National organizations frequently have state or local branches.

• The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) provides an extensive network of affiliated groups throughout the United States. Please visit the NAMI web site for further contact information.

• The National Alliance for Research in Schizophrenia and Depression (NARSAD) supports research into the causes of and treatments for mental illnesses. The NARSAD web site contains more information on the projects and programs supported through their grants programs.

  In addition, the NARSAD Arts program provides a forum for creative expression by mentally-ill artists.

• The Depressive and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) (formerly known as the National Depressive and Manic Depressive Association (NDMDA)) provides education on depression and manic depression (bipolar disorder), supports self-help for patients and families, and advocates for research into these mood disorders. The DBSA web site provides information on the organization and its area affiliates.

• The Alzheimer's Assocation dedicated to researching the preventions, cures and treatments of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders, and providing support and assistance to patients and their families who are coping with these disorders. The Alzheimer's Assocation web site contains information on national and local programs.

• The National Anxiety Foundation has on-line information on panic, anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorders at the NAF homepage.

• The National Mental Health Association provides information across a wide spectrum of mental health concerns and provide online versions of their 'fact sheets' on the NMHA web site.

• The National Institute of Mental Health is the group within the National Institutes of Health charged to conduct and support research to improve the treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of mental disorders. As part of its mission, the NIMH's own web site provides information about the programs undertaken by this governmental agency, including public educational materials.

• The American Psychiatric Association is the national organization of psychiatrists. It is involved in advancing mental health care in this country and in the world. The APA web site provides information about its educational and policy programs.

• The American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry advances concerns for older individuals with psychiatric illnesses such as dementia or late-life depression. The AAGP Consumer Corner pages provides information about its educational and policy programs.

• Best Buddies International is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to enhance the lives of people with mental retardation by providing opportunities for socialization and employment. The Best Buddies web site and the Best Buddies California website provides information about its programs.

• In California, individuals with developmental disabilities are eligible to receive services under the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act. The Lanterman Regional Center Website contains a great deal of information about the provisions of the Lanterman Act and the Regional Center System as well as practical information for families and individuals with DD.