to continue the mission of improved population health, such organizations are reliant upon the generosity and support of private contributions; promoting the organizations that provide so much for the industry we operate in is just a small token of our appreciation for the work they do and the values they represent.
The following is a list of mental health charities and nonprofit organizations that have been particularly impactful.
Five Effective Mental Health Charities To Support
1. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is a national charity that supports research and care, helping to understand the causes of suicide and provide support for those who are affected by it. In addition, AFSP works with the federal and state governments to create policies that prevent suicide and care for those at risk.
How to get involved: Monetary donations from individuals or groups are always accepted. In addition, AFSP holds a number of “Out of the Darkness” fundraiser walks, encouraging participation in communities (and on college campuses) across the country.
2. Child Mind Institute
An independent, national nonprofit, the Child Mind Institute is devoted to improving the lives of children and families struggling with mental illness and learning disorders. CMI empowers families, providers, and policymakers to support the mental health of children when they need it the most.
How to get involved: Supporters of CMI are encouraged to donate, connect and share on social media to raise awareness for the organization and its mission, or purchase items from their cause-marketing partners like GoodSearch or AmazonSmile. Supporters can also participate in one of CMI’s short- or long-term studies.
3. National Alliance on Mental Illness
The National Alliance on Mental Illness began as a grassroots organization but has grown into one of the nation’s leading voices in mental health. NAMI specializes in education, advocacy, and anti-stigma campaigns.
How to get involved: Monetary donations are encouraged; however, there are a number of ways NAMI supporters can donate their time instead, including NAMIWalks fundraising events, StigmaFree pledges, and a variety of mental health awareness events across the country.
4. The Trevor Project
Founded in 1998 by the creators of the Academy Award-winning film “TREVOR”, The Trevor Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting LGBT youth through research, education, and crisis intervention.
How to get involved: The Trevor Project encourages supporters to donate, or connect with their organization by following them online or signing up for their newsletter. In addition, supporters can volunteer for the organization in a number of impactful capacities, including as text or telephone crisis counselors.
5. Mental Health America
Mental Health America is one of the longest-running community-based nonprofits (est. 1909). MHA promotes mental health as a critical part of overall wellness and addresses the needs of those living with mental illness through advocacy, peer support, and outreach.
How to get involved: MHA supporters are encouraged to donate, purchase MHA gear, volunteer with or attend an event at one of their affiliate organizations, or raise awareness on social by sharing your story using the #MentalIllnessFeelsLike hashtag. MHA’s Advocacy Network also offers opportunities to advocate for change through legislative action.
Understanding Your Contribution’s Impact on Mental Health Organizations
Where does your contribution go when donating to the above organizations? According to Charity Navigator and the respective organization websites, the nonprofits and charitable organizations listed above spend, on average, 78% of total expenses on the programs and services they deliver. Additionally, they each score particularly high on accountability and transparency (over 99% on average), a score assessing the organization’s policies and activity related to finances.
The improvement of population mental health is a multi-faceted effort that encompasses care, research, and activism. There are many reputable mental health charities in addition to this list that work hard to raise awareness and effect positive change each day. Finding a way to contribute will not only help cultivate meaningful connections within the behavioral health industry, but it will also support the ongoing provision and improvement of care.
About Valant
Unlike other non-specialized EHR and practice management platforms, Valant is designed specifically for psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, therapists, and other mental health providers.
We understand the nuances and workflows of behavioral health practice management and deliver integrated functionality that makes scheduling, note-taking, billing, prescribing, virtual visits, and reporting as easy as possible.
